Steven Friedman

Steven Friedman (2014)

Steven Eli Friedman (born 31 March 1953) is a South African academic, newspaper columnist, intellectual,[1] activist,[2] former trade unionist[3] and journalist.[4] He holds a doctorate in Literature from Rhodes University (2007) and directs the Centre for the Study of Democracy, a joint project by Rhodes University and the University of Johannesburg.[5] His book Building Tomorrow Today: African Workers in Trade Unions 1970-1984 has been described as a classic South African text.[6][7] He has written opinion pieces for Thought Leader and The New Age and currently writes a weekly column for Business Day.[8]

He is also a strong supporter of rights for Palestinians[9] and a proponent of a one state solution in Israel and Palestine.[10] He was appointed the National Head of the Independent Electoral Commission's Information Analysis Department during preparations for South Africa's 1994 election.[11]

He is the father of Daniel Friedman, a musical comedian known on stage as Deep Fried Man.[12][13][14]

  1. ^ Commentariat: Rent-a-quote or valuable insight?, by Niren Tolsi, Mail & Guardian, 15 December 2011
  2. ^ An undemocratic democracy[permanent dead link‍], Rhodes University Website
  3. ^ Building Tomorrow Today: African Workers in Trade Unions 1970-1984 (1987)
  4. ^ Steven Friedman SA History Online
  5. ^ Steven Friedman's staff page at the University of Johannesburg Archived 27 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ An undemocratic democracy[permanent dead link‍], Rhodes University Website
  7. ^ What are the prospects of real political realignment in South Africa?, Imraan Buccus, Mail & Guardian
  8. ^ "Steven Friedman profile". Business Day. Retrieved 21 April 2013. Steven is director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy and writes a weekly column for Business Day newspaper and BDlive.
  9. ^ Taken for a Ride by the Israeli Left, Electronic Intifada, 2007
  10. ^ Statement: One country, one state, Electronic Intifada, 2007
  11. ^ Steven Friedman SA History Online
  12. ^ de Waal, Mandy (22 November 2011). "Daniel Friedman debuts 'Deeply Fried'". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  13. ^ Chance, Katy (24 November 2011). "COMEDY: Deeply Fried". Business Day. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
  14. ^ "He's bringing Jewish back". City Press. 26 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.