Mandela vs Zuma

Excerpt from William Gumede's introduction to Nelson Mandela's No Easy Way to Freedom.

SA cardinal denies homophobia

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, who was seen by some as an outside bet to be elected pope, has rejected accusations that he is homophobic, saying it is impossible because he knows no gay people.

• SA cardinal: Paedophiles not criminals
• SA cardinal: Next pope needs wisdom
• Cardinal explains paedophilia comments

Sudan, S Sudan to restart oil production

South Sudan has signed the latest of a string of deals to restart the flow of oil stalled for more than a year after shutting down pipelines through arch-rival Sudan.

• South Sudan, Sudan pull border troops
• Sudan attacks in Darfur breach sanctions
• Violence in South Sudan kills 33

Mbeki, De Klerk invited to parliament

Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk are among eminent persons invited to attend this year's State of the Nation address, Parliament's presiding officers says.

• Major road closures: Opening of parliament
• Presidency prepares for State of Nation

Ramaphosa tapped as SA's new leader

The stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle, considered by many to be "the best president South Africa never had", is the firm favourite to become the country's next leader.

• Ramaphosa through the yearsview
• Zuma, Ramaphosa take top ANC positions
• Ramaphosa returns to politicswatch

Pockets of disunity in some provinces

ANC president Jacob Zuma says while there have been successes in healing the divisions of the lead-up to Polokwane, some provinces still have pockets of disunity.

• Rousing welcome for Zuma
• Zuma ready for leadership fight
• Zuma: SA has made strides in unity

Simelane still a Joburg Bar member

Menzi Simelane remains a member of the Johannesburg Bar while it continues its disciplinary procedures against him, chairperson Modise Khoza SC says.

• Simelane's salary stopped - justice dept
• Zuma can restore NPA credibility - expert
• Menzi Simelane 'no longer works for NPA'

Ma Mbeki supports Zuma - sort of

ANC stalwart Epainette Mbeki has called President Jacob Zuma the better choice for ANC president, though he may be too "easy going" for leadership.

• ANC nominations hold-up as Mangaung draws near
• 12 cows slaughtered in Zuma ritual
• ANC women: We're not feminists

Mbeki cheered across Africa - Mboweni

While South Africans might think former president Thabo Mbeki had done nothing positive for the country, the rest of Africa celebrated him as an "outstanding leader", former Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni says.

• ANCYL congratulates Mbeki on award
• Zuma: Mbeki sold ANC to the world
• Mbeki sends warning to Zim

SABC blacklist complaint withdrawn

A complaint lodged by the Freedom of Expression Institute against the SABC over the blacklisting of commentators, has been withdrawn.

• SABC blacklisting journos: Hearing begins
• Union wants SABC TV licences scrapped
• AG to investigate SABC board

Zuma: Mbeki sold ANC to the world

Former president Thabo Mbeki played a central role in selling the ANC to the rest of the world during apartheid, President Jacob Zuma says.

• Mbeki 'excellent leader', despite recall
• Mbeki concerned about ANC leaders
• Mbeki a committed cadre, says Zuma

Mbeki a committed cadre, says Zuma

Former president Thabo Mbeki distinguished himself in the ANC as a cadre and as a leader, President Jacob Zuma says.

• Mbeki not attending lecture in his honour
• Mbeki entitled to his view - Mbete
• Mbeki concerned about ANC leaders

Nzimande incapable of debate - ANCYL

SA Communist Party secretary general Blade Nzimande is unable to debate issues of national concern, the ANC Youth League says.

• Nzimande defends Zuma, hits out at Mbeki
• Mbeki entitled to his view - Mbete
• Mbeki concerned about ANC leaders

Mbeki entitled to his view - Mbete

Former president Thabo Mbeki is entitled to speak out against the ANC, party chair Baleka Mbete says.

• Mbeki concerned about ANC leaders
• Mbeki: AU has failed Africa
• Mandela, Mbeki got far less than Zuma

Cosatu backs Zuma

Cosatu will back President Jacob Zuma for a second term as ANC leader, saying it doesn't want "a new class of tenderpreneurs" to take over the party.

• Zuma: No need for Zille debate
• Mangaung race gathers pace
• KZN increase boosts Zuma - expert

ANC head must restore dignity - Jordan

The ANC needs to elect a president that will repair the party's credibility and dignity, national executive committee member Pallo Jordan says.

• Mangaung race gathers pace
• SA an Irish-coffee society, Mantashe says
• Mkhize: Zuma a father figure
• Pirates of Polokwane and Magicians of Mangaung

Nkandla road claims rubbished

KwaZulu-Natal has rejected claims that roads in the Nkandla area were made a priority because President Jacob Zuma's home village is located in the area.

• Madiba, Mbeki got far less than Zuma
• Zuma fires conman
• Tolls: Cosatu cashes in

Sudan, South sign to restart oil, trade

The leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have signed deals to secure their shared border and boost trade, which will restart crucial oil exports.

• Sudan, S Sudan to resume oil exports
• Sudan, South continue troubled talks
• Sudan, South Sudan edge towards deal

Mbeki: AU has failed Africa

Former president Thabo Mbeki has accused the African Union of letting down the continent, because of petty disagreements between heads of state.

• Dlamini-Zuma 'struggles to hold back tears'
• Tide turns against Zuma
• UN Council steps up Sudan pressure

Sudan, S Sudan resume border talks

Sudan and South Sudan are to resume talks in Ethiopia that mediators hope will produce a deal to clear the way for the two countries to resume oil exports.

• Mbeki due in Khartoum to push talks
• Sudan 'optimistic' about border talks
• Sudan, South 'must co-operate'

Dlamini-Zuma 'struggles to hold back tears'

Newly appointed AU Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma reportedly failed to hold her tears back when scores of people in Durban honoured her for becoming the first woman to land the position.

• Structures fail women, says Graça Machel
• Dlamini-Zuma - Africa solutions needed
• We want new ideas, Mugabe tells AU

Bashir turns down summit with Kiir

Sudan's president has turned down an invitation from the AU to meet South Sudan’s leader to move forward stalled talks to end hostilities, a report says.

• South Sudan sets out conditions
• Sudan, S Sudan meet to resolve dispute
• Sudan rejects proposal of South Sudan

Mali crisis 'a big challenge for Africa'

The current crisis in Mali is one of the most serious challenges facing the continent, the head of the AU commission Jean Ping told a meeting of heads of state.

• Mali arrests counter coup leader
• US slams Mali attacks as cultural 'assault'
• Mali: Islamists push Tuaregs from last bastion