Speaking uncomfortable truths to your “own” side and to the “other” side
South Africa will have to move away from slogan-based debates on policies if the country is to get out of its current economic, social…
Policy Brief 29: Strengthening Civil Society Influence on BRICS
The role and participation of civil society organisations within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and its relevant institutions are critical for…
Policy Brief 28: How civil society has strengthened democracy in South Africa
The impact of having a robust civil society in South Africa has played a critical role in creating a vibrant democratic culture and addressing…
Meet South Africa’s first Integrity Idols
After a successful campaign launch by the Accountability Lab and partners, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, LifeCo UnLtd and Democracy Works Foundation, Integrity Idol…
Policy Brief 27: Delivering a democratic developmental state for South Africa
How can a developmental state be cobbled together in the specific political, social and economic environment of a South Africa that at the same time…
Democracy is not a spectator sport
The past decade should remind South Africans that democracy does not always work the way that it should. Democracy remains elusive, it doesn’t simply…
Policy brief 26: South African civil society funding crunch
The increasing lack of funding and support to civil society organisations in South Africa and globally has meant a shut down of civic space…
The DA’s white, liberal establishment has to face the facts
Indications from the just concluded federal congress of the Democratic Alliance (DA) are that it will take some time yet, if ever it should…
Winnie had to ‘fall’ for South Africa to rise
During the 1980s Winnie Mandela was the public symbol, face, and embodiment of the radical domestic turn of the struggle against apartheid, when the…
Winnie Mandela’s legacy
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela died Monday at age 81. As she is eulogised, there will be many who point to her perceived failures. They will call her a…