This is an edited extract from Jonathan Jansen’s new book, Breaking Bread
South Africa’s seventh parliament has just started its work, and it appears to be doing so with a far more collaborative spirit — and significantly less playing to the gallery — than it did during any of the previous three terms.
The retired judge has urged reform in the Judicial Service Commission, emphasising the need to prioritise judicial independence
The Economic Freedom Fighters once used the same tactic against the ANC after Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu left the party
Leaders say despite being ‘embarrassed’ by Julius Malema’s indirect ‘attack’ on him, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is determined to stay
The party that was marked as the antidote to political stagnancy has become one of its most painful symptoms
The former EFF deputy leader has been tasked with restructuring and expanding the party’s influence
The former EFF MP’s list of political parties is longer than self-proclaimed prophet Mboro’s dirty nails.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader has reshuffled party roles after his deputy Floyd Shivambu went over to the MK party last week
The two parties are part of the ‘progressive caucus’ representing the opposition in the government of national unity
Shivambu has allegedly been looking for a new political home for some time, and is said to have approached the ANC, but was rejected
Supporters are backing Ndlozi to challenge incumbent Marshall Dlamini as the battle hots up
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader is allegedly purging dissenters, focusing on loyalty to secure his position before elective conference
The Limpopo premier wants a clampdown on the flow of illegal immigrants into the province
Victims say ANC is “afraid” to act against implicated MEC Florence Radzilani
Unchastened after a rebuke from the president, the EFF leader reiterated his claim that Ramaphosa sold mineworkers down the river
The president cautioned the Economic Freedom Fighters leader to play the ball, not the man
The ANC secretary general has lashed at MK leader Jacob Zuma and the EFF for their attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC in parliament
The uMkhonto weSizwe party and the Economic Freedom Fighters used the debate on Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening of parliament address to accuse him of ‘selling out to white’ interests
The party is leaving the talking up to its former chair and legal adviser, Dali Mpofu
At the same briefing, the uMkhonto weSizwe party’s John Hlophe said the government of national unity would not last
The shack dwellers movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo, in a mass meeting recalled and expelled senior members who made a deal with a funeral association linked to Jacob Zuma and VBS Bank
It could be an opportunity for new Economic Freedom Fighters leaders to emerge, but this depends on whether Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu are charged
The senior counsel capitulated like Courage, the Cowardly Dog during a broadcast interview
ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli said more consultation was needed before the legislature elected representatives to the commission
The Democratic Alliance has yet to say whether it will accept the president’s offer of six cabinet portfolios.
Some say support for Zionism is growing and equate criticism of Israel as antisemitic, while others say their religion doesn’t mean they support Tel Aviv
But ANC Gauteng spokesperson Lesego Makhubele said the party did not have a resolution in place about ending its relationship with the Economic Freedom Fighters
The provincial leadership has been singled out over the loss after it defied the orders not to contest the provincial elective conference
The EFF leader changes his views faster than a Nigerian man running in flip-flops
Other parties flagged irregularities but want to distance themselves from MK and Jacob Zuma’s efforts to discredit the elections
Populist parties have made considerable gains in the wake of the government’s insecurity-inducing economic policies