Gerard Boyce

Now almost exactly a month after national elections were held, members of parliament have been safely sworn in and national celebrations over the holding of, yet another, peaceful democratic election have abated.

From this speculation has been born the criticism, which continues unabated and can be heard from commentators from across the political spectrum in a range of domestic and international quarters.

This admiration seems to have been influenced in part by the decisive manner in which Russia has pursued its military campaign in Syria and the resultant success thereof.

The level of media and popular chatter on the topic of nuclear power increased noticeably in South Africa following Russian President Putin’s recent visit. It has been reported that President Ramaphosa told President Putin that South Africa couldn’t afford nuclear power right now.

Ordinarily, it would probably be wisest to ignore this furore as just another outburst by a celebrity who is seeking to garner publicity for himself.

In defence of President Trump, these allegations could be considered rather unfair, as exhibiting a substantial degree of “instability” might be an inherent demand of the job of US President if not a prerequisite for entry into the highest elected office.

Recent developments in South African politics, such as the unexpected second cabinet reshuffle this year in which former state security minister David Mhlobo was moved to the energy portfolio and his ever more strident pro-nuclear announcements, amongst others, have fuelled speculation that momen

South Africans following the story unfolding in the #GuptaLeaks would be forgiven for thinking it resembled the hackneyed script of a bad made for TV crime movie.

Dear President Trump,

During the past year, political debate in South Africa has been dominated by the notion of state capture.