Intieme blik op ’n besonderse loopbaan
https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/kunste/boeke/intieme-blik-op-n-besonderse-loopbaan-20250525
Words over action: The costly illusion of the ‘National Dialogue’
Tony Leon critiques South Africa’s proposed R700-million “National Dialogue,” labeling it a costly diversion from meaningful action on the country’s deep-rooted economic and governance crises. The latest scene in the long-running tragicomedy of SA politics features a half-baked old hit called “a national dialogue”. Weary and depressed South Africans confront broken cities and violent farms and [...]
One year of GNU: Power-sharing or power struggle?
Tony Leon considers the first anniversary of South Africa’s coalition government, reflecting on the ANC’s political decline, the DA’s limited power in the partnership, and the challenges of restoring voter faith amid mounting dissatisfaction. On 11 June 2024, exactly one year ago, the DA presented its “framework agreement” for a coalition government to govern South Africa [...]
To BEE or not to BEE if there is no economic revolution
Tony Leon reflects on the ANC’s unwavering commitment to black economic empowerment (BEE) despite the stark contrast between its ideals and outcomes. Add two ANC faves, indigenisation and transformation, into a Shakespearean soliloquy and the result might be, “To BEE or not to BEE that is the question.” While Hamlet hemmed and hawed with deep-felt uncertainty [...]
Unintended ‘ambush’: Will it spark action on crime and economic ideology? GalleryUnintended ‘ambush’: Will it spark action on crime and economic ideology?
African National Congress (ANC), American Politics, Being There, Corruption, Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Alliance, Donald Trump, EFF, International Politics, John Steenhuisen, South African Politics, Trump, World Politics
Unintended ‘ambush’: Will it spark action on crime and economic ideology?
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent encounter at the White House revealed that South Africans have all succumbed to “Trump derangement syndrome” in varying different degrees, writes Tony Leon. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa went to the White House on a “working visit” to meet the US president and nothing much happened. No one in the world, least [...]
A DISHONEST ANC? with Tony Leon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqRvKQGP9Xs
The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tony Leon about his latest book, ‘Being There: Backstories from the Political Front’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NoFl_pxo-Q&list=PL73Gj_So3oSVSq5C7dggvXLVYWcrue6kh
Douglas Gibson: A life of persistence, loyalty, and adaptability in politics GalleryDouglas Gibson: A life of persistence, loyalty, and adaptability in politics
African National Congress (ANC), Being There, Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Alliance, Elections, Gibson, Jacob Zuma, John Steenhuisen, South African Politics
Douglas Gibson: A life of persistence, loyalty, and adaptability in politics
Tony Leon remembers Douglas Gibson, who died last Friday, as one of the great builders of our politics. Long-lived, controversial British politician Enoch Powell memorably said, “All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.” Powell died [...]
Our labour minister missed the memo that SA is open for business
The recent row over the VAT increase obscured some of the real issues which go to the heart of the economic policies which have added layers to the mountain of unemployment which disfigures our national landscape and have cratered our economy, writes Tony Leon. Any sentient South African who watched the 1988 comedy movie A Fish Called [...]
When historical amnesia meets Trumpian politics: Mashatile’s assault on the GNU GalleryWhen historical amnesia meets Trumpian politics: Mashatile’s assault on the GNU
African National Congress (ANC), American Politics, Cyril Ramaphosa, Democratic Alliance, Deputy President, Donald Trump, EFF, Elon Musk, GNU, IFP, Mashatile, MK
When historical amnesia meets Trumpian politics: Mashatile’s assault on the GNU
As Colin Eglin's centenary passes unnoticed, Paul Mashatile employs Trumpian tactics to undermine institutions others built. The contrast is stark, writes Tony Leon, from principled constitutional craftsmanship to power-hungry opportunism masquerading as progress. Monday, 14 April 2025, marked the centenary of the birth of Colin Eglin. Both this anniversary and the man himself are mostly [...]