Democracy & Governance

Mail & Guardian

Beyond the X lies a constitutional promise

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka examines the constitutional mandate of local government, calling on coalition leaders and municipal officials to move past factional politics and deliver real service to communities.

Beyond the X lies a constitutional promise
Mail & Guardian

Sharing power is easy; governing is hard

As South African municipalities grapple with water crises and unstable leadership, coalition governance faces a crucial test: moving beyond survival politics toward transparent, capable administration.

Sharing power is easy; governing is hard
Mail & Guardian

A moment in history

Reflecting on her granddaughter’s mock school election, Professor Thuli Madonsela examines why local government is the vital frontline of democracy, social justice, and ethical community leadership.

A moment in history
Mail & Guardian

The culture of mediocrity ends

An analysis of widespread municipal underperformance in South Africa reveals deep systemic failures in capital budget spending, infrastructure maintenance, and governance, calling on voters to demand higher standards and qualified leadership.

The culture of mediocrity ends
Mail & Guardian

The ballot box is only the beginning

South Africa’s local elections present a crucial test of electoral integrity and democratic resilience, demonstrating whether declining support for ruling parties can coexist with public faith in democracy.

The ballot box is only the beginning
France 24 Europe

Cheese theft becomes rife among Europe's gangsters

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, November 3: We look at reactions and analyses in Poland, where pro-European Prime Minister Donald Tusk is involved in a standoff with the nationalist president over the composition of the constitutional court. In other news, there's fresh outrage at big…

Cheese theft becomes rife among Europe's gangsters