Concerned global voices, including South Africa, gathered at the first UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP1), which took place in 1995, coincidently in the first year of South Africa’s new democracy. COP1 was the first joint measure in international climate action agreeing on ‘Activities Implemented Jointly’. BP 594 Manifestos on Environment & Climate Change by Berni […]

The highest number of political parties in the history of South Africa’s democratic elections will be vying for seats in the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures. This proliferation of parties can be seen as indicating a lack of faith in the major political formations to both protect and implement the constitutional rights of citizens as set out in the Constitution. BP […]

The IEC has confirmed that South Africa has 340 parties registered provincially and nationally and thus eligible to participate in the 2024 elections. 1 Not all will actually take part, but South Africa is the country in Africa with the highest number of political parties. It is thus arguably the most competitive country in Africa, election-wise. BP 592 With Regard to […]

Election fever has been ratcheted up several notches over the past few weeks, as one by one various political parties have launched their election manifestos. Some commentators, such as radio’s Tshidi Madia, now speak of the potentially high impact of ‘stadiumology’,1 referring to the nexus between filling stadia, providing lavish entertainment, enhancing the cult of the leader, and generally associating the contents of […]

A total of 115 political parties (14 of these are already represented in parliament) and 11 independent candidates will be contesting the elections on 29 May. Voters are spoilt for choice but this comes with a challenge: how do they choose? Manifestos may be a way to help voters to make informed decisions. Whether you call them ‘blueprints’, […]

On 29th May South Africans will vote in what is increasingly being regarded as the most significant national and provincial elections since the first democratic vote in 1994. By definition, all truly free and fair elections are important – they are the key means whereby the people choose who will govern on their behalf – but there are various reasons for assessing […]

There is a growing consciousness about disability and the rights of people with disability (PWD). This awareness arises from critical engagement with models of disability that have shaped the formulation and implementation of policy on PWD in our society, and in other Southern African countries.1 BP 588 New Approaches to Disability in Southern Africa by Tanyaradzwa Gwenhure Final

It is widely acknowledged that South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual crime in the world. Over 35% of children face sexual abuse, with an increasing concern about child-on-child sexual abuse.2 Childline South Africa estimates that 43% of all cases of sexual assault reported to them have been committed by other children under the age of 18. In South […]

In 2018, social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were instrumental in mobilizing South African women, gender non-conforming people, and the LGBTQIA+ community to carry out a national shut down in response to the rising rates of gender-based violence and femicide (GBV&F).1 This national shutdown led to extensive legislative reform aimed at ending GBV&F. BP 586 The Impact of Digital Technology […]

Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt occurs when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions. About one million people commit suicide each year BP 585 South Africas Suicide Crisis by Lois Law