real politicslatest news & developments
DA leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis with Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister to the Zulu royal household (Supplied by Scrolla.Africa/Democratic Alliance)
DA

Real Politics: as new DA leader, Hill-Lewis faces an old dilemma

Geordin Hill-Lewis leads the DA at a pivotal moment. Can he turn anti-ANC anger into DA votes where his predecessors couldn’t?

  • Zukile Majova
7 min read
People participate in a march to commemorate Youth Day in Soweto on June 16 2013 in Johannesburg. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
BELA ACT

Real Politics: turning freedom into opportunity

Fifty years after the Soweto uprisings, Youth Day should demand more than remembrance

  • Zukile Majova
6 min read
Maki Emily Tshabalala interacts with voters in Emfuleni ward 28 ahead of the by-election to encourage them to participate. (Source: DA Gauteng)
ANC

Real Politics: Vaal result shows voters are harder to keep

A by-election in Emfuleni, in which the DA seized control of an ANC stronghold, is evidence that voters are demanding delivery over loyalty or history.

  • Zukile Majova
5 min read
Sisisi Tolashe and President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC 5th National General Council on Day 01 on December 08, 2025 in Boksburg, South Africa. Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo
ANC

Real Politics: the ANC can’t afford to lose Ramaphosa

The NEC has closed ranks behind Ramaphosa after the Phala Phala ruling. Not out of loyalty, but because too many ANC careers depend on his survival

  • Zukile Majova
4 min read