Political leaders and mourners gather in Bloemfontein to honour Mosiuoa Lekota, remembered for fierce convictions, humility, and a lifelong commitment to ordinary South Africans

The 85-year-old’s victory last month was a referendum on the cost of living in a country where inflation hovers near 30%, fuel and foreign currency are scarce and poverty is endemic

His return as president highlights the country’s deep political divides, rooted in regional loyalties

The planned National Dialogue should aim to achieve a resurgence of people’s power so evident in the 1980s resistance to apartheid

Parties such as Xiluva, and the South African Rainbow Alliance have recently been absorbed by uMkhonto weSizwe party

The struggle stalwart debunks narratives about racial discord in South Africa

Education’s role in fostering critical consciousness and political engagement has been side-lined in favour of a narrow focus on individual success and economic competitiveness

Pravin Gordhan was the political architect who tried to shun the spotlight

Pravin Gordhan’s contribution included the negotiated transition to democracy, the new Constitution and the transformation of the state apparatus and the public sector

The former finance minister recalled Gordhan’s role in mobilising broad-based protest against apartheid and state capture

Not everyone liked the late former public enterprises minister, but everyone respected him

Gordhan’s last political act was to call for a ‘reset’ and a return to progressive politics

Gordhan passed away after what his family said was a short battle with cancer

The Change Starts Now project, which is backed by billionaires and fronted by former banker Roger Jardine, is a top-down attempt by powerful people to win political clout

Fikile Mbalula and the Luthuli House crew may find themselves working from home in the next elections This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers