AIDS Theory Runs Amok

Staff / Truthdig Nov 26, 2008 In a glaring example of the importance of theory in practice, U.S. researchers have accused former South African President Thabo Mbeki of being responsible for more than 300,000 AIDS-related "avoidable deaths," pointing to Mbeki's siding with a theoretical camp that argues AIDS is caused by a collapsed immune system, not a viral infection. As a result, offers of free drugs and grant money for AIDS treatment were rejected. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Mugabe Meets With Opposition Leader for Crisis Talks

Staff / Truthdig Aug 12, 2008 Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, pictured, was still ensconced in a Harare hotel with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday in an attempt to work out some kind of power-sharing arrangement with his rival for the presidency in this year's protracted and controversial election process. But after a weekend of intense talks, nobody had signed on any dotted lines. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

2 Million South Africans on Strike

Staff / Truthdig Aug 6, 2008 A national strike left South Africa's streets largely deserted Wednesday as 2 million people refused to work in protest of soaring food and fuel prices. The action, led by a coalition of trade unions, was symbolic and precautionary, suggesting additional strikes if the government and business remained inept at managing the national economy. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Mandela at 90

Staff / Truthdig Jul 18, 2008 During his 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela might not have imagined that he would make it to his 90th birthday. The U.S. government gave him an early gift just recently by removing the former South African president and freedom fighter from its terrorist watch list. For his part, Mandela plans to mark the occasion quietly with family at home. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

South Africa Prepares for World Cup, Prostitution

Staff / Truthdig Jul 16, 2008 A plan to legalize sex work in time for South Africa's 2010 World Cup has many in the country upset. While supporters believe criminalization puts women in harm's way, religious groups and others argue that "family values" trump the interests of both the national economy and individual workers. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Mugabe Prevails in Sham Election

Staff / Truthdig Jun 29, 2008 Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has fought tooth and nail to maintain his position of power during the three months since his authority was threatened by opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, widely recognized (but not by Mugabe) as the winner of last March's election, and now it looks like all that hard work and abject brutality has paid off. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Nelson Mandela Turns 90

Staff / Truthdig Jun 29, 2008 He was surrounded by stars from the movie and music industries, but Nelson Mandela was the big draw at the iconic South African leader's 90th birthday party in London's Hyde Park, where Mandela took his moment in the spotlight to urge well-wishers to continue the fight against AIDS. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Mugabe Rival Ready for Round Two

Staff / Truthdig May 10, 2008 Whatever else might be said about Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change, it's definitely fair to say that the man is tenacious. After weeks of confusion following his bid to oust longtime leader Robert Mugabe from the presidency, Tsvangirai says he's now gearing up for an electoral rematch. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Three Different Takes on the Zimbabwean Presidential Battle

Staff / Truthdig Apr 19, 2008 Last month's election in Zimbabwe is yet to be resolved. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai believes he defeated President Robert Mugabe fairly, but a recount and a runoff may happen before the contest is finally decided. Meanwhile, opposition supporters say Mugabe's party is attacking them as he holds on to power. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Truthdigger of the Week: Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Staff / Truthdig Nov 18, 2007 Truthdig tips its hat this week to South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who took the Anglican Church to task for what he called its "homophobic" attitude, declaring in a recent interview with BBC Radio 4 that, "If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn't worship that God." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

3,000 Trapped in South African Mine

Staff / Truthdig Oct 4, 2007 More than 3,000 South African gold miners are trapped 14 miles beneath the surface of the Earth The company that owns the mine said that its workers will be able to breathe, but South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers said it is extremely concerned for those who are trapped Update: All of the workers have been rescued. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa

Staff / Truthdig Aug 18, 2007 Five South African men, including former Police Minister Adriaan Vlok, have received suspended prison sentences for attempting to assassinate a prominent anti-apartheid leader 18 years ago. The intended target, Frank Chikane, who now works for the president, did not want the men to go to prison. Vlok previously sought forgiveness by washing Chikane's feet. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )