ON MEDIOCRITY

What is mediocrity? Certainly it is a threat. We see it everywhere. Everyday we are faced with examples of mediocrity being endorsed or promoted, where it should be condemned. There is a strong argument to be made that mediocrity is becoming part and parcel of our society’s make-up. If we are to address the problem, [...]

THE ANC AND RELIGION: PART 2 – THE ANC’S POLITICAL RELIGION

The second in a five-part series on the ANC and religion. Religion is a helpful metaphor for understanding the ANC’s political ideology and, in particular, for better understanding the politics of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Each part of the five posts will explore this idea. Today, we bring you part 2 – a look [...]

THE ANC AND RELIGION: PART 1 – THE ONE TRUE CHURCH

The first in a five-part series on the ANC and religion. Religion is a helpful metaphor for understanding the ANC’s political ideology and, in particular, for better understanding the politics of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Each of the five posts will explore this idea. Today, we start with an introduction.

NATIONALISM BREEDS MEDIOCRITY

There is a strong case to be made that, under the ANC, South Africa is increasingly embracing mediocrity at the expense of merit and excellence. Why is this? What is it about the ANC, and nationalism more generally, that seems to oppose excellence and seek to reduce institutions to the lowest common denominator.
Related Stories:
• Strengthening South [...]