Patrick Bond

The continent’s own elites, together with the West and now China, are still making Africans progressively poorer, thanks to the extraction of raw materials.

Shortly before Pretoria’s presidential power change from Thabo Mbeki to Jacob Zuma two years ago, the South African state announced its War on Poverty (WoP).

Our police detention while exercising freedom of expression at our favourite Durban venue – the wonderful South Beach FIFA Fan Fest – on the weekend, followed by (taped) discussions with police, together leave me worried. They should worry you too.

Soccer-loving cynics have long predicted problems now growing worse here in South Africa because of World Cup hosting duties:

Dennis Brutus died at the age of 85 on 26 December 2009, battling cancer, climate change and capitalism.

INSTITUTIONS

AFRICA ACTION and JUBILEE USA (Washington): We mourn the loss of a great friend, artist, and activist. We had the honor of working with Dennis for many years.

A couple of Nobel prize-winning economists are giving major talks in Johannesburg this week.

(This article was presented at seminars in February, prior to the introduction of the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme and revised 2009 Budget)

INTRODUCTION

Obama was elected on a platform of change. Yet, his actions are pointing to more and more of the same. The question of whether Obama can possibly replace Bush as a danger to world peace is worth considering.

One of Barack Obama’s leading advisors has done more damage to Africa, its economies and its people than anyone I can think of in world history, including even Cecil John Rhodes. That charge may surprise readers, but hear me out.