Technology has come to the fore in this fast-moving banking environment, changing everything in South Africa, where financial institutions have shifted in many ways over the years. Those days are far behind us when you used to stand in line for hours, get tired, and deal with endless piles of paperwork; now it’s just the exact opposite – a seamless customer experience as dynamic as efficient. Notably, the coming together of technology and banking has not only enhanced service delivery;…

Many people already predicted the EFF’s failure when the news surfaced that its deputy president Floyd Shivambu was going to leave the party. It was widely reported that he had decided not to renew his membership and had stepped down from all his roles in the party. On Thursday, 15 August, the EFF called a media conference where Shivambu tendered his ‘resignation’ from the party. Floyd Shivambu has decided to hitch his wagon to the MK party. Suddenly, there is…

The recent resignation of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president Floyd Shivambu is a cause for concern, sparking worries about the party’s future and its potential impact on African unity and Pan-Africanism in South Africa.  My concern is that Shivambu’s departure may not only weaken the EFF but also hinder efforts toward unity at a crucial time for the country and the continent. This country cannot afford to have a destabilized EFF. The party’s presence and participation in the political…

Academic Mary de Haas of UKZN has long studied the prevalence of violence and its intersectionalities in Natal. She examines the complex relationships between violence and other social, political, and economic factors within the provincial context. The Moerane Commission later confirmed that Glebelands, townships, municipalities and taxi ranks are killing fields. Although the Moerane Report has been widely criticised for not being implemented effectively, it remains crucial for understanding the root causes of political violence in the province. Many reports…

In the 1970s, Capital owners, led by the Randlords under Oppenheimer, initiated a political strategy to protect their economic interests amidst growing discontent from the black majority. Despite clashing with apartheid’s segregation, the Randlords’ economic power steered the path to the ‘political miracle’ of 1994. They foresaw the need for a strategic shift to maintain economic control while appeasing international pressure, engaging in behind-the-scenes negotiations, lobbying and forming alliances to influence favourable political outcomes. The Randlords’ interventions mastered a ‘soft’…

Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique, has said that Africa has gained much from China’s economic development, particularly due to its reform and opening up policy. China inspires African nations in their quest for national renewal and creates new development prospects through mutually beneficial cooperation. Since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000 and the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, exchanges between the two sides have intensified. Platforms such as the China-Africa Economic…

The leadership crisis in South Africa is undeniable, and it demands our immediate attention. Our political establishment is visibly deteriorating, and mediocrity has insidiously become the accepted standard, adversely impacting the entire nation. We are led by egoistic, self-serving idiots who are thinking with their big stomachs. No wonder many critical aspects of the country are falling apart.  Even the functioning of parliament itself is marred by pervasive issues, deviating from the dignified operation it should uphold. The pursuit of…

A flash of red, white and blue of the French tricolor flag and the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was underway, heralded by traditional accordion music. Out of the smoke from under Austerlitz Bridge sailed the boat carrying Greece’s delegation for the Games, as tradition dictates, with the Refugee team close behind receiving the biggest cheers of the night, giving reason to the words of IOC President Thomas Bach, when he said “sport is respect. Sport…

Climate change is often described as a crisis that affects everyone, demanding urgent action to prevent widespread devastation from storms and rising seas. However, a significant concern is that climate change discussions are not open to everyone for engagement or inquiry. This exclusion is not accidental but a deliberate tactic to promote specific agendas and achieve predetermined political and economic goals. Despite claims of equality and justice, the reality is that the world operates on hierarchical structures that marginalise the…

Technological innovation is the starting point for the development of new quality productive forces. This process involves transforming traditional industries and nurturing emerging sectors, ultimately leading to a significant qualitative leap in productivity.  Shanghai, propelled by technological innovation, has undertaken the restructuring of traditional industries while pioneering new ones. This strategic approach has led to numerous groundbreaking achievements, some of which are unprecedented, thereby raising the level of productivity. This concerted effort has facilitated a significant leap forward in the…