South Africa riots: Is recent unrest a sign of deeper tensions? - BBC Newsnight

 

Over the past few weeks, more than 330 people have died in some of the worst violence South Africa has experienced since apartheid.

South Africa Corruption Inc

Investigating a major scandal that exposes the corrupt relationship between business and politics in South Africa.

Last month, South African President Jacob Zuma was forced from office by his own party, the African National Congress, when almost a decade's worth of corruption, bribery and racketeering allegations finally became too great to ignore.

It is possible that within weeks he could appear in court to face charges relating to at least one of the many financial intrigues from his years in power.

His most infamous former associates, the billionaire Gupta brothers, are now fugitives from justice amid claims that during the Zuma years they systemically looted state assets on a truly astonishing scale - principally by using their friendship with the then president to influence political appointments and win lucrative government contracts.

The Puerto Rican mayor who challenged Trump

We ask Mayor Carmen Cruz about conditions in Puerto Rico, and Thuli Madonsela weighs in on corruption in South Africa.

In this week's UpFront, we ask San Juan's mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz about the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico after hurricanes Maria and Irma, and whether her war of words with United States President Donald Trump helps or hurts the recovery.

Can Cyril Ramaphosa save South Africa's ANC?

Ramaphosa was elected as the new leader of South Africa's ruling ANC party on Monday.

The new leader of one of Africa's oldest political parties says he has a new vision for his country.

Businessman, activist, and politican Cyril Ramaphosa says he will fight corruption with the same intensity as against poverty and inequality.

He was chosen as the new leader of South Africa's ruling ANC party in a bitterly fought campaign on Monday.

Ramaphosa now wishes to put all that behind him and give a new direction to his party.

South Africa, xenophobia and the media

The politics and coverage of xenophobia in South Africa; and TV regulation in the UK ahead of a contentious election.



A recent upsurge of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa has raised contentious questions about how to talk about the issue in the media.

When the influential King of the Zulus, Goodwill Zwelithini, was quoted as saying that foreigners "should pack their bags and go" many saw it as a precursor to the attacks which have mainly been targeted at migrants from other African states. The king has refuted these allegations and says that the media have taken his words out of context.

Others too have singled out the media for blame. South African President Jacob Zuma, has said emphasising the "xenophobic" nature of the attacks casts the country in a bad light. The question remains of whether the media are fulfilling their responsibility to prompt the government and the South African people to face tough questions about inequality and jobs.