Category: Rational Perspective
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Race Is a Human Invention – But That Doesn’t Make It Useless
Race remains one of the most controversial concepts in modern society, often caught between outdated prejudices and claims that it has no scientific basis at all. In this thought-provoking essay, the author challenges both extremes, arguing that the debate has become clouded by politics, ideology and misunderstanding. Drawing on developments in genetics, evolutionary biology and…
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Brian Benfield: The Fair Pay Bill will not create a single sustainable job
A seemingly well-intentioned proposal before Parliament has ignited a fierce debate about fairness, freedom and the future of South Africa’s economy. Proponents argue the Fair Pay Bill will promote transparency and equity in the workplace. Critics warn it represents yet another expansion of state control into private enterprise, carrying far-reaching consequences for employers, job seekers…
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Anthea Jeffery: Will the PIE Amendment Bill solve land invasions?
Across South Africa, a new legal battle is unfolding over land, housing, and the future of property rights. The proposed PIE Amendment Bill seeks to reshape the framework set by the Prevention of Illegal Eviction From and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act of 1998, amid claims it will restore balance to a worsening crisis of…
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Richard Wilkinson: What it would actually take to fix City Power and Joburg Water
Johannesburg’s two most critical utilities are haemorrhaging money on a scale that threatens the city’s future. City Power loses nearly a third of the electricity it buys — R4.9 billion in a single year — while owing Eskom R5.2 billion in arrears. Joburg Water loses almost half its water to leaks, theft and billing failures,…
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Boardroom Talk: When the hungry fight the hungry – SA’s xenophobia problem
Key topics: Xenophobic violence rooted in unemployment and economic failure Illegal migration driven by desperation, not criminal intent Job creation key to easing tensions and restoring stability By Alec Hogg* A few years ago, I bumped into an old friend at OR Tambo, both of us killing time before early-morning flights. He’d just returned from…
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Ivo Vegter: FIFA — Power, greed and the world’s most untouchable monopoly
Key topics: FIFA accused of corruption, monopoly power, and rule abuses World Cup hosts bear costs while FIFA reaps massive profits FIFA’s 2026 policies spark backlash over fan restrictions By Ivo Vegter* It is corrupt. It is criminal. It is tyrannical. And no other private organisation in the world gets special laws to feed its…
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Joan Swart: SA arms export crisis – Policy silos and lost billions
Key topics: NCACC arms row exposes policy coordination failures Defence exports caught between growth and compliance goals Calls grow for unified defence, trade and foreign policy strategy By Dr Joan Swart* The recent controversy surrounding the National Conventional Arms Control Committee’s (NCACC) reported suspension of certain arms export approvals to the United States and parts…