African national congress

ANC president from 1952 to 1967, and winner of the 1960 Nobel Peace Prize, Chief Albert Luthuli was the most respected African leader of his era. The Albert Luthuli Legacy Project keeps the story of Luthuli - and the millions of people he represented - alive for a generation of South Africans born into freedom.

Apartheid laws were designed to segregate South Africa’s population in terms of race. The majority suffered discrimination in terms of education, economic rights, social standing, and eventually even citizenship. Today, the Bill of Rights enshrines many rights denied in the past.

The dusty town of Sharpeville has seen much history, from the massacre of peaceful protesters to the signing of the new Constitution of a democratic country. We look at the timeline of a place written into the history books.

Sixty years ago the Congress of the People gathered on a dusty field in Kliptown to draft the document that would lead South Africa to liberation. The Freedom Charter is the foundation for South Africa's Constitution and its demands are as relevant now as they were in 1955.

The grave of Chris Hani, the assassinated leader of the South African Communist Party and chief of staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe‚ the armed wing of the African National Congress‚ is to be declared a heritage site as South Africa commemorates the 22nd anniversary of his death.

One hundred years have passed since Mahatma Gandhi left South African shores to return to his home in India; the lessons he left have not been forgotten, and continue to inspire South Africans as the country builds a cohesive and inclusive national identity.

An academic, a writer and journalist, a sharp legal mind, a human rights advocate – Dr Frene Ginwala is all of these things. She has devoted her life to bringing equality to South Africa, and was instrumental in writing our Constitution. In all, she has played her part in building a free, prosperous nation.

With 13 parties represented in Parliament, South Africa has a vibrant multiparty political system. While the African National Congress is in the majority, opposition parties remain robust and vocal. Here's a quick rundown of South African party politics.

When Nelson Mandela died in December 2013, the world was plunged into mourning. It also prompted an outpouring of recollections. He had been generous with his time, meeting supporters and making friends around the world. On his death, many of those spoke of their time with Madiba with affection and reverence.

ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete was elected Speaker during the the first sitting of South Africa's fifth democratic Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday. This followed the swearing in of 400 new Members of Parliament, representing 13 political parties.