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South Africa

What a Beauty Pageant Reveals About Identity in Postapartheid South Africa

Model South Africans

The young South African model Chidimma Adetshina was recently forced to quit the Miss South Africa pageant after facing xenophobic abuse for being born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, in a case that has fired up debate over national identity.

South Africa’s ‘Born Frees’ Are Disillusioned With Democracy

Born Free, Let Down

South Africa heads to the polls on May 29, in the most crucial election since 1994. Young people raised after apartheid — the “born frees” — are grappling with unfulfilled promises in a country still racked by inequality and poor governance. They may hold the decisive votes.

South Africa-US Relations at a Crossroads

South Africa-US Relations at a Crossroads

The recent decision by South Africa, a longtime ally of Palestine, to take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on accusations of genocide sent shock waves through the global community.

Africa Insights: Toxic Masculinity Online in Kenya and South Africa

Africa Insights: Toxic Masculinity Online in Kenya and South Africa

In Kenya and South Africa, toxic masculinity is a growing concern, particularly online. The promotion of misogyny is increasingly threatening women’s freedom of speech and their personal safety.

Africa Insights: South Africa Grapples With Xenophobia at Home and Contests Genocide Abroad

Africa Insights: South Africa Grapples With Xenophobia at Home and Contests Genocide Abroad

South Africa’s recent genocide lawsuit against Israel has sparked global attention. Yet despite overcoming racism, South Africa faces internal challenges including violence against Black foreign nationals. For over three decades, recurring xenophobic attacks driven by blaming migrants for economic struggles have led to looting and tragic loss of life.

A Verdict in South Africa Reveals an Unfinished Reckoning With Apartheid

A Verdict in South Africa Reveals an Unfinished Reckoning With Apartheid

The recent inquest into the death of Abdullah Haron, killed by South Africa's security police in 1969, was about more than closure for his family. Haron’s and other cases looked the African National Congress straight in the eye and asked whether it had delivered on the promises made in the 1990s.

Africa Insights: South Africa’s Striking Divide 

Africa Insights: South Africa’s Striking Divide 

South Africa is Africa’s most vocal country when it comes to the Israel- Palestine conflict. Historically the ruling ANC government resonates with the plight of the Palestinians, likening it to the apartheid era. But not all South Africans concur with the government's decision.