The Herald
S'thembiso Msomi

Creator

S'thembiso Msomi

S'thembiso Msomi has more than 20 years' journalism experience, including as editor of the Sunday Times and Sowetan. He was previously also political editor of the Sunday Times and City Press.

Voters queue in Macassar in the Western Cape during  local government elections

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Polls in danger of being overshadowed by national issues

Voters should guard against being blinded by the glitz and glamour surrounding the “national figures” to the point where they miss what matters the most − ward candidates and the PR list, write S'thembiso Msomi.

Former Umzimkhulu municipal manager Zweliphansi Skhosana in the dock when he appeared in court on Friday accused of the murder of former ANCYL secretary-general Sindiso Magaqa.

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Arrest everyone involved in Magaqa’s murder

For a brief moment, one was relieved that the trial against some of those accused of having conspired to kill former ANC Youth League secretary-general Sandiso Magaqa would finally start.

An EFF supporter brandishing a toy gun outside the Johannesburg High Court where members have gathered to watch the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema at Kugompo Magistrate Court in Eastern Cape where he was sentenced to 5 years direct imprisonment on gun violation charges after he was found guilty on discharging a firearm during the party's rally in 2018

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | No need for military symbolism in SA politics

Why did the EFF deem it fitting to celebrate with a gun salute

President Donald Trump. Picture:

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Ramaphosa not about to fold despite Trump’s bullying tactics

If Donald Trump read in Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice of SA ambassador to Washington a sign Pretoria was ready to kowtow to the imperial power’s wishes, Ramaphosa’s speech in Barcelona would left him with no doubt the South African has not…

Support for democracy in SA has fallen from 65% in the mid-2000s to just over 36% this year, a study has found

POLITICS IN COMMAND | Waning belief in democracy tracks jobs crisis, declining services

We should not feign surprise at the latest voter participation survey that reveals that support for democracy in SA has fallen from 65% in the mid-2000s to just over 36% this year, writes S'thembiso Msomi.

Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at the parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system.  File photo: GALLO IMAGES

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Corruption and crime wear no exclusive political party colours

Evidence shows corruption and dysfunction in the SAPS cut across both political appointees and career officers.

Brent Bozell, the US ambassador to South Africa. File photo.

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Be an envoy to all, not just a few, ambassador Bozell

Newly appointed US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozell, would do well to take a leaf out of Edward Perkins’ book.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses parliament during the  2026 SONA. Picture: 


Picture: ParliamentRSA

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Is this Ramaphosa’s legacy?

President Cyril Ramaphosa this month enters his eighth year as the country’s head of state.

Firoz Cachalia. Picture: MARK ANDREWS © DAILY DISPATCH

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | Rooting out the police’s bad apples the only way to successfully fight crime in SA

It was a terrible admission by a police minister, but an honest one. Most of his predecessors would have probably responded to the question with bravado — promising more boots on the ground

A demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest outside the US embassy in Madrid against the US strike on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Madrid, Spain, January 4 2026.

S’THEMBISO MSOMI | SA needs friends and strategies to limit Trump’s attacks to social media

His actions in Venezuela raise pressing questions about our relations with the US

A handful of supporters and members of Cosatu took time to gather at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, to commemorate and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the union. President Cyril Ramaposa spoke at the celebration and commended the work the organization has achieved in the past 40 years. The small crowd come together in support of the movement sung struggle songs as they awaited for the different speakers to address them. Picture: Kabelo Mokoena

Weakened Cosatu celebrates 40 years in the wake of Zuma tsunami

A tsunami. That’s how former Cosatu general-secretary Zwelinzima described Jacob Zuma’s rise to the top leadership of the ANC and, eventually, to that of government and the state.