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Articles by Tony Leon
Tony Leon | Farewell and thanks: After 100 columns, one last word on leaders and the led
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article In his last column for News24, former DA leader and author Tony Leon reflects on leaders, both globally and back home, who pursue self-defeating policies. Supplied Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | Farewell and thanks: After 100 columns, one last word on leaders and the led
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Tony Leon | From Netanyahu to Trump to the ANC: A pivotal week for three countries
1h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Voters go to the polls in less than 40 days in three countries, linked in several ways to each other. X/IEC Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tony Leon | From Netanyahu to Trump to the ANC: A pivotal week for three countries
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article Voters go to the polls in less than 40 days in three countries, linked in several ways to each other. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | Doomsday or monopoly? The AI titans’ warning we cannot ignore
6h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article US President Donald Trump has described warnings about AI as a ‘hoax’. Evan Vucci/Reuters Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tony Leon | Doomsday or monopoly? The AI titans’ warning we cannot ignore
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Tony Leon | When the music stops, who stays at the head of the table?
7m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... A seismic electoral tremor erupted last week in Germany that upended coalition politics as normal after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a landslide win in the state’s election: 44% versus 17.2% for the governing CDU party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Tony Leon | When the music stops, who stays at the head of the table?
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Tony Leon | Graceland teaches us that absolutist positions in politics age badly
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Paul Simon, Joseph Shabalala and other members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Warner Theatre, Washington, DC, in May 2007. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | When America sneezes: Trump’s economic chaos and SA’s exposure
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met in June 2019 in Panmunjom, South Korea. Dong-A Ilbo via Getty Images/Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Trump chooses division over unity during America’s milestone anniversary
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article US President Donald Trump during the “Salute to America” event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, on 4 July 2026. Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | No, not every public affairs firm is Bell Pottinger
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Sam Dalrymple, Justice Malala, Tony Leon and Peter Frankopan at Franschhoek Literary Festival. Chelsea Ogilvie/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | No, not every public affairs firm is Bell Pottinger
What do you make of John Steenhuisen’s allegations against current and former DA leadership? Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later. He’s right to call out betrayal It’s sour grapes after his demotion DA infighting is damaging the party Results He’s right to call out betrayal 11% - 919 votes It’s sour grapes after his demotion 40% - 3280 votes DA infighting is damaging the party 48% - 3951 votes
Resolve Communications: Tony Leon responds to allegations
STATEMENT BY TONY LEON, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF RESOLVE COMMUNICATIONS 30 June 2016 I have spent the greater part of my life in the service of South Africa’s democracy — in its Parliament, as Leader of the Opposition, and in its diplomatic service abroad. I have been the subject of robust criticism throughout that time, and I have never sought to be spared it. Public life invites scrutiny, and rightly so.
Tony Leon | SA’s state is hollowed out, and 30 June will show us exactly how much
7m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article March and March supporters at gathering in Pietermaritzburg last week. Sakhiseni Nxumalo/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tony Leon | SA’s state is hollowed out, and 30 June will show us exactly how much
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Tony Leon | Triangulate or tergiversate: The only two moves left in the political playbook
Will you be watching Bafana Bafana take on Mexico this Thursday? Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes, wouldn’t miss it. Go Bafana! Maybe, I’ll try to catch it if I can No, but I’ll follow the score updates Results Yes, wouldn’t miss it. Go Bafana! 30% - 402 votes Maybe, I’ll try to catch it if I can 21% - 278 votes No, but I’ll follow the score updates 50% - 670 votes
Tony Leon | The DA’s Kempton Park moment with a shock eight-vote win in Evaton
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Tony Leon | Anti-fascism, Russian style: What was the ANC doing in Moscow this week?
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane met with CPRF chairperson Gennady Zyuagonov in Moscow on Monday. x/MyANC Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Anti-fascism, Russian style: What was the ANC doing in Moscow this week?
When buying food products, what matters most to you? Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later. Price, I grab whatever's on special Nutritional info, I'm watching what I eat Origin, I check where its made Brand trust, I'm loyal to certain labels Results Price, I grab whatever's on special 33% - 1 votes Nutritional info, I'm watching what I eat 33% - 1 votes Origin, I check where its made 0% - 0 votes Brand trust, I'm loyal to certain labels 33% - 1 votes
Tony Leon | The lessons SA’s leaders don’t want to learn
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Sam Dalrymple, Justice Malala, Tony Leon and Peter Frankopan at Franschhoek Literary Festival this past weekend. Chelsea Ogilvie/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | The lessons SA’s leaders don’t want to learn
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Tony Leon | From Westminster to Phala Phala: Two leaders, one fight for survival
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country on Monday night. He said he would not resign over the Phala Phala Constitutional Court judgment. Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | From Westminster to Phala Phala: Two leaders, one fight for survival
You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Enter recipient email address Subscribers can listen to this article President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the country on Monday night. He said he would not resign over the Phala Phala Constitutional Court judgment. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
TONY LEON: How King Charles charmed Donald Trump
Useful advice I received on arrival in Buenos Aires in 2009 as a barely house-trained ambassador was offered by a veteran emissary.
