Tara Roos

My debut book, Where To From Here, out May 1st.

In my latest Tara’s Take, I ask: if Helen Zille can’t win an outright majority in Johannesburg, how does the DA expect to win South Africa? Read the full piece: tararoos.substack.com/p/if-z…

In my latest Tara’s Take, I ask whether the GNU may be the real doomsday that South Africa should fear. Read the full piece: tararoos.substack.com/p/the-…

I had the privilege of speaking at this year’s @AardklopFees, where I joined Pierre Steyn and Pieter Steyn for a discussion around my debut book, Where to From Here? We explored the rise of populism, coalition politics and South Africa’s shifting political landscape.

I had great fun chatting to @DanCorderOnAir Corder at this year’s @Woordfees Book Festival about how to make sense of South Africa’s political noise ahead of the November 4 elections.

You can’t buy your way out of South Africa’s systemic problems. Real change starts when citizens hold leaders accountable at the ballot box. #SouthAfrica #SAPolitics #TaraRoos #TarasTake #Voting

I recently sat down with the Gen C podcast to talk about my debut book, Where to From Here?, and the big questions facing South Africa, from youth unemployment and political division to identity, democracy and coalition politics. Watch the episode here: youtu.be/KKE2UeMurjg?si=QH0Q…

In my latest article for @BDliveSA, I look at efforts to revive the Mabopane rail corridor. Read the full article: businessday.co.za/news/2026-…

In my latest Tara’s Take, I ask: should we just privatise everything? When the state continually fails to deliver, is it time to rethink its role? Read the full piece: tararoos.substack.com/p/shou…

I recently sat down with Twanji Kalula to discuss my debut book, Where to From Here?, and the state of South African politics. We discussed populism, coalition politics and why some parties are winning, losing or simply surviving. Full conversation here: youtu.be/X0xON2LwQEA?si=wpnQ…

The question to ask yourself ahead of the local government elections is not just who you want to elect, but who you want to give the power to negotiate.

In my latest article for @BDliveSA, I examine how household hunger in South Africa has hit a 15-year high, as rising food prices and incomes that have failed to keep pace leave millions struggling to afford enough food. Read the full article: businessday.co.za/news/2026-…

I had the privilege of teaching a masterclass at Stellenbosch University’s Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute as part of its Democracy and Engaged Citizenship programme. Thank you to the FVZS Institute for the opportunity to engage with students about South Africa’s democracy!

Of the 435 by-elections held since the 2021 local government elections, 120 resulted in a change of party. The share of contests changing hands rose from 23% in 2022 to 29.6% in 2025, reaching 47.1% in the first half of 2026.

In my latest article for @BDliveSA, I look at the appeal against US data centre giant Equinix’s proposed 170MW data centre next to Cape Town International Airport, which will be heard behind closed doors. Read the full article: businessday.co.za/news/2026-…

I’m pleased to be part of Let Your Voice Be Heard, a new 5-part @SABC_2 documentary series exploring the people and processes that keep South Africa’s democracy alive. The 1st episode airs Sunday, 11 October, at 21:30 on SABC 2, ahead of the local government elections. Tune in!

In my latest article for @BDliveSA, I look at Parliament’s wait for nearly 50 annual reports from government departments and public entities, despite the reporting deadline having passed. Read the full article: businessday.co.za/news/2026-…