An Ode to Youth’s Folly – The Sunset Tree by The Mountain Goats
As someone not too far removed from my adolescence, I often cringe in thinking about how idiotic I was during that time. I’m sure to some extent we all do. However, I was lucky enough that the primary damage inflicted during my teenage years was due to my own foolishness. John Darnielle, the frontman of the band The Mountain Goats, was not so lucky.
25.1.2026 |
Gabriel Makin
Key to Modern Power Politics Still Lies in 17th-Century Europe
Kissinger’s Diplomacy argues that today’s geopolitical rivalries still follow the hard rules first written in 17th-century Europe.
27.12.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
Moeletsi Mbeki: “The ANC’s Era Is Over; South Africa Must Look Beyond It”
A week ago, I sat down with Moeletsi Mbeki to talk about the country’s political future. He told me the ANC’s model has failed, its economic mismanagement and patronage state have lost it the trust of South Africans, and the real challenge is whether a new leadership, most likely from the DA, can step up to rebuild what the ruling party has squandered.
12.10.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
Economic Benefit Over Ideological Loyalty in SA Foreign Policy Poll
A SRF poll shows most South Africans want foreign policy guided by economic benefit rather than liberation loyalties.
17.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
People in Shacks Down on Ramaphosa
A 2025 SRF survey found only 30% of shack dwellers view Cyril Ramaphosa favourably, far below the national average of 46%.
16.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
South Africans Recognise Murder Rate Exceeds Global Norms
A new SRF poll shows nearly 70% of South Africans understand that our murder rate is above global norms, reflecting high awareness.
11.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
Trump’s no-good for SA, say South Africans
A Social Research Foundation poll found 60% of South Africans think Donald Trump’s election is not good for the country.
10.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
South Africans Favour Merit Over Race in Public Sector Hiring
SRF polling shows most South Africans want skills, not race, to guide public sector hiring and procurement decisions.
8.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
Key to Understanding Modern Politics Lies in 17th-Century Europe
Henry Kissinger’s Diplomacy explores Realpolitik from 17th-century Europe to the Cold War, revealing how power shapes global politics.
6.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
Voters Divided over DA No-Confidence Motion against Ramaphosa
A new SRF poll shows South Africans split on a DA no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa, raising stakes for the GNU’s stability.
4.9.2025 |
Gabriel Makin
