Opinion

The beginning of a new decade or just another step on the tripartite alliance's project, heading towards a revolutionary Pol Pot-type of Year Zero?

This week was a momentous one for South Africans - we lost one of our greatest sons in Richard Maponya; recorded the highest matric pass rate in post-apartheid history; watched the ruling ANC pass its 108th milestone; and officially ended the festive season with a new cycle of load shedding.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver his January 8 statement, he might find that a stiff tot wouldn’t go amiss as he prepares us for the year.

But even this optimist who likes to think of himself as a good friend of reality, is finding it difficult so early in the year to remain positive, writes Mazwi Xaba.