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Sir, The rise of xenophobia with violence is a disaster for South Africa’s aspirations in Africa. Many reasons have been advanced for this unexpected explosion and no doubt many socioeconomic factors are at play. But what stands out for me is the intense hatred for Africa’s immigrants and refugees as…

The Institute for African Alternatives (IFAA) supports the call for transformation at UCT. It is clear that the university needs to embrace change and abandon a physical and academic infrastructure which does not reflect the aspirations of its students and broader society.   Although we are delighted to hear of…

Prof. Turok speaks to Zenzile Khoisan. The full text is reprinted below.  Johannesburg – Legendary academic and parliamentarian Professor Ben Turok believes South Africa is in crisis and urgent interventions are required to prevent the fallout in a country that’s “tinder waiting to burn”. On the saga surrounding the R246-million…

Below find Prof. Turok’s presentation to a roundtable on The Role of Intellectuals in the State-Society Nexus. The event was convened by The Mapungubwe Institute (MISTRA) and Liliesleaf on 4th March 2015. I am asked to respond to the paper by Joel Netshitenzhe. This is always a pleasure since he has…

Please read below for news, updates on our activities and upcoming events.  Partnerships  Partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)  IFAA has confirmed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to conduct policy research on the mineral value chain in South Africa. Our…

Remarks made by Prof. Turok at the Colloquium on Beneficiation hosted by the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry. The Colloquium took place between 27 August-4 September 2014 in Parliament, Cape Town Click on the following link to download: Towards a Joined up Economy…

Prof. Turok’s address for the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (2014). “Engineers must be mindful of the socioeconomic impact of their work.” It is a great honour for me to speak at my old alma mater, particularly to engineering graduates. On my first day as…

The Confucius Institute of the University of Cape Town has invited IFAA to co-host a high level Colloquium on China-Africa relations with Ben Turok as Programme Director. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union has been invited to deliver the keynote address, top officials are coming from China and…

ABSTRACT In this paper Professor Ben Turok (director) examines the constraints on beneficiation in South Africa. He calls for a negotiated compromise on domestic prices, perhaps for a fixed period, with suitable provisions for improved infrastructure services, and step-by-step measures to enhance local value addition and beneficiation by local manufacturers and…

An experts’ consultation on the Interface between Mining and Manufacturing was held at the IDC on 22 August 2013. IFAA co-hosted the forum along with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The forum also benefitted from the support of the Department of…

Prof. Turok writes to Business Day regarding the Cape Town Mining Lekgotla.  Sir, The report on the legislative proposals discussed at the Cape Town Mining Lekgotla (11.2.2015) raises many concerns. The mining industry has consistently stuck to its determination to sell minerals in the South African market at import parity prices…

Ben Turok writes on SONA 2015: “Let the good and wise leaders stand up!”  Published in the Sunday Times 22/02/2015.  I was not present in the National Assembly when the EFF was forcible removed but watched the scene on television. The pandemonium was awful, but what also struck me was the…

IFAA writes an agenda for action inviting all interested parties, mining and manufacturing companies, government, international agencies, research organisations, universities and experts to cooperate with us in advancing knowledge about mineral value chains and how they might benefit the people of Africa. 22nd January 2015  The Institute For African Alternatives (IFAA)…

TO get your copy please email newagenda01@gmail.com or visit our website: newagenda.org.za…

Prof. Ben Turok (director) writes on import parity pricing as an obstacle for beneficiation.  Published in Business Day 12/02/2015 The report on the legislative proposals discussed at the Mining Indaba (Minister goes back on mining agreement, February 11) raises many concerns. The mining industry has consistently stuck to its determination…