FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE As an independent, progressive Pan-African organisation dedicated to social and economic justice, non-racialism, and the defence of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, the Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA) views the current climate of xenophobic mobilisation with grave concern. The events leading to the “June 30” ultimatum, issued by initiators of the anti-migrant violence against foreign nationals, represent a direct assault on the principles of human dignit…

OFFICE OF THE RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR   Prof Robert J. Balfour Rector and Vice-Chancellor University of the Western Cape rbalfour@uwc.ac.za   University of Western Cape Vice Chancellor’s Address at the celebration of the 100th issue of New Agenda    Introduction and Context   Good morning, and welcome.   The Iyatsiba Lab at this Centre for Humanities Research in Woodstock is the result of a deliberate institutional choice. It shows UWC’s commitment to place some of it…

Opening Remarks by President Kgalema Motlanthe on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the publication of New Agenda and the release of issue no 100 Programme Director; Vice Chancellor and Rector of UWC, Prof. Robert Balfour; Rectoral Special Adviser, Prof. Shaun Pather; Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, Prof. Michelle Esau; Acting Director of UWC’s Institute for Social Development, Prof. Amiena Bayat; Members of IFAA’s Board of Directors; Acting Executive Director of…

Date: Friday, 05 June 2026 Time: 09h30 – 13h00 Venue: YWC Centre, Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands, Cape Town Hosted by: IFAA & weRagency In collaboration with: Soil for Life What if the waste you throw away every day could become a source of income, jobs, and thriving green spaces? The Eco-Green Roadshow: Waste is Wealth Edition invites you to find out exactly how. This year’s theme — Repurpose, Reclaim, Reimagine — comes to life through a morning of practical, hands-on learning at…

In a world upended by war, genocide, climate catastrophes, pandemics, and dangerously unpredictable and autocratic leaders, the challenge is to seek creative ways to a new world order. New Agenda is primed to do exactly that. Its mission is to promote alternative ideas for social, ecological, and economic transformation. We aim to provide high-quality pertinent information and analysis for government, academia and civil society and bring solid, policy-relevant research to the public in an acces…

The Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA) mourns the passing of our comrade, Terry Bell – journalist, organiser, author, and unflinching activist – who passed away on 25 March 2026 at the age of 83. With his departure, the movement for African liberation and social justice has lost one of its most rigorous intellects and most stubbornly principled voices. To call Terry Bell a “labour journalist” is accurate but insufficient, much like calling the ocean “wet”. He was, for over six decades…

Mr. Zane Dangor, Director-General of DIRCO This is Zane Dangor’s address at the 5th Ben Turok Memorial Lecture, held on 27 November 2025. I want to start by be extending my gratitude to the Ben Turok Foundation for extending an invite to me to speak in his honour this evening.  Ben Turok exemplified the ethos of struggle and work for a democratic and more equal South Africa. I remember his guidance while we were both active in civil society organisations working towards social and economic ju…

With heavy hearts, the Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA) mourns the passing of our dear friend and guiding spirit, Dr. Diana Ferrus. Diana was so much more than the legendary poet who brought Sarah Baartman home with her words; she was a teacher, a mentor, and a guardian of our collective conscience. Her voice, woven from Khoisan and slave ancestry, spoke with a power that reshaped history and restored dignity. We were profoundly honoured to have shared her luminous presence at two e…

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Mary Turok, a lifelong activist, struggle stalwart, and the beloved wife of IFAA’s founder, Ben Turok. Throughout her remarkable life, Mary combined courage and compassion — from her defiance of apartheid laws in the 1950s, to her contributions as a parliamentarian in the democratic era, to her tireless advocacy for the dignity of older persons. Her son, Professor Ivan Turok, together with Albie Sachs, renowned freedom fighter, author, and f…

The Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA) extends heartfelt congratulations to Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe, Chair of our Board, on being conferred an honorary Doctorate in Politics and International Relations by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on 18 March 2025. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his decades of unwavering dedication to advancing democracy, social justice, and equitable governance in South Africa. As a former President of South Africa, Honourable Motlanthe’s…