An upbeat Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s finance minister (left) arrives to deliver his 2016 budget address to parliament in Cape Town. Reuters/Mike Hutchings

South Africa budget 2016: nifty political footwork may not be enough

Cutting the bloated public service wage bill, as the finance minister is doing, is critically important economically. But it is sure to be unpopular with the governing ANC’s powerful labour allies.
Much is expected of South African President Jacob Zuma when he delivers his 2016 State of the Nation Address. Reuters/Sumaya Hisham

State of the Nation address: what Zuma needs to tell South Africa

The general loss of faith in the economy is the most important issue President Zuma must address. More radical social and economic transformation, with emphasis on land reform will be most critical.
Members of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa, the country’s largest union, march to highlight high unemployment. Reuters/Rogan Ward

South Africans need to fight for change on the streets, and through the ballot

With the local government elections set to take place within the next seven months, it is worth considering what impact the recent upsurge in protests will have on the country’s political future.

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