FROM THE EDITOR
...........................................................................................................................................................................

In a highly competitive world, and particularly in the dissemination of progressive ideas, analysis and commentary is no easy undertaking. We therefore trust that all who are committed to the  realisation of the democratic ideal of freedom of thought and expression will respond positively to this journal to ensure its continuity and viability.

Our starting point is that South Africa must be a successful democratic, non-racial, non sexist prosperous country with its sharing this prosperity to eliminate poverty and underdevelopment.

We are convinced that Africa must realise her Renaissance in the context of a world order which, among other things, would:

• Give true meaning to the objective of equality among actions.
• Reinforce the struggle to defeat poverty and underdevelopment.
• Ensure that the process of globalization benefits especially the poor of the South.		 • Sustain the process towards the eradication of inequality in income, wealth
and opportunity between and within all countries.
• Promote sustainable development strategies in the critical context of greater utilisation of renewable energy.
• The protection of the environment and the conservation of the earth’s resources.

As our country and continent seeks to consolidate, promote, protect and enhance democracy the voice of progressive thinkers as an independent force has specific meaning. Theory not informed by practice is barren and practice without theory is blind.

“The Thinker” seeks to open up the space for public discourse, the clash of ideas, to stimulating intellectual debate and scientific analysis.

“The Thinker” will be a partisan journal for progressive change but non-partisan with respect to party political positions and activities. It will strive to give all its contributors the freedom to express  what they think; understanding that openness in the context of ideas, theoretical divergences and multidimensional practice is a necessary condition for fundamental social transformation. We are committed to open up the space for honesty expressed views mindful that the ideas, analysis and Commentaries that we will publish may be uncomfortable for some and anathema for others.

 As we embark on this journey we are resolved that “The Thinker” will be as solid as Rodin’s “Le Pensuer” and solid as the Metal in which it was cast.

Our deep gratitude to all those who so generously acceded to our request to contribute to this journal. Some of them appear in this issue and others will feature in later issues.

We are privileged to commend this journal to all who read it and to those who may want to contribute to the further deepening of intellectual thought, political debate, public discourse, as well as the exchange and clash of ideas.

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Copyright 2011, Vusizwe Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................