Political Analyst | Parliamentary Correspondent @BDliveSA | Co-host of The Bill Podcast | #TarasTake on Substack | On Air @CapeTalk | Views Are My Own.

South Africa
Joined December 2024
My debut book, Where To From Here, out May 1st.
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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.
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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
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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-…
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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!
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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.
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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-…
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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!
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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-…
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In my latest article for @BDliveSA, I look at the state of South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad, with limited funding leaving about 30% of missions in poor condition. Read the full article: businessday.co.za/news/2026-…
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I am honoured to have been one of the speakers at this year’s @TEDxDurban, where I explored a simple question: when did political disagreement start to feel like betrayal? You can watch my full talk here: youtu.be/BxlCvBjcufg?si=LKui…
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Honoured to have spoken at @OpenBookFest alongside @caryndolley and @DanCorderOnAir, in conversation with @KaraboRajuili about finding credible news sources and understanding journalism’s role in making sense of politics. Watch the full conversation here: youtu.be/HOAb7rAQxoI?si=Zw4z…
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Want to know who is running to be your ward councillor? Click the link below, enter your address, and see all the candidates contesting your ward. A useful tool by @TSouthAfricaB to help you understand your options before you vote. ballotbox.co.za/
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We have created the Ballot Box app in partnership with The Outlier. If you go to the app & type in your street address, the app will show your ward on a map and a list of ward candidates who will be on your ward ballot paper on Election Day. ballotbox.co.za/
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Tara Roos retweeted
Get the latest in financia markets, corporate coverage and the political economy, right here: tinyurl.com/49kjefk9
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