The legacy of violence in the struggle for South Africa
An excerpt of an essay, titled “Nongoloza’s Ghost,” in Lapham’s Quarterly. It’s published in partnership with Africa Is a Country.
21 Articles by:
Sisonke Msimang
Sisonke Msimang is a South African writer and think. She is on the Editorial Board of Africa is a Country.
Homesick: Notes on lockdown
We know what will happen with this new virus, and so I cannot blissfully self-isolate.
Rugby and rainbows
Reflecting on white joy, black celebration, and the meaning of the Springbok win at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
When Achieng met Ellen
Ellen DeGeneres wanted an African story. Achieng Agutu obliged. Don’t hate the player, though, hate the game.
Rescuing Nelson Mandela from sainthood
There is a lively, angry, often chaotic debate about the role and place of the father of the South African nation.
A story of love in the time of the constitution
The relationship of South African former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela with her daughter is a perfect metaphor for the state of the country’s politics.
Africa Day is for Big Men
For decades, Big Men in different forms have had their day in Africa, and have forced us to celebrate “Africa Day” every year. It’s time for a change.
The Importance of Reading ‘Khwezi’
The Jacob Zuma years were especially damaging for re-introducing South Africans to political leaders who did not fear shame.
What intellectuals look and sound like
Reading three contemporary South African women authors: Lindiwe Hani, Pumla Gqola and Redi Tlhabi.
Masculinity and its Discontents
An in-depth look at the life and times of Winnie Madizikela-Mandela largely in her own words.
All your faves are problematic
A brief history of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, stanning and the trap of #blackgirlmagic.
Africa’s First Lady
Winnie was everything Africans – and African women in particular – were not supposed to be.
Shutdown — on the death of compromise in South Africa
We are in a new phase, one that is characterised by a rejection of compromise as a tactic for managing democratic intercourse.
The Uber driver and Muhammad Ali
When your Uber driver has never heard of Muhammad Ali you realize you’re not his friend and you and he occupy different worlds.
The Burning
The task for the new generation of South African activists is to reimagine power. That means resisting the impulse to use power in a way that demeans and cheapens and exploits.
The old is dying and the young ones have just been born
These young ones who have just been born do not respect authority simply because the rules say they should.