Umthetho: A borrowed story that fails our history
South African crews can shoot. South African editors can cut. South African actors can act. On that, Umthetho is a triumph. But this, for me, is not just about craft. … Read More
Category: Opinion
Power, pleasure and patriarchy: why The Polygamist on Netflix is captivating viewers
Grace Khunou, University of South Africa The Polygamist is a Netflix series that has soared up the streaming platform’s charts and triggered a global conversation about men who cheat in … Read More
The story behind Soweto Blues, Miriam Makeba’s famous song about the June 16 uprising
Gwen Ansell, University of Pretoria Miriam Makeba sang a famous song about the 16 June 1976 uprising in her birthplace, South Africa. The protest was a pivotal point in the … Read More
Anti‑foreigner violence in South Africa is easily sparked: what hasn’t been done to deal with it
Alan Hirsch, University of Cape Town Threats and deadly conflict over migration are spreading fast in South Africa. This is hugely worrying and could result in widespread injury and killings, … Read More
The Road Home: Why local talent was overlooked for the role of Miriam Makeba
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor Since the news broke out last week that Nigerian British actress Cynthia Erivo, instead of a South African actress, has snatched the coveted role of … Read More
Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment
Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Harvard University When the announcement of Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi’s latest novel Dream Count was made, it was regarded as a major event in African literature. The internationally celebrated … Read More
Zanele Muholi: queer South African visual activist cements their global influence
Kylie Thomas, NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies South African visual activist Zanele Muholi’s celebrated work centres the lives and experiences of Black lesbians and trans people. For … Read More