Focus 34 - 2nd Quarter 2004
ANC and the parable of the parabola: At the moment of its greatest electoral triumph the ANC would be wise to be mindful of the parable of the parabola. Ideological battle over meaning of democracy: James Myburgh reflects on the rivalry between political Jacobins and liberals in South Africa.
Focus 33 - 1st Quarter 2004
ANC's dominance not written in stone: Lawrence Schlemmer takes a close look at the factors that determine political loyalties in South Africa. Buthelezi: Adroit political survivor: Aubrey Matshiqi assesses the importance of the forthcoming elections to Buthelezi's future.
Focus 32 - 4th Quarter 2003
Has upcoming poll yielded full roll-out? Virginia van der Vliet traces the history of ANC denial and procrastination on HIV/Aids. A critical appraisal of the Mbeki presidency: Thabo Mbeki has shown great skill in co-opting the emerging black elite and silencing critical voices.
Focus 31 - 3rd Quarter 2003
Corruption: a fine balance of forces: Patrick Laurence argues that the war against corruption has entered a critical phase. Local media freedom is not set in stone: Vigorous white journalists are liable to be accused of racism, while their black confreres risk condemnation for lack of patriotism.
Focus 30 - Second Quarter 2003
Local government - What progress?: Britt Youens analyses the magnitude and complexity of the task ascribed to the third sphere of governance. The penalties of idealism: Lawrence Schlemmer reflects on the rights of those who favour devotional worship in public schools.
Focus 29 - First Quarter 2003
Vital court decisions pending on land question: Refocus 1: Vital court decisions pending on land question. ANC should heed the Group of 63's warning: Patrick Laurence defends the right of Afrikaner intellectuals to voice their dissenting concerns.
Focus 28 - Fourth Quarter 2002
Reflections on local liberalism: Emeritus professor and political analyst, David Welsh, cogitates on the role of liberals and liberalism during the struggle. From colonialism to African nationalism: ANC notable and historian, Pallo Jordan, traces the long and proud record of the ANC as the champion of the black majority.
Focus 27 - Third Quarter 2002
An explosive fuse is lit: Patrick Laurence analyses the dangers of transforming the mining industry too hastily (or too slowly). The politics of privatising water: Sizwe samaYende of African Eye News Service chronicles the growing protest campaign against Greater Nelspruit Utility Company.
Focus 26 - Second Quarter 2002
Conspiracy theories - A crime against logic Andrew Kenny defends globalisation. Interview with Peter Mokaba From radical demagogue to non-racial democrat, Mokaba emerges as a champion of minority representation. By Patrick Laurence.
Focus 25 - First Quarter 2002
Sacked - for putting his patients' interests first: Sizwe samaYende and Justin Arenstein of African Eye News Service report on the case of Dr Thys von Mollendorff. A sacking and a promotion: Professor Fanie Olivier was eagerly awaiting the outcome of arbitration in his case against the University of Venda.
Focus 24 - Fourth Quarter 2001
"Why I shall join the ANC" Satirical column: "Write off". A blow against the opposition There can be no doubt about the ANC's overwhelming desire to strike a blow against the DA in the Western Cape.
Focus 23 - Third Quarter 2001
A draconian new anti-terrorism bill: The proposal to detain suspected terrorists for 14 days without charge is an ominous reminder of the apartheid era. Comment by Martin Schönteich. The real housing story: The spate of urban land invasions is not just a response to homelessness by groups of poverty-stricken people.