Why South Africa needs Democratic Socialism
South African politics urgently needs an injection of electoral energy from the left, that speaks in a language that resonates with voters, rejects chauvinism and embraces democracy.
Articles by
Sean Jacobs
Sean Jacobs, Founder and Editor of Africa is a Country, is on the faculty of The New School and a Ford Foundation #AfricaNoFilter Fellow.
The revolution in four-part harmony
Today, Freedom Day in South Africa, is a good time to bring back this piece—first written in 2002—on the power of song to fuel political struggle.
On safari
Happy new year!
Marikana and the end of South African exceptionalism
The Marikana mine killings in August 2012 showed that South Africa's problems are no longer specific to the apartheid legacy, but about more global issues of poverty and inequality.
The search for football talent in Africa
Two of Africa's standout talents at Russia 2018--Moussa Wague and Francis Uzoho--were shaped by a football academy in Qatar. A new book tells that story.
The beautiful month
We are exploring the culture and history of the World Cup for the next month while the tournament goes on.
Sergio Ramos and the Egyptians
Sergio Ramos' injury to Mohamed Salah in the 2018 UEFA Champion's League final set him up for a world of insults from Egyptian football fans.
Social media and political violence in Cape Town
Reporting on protests in poor communities where the mainstream media lacks, social media picks up the slack. This isn't always a good thing.
Check out our new clothes
For months, we have been threatening to launch a new website. Well, now it's here!
Drake’s Plan
The plot of Drake's music video for "God's Plan" is him giving him out money to the poor. What was he trying to say?
How to subvert the Hollywood Western
An interview with the South African director and writer of 'Five Fingers for Marseilles,' a Western set in that country, and starring an all black cast.
Future so bright
All things equal, we should have a new website within the next couple of weeks.