Tafi Mhaka

Tafi Mhaka

Tafi Mhaka is a Johannesburg-based social and political commentator, who takes a keen interest in African affairs, with special focus on Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Tafi has a BA Honours degree from the University of Cape Town and works in the communications industry.

South Africa

South Africa is not ready to lead Africa

South Africa's tendency to disregard repression in its backyard has left it ineffective at promoting democracy.

South Africa is not ready to lead Africa

The Gambia

Africa needs The Gambia's leadership on human rights

By filing a case against Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya, Gambia has shown Africa's potential to promote human rights.

Africa needs The Gambia's leadership on human rights

South Africa

Helen Zille’s return is a bad omen for South Africa

Under Zille's leadership, the Democratic Alliance will likely move back to identity politics.

Helen Zille’s return is a bad omen for South Africa

Zimbabwe

The problem with SADC's 'brotherly' stance on Zimbabwe sanctions

By supporting Zimbabwe's oppressive government, SADC risks setting a very low bar for democracy in southern Africa.

The problem with SADC's 'brotherly' stance on Zimbabwe sanctions

Immigration

South Africa is becoming a pariah in Africa

Recent Afrophobic attacks demonstrate the Rainbow nation is increasingly embracing an exceptionalist identity.

South Africa is becoming a pariah in Africa

South Africa

Voting and loathing in South Africa

The general election is approaching in South Africa, so let's blame everything on migrants.

Voting and loathing in South Africa

LGBT

Are anti-gay witch hunts really protecting 'African values'?

Homophobia, not homosexuality, is a western import to Africa.

Are anti-gay witch hunts really protecting 'African values'?

Egypt

The EU-Sisi deal shows Egyptian lives don't matter in Brussels

The EU is about to strike a deal with a serial human rights abuser.

The EU-Sisi deal shows Egyptian lives don't matter in Brussels

Emmerson Mnangagwa

May and Merkel backing Mnangagwa is bad news for Zimbabwe

Foreign governments ignoring rights abuses to secure economic benefit in Zimbabwe will only enable oppression.

May and Merkel backing Mnangagwa is bad news for Zimbabwe

South Africa

The problem with Cyril Ramaphosa's friendly visit to Kinshasa

As the leader of South Africa, Ramaphosa has a responsibility to stand up to the likes of Joseph Kabila across Africa.

The problem with Cyril Ramaphosa's friendly visit to Kinshasa

Zimbabwe

How did Mnangagwa win Zimbabwe's landmark July 30 election?

The factors that led to Mnangagwa's victory signal a grim future for Zimbabwe's democracy.

How did Mnangagwa win Zimbabwe's landmark July 30 election?

Zimbabwe

What Zimbabwe needs is a clean break from Mugabe's ways

The upcoming election should be the dawn of a new era, not the continuation of Mugabe's warped unconstitutional values.

What Zimbabwe needs is a clean break from Mugabe's ways