Leaders abuse governance to control citizens
Many African countries since independence from colonialism have operated under multiple systems of governance: the country’s formal institutions, laws and values, and, in parallel,…
William Gumede
Whoever cleans up the ANC won’t survive it
There are several threats already hanging over the ANC’s elective conference in December. How could this influence its outcomes? There’s a really good chance…
Disintegrating state capacity is a betrayal of democracy
State capacity — the ability of the South African state to implement its declared policies, public services and programmes — has been undermined by…
Putting South Africa on firmer ground
Many ordinary South Africans frozen in despair amidst the crushing waves of government and political leaders’ corruption, unchecked lawlessness and callousness, question whether they…
Policy Brief 21: Strengthening the resilience of South African civil society organisations
Civil society, community organisations and social movements will have to become more resilient during these increasingly complex, uncertain and troubling times. This will demand…
SA’s future is in the hands of activists
Unheralded local civic, community and civil society activists, leaders and peace-builders, working at the coalface with local communities where broken families, decay and failing…
Policy Brief 20: Building resilient activists and communities
Civic, community and civil society activists, leaders and peace builders capacitate communities to develop localised, sustainable and equitable solutions to widespread economic hopelessness and…
Policy Brief 19: Citizen, civil society and media-based monitoring and evaluation
South Africa’s constitution relies on an organised, engaged citizenry to ensure the transparent, fair and democratic implementation of its core values. Without resolute, consistent…
Jacob Zuma: The president who would be chief
President Jacob Zuma’s presidential style has undermined the South African constitution, the rule of law and rational policymaking. It has undermined the democratic idea…
Civil Society needs to adapt in tough times
Civil society needs organisational agility, imaginative leadership and synergic partnerships in tough times. With South Africa assigned to junk status by two global credit…