Point of order
How Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters drive political conversations in South Africa.
508 Article(s) by:
Sean Henry Jacobs
Sean Henry Jacobs is the founder of Africa is a Country and Professor of International Affairs at The New School.
On safari
We are not just marking the end of 2019, but also the end of a momentous, if frustrating decade for building a more humane, caring future for Africans.
The black son shines
Masauko Chipembere’s first solo album is a remarkable achievement and a timely musical reminder of the circular nature of pan-Africanist consciousness.
We all the way live
Live TV broadcasts of political rallies, funerals and press conferences, may be more decisive than social media in shaping mass debate in South Africa.
The Coloured Gangster
In Cape Town, gangs have come to dominate social and economic life for the city’s mostly coloured working class.
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.
The revolution in four-part harmony
A good time to bring back this piece—first written in 2002—on the power of song to fuel political struggle.
Happy new year
In 2018, we hope to continue translating scholarly debates and high-level political and cultural analyses into accessible language.
Marikana and the end of South African exceptionalism
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.
Mohamed Salah 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.
No more caricatures
Engaging seriously with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s life could help us understand how South Africa got where it is and where it’s going.
We have 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?
South Africa’s Transition from Zuma to Ramaphosa
Jacob Zuma’s nearly decade long regime competed with Thabo Mbeki as the worst presidency of South Africa’s short post-apartheid order.
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.
Zimbabwe Coup Music Edition
Ten post-independence, pre-coup struggle songs that critiqued ZANU-PF under Mugabe and imagined a leadership change and different political culture.