We are, as a nation, counting the days until the 2026 local elections in single digits. It has always promised to be a somewhat different election: the first under the national GNU with its own dynamics;1 the experiences of coalitions at local level with very varying outcomes; predictions of bigger parties showing reductions in popularity; […]
The Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) approach to major public infrastructure development emerged partly from the recognition that South Africa’s infrastructure system had become fragmented across departments, spheres of government and public entities. BP 660 – South Africa’s Strategic Integrated Projects- From Infrastructure Ambition to Development Impact by Kenny Pasensie
It would be something of an understatement to say that local government in South Africa is in a mess. As we approach the municipal elections on 4th November, the media is full of stories of service delivery failures, institutionalised corruption, political infighting, and mayors and councillors who spend more time jostling for position than actually […]
A fresh upsurge of intimidation and violence against foreign nationals, and particularly African migrants, has once again sown distrust, generated suspicion, and prompted an entire industry of disinformation, with toxic consequences, as was witnessed in both Durban and Soweto recently. Refugee Digest 105 – Migrants, Refugees and Displaced Persons by Peter-John Pearson
World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is celebrated on 10th October annually. It is a core component of World Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated throughout October both locally and internationally. The World Federation on Mental Health (WFMH) has announced the 2026 theme as ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’. BP 658 – Mental […]
On the same day that our international jurist, Navi Pillay, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, crowds of people under the banner of March and March descended on Home Affairs offices in Durban and Soweto, threatening foreign asylum-seekers, setting vehicles alight, and looting shops; and at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, an anti-foreigner demonstrator armed […]
Local government is where South Africans experience government most directly. So, these elections are the most consequent for the everyday lives of women and children. Municipalities have jurisdiction over local by-laws and community spaces, making elected officials directly responsible for creating safer neighbourhoods, law enforcement, community infrastructure, and immediate social and health support services. Family […]
Over the past months, the threat of violence against foreign nationals has spiked significantly. Along with this, the levels of impunity of those perpetrating such acts has also risen. Misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories and rumours have also created immeasurable fear, anxiety, financial loss and the undermining of social cohesion and South Africa’s democratic culture. Refugee […]
South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for 4th November, take place in a challenging municipal governance environment. Almost three decades after the adoption of the Constitution, local government still faces significant challenges, including declining municipal performance, weak financial management, deteriorating infrastructure, and growing public dissatisfaction with basic service delivery. BP 657 – The […]
It is now just over two months since the unofficial deadline, imposed by some organisations with a xenophobic agenda, for ridding South Africa of all undocumented persons. Vestiges of the campaigns still linger, and outbursts of xenophobic activities and divisive narratives continue to surface in the public domain. It is also clear that enough time […]
