For many in South Africa, there is a symbolic significance in the decision to pursue the genocide charge. In 2024, South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, yet vast injustices still permeate South African society because of its traumatic history.
Russell Pollitt, S.J.
Russell Pollitt, S.J., is America’s Johannesburg correspondent.
A priest from the Region of South Africa, he is currently director of the Jesuit Institute South Africa. He has written for a number of publications including the Southern African Catholic Weekly "The Southern Cross”; The Southern African Quarterly Magazine “Trefoil”; The Southern African Journal “Grace & Truth” and is the religious correspondent for South Africa’s biggest online news site "Daily Maverick." He is the author of Now is the Favourable Time. Daily Reflections for Lent and has made contributions to other books including Why Do You Weep? Finding Consolation and Peace in Times of Grief.
Father Pollitt is frequently asked for commentary on church and aocial issues in South Africa. He has been interviewed on a number of networks including the SABC, eNCA, Talk702, 567 CapeTalk, BBC and the Catholic Station Radio Veritas. Prior to being director of the Jesuit Institute he served as pastor of the downtown Jesuit church in Johannesburg. He serves on the Southern African Catholic Bishop’s Conference Advisory Committee for Social Communications. Time and training permitting he is also a keen runner and has completed a number of marathons and half-marathons.
Posted inGoodNews, Politics & Society
In South Africa, an education program changes a refugee child’s life
Three2Six offers a basic education to undocumented migrant and refugee children, many of whom are barred from South Africa’s public schools because of their residency status.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
As Africans become disillusioned with democracy, they’re turning to military coups for answers
Gabon military leaders claimed that electoral malpractice was one of the reasons for the coup, but another surely must be the growing frustration of the general public with a ruling elite who live in luxury while life for average Gabonese, despite its oil riches, remains a struggle.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
African National Congress stands with Palestinians, and South African bishops call for ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the A.N.C. remained steadfast in advocating for peace between Israel and Palestine. He said the A.N.C. stood with Palestine and its citizens, who have been oppressed for more than 70 years.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
As war begins again in Holy Land, Jesuit David Neuhaus hopes Christians can be instruments of peace
Father Neuhaus: The current military confrontations in the Holy Land are accompanied by a war to control public opinion at home and abroad. The rhetoric used on both sides basically denies the other side’s humanity.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
South Africa plagued by crippling power outages and broken promises
In a pastoral letter, titled “All Citizens to Reclaim the Dream,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference encouraged South Africans not to lose hope.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
South African Catholic bishops on building fire that killed 77: Blame the government, not immigrants
Following the tragedy, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement that decried those who “unscrupulously exploit the homeless and the poor.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Egypt hosts COP27 on climate change: Can Africa’s concerns finally get on the agenda?
“Loss and damage” because of climate change—the idea that the worst affected emerging economies receive compensation from affluent nations that have contributed the most to global warming—has for the first time been included on the agenda.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Kidnapped Catholics are the latest victims in Cameroon’s ‘Anglophone crisis’
Separatists are demanding a $50,000 ransom for the release of their victims.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Violence against women is a plague in South Africa
Advocates for the protection of women charge that rape is systemic and endemic in South Africa. Police statistics confirm this: There are about 115 rapes per day, a level that is among the highest in the world.