Tony Leon | Canary in the Constitution: What future of SA Jews tells us about our democracy
6h ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Add as a preferred source on Google Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... 0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Professor Adam Mendelsohn speaking during his UCT inaugural lecture recently. Marvin Charles/News24 Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tony Leon | Meyer’s challenge: Playing high stakes roulette in Trump’s casino
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Roelf Meyer shake hands backstage at News24’s On The Record summit 2026. (Luke Daniel/News24) Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Israel’s dark turn and Iran’s death penalty machine
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir piloted a bill designed to apply the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism through the Knesset last week. Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | The R500bn lesson: What Kirsh’s success reveals about real investment vs pledges
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article President Cyril Ramaphosa is hoping to mobilise R2 trillion in new investment by 2028 at his investment conference this week. Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images via Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once.
Tony Leon | While Argentina breaks free, SA still trapped in its economic Bermuda Triangle
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Tony Leon | External shocks, internal failures: ‘Parasitic state’ will use war as excuse
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Tony Leon | The dangerous comfort of ANC mythology in an age of hard choices
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Tony Leon | From high road scenarios to dead-end alliances: SA has lost its strategic way
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Tony Leon | Two cheers for the rule of law... but we are missing a third
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Tony Leon | Tone-deaf ANC could be punished at the polls... just like NP was in 1981
Guateng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s comments about bathing at a hotel when there is no water amid a water crisis has caused anger among the province’s residents. Gallo Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Next DA leader has great chance but also faces danger
John Steenhuisen announced last week that he would not contest the top DA leadership position at the party’s congress in April. Gallo Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Demarche to Dirco: ANC recipe for diplomatic decline
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article South Africa expulsed Israeli diplomat Ariel Seidman on Friday, giving him 72 hours to leave SA. Ariel Seidman Dcm/Facebook Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Keeping the sign up: SA must stop living the lie to join middle power nations
5m ago Share Comments Gift article Bookmark Share your Subscriber Article You have 5 articles to share every month. Send this story to a friend! Loading, please wait... Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this month. Getty Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial.
Tony Leon | Keeping the sign up: SA must stop living the lie to join middle power nations
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Tony Leon | Demarche to Dirco: ANC recipe for diplomatic decline
Do you think Geordin Hill-Lewis has what it takes to lead the DA to success? Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later. Yes, he’s the fresh blood the party needs No, he lacks experience and gravitas Possibly, but it’s a risky gamble Results Yes, he’s the fresh blood the party needs 67% - 123 votes No, he lacks experience and gravitas 11% - 20 votes Possibly, but it’s a risky gamble 22% - 40 votes
Tony Leon | From Berlin to Simon’s Town: Euphemisms can’t hide SA’s drift
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Welcome to a ruleless world of 2026: Silence in Caracas, hypocrisy in Pretoria
With the rules-based order in retreat, Tony Leon argues SA’s hard-won impeccable moral authority has been squandered once too often. Just as well, given the extraordinary, arguably extra-legal, events over the weekend in Caracas, that South Africa’s ambassador to Venezuela, Lindiwe Maeko, maintained a judicious silence (thus far). Had her predecessor, Ambassador Joseph Nkosi (now in Chad), still been in the post, who knows what would have happened. And what the ending might be.
Tony Leon | Welcome to a ruleless world of 2026: Silence in Caracas, hypocrisy in Pretoria
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article Venezuela's vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez (C), next to Venezuelan defence minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez (2nd-L) and Venezuela's Minister of Interior Relations, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello (2nd-R) during a council of ministers meeting at the vice-presidency headquarters in Caracas on 4 January 2026. Marcelo Garcia / Miraflores press office / AFP Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge.
Tony Leon | Welcome to a ruleless world of 2026: Silence in Caracas, hypocrisy in Pretoria
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Tony Leon | Festival of lights, shadow of hate: Why antisemitism never sleeps
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Tony Leon | Festival of lights, shadow of hate: Why antisemitism never sleeps
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Tony Leon | Ramaphosa’s renewal déjà vu: Same pitch after 13 years of failed delivery
0:00 Subscribers can listen to this article ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the political overview on of the ANC at its NGC in Boksburg on Monday. Supplied/Elmond Jiyane. Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
Tony Leon | Ramaphosa’s renewal déjà vu: Same pitch after 13 years of failed delivery
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Tony Leon | G20 glory vs kitchen table reality: Voters don’t care for foreign policy wins
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Tony Leon | G20 glory vs kitchen table reality: Voters don’t care for foreign policy wins
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Sunday following the conclusion of South Africa's G20 presidency. GCIS Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Already a subscriber?
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