Capital Cities in Africa

Power and powerlessness

From the author of the acclaimed Good Muslim, Bad Muslim, this is the first analysis of the crisis in Darfur to consider the events of the last few years within the context of Sudans history, and to critically examine the efficacy of the worlds response to the crisis.

The four case studies highlighted in this book deal with the issue of traditional leaders in post-independence governance. Contributing to the local government debate in South Africa, this book investigates, compares and analyses the role of traditional leaders in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

About the book

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 is ambitious. It advocates for, among others,

• equitable and people-centred growth and development;

• eradication of poverty;

• development of human capital;

• creation of infrastructure and provision of public goods and services;

• empowerment of women and youth;

• promotion of peace and security, and the strengthening of democratic states, and

• creating participatory and accountable governance institutions.



New African Thinkers: Agenda Africa, 2063 presents the thinking of emerging scholars on these critical issues – those on whose shoulders the responsibility rests for taking this agenda forward. The book will be an essential reference for researchers and educators who are interested in Africa’s developmental path as designed in the Agenda 2063.

How central are the media to the functioning of democracy? Is democracy primarily about citizens using their vote? Does the expression of their voice necessarily empower citizens? Media and Citizenship challenges some assumptions about the relationship between the media and democracy in highly unequal societies like South Africa. In a post-apartheid society where an enfranchised majority is still unable to fundamentally practise their citizenship and experiences marginalisation on a daily basis, notions like listening and belonging may be more useful ways of thinking about the role of the media. In this context, protest is taken seriously as a form of political expression and the media’s role is foregrounded as actively seeking out the voices of those on the margins of society. Through a range of case studies, the contributors show how listening, both as a political concept and as a form of practice, has transformative and even radical potential for both emerging and established democracies.