African national congress

For neutral observers of South Africa’s relatively new and unfolding democracy, the likely creation of a new party is excellent news, creating the prospect of a more strongly contested election and a potential break-up of the ice-flows that have characterised the country’s political scene, writes Tim Cohen.

In January 2009 rally drivers will embark on a race across three Southern African countries – without a drop of petrol in their tanks. The Zero Rally Africa is only open to cars that run on alternative sources of fuel.

In a strongly worded address to the nation President Thabo Mbeki has spoken out against the violent attacks on foreigners in South Africa that have shocked the world and tainted the country’s image.

South Africans from across the spectrum were united this week in their praise for internationally renowned KwaZulu-Natal battlefields historian David Rattray, who was murdered in his family home above Fugitives' Drift last weekend.

South Africa has become the fifth country in the world, and the first in Africa, to allow legal marriages between same-sex couples, after a historic vote in Parliament, followed by the signature of the acting President, passed the Civil Union Bill into law.

"Are we about to witness an ideological shift in the ANC? I don't think so." Sir Anthony O'Reilly, chief executive of Independent News & Media, explains why he regards South Africa as a modern-day miracle - and why he thinks the miracle isn't over.

"South Africa is being heard, and our counsel on matters of global importance is regularly sought," Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad told delegates to the International Media Forum, because of our "experiences in dealing with the difficult and complex issues that faced us in our struggle for freedom." 

As South Africa prepares to take up a temporary position on the United Nations' Security Council our country will adopt an even more prominent place in the global community. 

Read a speech delivered by Pahad at the International media Forum, held in Sandton, Johannesburg September 20-21.

South Africa's Fort Hare University has honoured Nelson Mandela and seven other leading lights of SA's liberation struggle - all alumni of the university - with specially handcrafted gold rings.

Twenty-six men and women were the latest recipients of South Africa's highest honours for outstanding service to their communities, for the part they played in South Africa's fight for freedom, for their roles in the struggle against oppression worldwide, and for exceptional achievement.

Enoch Sontonga, a teacher and lay preacher from the Eastern Cape, died in obscurity, aged just 33. But he left an indelible legacy. His hymn, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika went on to become Africa's most famous anthem of black struggle against oppression.