Nco Dube

The Social Commentator

  • Bombs, Nobel Dreams, and the Empire’s Old Lie

    The article critiques renewed US and Israeli military aggression against Iran, arguing that history shows empires cannot suppress a people’s desire for freedom. It dismantles familiar justifications for war: nuclear threats, liberation, and missile destruction as imperial theatre that ignores… more ›

  • Parliament was not embarrassed yesterday. It embarrassed itself.

    The Ad-hoc Committee on the Mkhwanazi Allegations witnessed a significant failure of parliamentary authority when Paul O’Sullivan walked out, highlighting the institution’s decline in procedural integrity. His dismissal of Parliament’s authority, prompted by prior reluctance to engage seriously, illustrated a… more ›

  • Blood Once, Briefs Now: The Zulu Throne After the Courts Fall Silent

    The Constitutional Court’s refusal to allow Prince Simakade kaZwelithini to appeal marks a definitive end to the legal challenge against King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s reign. What originated as a family dispute escalated into a national legal matter, reflecting deep-rooted tensions in… more ›

  • The Myth of Middle Class Power and the Class Wars

    The discourse in South Africa often centers on race, but class may play an even more significant role in shaping political dynamics. The middle class, though educated and vocal, mistakenly believes it holds political influence due to its proximity to… more ›

  • Traditional Media, New Media, and the AI Disruption

    By Nco Dube | 18 February 2026 The global media landscape is undergoing one of the most profound transformations in its history. Digital new media driven by social platforms, on‑demand streaming, and mobile technology has fundamentally altered how information is… more ›

  • Understanding South Africa’s Response to US Diplomatic Pressure

    South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled for criticizing the Trump administration, marking a significant diplomatic tension. The U.S. then appointed Brent Bozell III, a controversial figure associated with right-wing media and anti-South Africa sentiment, as its… more ›

  • SONA 2026: Between Reassurance and Reckoning

    President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ninth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2026 was characterized by a mixture of cautious optimism and skepticism. The President focused on stability and incremental progress amidst ongoing economic and social challenges. Key themes included economic… more ›

  • The Quiet Unravelling of Eskom: When Reform Becomes Dispossession

    In Nco Dube’s analysis of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, he delves into the implications of proposed energy reforms in South Africa. The President’s assurance of modernized energy systems and private investment contrasts sharply with the… more ›

  • Radio and the Rise of AI: Keeping the Soul While Embracing the Signal

    In the reflection on World Radio Day, Nco Dube emphasises the enduring intimacy and connection of radio amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in South Africa. While AI can enhance the medium by automating tasks and improving reach, Dube… more ›

  • Zulu Nationalism Without a Nation: Power, Memory and the Politics of Invention

    Zulu nationalism is resurging in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, as the country approaches the 2024 elections. This revival is not a grassroots movement but rather a strategic tool utilized by political elites to exert control when threatened. Political scientist… more ›