A note from the editors
Good commentary depends on close reading, patience and an ear for the language people use to frame power. Populism Africa Review is a South African commentary podcast business based in Rosebank, Johannesburg, looking beyond headline churn to trace how populist movements in Lusaka, Nairobi, Kinshasa and Johannesburg connect, differ and develop over time. Its first essay examined three leaders and the way they spoke about corruption, drawing attention among students and civil servants.
Demand grew for more depth, not more speed. That shaped everything that followed: long-form analysis, background explainers, interviews with researchers and a podcast where contributors could argue respectfully.
What we hold ourselves to
- We name our sources and correct mistakes in public.
- We do not take money from parties, candidates or campaigns.
- We publish writers from across the continent, not only from South Africa.
- We separate reporting from opinion and label both.
Where the work stands
The review now publishes essays, series and podcast episodes on African politics, with editors and contributors in several countries. The flat in Rosebank has become an office a few streets away, and the first essay is still the one most often quoted back to us.
The editors