Reflections on a new activism to challenge a state comprador elite
The recognition of the need for a new activism was accompanied by a realisation that while it was necessary, it was not a sufficient…
Institutions
Democracy Works Foundation has a broad interpretation of what important institutions are for healthy democracy.
In order to strengthen democratic developmental states we focus on the following institutions:
- The Executive: enhancing capacity for effective democratic governance
- The Legislature: strengthening oversight capacity
- Civil Society: building capacity for service delivery support, oversight and its watch-dog function
- Political Parties: enhancing internal party democracy and democratic leadership for a New Politic
- Extra-parliamentary Institutions – also know as Chapter 9 institutions in South Africa: assisting their capacity to fulfill their respective mandates
Policy Brief 13: the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Role in Building Democracy
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum should be transformed into a fully-fledged and official regional parliament. This will foster democratisation in the…
South Africa’s complicated commitment to the ICC
South Africa’s relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC) is tenuous, complicated by the political landscape and economic challenges facing the Southern African nation. …
‘Ghost town’ awaits the presidential cavalcade
President Jacob Zuma will not only address a post-Sona rally but also meet with business leaders for lunch before his address. The lunch will…
Policy Brief 12: African Parliaments Need More Bite
African parliaments becoming more independent from presidents and executives is a prerequisite for improving the quality of democratic governance in Africa. This Policy Brief presents…
Policy Brief 11: Fostering Economic Democracy in Africa
Introduction The power of economic democracy to unleash shared economic growth, development and well-being is often not fully appreciated. To make economic growth more…
Discussion- Constitution & rule of law as guardians of South Africa’s constitution
Twenty years after the adoption of the first liberal democratic constitution, democracy in South Africa is coming under increasing pressure. Corruption and patronage are…
Policy Brief 10: Forging a new South African civil society-government partnership model
Introduction Given the appalling public service delivery failures, ballooning corruption and policy incoherence, South Africa’s civil society will have to play a bigger role…
State of capture & the cornered President
The President has been put on notice. South Africans are not ready or willing to give up on this democracy yet. They are in…
Debate – #Populism #Democracy, Opportunity or Threat?
As part of the EU Inspiring Thinkers Debate Series the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa…