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# PARI | Public Affairs Research Institute

A pioneer in the field of Institutional Studies in South Africa

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://pari.org.za/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Conference Report | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations](https://pari.org.za/conference-report-implementing-state-capture-commission-recommendations-2/) - In October 2023, PARI and CASAC hosted a follow-up to last year’s conference, ‘Implementing the State Capture Commission Recommendations’ — in Johannesburg and online — with the University of Johannesburg and News24 as partners. The aim of the conference was to keep the Commission’s work alive in the public imagination, to review how reforms or
- [Blog | Local Government White Paper Falls Short on Traditional Authorities and Climate Resilience](https://pari.org.za/blog-local-government-white-paper-falls-short-on-traditional-authorities-and-climate-resilience/) - Zain Mayet In May 2026, government published the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government – the first complete overhaul since 1998, when the original White Paper shaped the operational design, political culture and institutions of post-apartheid municipalities. This matters because South Africa’s entire local government system is currently in disarray and municipalities have weathered
- [Report | Powering Development: A Pathway to Integrating Rooftop Solar PV into Municipal Electricity Distribution](https://pari.org.za/report-powering-development-a-pathway-to-integrating-rooftop-solar-pv-into-municipal-electricity-distribution/) - By Tracy Ledger South Africa needs more electricity, more reliable electricity and cheaper electricity. Many municipalities have failed to take sufficient note of the opportunity provided by small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) such as rooftop solar and battery systems installed by residents. In some cases, they actively work to erase that opportunity by taking a punitive
- [The COMPACT Toolbox is live!](https://pari.org.za/the-compact-toolbox-is-live/) - The COMPACT Toolbox is Live! The COMPACT programme is a partnership between PARI, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Integrity Action. In 2026 the partnership culminated in the development of a toolbox which comprises a set of practical, accessible, and actionable tools that municipal stakeholders, CSOs and communities can use to improve planning,
- [Listen | Could solar rooftops cut power bills?](https://pari.org.za/listen-could-solar-rooftops-cut-power-bills/) - Stephen Grootes speaks to Tracy Ledger, senior researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), about how municipalities could cut electricity costs by buying surplus solar power from homes and businesses, unlocking billions in savings while reducing reliance on Eskom. Tracy Ledger leads PARI’s Just Transition programme and is the author of Powering Development: A
- [Colloquium | Local Government in South Africa and Beyond](https://pari.org.za/colloquium-local-government-in-south-africa-and-beyond/) - Local Government in South Africa and Beyond Johannesburg, 14-15 October Local Government is a pivotal tier of government in South Africa with 2026 a particularly important year: elections are approaching in November and a newly drafted White Paper is being finalised. At a time when South African municipalities face growing pressure to improve service delivery and
- [PRWG | Statement on the Draft Regulations under the Public Procurement Act](https://pari.org.za/prwg-statement-on-the-draft-regulations-under-the-public-procurement-act/) - The Public Procurement Act currently faces several court challenges (two of these pending court decisions on the grounds of inadequate public participation). We hope that even if the Act is set aside, public comment on the regulations can be productively used to enhance the future regulatory framework for public procurement transparency. We would welcome the
- [Report | Climate Adaptation, Justice and Equity: Conceptualising a 'Just Adaptation' in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/report-climate-adaptation-justice-and-equity-conceptualising-a-just-adaptation-in-south-africa/) - By Tracy Ledger This research paper presents a detailed analysis of the linkages between climate change, poverty and development, and critically applies that analysis to South Africa’s current climate adaptation strategies. The report draws attention to the key issues most relevant to South Africa’s situation that have not been sufficiently considered in the country’s adaptation
- [Watch | 'Surviving on Four Buckets': Realities of chronic water insecurity in Joburg’s informal settlements](https://pari.org.za/watch-surviving-on-four-buckets-realities-of-chronic-water-insecurity-in-joburgs-informal-settlements/) - Surviving on Four Buckets is a six-part documentary series produced by the Public Affairs Research Institute aimed at researching the everyday realities of chronic water insecurity in Johannesburg’s informal settlements. Focusing on Mountain City and Phumla Mqashi, the project highlights how a temporary truck and tank relief system has become institutionalised as a permanent feature
- [Screening | Surviving on Four Buckets](https://pari.org.za/screening-surviving-on-four-buckets/) - This Surviving on Four Buckets documentary series forms part of a broader research project documenting the everyday realities of water access in Mountain City and Phumla Mqashi. The research examines how households, caregivers, children, local organisations and small businesses experience unreliable water provision, long waiting times for tanker deliveries, the costs of buying water privately,
- [Statement on Xenophobia in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/statement-on-xenophobia-in-south-africa/) - Statement on Xenophobia in South Africa “South Africa belongs to all who live in it” — preamble to the South African Constitution The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) acknowledges the anger felt by many economically marginalised citizens and join others in raising concerns that real grievances have been weaponised by opportunistic forces, deflecting attention
- [PARI cartoons](https://pari.org.za/pari-cartoon/) - 2026 View Larger Powering Gauteng 'Municipal purchases of power generated by existing behind-the-meter solar installations (solar panels, inverters and battery storage) that has already been funded by residents could provide a relatively quick and easy initial part of a solution, particularly in metro areas.' — Tracy Ledger, Powering Development View Larger Just Adaptation The lack
- [Op Ed | Tongaat Hulett’s woes expose fragility of smallholder farmers in southern Africa](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-tongaat-huletts-woes-expose-fragility-of-smallholder-farmers-in-southern-africa/) - By Gaynor Paradza [First published in Daily Maverick] The sugar giant’s threat of closure not only risks thousands of jobs, but leaves a diabetic hole in land tenure, environmental rehabilitation and food security for host communities to resolve. It urgently highlights the need for tighter regulations governing large-scale land-based investments. On 27 October 2022, Tongaat
- [Op Ed | Price of Courage: Reward scheme must provide a proper set of incentives to whistleblowers](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-price-of-courage-reward-scheme-must-provide-a-proper-set-of-incentives-to-whistleblowers/) - Image: ID 3073888 | Whistle © Feng Yu | Dreamstime.com By Zain Mayet [First published in Daily Maverick] The new Protected Disclosures Bill could see whistleblowers being paid for the risks they take in exposing the corruption that runs deep in our society. But still there needs to also be a culture shift in
- [Op Ed | Death of cadre deploy­ment is grossly exag­ger­ated — but can still hap­pen](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-death-of-cadre-deployment-is-grossly-exaggerated-but-can-still-happen/) - Image: 46182474 © Kaido Rummel | Dreamstime.com Pub­lic Ser­vice Com­mis­sion’s expan­ded role cru­cial to state pro­fes­sion­al­isa­tion By Sarah Meny-Gibert and Ryan Brunette [First published in Business Day] Pub­lic ser­vice legis­la­tion doesn’t usu­ally make head­lines, but the recent passing of amend­ments to the Pub­lic Ser­vice Act has garnered a lot of atten­tion. For good reason: the
- [Podcast | Just Access: The Real Transition](https://pari.org.za/podcast-just-access-the-real-transition/) - Just Access: The Real Transition is a 10-part documentary-style audio podcast that examines the deep social, economic and political implications of South Africa’s Just Transition. As South Africa moves towards renewable energy, the transition risks repeating old patterns of exclusion. This podcast makes the case that true justice begins with access: to land, to services,
- [Blog | Enhancing Procurement Accountability Through Civil Society Engagement](https://pari.org.za/blog-enhancing-procurement-accountability-through-civil-society-engagement/) - PARI State Reform Programme From Mexico to the Philippines, civil society oversight is complementing the work of formal oversight bodies, making citizens active accountability partners in public procurement. South Africa’s new Public Procurement Act, along the same line, has developed supply-chain oversight to include civil society as a partner in a function historically fraught with
- [Watch | Surviving on Four Buckets](https://pari.org.za/watch-surviving-on-four-buckets/) - Research videos by Mahlatse Rampedi and Ntokozo Ndhlovu This six-part documentary series examines chronic water insecurity in Mountain City and Phumla Mqashi, two informal settlements in the City of Johannesburg, through an empirical focus on the ‘truck-and-tank’ system (Jojo tanks supplied by tanker deliveries). Drawing on residents’ accounts and sustained on-site observation, the series analyses
- [Submission of Comment | Draft Revised White Paper for Local Government](https://pari.org.za/submission-of-comment-draft-revised-white-paper-for-local-government/) - Submission of comment on the Draft Revised White Paper for Local Government To the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) 28 May 2026 PARI has just submitted comment on the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. PARI’s submission covered
- [Recruitment Update | Intern in the ED's office](https://pari.org.za/recruitment-update-intern-in-the-eds-office/) - RECRUITMENT UPDATE INTERN IN THE ED’s OFFICE PARI has received an overwhelming response to its advertisement in May 2026 for the post of Intern in the ED’s office. We wish to thank everyone who applied and showed such willingness and enthusiasm for providing our Executive Team with research, coordination and operational support. Unfortunately, due to
- [Statement on the Public Procurement Bill 2023](https://pari.org.za/statement-on-the-public-procurement-bill-2023-2/) - The Public Procurement Bill is deficient and dangerous Parliament’s National Assembly has passed the Public Procurement Bill, sending it to the National Council of Provinces. This Bill is among the most consequential statutes advanced by President Ramaphosa’s administration. It will govern South Africa’s trillion rands of annual procurement expenditure, a precious fifth of gross domestic
- [Statement on the Public Procurement Bill 2023](https://pari.org.za/statement-on-the-public-procurement-bill-2023/) - The PRWG believes the Public Procurement Bill is flawed and some critical changes still need to be made. “…public concerns must be addressed before the current draft is passed by Parliament.” The statement released on 11 September outlines what these changes are. The Procurement Reform Working Group, formed in 2020, includes representatives from a range
- [Press Statement | Civil Society Demands Clarity and Transparency in Emergency Procurement](https://pari.org.za/press-statement-civil-society-demands-clarity-and-transparency-in-emergency-procurement/) - Statement drafted by members of the Procurement Reform Working Group (PRWG). The PRWG was formed in 2020, in response to a sense from experts in the field of procurement reform that a unique opportunity to coordinate efforts for civil society advocacy had emerged. PRESS STATEMENT Wednesday 22 March 2023 As civil society organisations dedicated to
- [CSWG | Civil Society calls for urgent government action on NACAC anti-corruption proposals](https://pari.org.za/cswg-civil-society-calls-for-urgent-government-action-on-nacac-anti-corruption-proposals/) - MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 08 June 2026 Civil Society calls for urgent government action on NACAC anti-corruption proposals The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture (CSWG) met in Johannesburg on 4 June 2026 to deliberate on the proposals of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC), including its recommendation for the establishment of the
- [PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2026](https://pari.org.za/pari-urban-crisis-seminar-series-2026/) - Building on our previous seminar series which offered scholars, researchers and activists a space to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications on the City of Johannesburg, the next series turns the focus to the work and experiences of civil society organisations. As Johannesburg continues to
- [Submission | Protected Disclosures Bill](https://pari.org.za/submission-protected-disclosures-bill/) - Protected Disclosures Bill Submission of public comment to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development A new Protected Disclosures Bill is out for public comment by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Those supporting whistleblowers have been awaiting this Bill for a long time. PARI’s submission welcomes the new Bill. We focus our
- [Position Paper | Observe, Record, Report: Real-time citizen engagement with public procurement in SA](https://pari.org.za/position-paper-observe-record-report-real-time-citizen-engagement-with-public-procurement-in-sa/) - SUMMARY Principles of fairness, equity, transformation, competition and cost-effectiveness governing state procurement have often been violated in South Africa. The State Capture Commission highlighted how opacity across the procurement chain enables corruption, collusion and overpricing, while conventional oversight often starts only when contracts have been awarded and funds spent. Provisions in the new Public Procurement
- [Land and the Just Transition: A Guide for Local Government](https://pari.org.za/land-and-the-just-transition-a-guide-for-local-government/) - Land and the Just Transition: A Guide for local government A PARI-IIED-SALGA-ALIGN Project What is it The Guide diversifies the narrative and framing of the climate response beyond renewable energy to include the strategic importance of land and the local government in shaping the global climate response. Why is it important It is important because
- [Press release | Public Service Amendment Act 9 of 2025](https://pari.org.za/press-release-public-service-amendment-act-9-of-2025/) - Statement on the President signing the Public Service Amendment Act into law Issued by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) 9 April 2026 The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) welcomes the signing into law of the Public Service Amendment Act. This is a significant reform. We caution, however, that the legal framework to support
- [Conference | COMPACT National Conference](https://pari.org.za/conference-compact-national-conference/) - COMPACT National Research Conference 2025 “Reimagining Developmental Local Government: New Approaches to Legacy Challenges” On 1 and 2 December, COMPACT and SALGA are hosting a national research conference under the theme “Reimagining Developmental Local Government: New Approaches to Legacy Challenges” in Gauteng. COMPACT is a partnership between the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), the South
- [LG Citizen Monitoring | Monitor's Handbook](https://pari.org.za/lg-citizen-monitoring-monitors-handbook/) - Citizen-Based Monitoring Handbooks Integrity Action, a COMPACT partner, has developed handbooks for monitors who participate in the citizen-based monitoring programme (CBM) at South African municipalities. The monitors handbook aims to assist monitors with the required knowledge to work together with their municipalities to enhance accountability and improve service delivery. The handbook is currently available in
- [Blog | Ashes to Ashes: Procurement, Coalitions and the Politics of Neglect in Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/blog-ashes-to-ashes-procurement-coalitions-and-the-politics-of-neglect-in-johannesburg/) - Zain Mayet and Waseem Holland The phrase ‘the country is on fire’ is a historical echo of protest, but in Johannesburg, it has become devastatingly literal. The crisis within the municipal fire department is more than a story of broken trucks, it is a disasterclass in how a city fails its people. Rather than an
- [PARI Welcomes Three New Board Members](https://pari.org.za/pari-welcomes-three-new-board-members/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new non-executive members to its Board of Directors: Ms Zamandlovu (Zama) Ndlovu, Dr Siphosami Malunga and Mr Nico Esterhuizen. Their appointments significantly strengthen the Board’s collective expertise in governance, strategic communications, finance and organisational development. Zamandlovu (Zama) Ndlovu brings extensive experience
- [Blog | How Open Municipal Data in South Africa is Improving Service Delivery](https://pari.org.za/blog-how-open-municipal-data-in-south-africa-is-improving-service-delivery/) - PARI Local Government Programme South Africa’s municipalities have long been plagued by poor service delivery and governance. This has only been worsened by a lack of accountability and transparency that has persevered despite vigorous protest and resistance from civil society. PARI, an African research institute focused on governance and institutional performance, is doing pathbreaking work
- [Gallery | COMPACT National Research Conference 2025](https://pari.org.za/gallery-compact-national-research-conference-2025/) - On 1 and 2 December, COMPACT and SALGA hosted a national research conference under the theme ‘Reimagining Developmental Local Government: New Approaches to Legacy Challenges’ in Johannesburg. COMPACT is a partnership between the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Integrity Action (IA), and 12 participating partner local municipalities across
- [Annual Report 24/25](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-24-25/) - The Year In Review 2024 was a year of internal renewal, ongoing collaborations and expanded public engagement, with a particular focus on public policy in the different programme areas. In both its institutional life and its research focus, the organisation reaffirmed its role as an institute working with policymakers, implementers, civil society, academia, the media
- [Report | Comparative Review of Global Approaches to Electricity Tariff Setting](https://pari.org.za/report-comparative-review-of-global-approaches-to-electricity-tariff-setting/) - By Shirley Salvoldi This report reviews global approaches to electricity tariff design, focusing on cost of supply studies and other methods across various regulatory and market contexts. It examines current trends, technological impacts, cost drivers, affordability, tariff structures and customer categories, highlighting how these challenges are addressed in different countries. The report concludes with recommendations
- [Working Paper | Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the New Colonialism of Climate Data in the Global South](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-artificial-intelligence-ai-and-the-new-colonialism-of-climate-data-in-the-global-south/) - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the New Colonialism of Climate Data in the Global South Toward just and decolonial adaptation futures Johannes Bhanye Abstract As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly central to climate adaptation governance, a troubling paradox emerges: the very tools intended to enhance resilience may also deepen global inequalities. AI-driven climate data systems,
- [Working Paper | The Tyranny of Metrics, the Power of Stories and Epistemic Diplomacy](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-the-tyranny-of-metrics-the-power-of-stories-and-epistemic-diplomacy/) - The Tyranny of Metrics, the Power of Stories and Epistemic Diplomacy Building bridges, not silos in climate-risk mapping in the global South Johannes Bhanye, Gaynor Paradza Abstract This working paper argues that climate-risk mapping in the global South is trapped between ‘precisionism’ (indices, dashboards, model pipelines) and ‘groundtruthing’ (ethnography, participatory mapping, lived narratives). Precisionism
- [Webinar | Radio Workshop: Insights from Power to Change Campaign](https://pari.org.za/webinar-radio-workshop-insights-from-power-to-change-campaign/) - PARI’s Just Transition programme is a participant in Radio Workshop’s civic dialogue engagement that looks at youth voice, community-centred storytelling and the role of radio in the Just Energy Transition. Join the webinar on 10 December to learn more.
- [G20 Summit with Dr Sithembile Mbete](https://pari.org.za/g20-summit-with-dr-sithembile-mbete/) - The twentieth G20 Summit was held in Johannesburg over 22-23 November 2025 – the first G20 to be held in Africa. PARI’s Executive Director, Dr Sithembile Mbete, gave wide commentary in interviews and panels on development in Africa and other areas of discussion, such as the United States’ controversial decision to withdraw from the Summit.
- [Tracker | State Capture Commission Update 2025](https://pari.org.za/tracker-state-capture-commission-update-2025/) - The State Capture Commission Update 2025 is is an update to our short annual tracker publication , which we first released alongside the PARI-CASAC conferences on the Zondo Commission, which ran for three years. Previous trackers can be found here: 2024 2023 2022 Download
- [Where do we stand with the Presidential commitments on state capture?](https://pari.org.za/where-do-we-stand-with-the-presidential-commitments-on-state-capture/) - PARI is releasing two publications regarding President Ramaphosa’s commitments in response to the State Capture Commission / Zondo Commission report. In October 2022, the President, in his response made to the South African Parliament, committed to some 60 actions, most of them focused on institutional and regulatory reform. On the 3rd anniversary of the President’s
- [Report | National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council](https://pari.org.za/report-national-anti-corruption-advisory-council/) - In October 2022, President Ramaphosa submitted his response to the Zondo Commission to the South African Parliament. He committed to some 60 actions, most of them focused on institutional and regulatory reform. The first report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) is a detailed assessment of progress made in implementing the President’s 60 commitments
- [Statement on Israel’s siege on Gaza, 2023](https://pari.org.za/statement-on-israels-siege-on-gaza-2023/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) joins the international call for an end to the indiscriminate and unprecedented bombardment of Gaza — a permanent ceasefire, return of all hostages and safe passage for the people of Gaza to return to their homes, along with continued humanitarian aid and solutions for lasting peace in the region.
- [Webinar | Municipal Financial Transparency](https://pari.org.za/webinar-municipal-financial-transparency/) - Know where your money goes: Tracking municipal spending. A COMPACT webinar. 15 October 2025 2-4 pm Title
- [PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2025](https://pari.org.za/pari-urban-crisis-seminar-series-2025/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Johannesburg Crisis: Concerned Academics, launch a seminar series to offer scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications on the City
- [Journal Article | Stakeholder Power and Local Community Participation in Public-Sector Megaprojects: The Case of Medupi Power Station in Lephalale, South Africa](https://pari.org.za/journal-article-stakeholder-power-and-local-community-participation-in-public-sector-megaprojects-the-case-of-medupi-power-station-in-lephalale-south-africa/) - By Sikhumbuzo Dube, graduate of PARI’s Organisational and Institutional Studies programme. This is article is grounded in his doctoral thesis. Volume 51 – Issue 2 – pp 215–34 | Journal of Southern African Studies Abstract This article explores how stakeholder power positions influence the interpretation, expectation and practice of local community participation in public-sector megaprojects.
- [Watch |  Sarah Meny-Gibert: What kind of mayor does Joburg need?](https://pari.org.za/watch-sarah-meny-gibert-what-kind-of-mayor-does-joburg-need/) - PARI’s Dr Sarah Meny-Gibert looks at the kind of leadership needed for the efficient running of a city. She spoke to Newzroom Afrika on 20 September, just ahead of the DA announcing its mayoral candidate. The city has seen a revolving door of mayors, with four taking office since Mpho Phalatse’s ousting in 2023.
- [Listen |  Sithembile Mbete: More Explosive information released at Madlanga Commission](https://pari.org.za/listen-sithembile-mbete-more-explosive-information-released-at-madlanga-commission/) - Dr Sithembile Mbete, PARI’s Executive Director, gives commentary on the proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry into Criminality. This is following testimonies from KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkwanazi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Radio Islam International · Sithembile Mbete: More Explosive inforamation released at Madlanga Commission
- [Public comment | Public Service Commission Bill 2023: Submission to the NCOP](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-public-service-commission-bill-2023-submission-to-the-ncop/) - Public Service Commission Bill (B 30B–2023): Submission of public comment to the National Council of Provinces Submitted by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Public Service Accountability Monitor, The Equality Collective and The Ethics Institute (TEI) 12 September 2025 The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is now receiving public comment on the Public Service Commission
- [Vacancies | Board Members](https://pari.org.za/vacancies-board-members/) - Image: ID 32746189 | Board Members © Ffang | Dreamstime.com Advertisement 3 BOARD MEMBERS & 1 BOARD CHAIR JOHANNESBURG About PARI The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) aims to contribute towards a more executive and accountable state in South Africa through research and advocacy. We believe that improving the executiveness of state institutions
- [COMPACT Collaboration Tool: Train the Trainer Workshop](https://pari.org.za/compact-collaboration-tool-train-the-trainer-workshop/) - The COMPACT Collaboration Tool Train the Trainer workshop has come to an end after 3 jam-packed days. Participants learned how to use the tool to unpack challenges, to cultivate vision and hope, and to implement/adapt effectively given the complex and unique nature of collaboration. The workshop was facilitated with great success by Distillery . Thank
- [Compact | New Recruits to a Brand New Programme](https://pari.org.za/compact-new-recruits-to-a-brand-new-programme/) - We are excited to introduce new members to the PARI team who are working on a soon-to-launch programme: Compact. Compact is a four-year project implemented by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Integrity Action (IA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to enhance accountability at local government level. The PARI component is led
- [Report Citations list](https://pari.org.za/reports/) - 2024 Chilenga-Butao, T. and W. Holland (2024) ‘Transitions: The role of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy in South Africa’s just energy transition’. A PARI report. Johannesburg: Public Affairs Research Institute. CSWG (2024) ‘A Collective Civil Society Response to the Zondo Commission and the State Capture Report’. A CSWG Report. March 2024. Civil Society
- [Working Papers citations list](https://pari.org.za/working-papers/) - 2024 Brunette, R. (2024) ‘Checking Political Discretion in Recruitment to South Africa’s Public Administration’. Working Paper No. 2. Johannesburg: Public Affairs Research Institute. Pearson, J. (2024) ‘Reflections on the Role of Traditional Authorities in Land Governance in 21st Century South Africa’. Working Paper No. 1. Johannesburg: Public Affairs Research Institute. 2022 Klaaren, J., F. Belvedere,
- [Journal Citations list](https://pari.org.za/journal-articles/) - 2025 Duca, F., A. Mutua, L. Tetley-Brown, G. Karuri-Sebina and J. Backhouse (2025) ‘A systematic review of smart city governance in the Southern African Development Community’. Nature Cities 2: 149–56. Beier, R. and Mathibela, N. (2025) ‘The occupation of state housing as a moral obligation? Housing welfare in Gauteng between reciprocity and liberalism’. International Sociology.
- [Municipal Performance Management Technical Digest](https://pari.org.za/municipal-performance-management-technical-digest/) - This technical digest comes as a part of COMPACT’s response to the recommendation that performance management at all levels be prioritised through providing sufficient information and support to councillors and municipal employees. This is for them to understand their roles and responsibilities in the municipal accountability value chain and for them to perform their duties
- [Policy brief | ‘Unjust’ Transition for Youth in South Africa: A case study of youth in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-unjust-transition-for-youth-in-south-africa-a-case-study-of-youth-in-steve-tshwete-local-municipality/) - About this brief Climate change is necessitating a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Despite policies implemented to mitigate the impacts, marginalised groups – including indigenous people, women and youth – remain disproportionately affected. The unjust transition in this policy brief highlights the exclusion of young people in Mpumalanga Province’s Steve Tshwete Local
- [Policy brief | Restructuring Free Basic Services to Support Equitable Development](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-restructuring-free-basic-services-to-support-equitable-development/) - About this brief THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT – South Africa is characterised by high poverty and inequality. More than half of all households live below the upper bound poverty line, which for a household of four means a total monthly income of less than R6,536 in 2024. Forty per cent of households live below the
- [Public comment | Public Service Amendment Bill 2023: Submission to the NCOP](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-public-service-amendment-bill-2023-submission-to-the-ncop-2/) - Public Service Amendment Bill [B13B—2023]: Submission of public comment to the National Council of Provinces Submitted by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and The Ethics Institute (TEI) 30 June 2025 PARI, with the Ethics Institute (TEI), recently made a submission to Parliament on the Public Service Amendment Bill. This is the primary piece of
- [Op Ed | South Africa urged to firm up developmental vision for universal electricity access](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-south-africa-urged-to-firm-up-developmental-vision-for-universal-electricity-access/) - Image: Bram Lammers/2021/De Aar/Family uses electricity for heating [First published in Engineering News] A leading advocate for the provision of free basic electricity (FBE) to poor South African households has welcomed moves by government to pursue its universal access goal through a “developmental” lens but believes more still needs to be done to firm
- [Submission | White Paper on Local Government Review Process](https://pari.org.za/submission-white-paper-on-local-government-review-process/) - White Paper on Local Government Review Process Submission on the White Paper Review Discussion Document The Department of Cooperative Government (DCOG) is currently reviewing the 1998 Local Government White Paper, and has recently called for comment on a short review document it published this year. The 1998 White Paper has largely provided the policy vision
- [Report Launch | Transitions: The role of the DMRE in SA's just energy transition](https://pari.org.za/report-launch-transitions-the-role-of-the-dmre-in-sas-just-energy-transition/) - On 12 September 2024, the State Reform programme launched a new PARI report Transitions: The role of the DMRE in South Africa’s just energy transition in Illovo, Johannesburg. The panel featured the report’s lead author, Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, along with Victor Munnik (groundWork / Wits) and Lebohang Mulaisi (Presidential Climate Commission). The discussion was facilitated by
- [Journal Article | The occupation of state housing as a moral obligation? Housing welfare in Gauteng between reciprocity and liberalism](https://pari.org.za/journal-article-the-occupation-of-state-housing-as-a-moral-obligation-housing-welfare-in-gauteng-between-reciprocity-and-liberalism/) - By Raffael Beier (TU Dortmund) and Nonhlanhla Mathibela. Nonhlanhla is a researcher in PARI’s Just Transition programme. This is article is based on her MPhil research on the sale of RDP houses in Lehae, Gauteng. International Sociology https://doi.org/10.1177/02685809251343586 Abstract The article analyses how political stakeholders have mobilized a moralizing discourse to blame practices of renting
- [Conference Report | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations](https://pari.org.za/conference-report-implementing-state-capture-commission-recommendations/) - In October 2023, PARI and CASAC hosted a follow-up to last year’s conference, ‘Implementing the State Capture Commission Recommendations’ — in Johannesburg and online — with the University of Johannesburg and News24 as partners. The aim of the conference was to keep the Commission’s work alive in the public imagination, to review how reforms or
- [Watch | Dr Mbete comments on Ramaphosa's meeting with US President](https://pari.org.za/watch-dr-mbete-comments-on-ramaphosas-meeting-with-us-president/) - “I think that President Ramaphosa dealt with falsehoods as well as he could. But of course, no one can ever be prepared for that kind of ambush.” —Dr Sithembile Mbete, PARI’s Executive Director, on President Ramaphosa’s visit to the Oval Office on 21 May 2025, where President Trump presented unfounded evidence depicting Afrikaner persecution in
- [Public comment | Public Service Amendment Bill 2023: Submission to the NCOP](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-public-service-amendment-bill-2023-submission-to-the-ncop/) - Public Service Amendment Bill [B13B—2023]: Submission of public comment to the National Council of Provinces Submitted by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and The Ethics Institute (TEI) 30 June 2025 PARI, with the Ethics Institute (TEI), recently made a submission to Parliament on the Public Service Amendment Bill. This is the primary piece of
- [Public comment | Public Service Commission Bill 2023: Submission to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-public-service-commission-bill-2023-submission-to-the-gauteng-provincial-legislature/) - Public Service Commission Bill (2023): Submission of public comment to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Submitted by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), University of Johannesburg and The Ethics Institute (TEI) 30 June 2025 PARI, with the Ethics Institute (TEI), recently made a submission to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on the Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill.
- [Report | Land Allocation and Development at the Municipal-Traditional Authority Interface](https://pari.org.za/report-land-allocation-and-development-at-the-municipal-traditional-authority-interface/) - By James Chakwizira and Funani Tshivhase This report explores the governance structures and land administration systems of Rambuda, Tshivhase and Masia – traditional councils in Vhembe District, Limpopo province. The report looks at how traditional councils execute land development application decisions. The aim of this research is to better understand the dynamics of land governance
- [Report | Affordability of Basic Services for South African Households](https://pari.org.za/report-affordability-of-basic-services-for-south-african-households/) - By Tracy Ledger, with Nonhalanhla Mathibela South Africa is characterised by high poverty and high inequality. More than half of all households live below the upper bound poverty line and 40 per cent of households live below the lower bound poverty line . Most concerning is that 25 per cent live below the food poverty
- [Listen | SMWX: Can GNU bring economic justice?](https://pari.org.za/listen-smwx-can-gnu-bring-economic-justice/) - PARI’s Executive Director Sithembile Mbete participated in a recent SMWX podcast: ‘In today’s episode, in collaboration with the Institute for Economic Justice, we are joined by Febe Potgieter (ANC: Head of Policy), Neil Coleman (IEJ: Senior Policy Specialist) and Sithembile Mbete (PARI) to unpack the GNU and whether it can bring economic justice.
- [Draft Guidelines | Unlocking Land for a Just Transition](https://pari.org.za/draft-guidelines-unlocking-land-for-a-just-transition/) - On the 24th of June 2025, PARI’s Land Governance Programme Researcher Daniel Sher presented the Draft Guidelines on how municipalities should unlock land for a just transition, at the Q4 2024/25 Meeting Nkangala District Municipality Climate Change Forum. The presentation raised awareness of District and Local Municipalities about the importance of land in the Just
- [Listen | New report calls for clear basic-services standards in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/listen-new-report-calls-for-clear-basic-services-standards-in-south-africa/) - Dr Tracy Ledger, lead author on PARI’s latest report, Affordability of Basic Services for South African Households, spoke to Radio Islam about why it is imperative for South Africa to define and properly subsidise minimum levels of water and electricity required for dignified living and productive livelihoods. Radio Islam International · New report calls for
- [Lecture | Ethics of Investigative Research](https://pari.org.za/lecture-ethics-of-investigative-research/) - Professor Marco Marzano from Bergamo University will present a lecture at PARI on 9 June, looking at the ethics of investigative research. ‘The Investigative is a theoretical paradigm for qualitative social research, different from the Cooperative. Its premises are that 1) the main aim of social research is not to illustrate the subject’s point of
- [Gallery | State, Democracy and the Promise of Development Symposium](https://pari.org.za/gallery-state-democracy-and-the-promise-of-development-symposium/) - Symposium | State, Democracy and the Promise of Development: South Africa in comparative perspective 15–16 May 2025 Wits Club, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa The symposium, State, Democracy and the Promise of Development: South Africa in comparative perspective was held at Wits University, in collaboration with Brown University. Learn more Screenshot Screenshot Screenshot
- [Symposium | State, Democracy and the Promise of Development: South Africa in comparative perspective](https://pari.org.za/symposium-state-democracy-and-the-promise-of-development-south-africa-in-comparative-perspective/) - The symposium, State, Democracy and the Promise of Development: South Africa in comparative perspective is taking place at Wits University on 15 and 16 May, in collaboration with Brown University. In the 2024 national elections, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time, and post-apartheid South Africa was launched into an era
- [Campaign | Joburg Basic Services for All](https://pari.org.za/campaign-joburg-basic-services-for-all/) - With reference to Tracy Ledger’s recent work on basic services in South Africa, and particularly the City of Johannesburg, PARI ran a social media campaign, outlining the Just Transition programme‘s main arguments.
- [Gallery | State Capture and Corruption in Africa Workshop](https://pari.org.za/gallery-state-capture-and-corruption-in-africa-workshop/) - Workshop | State Capture and Corruption in Africa: Towards critical engagement with anti-corruption policy 8–9 May 2025 Wits Club, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa The workshop was held over two days with resident and visiting scholars: Sarah Meny-Gibert (PARI); Gladwell Otieno (AfriCog, Kenya); Alagaw Ababu Kifle (African Leadership Centre); Waseem Holland (PARI); Clement
- [Policy brief | Limiting Political Influence on Appointments in the South African Public Administration](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-limiting-political-influence-on-appointments-in-the-south-african-public-administration/) - About this brief This policy brief is one of a series developed by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), intended to contribute to a strategy for state reform. The series focuses on interventions to achieve integrity, democratic control and effectiveness in the public administration. This policy brief summarises the arguments in a PARI working paper:
- [Journal Article | Legitimating Security Networks in South Africa’s Exclusionary Suburbs](https://pari.org.za/journal-article-legitimating-security-networks-in-south-africas-exclusionary-suburbs/) - By Lily Manoim, graduate of PARI’s Organisational and Institutional Studies programme. This is article is grounded in her Master’s thesis. Volume 5 – Issue 1 – 2025 | New Sociological Perspectives Abstract It is widely recognised within policy and within the literature that security is performed by a multiplicity of actors, rather than purely the
- [Conference | Elements of just transition readiness: lessons and strategies for transition-effective land governance](https://pari.org.za/conference-elements-of-just-transition-readiness-lessons-and-strategies-for-transition-effective-land-governance/) - Dr Gaynor Paradza, PARI’s Land Governance Programme Lead, is participating in this conference on transition-effective land governance on 5 May 2025, as part of the World Bank Land Conference 2025. “There is an urgent need for a just and rapid shift away from fossil fuels to low-carbon economies. This transition will be highly land-intensive, posing
- [T20 Side Event | Critical Minerals: Brazil-SA Dialogues for a Just Transition](https://pari.org.za/conference-elements-of-just-transition-readiness-lessons-and-strategies-for-transition-effective-land-governance-2/) - Dr Tracy Ledger is PARI’s Just Transition Programme Lead. She was a panellist at the Embassy of Brazil in South Africa on 30 April 2025, to engage in the discussion, Critical Minerals: Brazil-South Africa Dialogues for a Just Transition. The discussion was part of the official side programming of the Think20 Africa Conference. “Both countries hold
- [Webinar | Enhancing Youth Participation in Local Government in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/webinar-enhancing-youth-participation-in-local-government-in-south-africa/) - Exploring different tools and programmes which seek to improve youth involvement in municipalities COMPACT Presentation IEC Presentation HSRC Presentation More information and resources SACN Youth Engagement Toolkit https://www.sacities.net/publication/sacn-youth-engagement-toolkit/ ASRI’s Municipal Oversight & Accountability Programme https://asri.org.za/oversight/ HSRC’s e-Participation project https://hsrc.ac.za/our-research/e-participation-project/ On 10 April 2025, the COMPACT project hosted a webinar on the topic of Enhancing Youth
- [Public Comment | Public Service Commisson Bill](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-public-service-commisson-bill/) - Public Comment on the Public Service Commission Bill Issued by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and The Ethics Institute November 2024 PARI and the Ethics Institute (TEI) submitted comment on the Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill to the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration. The Bill aims to enhance the conditions for
- [Seminar | Making Bureaucracy Work](https://pari.org.za/seminar-making-bureaucracy-work/) - Author Akshay Mangla will present his book, Making Bureaucracy Work: Norms, Education and Public Service Delivery in Rural India (2022), followed by a discussion. For more information about the seminar, contact communications@pari.org.za Register here
- [Webinar | From Your Pocket to Public Services: Tracking Municipal Budgets](https://pari.org.za/webinar-from-your-pocket-to-public-services-tracking-municipal-budgets/) - Join the National Treasury, GTAC and PARI for an engaging webinar on the outcomes of the 2023/2024 MFMA Section 71 local government report. We’ll explore key revenue and spending trends, helping citizens gain a foundational understanding of local government finances. This session empowers the public to uphold their constitutional role in holding representatives accountable for
- [Policy brief | Oversight in Parliament: The role of comittees](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-oversight-in-parliament-the-role-of-comittees/) - About this brief Effective parliamentary oversight is essential for democracy. The Constitution enshrines the National Assembly’s mandate to exercise oversight over the Executive arm of government. But committees are the engine rooms of Parliament, where the detailed work of scrutinising, reviewing and reporting happens. Arguably, committees matter far more for oversight than the National Assembly.
- [Working Paper | Reflections on the Role of Traditional Authorities in Land Governance in 21st Century South Africa](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-reflections-on-the-role-of-traditional-authorities-in-land-governance-in-21st-century-south-africa/) - By Joel Pearson This working paper offers a survey of recent South African literature on the role of the chieftaincy in issues of land administration and governance. It does so along three broad thematic areas which, I argue, underpin current debates around traditional authority in the post-apartheid context: (1) democracy; (2) bureaucracy; and (3) capitalism.
- [Reading Group | Urban Power](https://pari.org.za/reading-group-urban-power/) - PARI’s internal reading group has chosen Benjamin Bradlow’s Urban Power: Democracy and Inequality in Sǎo Paulo and Johannesburg to read this year. The book seeks to understand why some cities are more effective than others in reducing inequality in the built environment. ‘For the first time in history, most people live in cities. One in seven
- [Op Ed | Empty promises: The struggle for equitable access to water](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-empty-promises-the-struggle-for-equitable-access-to-water/) - Image: Bram Lammers/Bram Lammers Photography for PARI By Tracy Ledger [First published in News24] Despite the Constitution and the progressive pro-poor promises, administrative practices have largely abandoned this approach and instead focused on a cost-recovery, user-pays model in which poor households are seen as a problem, and not a priority. Water is essential to human
- [Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2024](https://pari.org.za/urban-crisis-seminar-series-2024/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Johannesburg Crisis: Concerned Academics, launch a seminar series to offer scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications on the City
- [Report | Empty Promises: The struggle for equitable access to water in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/report-empty-promises-the-struggle-for-equitable-access-to-water-in-south-africa/) - By Tracy Ledger Water is essential to human existence and wellbeing: access to sufficient, clean water is central to sanitation, human health and quality of life. This was recognised as a human right by the United Nations (UN) in 2010. Only 52 countries guarantee access to water as a human right. South Africa is one
- [Op Ed |  South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-south-africa-has-failed-to-deliver-access-to-enough-water-for-millions-a-new-approach-is-needed/) - Image: Water leaks, Johannesburg/Bram Lammers Photography for PARI By Tracy Ledger [First published in The Conversation Africa] [En français dans Nouvelles du monde] South Africa is one of only 52 countries that guarantee access to water as a human right. “Access” from a human rights perspective means that water is physically accessible, clean and safe
- [Op Ed |  Joburg's failing infrastructure a result of poor prioritisation, not lack of funds](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-joburgs-failing-infrastructure-a-result-of-poor-prioritisation-not-lack-of-funds/) - Image: Water leak in road, Johannesburg/Bram Lammers Photography for PARI By Tracy Ledger and Jugal Mahabir [First published in Daily Maverick] Extravagant councillor lunches should be sacrificed to ensure that everyone in Johannesburg receives their constitutional right to water, not the other way around. Johannesburg’s water system is in crisis: almost all areas of the
- [Journal Article | A systematic review of smart city governance in the Southern African Development Community](https://pari.org.za/journal-article-a-systematic-review-of-smart-city-governance-in-the-southern-african-development-community/) - Academic Engagement Lead, Federica Duca, is co-author on this article in Nature Cities. Abstract This paper offers a systematic review of literature on smart cities in the Southern African Development Community countries, with a focus on the complexities of urban dynamics and governance within the region. The novelty of this qualitative systematic review is that
- [Land Governance programme collaborates with SALGA to support just transition](https://pari.org.za/land-governance-programme-collaborates-with-salga-to-support-just-transition/) - Image: KwaZulu-Natal/Simon Hull/November 2024 On 5 March, Land Governance Programme Lead Gaynor Paradza participated in the SALGA National Working Group on Development Planning and Rural Development. Dr Paradza shared ongoing work in her programme, to support municipalities and traditional leaders to unlock land for South Africa’s just transition. Learn more about PARI’s Land Governance
- [PARI researchers at Cardiff University](https://pari.org.za/pari-researchers-at-cardiff-university/) - Dr Gaynor Paradza and Murial Kwena, from PARI’s Land Governance programme, are attending the 19th annual International Academic Association on Planning Law and Property Rights (PLPR) at Cardiff University, Wales from 3-7 March 2025. https://www.arl-international.com/news/international-academic-association-planning-law-and-property-rights-conference-2025 PLPR over the past 18 years, has developed into a leading global planning law and property rights forum. Our annual
- [Research Webinar | Institutional Professionalism in Local Government](https://pari.org.za/salga-research-webinar-institutional-professionalism-in-local-government/) - PARI’s State Reform Programme Lead Sarah Meny-Gibert was a speaker at a recent SALGA webinar exploring what it means to professionalise the public administration in local government. The State Reform programme is supporting SALGA’s efforts to build a community of practitioners working in this topic.
- [Launch | Former DGs' website goes live](https://pari.org.za/launch-former-dgs-website-goes-live/) - The Association of Former Directors-General (AfDG), was formed in 2021 and brings together former DGs who adhere to values of integrity, honesty and transparency. The AfDG is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders in the professionalisation of the public service, broader public sector reform and building capabilities of a developmental state. The AfDG is excited
- [Public Comment | Draft Public Administration Management Regulations for the Central Register](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-draft-public-administration-management-regulations-for-the-central-register/) - The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has published draft regulations for a central register for tracking dismissals and disciplinary cases across government. PARI, with the Public Service Accountability Monitor, The Ethics Institute and The Equality Collective, has just submitted public comment to the DPSA on the regulations. We welcome the establishment of a
- [A Just Distribution: What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition?](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-a-just-distribution-the-role-of-distribution-policy-in-a-just-energy-transition-3/) - by Tracy Ledger ‘What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition? In our initial assessment, there are two key gaps in the current national just transition debate that will undermine significant progress towards a genuinely inclusive and socially just energy system. The first gap is created by the fact that many of
- [Policy brief | Enhancing Security of Tenure through Land Administration](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-enhancing-security-of-tenure-through-land-administration/) - In the first policy brief, we outlined the problem of off-register rights in South Africa and the challenge of finding appropriate ways to bridge the gap between the recordal and administration of typically common-law property rights on the one hand, and customary and other informal land rights on the other. In this policy brief, we
- [Policy brief | What are the challenges of incorporating the diverse land rights of the majority of South Africans into the existing formal land registration system?](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-what-are-the-challenges-of-incorporating-the-diverse-land-rights-of-the-majority-of-south-africans-into-the-existing-formal-land-registration-system/) - The apartheid legacy of imposing an exclusive private property regime, thereby rendering indigenous forms of tenure invisible, continues to contribute to the high levels of poverty on the continent, and in South Africa, to the extraordinary levels of inequality that persist. In addition, the scramble for Africa’s natural resources that intensified over the last decades
- [Policy brief | Proposals to Policymakers to Transform Land Administration and Secure Tenure for Unregistered Land Rights in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-proposals-to-policymakers-to-transform-land-administration-and-secure-tenure-for-unregistered-land-rights-in-south-africa/) - In the first policy brief in this series, we outlined the problem of off-register rights in South Africa and the challenge of finding appropriate ways of bridging the gap between the recordal and administration of typically common law property rights on the one hand and customary and other informal land rights on the other. In
- [Policy brief | Review of Traditional Authority Customary Land Management Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa](https://pari.org.za/review-of-traditional-authority-land-management-practices-in-llmpopo-province-of-south-africa/) - This policy brief explores the municipal–traditional authority nexus through the lens of land development applications. By focusing on how traditional authorities handle land applications, the brief provides an insight into the dynamics and nuances at this level. The aim is to highlight the complexities and logic in the traditional authority land management and innovations taking
- [Workshop | What Now Since the State Capture Commission?](https://pari.org.za/what-now-since-the-state-capture-commission/) - Deliberation and feedback on the priority issues from the Zondo Commission that civil society needs to watch. More than two years ago, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture (Zondo Commission) concluded its work. In October 2022, the President submitted his response to the Zondo Commission to the South African Parliament and
- [Report | The Role of the State in a Successful Just Transition: Defining the transition effective state](https://pari.org.za/report-the-role-of-the-state-in-a-successful-just-transition-defining-the-transition-effective-state/) - By Tracy Ledger To date, the details of how to build a transition effective state have received little attention in transition narratives, beyond narrow recommendations for an increase in certain technical skills within the state. Notably, there are no comprehensive definitions of transition capability to guide the development of a transition effective state. Part 6
- [Policy brief | Slowing down a moving train: the DMRE’s response to South Africa’s just energy transition](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-slowing-down-a-moving-train-the-dmres-response-to-south-africas-just-energy-transition/) - By Thokozani Chilenga-Butao Abstract South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) should have a key role in the just energy transition. It has been a regulator and policymaker of the country’s mineral resources and energy sectors since the 1800s. However, the DMRE is slowing down the energy transition, primarily due to its perception
- [Working Paper | Checking Political Discretion in Recruitment to South Africa’s Public Administration](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-checking-political-discretion-in-recruitment-to-south-africas-public-administration/) - By Ryan Brunette Abstract As civil service reform comes onto the agenda in South Africa, this paper analyses the contemporary situation and suggests an approach to moving forward. Key to success will be the creation of independent checks on excessive political discretion in recruitment into the public administration. The government’s existing across-the-board approach, which threatens
- [Gallery | What Now Since the State Capture Commission?](https://pari.org.za/gallery-what-now-since-the-state-capture-commission/) - Images: Bram Lammers Photography bl_Pari_3661 copy bl_Pari_3682 copy Paul Pretorius PARI conference 2024 PARI conference 2024 PARI conference 2024 bl_Pari_4086 copy bl_Pari_3686 copy bl_Pari_3689 copy bl_Pari_3691 copy bl_Pari_3731 copy bl_Pari_3745 copy bl_Pari_3753 copy bl_Pari_3783 copy bl_Pari_3820 copy bl_Pari_3960 copy bl_Pari_3962 copy PARI conference 2024 bl_Pari_4005 copy bl_Pari_4025 copy bl_Pari_4038 copy bl_Pari_4116 copy Zuki panel bl_Pari_4181
- [Report | Public Participation and Municipal Planning in South Africa: A consolidated technical findings report on action research at 12 local municipalities](https://pari.org.za/report-public-participation-and-municipal-planning-in-south-africa-a-consolidated-technical-findings-report-on-action-research-at-12-local-municipalities/) - The COMPACT project aims to enhance public participation and planning in 12 partner municipalities in South Africa. This report consolidates and synthesises the research findings from across the 12 municipalities and outlines the institutional environment and limitations around effective public participation, including the functioning of ward committees. The report also investigates the alignment of the
- [State Capture Commission Conference Page](https://pari.org.za/register-now-state-capture-conference/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and the Council for the Advancement of the Constitution (CASAC) held a conference on the 14th and 15th of September 2022 to engage meaningfully with the findings, gaps and recommendations that came out of the Zondo Commission report. The hybrid conference was held at the University of Johannesburg and
- [Conference Report | State Capture Commission Conference](https://pari.org.za/report-state-capture-commission-conference/) - In June 2022 the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo delivered its final report to the President of South Africa. The work of the Commission provides strong evidence of state capture, and detailed insight into how state capture was organised and facilitated. The Commission has provided
- [Media Statement | PARI appoints a new Executive Director](https://pari.org.za/media-statement-pari-appoints-a-new-executive-director/) - Media Statement 2 December 2024 PARI appoints a new Executive Director The Public Affairs Research Institute’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce Dr Sithembile Mbete as PARI’s new Executive Director, beginning 1 December 2024. Sithembile brings to PARI a wealth of experience as a political scientist with over 15 years’ experience dedicated to bridging
- [Watch | How to build a transition effective state](https://pari.org.za/watch-how-to-build-a-transition-effective-state/) - This animation was produced by the Just Transition programme at the Public Affairs Research Institute. It is a summary of the PARI report ‘The Role of the State in a Successful Just Transition: Defining the Transition Effective State‘ by Tracy Ledger. Download the full report here: pari.org.za/tes
- [Books and Book Chapters](https://pari.org.za/book-chapters/) - BOOKS Ledger, T. and M. Rampedi (2024) Soif d’Électricité. Johannesburg: Public Affairs Research Institute. Buthelezi, M. and P. Vale (eds) (2023) State Capture in South Africa: How and Why It Happened. Johannesburg: Wits University Press. Duca, F. and S. Meny-Gibert (eds) (2023) State-society Relations Around the World Through the Lens of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
- [Addressing systemic corruption: a state-building project](https://pari.org.za/addressing-systemic-corruption-a-state-building-project/) - Image: Bram Lammers Photography, State Capture Commission Workshop, Johannesburg By Lawson Naidoo and Sarah Meny-Gibert [First published in the Sunday Times: The focus shift we need to fight corruption] Corruption, Paul Pretorius emphasised at a recent workshop on the State Capture Commission, is evolving as we speak. We must get to grips with the
- [Listen | Improving revenue collection in municipalities](https://pari.org.za/listen-improving-revenue-collection-in-municipalities/) - Local Government Programme Lead Jugal Mahabir joined a conversation with Lerato Mbele (Power FM), Minister of CoGTA Velenkosini Hlabisa and Lerato Phasha, Head of Municipal Finances at SALGA on 11 November 2024. The discussion revolved around municipalities across the country who are grappling with revenue collection. For example, Gauteng’s municipalities are faced with an outstanding
- [Livestream | What Now Since the State Capture Commission?](https://pari.org.za/livestream-what-now-since-the-state-capture-commission/) - Watch the livestream of What Now Since the State Capture Commission? Deliberation and feedback on the priority issues from the Zondo Commission that civil society needs to watch. November 15, 9am to 1pm
- [Zondo Commission | Where do we stand in 2024?](https://pari.org.za/zondo-commission-where-do-we-stand-in-2024/) - This document sets out the progress on commitments made by the executive and legislature concerning the Zondo Commission recommendations. It is an update of a document published by PARI in October 2023 for that year’s PARI-CASAC Conference on the Zondo Commission. The recommendations contained in the Zondo Report can be critiqued, and we do not
- [CSWG | A Collective Civil Society Response to the Zondo Commission and the State Capture Report](https://pari.org.za/cswg-a-collective-civil-society-response-to-the-zondo-commission-and-the-state-capture-report/) - The work of the Zondo Commission, which spanned over four years, laid bare the various networks of looters in the public and private sectors who have criminally enriched themselves at the expense of the people of South Africa. This is a reflection, by numerous civil society organisations within the Civil Society Working Group on State
- [Report | The Role of the State in a Successful Just Transition: Defining the transition effective state](https://pari.org.za/tes/) - By Tracy Ledger To date, the details of how to build a transition effective state have received little attention in transition narratives, beyond narrow recommendations for an increase in certain technical skills within the state. Notably, there are no comprehensive definitions of transition capability to guide the development of a transition effective state. Part 6
- [Listen | Municipal Accounts: Relief for struggling households as the City of Ekurhuleni implements a 70% debt write-off](https://pari.org.za/listen-municipal-accounts-relief-for-struggling-households-as-the-city-of-ekurhuleni-implements-a-70-debt-write-off/) - Thabiso Tema on PowerFM speaks to Energy Transition Lead, Dr Tracy Ledger. Households that have been struggling to pay rates and taxes to the city of Ekurhuleni can now benefit from an offer from the metro. Residents can now apply for a 70% debt write-off. This incentive is only available to those whose municipal accounts
- [Watch | Renewable energy will fix our economy now](https://pari.org.za/watch-renewable-energy-will-fix-our-economy-now/) - This animation was produced by the Energy Transition programme at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI). Download the full policy brief: Rapid electricity supply diversification in municipalities is the key to economic recovery, municipal financial sustainability and a permanent end to load shedding https://pari.org.za/renewables
- [Policy brief | Rapid electricity supply diversification in municipalities is the key to economic recovery, municipal financial sustainability and a permanent end to load shedding](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-rapid-electricity-supply-diversification-municipalities-key-to-economic-recovery-end-to-load-shedding/) - This policy brief was developed by PARI’s Energy Transition programme, whose overarching goal is to contribute to the successful implementation of a Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Arica; a transition that will contribute both to decarbonisation goals and an equitable energy system that reduces poverty and inequality. Load shedding isn’t our only serious electricity
- [Report | State of Parliament and its MPs: Identifying challenges to oversight and proposing solutions](https://pari.org.za/report-state-of-parliament-and-its-mps-identifying-challenges-to-oversight-and-proposing-solutions/) - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Parliament is required by the constitution to “scrutinise and oversee executive action”: the key function of the system of separation of powers built into our democracy. The importance of parliamentary oversight cannot be overstated. The Constitutional Court’s ‘secret ballot’ judgment states: “[…] accountability is necessitated by the reality that constitutional office bearers occupy
- [Workshop | Engagement with South Africa's 7th Parliament](https://pari.org.za/workshop-engagement-with-south-africas-7th-parliament/) - Engagement with South Africa’s 7th Parliament: the country’s first grand coalition will result in new challenges and opportunities for oversight and lawmaking. Will the GNU result in more cooperation in oversight and law making? Will oversight by the opposition be weakened? What do the workings of the previous six parliaments teach us for how Parliament
- [Report | Transitions: The role of the DMRE in SA's just energy transition](https://pari.org.za/report-transitions-the-role-of-the-dmre-in-sas-just-energy-transition/) - By Thoko Chilenga-Butao and Waseem Holland A month before the publication of this report, the President announced his new cabinet under a Government of National Unity – appointing two ministers at the helm of what was the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). Both ‘new’ departments – Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and Electricity and
- [Annual Report 23/24](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-23-24/) - The Year In Review The past year has been the most notable at PARI, featuring our largest budget and a record number of publications. We released two significant edited volumes on State Capture and Covid-19 responses. We also welcomed dynamic new team members, particularly younger researchers. This year, PARI will continue to deepen its existing
- [Hungry for Electricity: Now available in two languages](https://pari.org.za/hungry-for-electricity-now-available-in-two-languages/) - Hungry for Electricity is a groundbreaking book by Tracy Ledger and Mahlatse Rampedi arguing for universal access to electricity in South Africa. It is now available in English and French, as a free pdf or for purchase as a hard copy. We think we are free today but we are not. It is as though
- [Policy brief | An Assessment of Local Government Revenues during Limited Economic Growth and a Constrained National Fiscus](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-an-assessment-of-local-government-revenues-during-limited-economic-growth-and-a-constrained-national-fiscus/) - By Jugal Mahabir This policy brief undertakes an analysis of municipal revenues over a 12-year period, covering two major recessions (2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic), its aftermath and a period of constrained economic growth in the country. This period was large recessions, followed by small periods of economic recovery and a general
- [Seminar | Water Crisis in Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/seminar-water-crisis-in-johannesburg/) - Please join us for a discussion of the ‘water crisis in Johannesburg’. The discussion will focus on the history and context of the crisis, as well as the role of academics in mitigating it. The meeting will take the form of a facilitated discussion, opened with a presentation from Mike Muller. Mike Muller is a
- [Public Comment | Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Bill (‘Coalitions Bill’) 2024](https://pari.org.za/public-comment-local-government-municipal-structures-amendment-bill-coalitions-bill-2024/) - Submission of Public Comment to the Department of Cooperative Governance 30 July 2024 The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, as recently published for public comment by the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCOG) (Government Gazette No. 50682). And we welcome DCOG’s initiative to
- [Policy brief | Rapid electricity supply diversification in municipalities is the key to economic recovery, municipal financial sustainability and a permanent end to load shedding](https://pari.org.za/renewables/) - This policy brief was developed by PARI’s Energy Transition programme, whose overarching goal is to contribute to the successful implementation of a Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Arica; a transition that will contribute both to decarbonisation goals and an equitable energy system that reduces poverty and inequality. Load shedding isn’t our only serious electricity
- [Statement | PARI’s Executive Director joins Nelson Mandela Foundation as CEO](https://pari.org.za/statement-paris-executive-director-joins-nelson-mandela-foundation-as-ceo/) - Monday, 29 July 2024 – The Director of the Public Affairs Research Institute, Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi has been appointed as the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Dr Buthelezi has dedicated approximately nine years to PARI where he has contributed to the work and enhanced the trajectory of the organisation through his leadership. Dr Buthelezi
- [Call for Submissions | A multidisciplinary approach to the study of Urban Crisis: A focus on the City of Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/call-for-submissions-a-multidisciplinary-approach-to-the-study-of-urban-crisis-a-focus-on-the-city-of-johannesburg/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Johannesburg Crisis: Concerned Academics*, launch a seminar series to offer scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications on the City
- [Seminar | Urban Power: Democracy and Inequality in São Paulo and Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/seminar-urban-power-democracy-and-inequality-in-sao-paulo-and-johannesburg/) - Urban Power: Democracy and Inequality in São Paulo and Johannesburg (2024) Princeton University Press Benjamin Bradlow is Assistant Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton University, appointed in both the Department of Sociology and the School of Public and International Affairs. Thursday, 1 August 2024, 1–3pm Zoom link Meeting ID: 938 4070 8080 Passcode:
- [Purchase a hard copy of 'Hungry for Electricity' or 'Soif d'Électricité'](https://pari.org.za/purchase-a-hard-copy-of-hungry-for-electricity/) - Hungry for Electricity and Soif d’Électricité are on sale at PARI for R 100.00 CASH: email refiloer@pari.org.za to arrange purchase at our offices in Forest Town, Johannesburg. EFT: Make payment and email a p.o.p to refiloer@pari.org.za – For collection in Forest Town, Johannesburg. If you require a courier to anywhere in SA, please add
- [Seminar | Towards Integrated Land Governance](https://pari.org.za/seminar-towards-integrated-land-governance/) - This seminar is a presentation by Prof. James Chakwizira, University of Venda / NorthWest University on 16 July 2024 at 2pm, at PARI’s offices in Forest Town. The title of his presentation is Towards Integrated Land Governance: Hierarchical and Elevated Functional Roles of Traditional Councils in Municipalities: Learning from the case of Limpopo Province, South
- [Watch | AfDG: An impartial, professional public administration will take us forward](https://pari.org.za/watch-afdg-an-impartial-professional-public-administration/) - Pam Yako, representing the Association of former Directors-General (AfDG), talks to Newzroom Afrika about how the public administration in the Government of National Unity (GNU) should operate, just ahead of the new Cabinet announcement. She places emphasis on the need for an impartial administration, and a clear understanding and respect for the role of a
- [Energy and Society](https://pari.org.za/energy-and-society/) - Please go to https://pari.org.za/energy-transition/
- [Seminar | Preservation and Progress: Governing heritage and development in South Africa post-1994](https://pari.org.za/seminar-preservation-and-progress-governing-heritage-and-development-in-south-africa-post-1994/) - This seminar is a presentation by Dr Rachel King on 20 June at 2pm, at PARI’s offices in Forest Town. Rachel King is Associate Professor in Cultural Heritage Studies at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and honorary research affiliate at Wits University. She is the author most recently of Outlaws, Anxiety, and Disorder (Palgrave, 2019)
- [Watch | Crux Alliance: a global network of climate NGOs](https://pari.org.za/watch-crux-alliance-a-global-network-of-climate/) - PARI’s Director, Mbongiseni P. Buthelezi, contributes to the conversation how the Crux Alliance aims to support policy makers globally to achieve lower emissions and a safer climate future. PARI is a member of the Crux Alliance and the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks (INETTT). The Crux Alliance is a global network of non-governmental
- [Listen | Who is Voting in 2024? | South Africa: democracy and the promise of redistribution](https://pari.org.za/listen-who-is-voting-in-2024-south-africa-democracy-and-the-promise-of-redistribution/) - The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy (Geneva Graduate Institute) is running a podcast series entitled Who is voting in 2024? This episode on South Africa looks at the South African landscape and grapples with the various factors that make this landscape uniquely challenging; from land restitution and municipal chaos to the idiosyncracies of the ANC.
- [Report | AfDG State Capacity Dialogue Series](https://pari.org.za/report-afdg-state-capacity-dialogue-series/) - Over 2022 and 2023, PARI partnered with the Association of Former Directors-General to host a number of roundtable dialogues on the capacity of the state. These discussions brought together former and current DGs and senior civil servants, former and current SOE executives and board members, city and municipal managers, academics engaged in the field, and
- [Op ed | Rapid municipal energy supply diversification will light way to a much brighter economy](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-rapid-municipal-energy-supply-diversification-will-light-way-to-a-much-brighter-economy/) - ID 161037019 © Lovelyday12 | Dreamstime.com By Tracy Ledger [First published in Daily Maverick] Rolling blackouts aren’t our only serious electricity problem. South Africa urgently needs additional sources of electricity that are as low-cost as possible to permanently shift the economy onto a higher development path. Access to electricity is critical for supporting economic growth
- [Op Ed | Johannesburg's electricity tariff trap for the poor](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-johannesburgs-electricity-tariff-trap-for-the-poor/) - Photo 252665390 | City Joburg © Brian Scantlebury | Dreamstime.com By Tracy Ledger [First published in News24] The struggles that poor households face in paying for even small amounts of electricity are well-documented: in many households, electricity competes with food for a share of limited income, and the main reason why child-grant recipients borrow money is to pay for electricity.
- [Webinar | Towards Coherent Land Policy-Making in SA: Insights and Lessons](https://pari.org.za/webinar-towards-coherent-land-policy-making-in-sa-insights-and-lessons/) - Achieving coherence in land governance remains a challenge in South Africa. Attempts to reconcile diverse claims involve trade-offs and compromises. South Africa finds itself locked in these policy processes to mobilise and consolidate the diverse stakeholders in land governance. Join PARI’s webinar titled Towards coherent land policy-making in South Africa: Insights and Lessons on Wedensday,
- [New Book | State-Society Relations around the World through the Lens of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Rapid Test](https://pari.org.za/new-book-state-society-relations-around-the-world-through-the-lens-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-rapid-test/) - A new Routlege publication edited by Federica Duca and Sarah Meny-Gibert. The collection examines state–society relations during the Covid-19 pandemic, from governance at the outset of the pandemic to vaccine rollouts, via a series of case studies from around the world. With a focus on the global South, the book includes chapters on the experiences
- [Research Workshop Series 2023](https://pari.org.za/research-workshop-series-2023/) - Call for proposals for the second round of seminars A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the state and civil society in the African continent and beyond. The Public Affairs Research Institute launches the second round of the workshop series to offer scholars, researchers and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either
- [Research Workshop Seminar Series 2023](https://pari.org.za/research-workshop-seminar-series/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute launches the second round of the workshop series to offer scholars, researchers and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications. download calendar
- [Submissions on the new Public Procurement Bill](https://pari.org.za/submissions-on-the-new-public-procurement-bill/) - PARI and the Joint Strategic Resource (JSR) in NEDLAC have put forward a second round of respective submissions to the Standing Committee on Finance in the National Assembly, on the new Public Procurement Bill. The Bill attempts to address the massive inefficiency and corruption in South Africa’s public procurement system. As PARI Associate Ryan Brunette
- [Statement | The Public Service Amendment Bill does not go far enough](https://pari.org.za/statement-the-public-service-amendment-bill-does-not-go-far-enough/) - Statement on the National Assembly’s passing of the Public Service Amendment Bill Issued by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) 29 February 2024 The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) welcomes the National Assembly’s passing of the Public Service Amendment Bill, which will now proceed to the National Council of Provinces. The Bill is an important
- [Special Issue | Current research and opinion on land governance for societal development in and on the Global South](https://pari.org.za/special-issue-current-research-and-opinion-on-land-governance-for-societal-development-in-and-on-the-global-south/) - Lead of PARI’s Land Governance programme, Gaynor Paradza, co-edited this Special Issue of Land Use Policy with Uchendu Eugene Chigbu, Romie Vonkie Nghitevelekwa and Michael Klaus. Titled Current research and opinion on land governance for societal development in and on the Global South, the volume offers 27 articles on land use, land tenure and land
- [Comments on the Draft White Paper for Human Settlements 2023](https://pari.org.za/comments-on-the-draft-white-paper-for-human-settlements-2023/) - Human settlements are a critical component of rural and urban development. The importance of access to adequate housing is enshrined in Section 26 of the Constitution. While the various housing interventions have influenced the trajectory of housing delivery in post -apartheid South Africa, the rate of RDP housing delivery has significantly declined in recent years.
- [Public submission to Parliament on the Public Service Commission Bill 2023](https://pari.org.za/public-submission-to-parliament-on-the-public-service-commission-bill-2023/) - PARI and The Ethics Institute welcome the Public Service Commission (PSC) Bill as a step towards ensuring the vision of public administration that is professional, effective, impartial and developmentally directed (Section 195 of the South African Constitution). The Bill primarily seeks to enhance the conditions for the impartiality and independence of the PSC, and to
- [Op Ed | State Capture: Professional enablers can and must be held accountable for their role](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-state-capture-professional-enablers-can-and-must-be-held-accountable-for-their-role/) - By Devi Pillay [First published in the Mail & Guardian] The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has recently announced that German software company SAP will pay R2.2 billion to South African state entities and government departments as restitution for its role in state capture. This was the result of a coordinated resolution between the NPA and
- [Inclusive and Decentralised Renewable Energy Development : Local government community inclusivity and readiness for green hydrogen development in Namakwa District Municipality](https://pari.org.za/inclusive-and-decentralised-renewable-energy-development/) - A report by Thina Nzo and Jugal Mahabir. The main objective of this research is to provide a critical assessment of the principle of inclusion and the readiness of host municipalities in the implementation of nationally driven renewable energy initiatives towards South Africa’s just energy transition, using the proposed green hydrogen development initiative in Boegoebaai
- [Book | State-Society Relations Around the World through the Lens of the Covid-19 Pandemic](https://pari.org.za/book-state-society-relations-around-the-world-through-the-lens-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - PARI is delighted to announce the publication of the new book edited by Federica Duca and Sarah Meny-Gibert, State-Society Relations Around the World through the Lens of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Rapid Test. The book was preceded by a series of articles published by PARI: Covid-19 States and Societies | Social Contracts Around the World The
- [Policy brief | ‘Stabilising’ the political-administrative interface in local government: where to from here?](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-stabilising-political-administrative-interface-in-local-government-where-to-from-here/) - By Sarah Meny-Gibert and Ryan Brunette This policy brief focuses on delineating and stabilising the political administrative interface in local government in South Africa. Often framed in policy discussions as part of a process to ‘professionalise’ the public administration – government has mooted a number of proposals in this regard, most prominently with the publication
- [Submission on the Draft National State Enterprises Bill](https://pari.org.za/submissions-on-the-national-state-enterprises-bill/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and Corruption Watch welcome the opportunity to comment on this draft of the National State Enterprises Bill. State-owned enterprises play a significant role in South Africa’s economic development. Chapter 10 of the Constitution requires that they must be governed by principles, inter alia, of professionalism, efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
- [Joint Strategic Resource | A Strategic Public Procurement Paradigm for South Africa](https://pari.org.za/joint-strategic-resource-a-strategic-public-procurement-paradigm-for-south-africa/) - A Strategic Public Procurement Paradigm for South Africa: Reflections on the development of the Public Procurement Bill South Africa’s public procurement regime, established in the context of public sector reform initiatives of the late 1990s and early 2000s, requires reform. The drafting process for new public procurement legislation has been a long and winding one,
- [Conference | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations | 25 & 26 Oct](https://pari.org.za/scc-conference-oct-2023/) - Welcome to PARI and CASAC’s conference on the implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations. The aim of the conference is to keep the Commission’s work alive in the public imagination, to review how reforms or interventions might be progressing, to discuss how civil society might support these initiatives, and to discuss strategies for holding the
- [Policy brief | Why indigenous land tenure security is a condition for indigenous community engagement](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-why-indigenous-land-tenure-security-is-a-condition-for-indigenous-community-engagement/) - By Gaynor Paradza and Jabu Hlatshwayo ABSTRACT Secure land tenure is a precondition to beneficial land occupation. Tenure security enables land holders to derive benefit from their land. Although they have valid claims to land, indigenous people experience persistent tenure insecurity which, in turn, undermines their livelihoods. Indigenous communities have experienced historical injustices that include
- [Gallery | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations Conference](https://pari.org.za/gallery-implementing-state-capture-commission-recommendations-conference/) - Images by Bram Lammers Photography DAY 1 DAY 2
- [Enhancing Accountability | The COMPACT Programme](https://pari.org.za/enhancing-accountability-the-compact-programme/) - The COMPACT Programme, led by PARI in collaboration with SALGA and Integrity Action was showcased in this short video. This film was made for the launch of the European Union Enhancing Accountability programme on 25 October 2023. 2:09 Girish Daya, COMPACT Programme Lead
- [News Coverage | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations Conference](https://pari.org.za/news-coverage-implementing-state-capture-commission-recommendations-conference/) - The Implementing State Capture Recommendations Conference was held jointly by PARI and CASAC on 25 and 26 October 2023 in Johannesburg. READ MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE Click on the links below to see coverage of the conference in the media.
- [Session by session recordings | Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations Conference](https://pari.org.za/watch-implementing-state-capture-commission-recommendations-conference/) - The Implementing State Capture Recommendations Conference was held jointly by PARI and CASAC on 25 and 26 October 2023 in Johannesburg. READ MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE Watch the individual sessions at the links below. DAY 1 DAY 2
- [Op Ed | Gauteng’s response to homelessness is a temporary solution to a structural problem](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-gautengs-response-to-homelessness-is-a-temporary-solution-to-a-structural-problem/) - Photo 47630336 © Louise Rivard | Dreamstime.com Gauteng’s response to homelessness is a temporary solution to a structural problem [first published in Daily Maverick] By Noluthando Ngcobo, OIS Masters student The Gauteng Department of Social Development needs a thorough analysis of the demographic profile of homeless people in the province to understand how economic transformation, the
- [Watch | Pillay: It's difficult to prosecute state capture cases](https://pari.org.za/watch-pillay-its-difficult-to-prosecute-state-capture-cases/) - Researcher for State Reform programme at the Public Affairs Research Institute Devi Pillay says many of the justice and crime fighting institutions in SA have themselves been victims of state capture. Pillay says this makes it difficult for them to prosecute based on the recommendations of the State Capture Commission. This week, PARI’s State Reform
- [Livestream | State Capture Commission Conference](https://pari.org.za/live/) - The ‘Implementing State Capture Commission Recommendations’ Conference is hosted by PARI and CASAC, partnering with the University of Johannesburg and News24, on 25 and 26 October 2023. The livestream can be followed here from 9am to 4pm each day. GO TO LIVESTREAM For more information about the conference, the programme and alternative joining options, please
- [Discussion Document | Implementing the Zondo Commission Recommendations: Taking stock of progress and charting a way forward](https://pari.org.za/discussion-document-implementing-the-zondo-commission-recommendations-taking-stock-of-progress-and-charting-a-way-forward/) - Overview The Zondo Commission provided strong evidence of state capture and detailed insight into how state capture was organised and facilitated by persons in both the public and private sectors. However, the Commission — and commissions in general — was established to investigate a matter of public concern and to report to the President; is
- [Journal article | "Mutual Accommodation”: Clientelist Politics in South African School Education](https://pari.org.za/journal-article-mutual-accommodation-clientelist-politics-in-south-african-school-education/) - By Sarah Meny-Gibert ABSTRACT Whilst most post-apartheid public schools in South Africa remain significantly underfunded, the education budget nevertheless provides a significant injection of jobs and public spending into the provinces–into rural provinces with small economies especially. Based on research in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng provinces, I show how a particular form of clientelist
- [Compact | 2023 Stakeholder Engagement](https://pari.org.za/compact-2023-stakeholder-engagement/) - The COMPACT programme held a Stakeholder Engagement on 14 September 2023 in Johannesburg and online. It was great to be in the same room together and to learn and share from each another on issues around participation, planning and accountability in SA. The overall aim of the COMPACT Stakeholder Engagement was to bring together all
- [Seminar | The Privatised State](https://pari.org.za/seminar-the-privatised-state/) - Chiara Cordelli, author of The Privatised State, will be presenting her book at the PARI seminar, followed by a discussion. The book was a focus of PARI’s reading group in 2022. For more information about the seminar, contact communications@pari.org.za
- [Talking Democratization in Buenos Aires](https://pari.org.za/talking-democratization-buenos-aires/) - International Workshop | Conferencia Internacional RETHINKING DEMOCRATIZATION IN AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA: VIOLENCE, STATE, CITIZENSHIP, AND MARKETIZATION | REPENSADO LA DEMOCRATIZACIÓN EN AFRICA Y AMÉRICA LATINA: VIOLENCIA, ESTADO, CIUDADANÍA Y MERCANTILIZACIÓN Buenos Aires | UNSAM–EDIFICIO VOLTA, PISO 6, AULA 603. AVENIDA R. S. PEÑA 832, CABA. 19, 20, 22 and 23 March 2018 | 19,
- [Covid-19, States and Societies | Social contracts around the world](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-social-contracts-around-the-world/) - Covid-19, States and Societies is a new series which presents texts from around the globe, detailing relationships between states and societies: how they have unfolded since the beginning of the pandemic and throughout the varied experiences of lockdown in different countries. We are reading these papers from South Africa, to put our country’s response in
- [A New Call for Papers | Covid-19, States and Societies](https://pari.org.za/a-new-call-for-papers-covid-19-states-and-societies/) - After publishing the Covid-19, States and Societies Series online in 2020, with fascinating submissions from 14 countries, PARI now seeks academic papers (7000 words) to be published as a book by a university press in Johannesburg. The new call is open to all, including those who submitted articles towards the original online series. If you
- [Podcast: Democracy and the Poor](https://pari.org.za/podcast-democracy-and-the-poor/) - Audio of a public lecture by Andreas Kalyvas.
- [Democracy and the Poor](https://pari.org.za/democracy-and-the-poor/) - A public lecture by PARI visiting professor, Andreas Kalyvas 3 August, 5-7pm Wiser Seminar Room, 6th floor, Richard Ward Building, Wits University [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]T[/nectar_dropcap]he lecture examines the hypothesis of democracy as the politics of the poor, in an attempt to radically rethink the democratic experience and to capture its political singularity and defining traits. To
- [Seminar | Joel Hellman on State Capture](https://pari.org.za/seminar-joel-hellman-state-capture-soviet-union/) - This Friday 23 February, PARI is delighted to host a seminar on state capture with Professor Joel S. Hellman from 13:00 to 15:00. Hellman wrote groundbreaking work on state capture in 2000, focusing on the former Soviet Union: Seize the State, Seize the Day: State Capture, Corruption and Influence in Transition. He is the dean
- [Watch | Talking Democratization in Buenos Aires](https://pari.org.za/watch-talking-democratization-buenos-aires/) - Rethinking Democratization in Africa and Latin America, 19-23 March 2018, hosted by PARI and the New School, NY in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Read more about the conference HERE. Share: #DemocratizationBA Citizenship and Marketization: Plebeian citizenship, precarious citizenship. The vicissitudes of popular welfare in post-industrial Argentina by Gabriel Vommaro, Universidad Nacional del General Sarmiento, CONICET, Argentina
- [Workshop and Exhibition | Gated Communities and Townhouse Complexes](https://pari.org.za/workshop-and-exhibition-gated-communities-and-townhouse-complexes/) - Gated Communities & Townhouse Complexes Workshop and Exhibition In collaboration with IFAS (French Institute of South Africa) and LAVUE (Université Paris, Nanterre), PARI co-hosts a workshop on 14 November 2018 at the Origins Centre, Wits from 13h00 to 18h00. The event is accompanied by a photographic exhibition that runs until 15 December 2018. The
- [Past Programmes](https://pari.org.za/past-programmes/) - EDUCATION GOVERNANCE ORGANISATIONAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STUDIES
- [PARI hosts the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks](https://pari.org.za/pari-hosts-the-international-network-of-energy-transition-think-tanks/) - For week of the 4th to 8th of September, PARI hosted more than 25 delegates of the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks (INETTT) in Johannesburg. INETTT is a a group of think tanks dedicated to working on the energy transition to achieve the climate protection goals of the Paris Agreement in terms of
- [Watch | Bill to Regulate Public Procurement](https://pari.org.za/bill-to-regulate-public-procurement/) - On 11 September, eNCA spoke to PARI Research Associate in the State Reform programme, Ryan Brunette, to understand more about why the new Public Procurement Bill, that was introduced to Parliament in May, needs a rewrite. The preferential procurement clause in particular, falls short of the Constitution, he says.
- [Op Ed | Procurement Bill Carries Serious Risks For SA, But It Can Be Fixed](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-procurement-bill-carries-serious-risks-for-sa-but-it-can-be-fixed/) - By Ryan Brunette [Published in Sunday Times] The preferential procurement clause, especially, falls short of the constitutional requirement of a national legislative framework. Currently, the clause gives wide discretion to procuring institutions and opens the way to confusion and abuse. South Africa’s public procurement system is inefficient and corrupt. Because it handles a fifth of
- [Op Ed | Explosion of a decaying city: Defects of Joburg's poor urban management revealed](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-explosion-of-a-decaying-city-defects-of-joburgs-poor-urban-management-revealed/) - Image: Thabo Mhambi / Bree Street, Johannesburg Thina Nzo | Explosion of a decaying city: Defects of Joburg’s poor urban management revealed [First published in News 24] The rapid urbanisation and population density in Johannesburg have exerted enormous pressure on old infrastructure which has received little upgrades, modernisation and enforcement of contemporary safety regulations compliance
- [Book launch at UP | State Capture in South Africa: How and Why It Happened](https://pari.org.za/book-launch-at-up-state-capture-in-south-africa-how-and-why-it-happened/) - The University of Pretoria’s Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship (CAS) cordially invites you to the book launch of State Capture in South Africa: How and Why it Happened with co-editors Professor Mbongiseni Buthelezi (PARI), Professor Peter Vale (CAS), and contributors Professor Jonathan Klaaren (Wits) and Devi Pillay (PARI) in conversation with Professor Danny Bradlow
- [PARI signs an MoA with University of Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/pari-signs-an-moa-with-university-of-johannesburg/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is excited to announce its affiliation with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) to ground its academic programme. PARI and UJ have entered into a 3-year agreement during which the two organisations will embark on joint initiatives to raise funding for various projects that enhance the synergies between the research
- [Public submission to Parliament on the Public Service Amendment Bill 2023](https://pari.org.za/public-submission-to-parliament-on-the-public-service-amendment-bill-2023/) - PARI, the Public Service Accountability Monitor, the Ethics Institute, and Corruption Watch have made a joint submission to Parliament on the Public Service Amendment Bill. The Bill is currently before the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration. We welcome the Bill’s intention to provide clarity on important definitions in the Act, including the provisions
- [Public submission to Parliament on the Public Administration and Management Bill 2023](https://pari.org.za/public-submission-to-parliament-on-the-public-administration-and-management-bill-2023/) - PARI, the Public Service Accountability Monitor, the Ethics Institute, and Corruption Watch have made a joint submission to Parliament on the Public Service Amendment Bill. The Bill is currently before the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration. The Bill includes some important and positive provisions for better delineating the powers and responsibilities of political
- [WATCH | Financial Incentives and Whistleblowing in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/watch-financial-incentives-and-whistleblowing-in-south-africa/) - 1 August 2023 Facilitated by Jonathan Klaaren (PARI/Wits) with speakers: Steven Powell (ENSAfrica) Sopé Williams-Elegbe (Stellenbosch University) Carika Fritz (Wits University) Ryan Brunette (PARI/CUNY) This webinar is to support discussion and debate about the potential for introducing incentives for whistleblowing in South Africa – to respond to public procurement corruption, tax fraud and similar potentially
- [Annual Report 22/23](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-22-23/) - The Year In Review The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is in a new phase and it is stronger than ever before to carry out its mandate of shaping change through its research and advocacy work. We have gone through a tumultuous time since 2018, then the Covid-19 pandemic which tested our resilience. Thankfully, we
- [Annual Report 21/22](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-2021/) - The Year In Review PARI reached its anticipated groove in 2021, where programmes successfully produced their outputs and exceeded their targets in many instances. The Institute struck a healthy balance this year between producing public-facing work and publishing academic research. Covid-19 was still an integral feature of South African life in 2021, and PARI
- [Watch | State Capture Book Launch in Joburg](https://pari.org.za/watch-state-capture-book-launch-in-joburg/) - 18 July 2023 Rosebank, Johannesburg Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Peter Vale (eds) are in conversation with some of the authors of “State Capture in South Africa: How and why it happened”; Devi Pillay (PARI), Jonathan Klaaren (Wits Law School) and Reg Rumney (Journalist).
- [Submission | Public Service Commission Bill](https://pari.org.za/submission-public-service-commission-bill/) - PARI and the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) recently submitted public comment to the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the draft PSC Bill. The Bill seeks to enhance the conditions for the impartiality and independence of the PSC and to strengthen the Commission in playing its constitutionally mandated role in relation to local government and
- [Book launch | State Capture in South Africa: How and Why it Happened](https://pari.org.za/book-launch-state-capture-in-south-africa-how-and-why-it-happened/) - Mbongiseni Buthelezi will be facilitating conversations with some of the authors of the new book, State Capture in South Africa. The launches are set to happen at Exclusive Books in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 18 and 25 July respectively.
- [Intern | Open Letter to the President from a Disillusioned Youth](https://pari.org.za/intern-open-letter-to-the-president-from-a-disillusioned-youth/) - PARI’s intern, Jabu Hlatshwayo, appeals to the President to prioritise land reform and the youth. Open letter to the President from a Disillusioned Youth Dear President Ramaphosa Greetings, Mr. President. I am a 23-year-old University graduate writing to you from Katlehong South in the Ekurhuleni Municipality. I’d like to share my reflections on your sixth
- [New Book | State Capture in South Africa: How and Why It Happened](https://pari.org.za/new-book-state-capture-in-south-africa-how-and-why-it-happened/) - STATE CAPTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA: HOW AND WHY IT HAPPENED A new Wits University Press publication, edited by Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Peter Vale, this book features authors: Mbongiseni Buthelezi, Peter Vale, Karl von Holdt, Robyn Foley, Ryan Brunette, Jonathan Klaaren, Cherese Thakur, Devi Pillay, Luke Spiropoulos, Reg Rumney, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Michael Marchant, Hennie van Vuuren,
- [A Tell-All Book About State Capture](https://pari.org.za/a-tell-all-book-about-state-capture/) - Devi Pillay chats to Newzroom Afrika about the new Wits University Press publication State Capture in South Africa: How and Why It Happened, edited by PARI’s Research Mentor Peter Vale and Co-director Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
- [Statement | First Anniversary of the Release of the State Capture Commission Report](https://pari.org.za/statement-first-anniversary-of-the-release-of-the-state-capture-commission-report/) - 22 June 2023 Today marks a year since Chief Justice Zondo delivered the Report of the Commission on State Capture to President Ramaphosa marking the end of a 4-year long process of investigations and public hearings. The Report contained several recommendations about how to hold the perpetrators of state capture accountable as well as broader
- [Report | The Case of Alfred Nzo District Municipality](https://pari.org.za/report-the-case-of-alfred-nzo-district-municipality/) - SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY CAPACITY BUILDING FOR LOCAL CSOs IN RURAL MUNICIPALITIES TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL GOVERNANCE: THE CASE OF ALFRED NZO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ABSTRACT The research provides an insight into the way in which social accountability capacity-building activities were implemented by Oxfam South Africa in three rural local municipalities at the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, with the
- [Webinar | Urban-Rural Renewable Energy Transition in Germany and South Africa](https://pari.org.za/webinar-urban-rural-renewable-energy-transition-in-germany-and-south-africa/) - 6 June 2023 The webinar will look at how energy transition policies in Germany reproduce uneven development between urban and rural territories, and draw parallels to South Africa’s REIPP programme, which has also reinforced unsustainable development and institutional incapacitation. Speakers: Benedikt Walker (Research Associate, University of Bonn) Thina Nzo (Local Government Lead, PARI) Tracy Ledger
- [Watch | Municipal audits: Why are the numbers still so low and who is to blame?](https://pari.org.za/watch-only-38-of-257-municipalities-received-clean-audits/) - 4 June 2023 Thina Nzo contributed to a panel on eNCA’s On the Spot with Lukhona Mnguni discussing DPME’s role in assisting municipalities with monitoring and oversight to be able to move out of reproducing the same audit outcomes time and again. The discussion then moved to who is to blame for struggling municipalities. Watch
- [Watch | Care and Basic Universal Electricity](https://pari.org.za/watch-universal-healthcare-in-south-africa-2/) - 18 May 2023 The third seminar in the Care Economy Series. Electricity is crucial to ease the burden of care provision. In Africa, as documented in The Africa Care Economy Index, national time use surveys show that women and girls spend vastly more time on caring work than men and boys: ranging from almost three
- [Seminar | Care Economy Series](https://pari.org.za/seminar-care-economy-series/) - Care economy as economic democracy With the Covid-19 pandemic, conversations around the care economy have become more common. Around the world, however, few governments have actually increased investment in the care economy, including Africa, where the need is greatest. Africa is the world region with the ‘most unshared system of care’: over 70 per cent
- [Watch | SA Police Not Fit For Purpose](https://pari.org.za/watch-sa-police-not-fit-for-purpose/) - SABC News, 3 May 2023: Findings of a report compiled by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) on the South African Police Service (SAPS) has concluded, that the country’s police service in its current state is not fit for purpose. PARI says the police are not only failing to keep the nation safe, but they
- [Op Ed | The lack of political consensus around energy endures with ANC tied up to coal](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-the-lack-of-political-consensus-around-anergy-endures-with-anc-tied-up-to-coal/) - Photo 114118043 / Coal South Africa © Michael Turner | Dreamstime.com By Dennis Webster Commissioned by PARI, first published in Business Live Equally stubborn is the gap between what institutions must do and what they can do As the dust settles on COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, SA has emerged as a canary in one
- [Op Ed | Coalition politics: Coalition governments should be about citizens, not winning seats](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-coalition-politics-coalition-governments-should-be-about-citizens-not-winning-seats/) - by Lindiwe Ndlela [first published on News24] 'Unless proper care is taken to formulate citizen-centric coalition agreements, stability will remain a pipe dream and service delivery will continue to suffer,' writes Lindiwe Ndlela. Coalitions are not new to our lexicon. The government of national unity in 1994 was one, as were the Western
- [Op Ed | Shortcomings of SA's commuter railways worsen by the day](https://pari.org.za/shotcomings-of-sas-commuter-railways-worsen-by-the-day/) - Photo 251224702 / South Africa © Paul Quinn | Dreamstime.com By Dennis Webster Commissioned by PARI, first published in Business Live System’s problems are not measured by the distance between Joburg and New York but rather in the miles between Soweto and Sandton A recently circulated subway-style map of Johannesburg’s passenger rail system laid out
- [Op Ed | Transnet turns a new leaf, but there are many cracks in the system](https://pari.org.za/transnet-turns-new-leaf-but-many-cracks-in-the-system/) - Photo 85499083 / South Africa © Peter Titmuss | Dreamstime.com By Tshegofatso Mathe Commissioned by PARI, first published in Mail and Guardian Over the past 18 months, state-owned ports and freight rail operator Transnet has declared six force majeures — it weathered circumstances outside of its control that made it difficult to fulfil its contractual
- [Op Ed | The dangers and limits of the DA’s high court attempt to abolish cadre deployment](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-the-dangers-and-limits-of-the-das-high-court-attempt-to-abolish-cadre-deployment/) - Photo 147050604 / South Africa © Vanessa Bentley | Dreamstime.com By Ryan Brunette First published in Daily Maverick I have argued before that the practice of political appointments in public administration is central to South Africa’s corruption. It is also unlawful in our contemporary constitutional and statutory framework. The Zondo Commission cited my work supporting
- [Op Ed | Social Justice Assembly gathers to address multiple crises facing SA](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-social-justice-assembly-gathers-to-address-multiple-crises-facing-sa/) - By Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Nontando Ngamlana First published in The Daily Maverick It feels as though Stage 6 rolling blackouts will be the death of us all. Scheduled blackouts symbolise so much that has gone wrong in South Africa since the dawn of democracy. We face multiple crises that, while often attributed to the governing
- [Op Ed | The (un)making of mayoral leadership behind coalition city governments](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-the-unmaking-of-mayoral-leadership-behind-coalition-city-governments/) - Photo 163653453 / South Africa © Hakan Can Yalcin | Dreamstime.com By Thina Nzo First published in the Mail and Guardian The ousting of the City of Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse, last week has sparked an implicit public debate about the suitability of the newly elected young mayor, Thapelo Amad. It raises long overdue questions.
- [Op Ed | SA faces multiple water crises across all provinces and sectors](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-sa-faces-multiple-water-crises-across-all-provinces-and-sectors/) - Photo 116472603 © Ian Scammell | Dreamstime.com By Tshegofatso Mathe [Commissioned by PARI, first published in the Daily Maverick] The results of years of mismanagement and corruption in the water sector are beginning to show — and it is time to act to avoid another countdown to Day Zero. South Africa has a water problem.
- [Op Ed | Consumers bear the brunt as the state squanders vital water resources](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-consumers-bear-the-brunt-as-the-state-squanders-vital-water-resources/) - Photo 75974734 © Phodo1 | Dreamstime.com By Dennis Webster [Commissioned by PARI, first published in Business Day] Commodified water system runs up against shortcomings of a government hollowed out by venal patronage. There is nothing new about SA’s water crises. The apartheid government developed high quality infrastructure and services for white people living in the
- [Op Ed | Eskom’s debt relief for municipalities strips households of their free basic services](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-eskoms-debt-relief-for-municipalities-strips-households-of-their-free-basic-services/) - Photo 24519164 / Water Crisis © George Tsartsianidis | Dreamstime.com By Tracy Ledger [First published in the Daily Maverick/Maverick Citizen] National Treasury’s Municipal Debt Relief plan effectively means poor households must give up their constitutional rights to water and other basic services so that Eskom can balance its books. At the last count, municipalities owed
- [Op Ed | Failure to Boot Cele Betrays Public Safety](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-failure-to-boot-cele-betrays-public-safety/) - Photo 194995760 / Police South Africa © Nerisha Ray Singh | Dreamstime.com By Niren Tolsi [First published in Mail&Guardian, commissioned by PARI] President Cyril Ramaphosa, unsurprisingly, didn’t boot ineffectual Police Minister Bheki Cele out of his cabinet in this week’s reshuffle. The voting bloc Cele has delivered to Ramaphosa to ensure his ascension to, and
- [Op Ed | The police are not only failing to keep us safe, they are failing in almost every aspect of their duty](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-the-police-are-failing-in-almost-every-aspect-of-their-duty/) - Photo 91721708 / Police South Africa © Nerisha Ray Singh | Dreamstime.com By Devi Pillay [First published in the Daily Maverick] Not only are the police themselves often responsible for violence and criminality, but since 2009, the previous five national police commissioners have all been sanctioned for criminal acts, including fraud, corruption, obstruction of justice,
- [Watch | Universal Healthcare in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/watch-universal-healthcare-in-south-africa/) - 20 April 2023 The second seminar in the Care Economy Series. The Africa Care Economy (ACE) Index elaborates socialised healthcare in its fifth metric, underlining that public healthcare is the major form of paid care on which the majority in Africa relies to supplement unpaid care in the home and communities. Yet public healthcare in
- [SA Launch of the Africa Care Economy Index](https://pari.org.za/sa-launch-of-the-africa-care-economy-index/) - 15 March 2023 The Africa Care Economy Index is presented by Dr Salimah Valiani, author of the Index and Research Associate at the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria. The Africa Care Economy Index offers a concrete evaluation of African state performance in the recognition, support and redistribution of caring work. Based on
- [Watch | Day 2 on the beat for Gauteng’s new crime prevention wardens](https://pari.org.za/watch-day-2-on-the-beat-for-gautengs-new-crime-prevention-wardens/) - May 2, 2023 Devi Pillay chats to Stephen Grootes on Newzroom Afrika the day after Gauteng’s new crime prevention wardens, with just two months training, started their new jobs. Devi’s interview is based on her recent article in the Daily Maverick: The police are not only failing to keep us safe, they are failing in
- [Submission on the draft Public Service Regulations](https://pari.org.za/submissions-on-the-draft-public-service-regulation/) - In February 2023, the DPSA published the draft Public Service Regulations for public comment. The Regulations seek to amend the 2016 Public Service Regulations (under the Public Service Act). In a joint submission with the Public Service Accountability Monitor, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, and Accountability Lab South Africa, PARI recently provided comment on the draft
- [WATCH | Between Vision and Reality: Navigating the JETPs in three countries](https://pari.org.za/watch-between-vision-and-reality-navigating-the-jetps-in-three-countries/) - 18 April 2023 Speakers from the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks (INETTT) discuss the status quo and challenges in planning and implementing a just energy transition in their respective countries. Featuring Dr Tracy Ledger (South Africa: PARI), Fabby Tumiwa (Indonesia: IESR), Minh Ha-Duong (Vietnam: VIETSE) and Nhien Ngo (Vietnam: VIETSE).
- [Webinar | Between Vision and Reality](https://pari.org.za/webinar-between-vision-and-reality/) - Between Vision and Reality: Navigating the JETPs in South Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam Speakers from South Africa (PARI), Indonesia (IESR), and Vietnam (VIETSE) will discuss the status quo and challenges in planning and implementing a just energy transition in their respective countries. The webinar aims to shed light on ensuring social equity and inclusivity in
- [Report | Land Governance  in Ekurhuleni Municipality](https://pari.org.za/report-land-governance-in-ekurhuleni-municipality/) - A new report from the Land Governance programme by Simbarashe Nyuke, Gaynor Paradza and Noluvuyo Mjoli. The land question is a volatile issue in South Africa as land redistribution goals remain unmet. The land issue is entangled in a long history of marginalisation and dispossession dating back to the colonial era. The quest by the
- [Report | Land Use and Management in Lephalale Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/lephalale-land-use-and-management/) - This research report focuses on land administration in Lephalale Local Municipality where the effects of the construction of Medupi power station have revealed how institutional dynamics in local government (in the case study region) are shaped by enduring legacies of colonial and apartheid administrations (Phadi and Pearson 2018; Monama, 2020).The report looks at two things:
- [Watch | Coalition administration challenges in municipalities](https://pari.org.za/watch-coalition-administration-challenges-in-municipalities/) - On 15 March 2023, Newzroom Afrika hosted an insightful discussion about Good Governance Africa‘s urgent call for an independent panel to look into improving South Africa’s framework around party coalitions for stability and transparency. The participants included South African Local Government Association (SALGA) President Bheki Stofile, Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) Dr Thina Nzo, and
- [Webinar | Who pays the price of state capture?](https://pari.org.za/webinar-who-pays-the-price-of-state-capture/) - PARI’s Devi Pillay participated in this Open Secrets webinar on 16 February 2023: Who pays the price for State Capture? Look around and we see a strained fiscus, rolling blackouts, austerity and hollowed out institutions. The effects of state capture are immense and weigh heavily on South Africans. State capture has left very few aspects
- [Launch | COMPACT - My Municipality](https://pari.org.za/launch-compact-my-municipality/) - PARI’s COMPACT programme is formally launching today, 16 February 2023, at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg, courtesy of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) partners. The following video shows COMPACT busy at the end of 2022 conducting action research in twelve partner municipalities in six provinces. This video shows the journey and introduces some of the
- [Watch | Is the ANC still a good fit for a democratic South Africa?](https://pari.org.za/watch-is-the-anc-still-a-good-fit-for-a-democratic-south-africa/) - Enca : Jan 19, 2023 Is the ANC still a good fit for a democratic South Africa? Thina Nzo senior researcher from PARI responds to the question.
- [Watch | The Impact of Loadshedding on Municipal Services and Finances](https://pari.org.za/watch-the-impact-of-loadshedding-on-municipal-services-and-finances/) - Eskom has declared that load shedding stages 2 to 4 will be implemented over the next two years. PARI’s Local Government programme hosted a panel to discuss the medium to long-term implications for local government. With Tracy Ledger (PARI), Silas Mulaudzi (SALGA), Mahlatse Rampedi (PARI), Sadesh Ramjathan (National Treasury) and Thina Nzo (facilitator).
- [Podcast | Coalition chaos — why we must hold elected politicians accountable](https://pari.org.za/podcast-coalition-chaos-why-we-must-hold-elected-politicians-accountable/) - PARI’s Co-Director Lindiwe Ndlela talks about coalition politics on this Sunday Times podcast: “The latest local authority elections have been hailed as an indicator of the rapidly waning influence of the ANC. But they also gave us a foretaste of what life might be like under a national coalition government. To date, that foretaste has
- [Welcome | New Intern Jabu Hlatshwayo](https://pari.org.za/welcome-new-intern-jabu-hlatshwayo/) - PARI happily welcomes our intern, Jabu Hlatshwayo. Jabu graduated with an Honours degree from our Organisational and Institutional Studies programme in 2022. He is currently situated in the Land Governance programme.
- [Report | Engcobo: The Confluence of the State, Local Municipality and Traditional Authority in Land Governance](https://pari.org.za/engcobo-the-confluence-of-the-state-local-municipality-and-traditional-authority-in-land-governance/) - This report examines land governance in Engcobo and shows how negotiation and compromise characterise the relationship between the municipality and traditional authorities. It reveals how local governance is shaped and reshaped by the complex entanglements of some organs of the state, party politics, private property owners, developers and influential private individuals. The report demonstrates how
- [Research Seminar | Presentation 6](https://pari.org.za/research-seminar-presentation-6/) - 17 November 2022 14h00 – 15h30 Maputaland’s Ecosystem of Crime: The weight of history Presenter : Clive Poultney Discussant : Constance Galeo Mogale Abstract The paper looks at the manner in which the heritage and history of the Maputaland has created the conditions for the penetration of the criminal economy. Its rich ecosystem and
- [Research Seminar Series | Presentation 5](https://pari.org.za/research-seminar-series-presentation-5/) - 10 November 2022 14h00 – 15h30 The making, unmaking and remaking of the public service – with case studies from the Covid19 pandemic. Presenter : Lisa Seftel Discussant : Alex Van Den Heever Abstract The paper will seek to trace the making and breakdown of public service institutions designed to deliver service delivery, using case
- [Guidelines for the Development of Curricula on Land Governance in Africa](https://pari.org.za/handbook-guidelines-for-the-development-of-curricula-on-land-governance-in-africa/) - Dr Gaynor Paradza was one of the drafters in a select team of African experts drawn mainly from universities and institutions of higher learning. The Guidelines for the Development of Curricula on Land Governance in Africa have been developed by the African Land Policy Centre (formerly the Land Policy Initiative) in order to “Build adequate
- [Research Seminar Series | Presentation 3](https://pari.org.za/research-seminar-series-presentation-3/) - 13 October 2022 14:00 -15:30 pm Legislative Initiatives and Provisions on Traditional Leader’s Role in South Africa: Imperatives and Implications Presenter : Shimreisa Chahongnao Discussant : Dineo Skosana Abstract What is the role of traditional leaders under South Africa’s law? This paper analyses the relationship between historical contingencies and political ideals as instrumental
- [South Africa Needs Civil Servants Who Are Capture-Proof](https://pari.org.za/south-africa-needs-civil-servants-who-are-capture-proof/) - By Sarah Meny-Gibert [First published in Sunday Times] The single biggest key to fighting corruption and stabilising our administration is to change the process by which top public servants are hired – and in doing so, protect them from political meddling. The coalition era will make this task even more urgent. The President’s response to
- [CSWG | Response to the Zondo Commission’s Report](https://pari.org.za/cswg-response-to-the-zondo-commissions-report-2/) - Thursday 27 October 2022 Civil Society Working Group on State Capture (CSWG) Statement: President’s response to Zondo Commission’s State Capture report must be followed by decisive action. On the 23rd of October 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa made public his response to the recommendations of the State Capture Commission. As the Civil Society Working Group on
- [Introducing the Social Justice Assembly](https://pari.org.za/introducing-the-social-justice-assembly/) - Call for applications: Social Justice Assembly After years of consultation and planning, representatives from across the social justice sector will gather on 26 & 27 January 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa, for the inaugural Social Justice Assembly (SJA). The SJA will unpack the findings of the Social Justice Sector Review Report, published in November 2020,
- [CSWG | Response to the Zondo Commission's Report](https://pari.org.za/cswg-response-to-the-zondo-commissions-report/) - Monday 24 January 2022 Civil Society Working Group on State Capture: Statement – Response to the Zondo Commission’s Report On the 4th of January 2022, the State Capture Inquiry (the Zondo Commission) submitted to the Presidency and publicly released the first of its three-part report. The report sheds light on the far-reaching facts that lay
- [Watch | Phalatse Skating on Thin Ice Despite Court Victory](https://pari.org.za/watch-phalatse-skating-on-thin-ice-despite-court-victory/) - Newzroom Afrika: Despite a court judgement setting aside the Johannesburg council special meeting that ousted Dr. Mpho Phalatse as mayor, it seems Phalatse has little chances of winning votes should another motions be tabled. PARI Senior Researcher and Local Government programme lead, Dr. Thina Nzo, discusses her reinstatement.
- [Working Paper | Public Procurement and Corruption in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-public-procurement-and-corruption-in-south-africa/) - Abstract Like many other countries, South Africa depends heavily on its public procurement system and faces persistent issues of corruption within that system. Its regulatory regimes for public procurement and for anti-corruption are nonetheless distinct. Despite knowledge of significant corruption in the final decades of apartheid, anti-corruption was treated as a secondary rather than a
- [Gallery | State Capture Commission Conference](https://pari.org.za/gallery-state-capture-commission-conference/) - The State Capture Commission conference was held at University of Johannesburg over 14 and 15 September, hosted by PARI and CASAC. The seven panels aimed at understanding and finding the gaps in the recommendations that came out of the Zondo Commission. Find more information about the conference programme, recordings and resources HERE. WELCOME AND KEYNOTE
- [Watch | More political activity expected in Gauteng](https://pari.org.za/watch-more-political-activity-expected-in-gauteng/) - Newzroom Afrika: Sep 5, 2022 Gauteng is set to become a hive of political activity this week as Joburg opposition parties prepare to remove the mayor Mpho Phalatse. Gauteng premier David Makhura says he is ready to hand over power to another person from the ANC. Senior researcher at PARI Dr Thina Nzo gives commentary
- [Watch | Ramaphosa calls on councils to behave](https://pari.org.za/watch-ramaphosa-calls-on-councils-to-behave/) - Newzroom Afrika: Sep 28, 2022 President Cyril Ramaphosa has again called on municipal workers to behave better at local government and in councils. He was speaking at the Local Government Conference, which is looking into creating ideal municipalities. Dr Thina Nzo, Senior Researcher from the Public Affairs Research Institute weighs in on the conference.
- [Op Ed | Universal access to electricity is the critical development intervention that SA needs](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-universal-access-to-electricity-is-the-critical-development-intervention-that-sa-needs/) - Image: Bram Lammers / Dunoon informal settlement, Cape Town By Tracy Ledger In many households, a choice must be made each month between electricity or food. No matter which option the household chooses, the impact is negative, not just for that household, but for our collective ability to make meaningful progress in economic and social
- [Research Seminar Series | Presentation 2](https://pari.org.za/research-seminar-series-presentation-2-2/) - 29 September 2022 14h00 – 15h30 The people’s perspective of public participation in infrastructure and housing provision in South Africa: evidence from a factorial survey experiment Presenter: Katrin Hofer Discussant: Thina Nzo Abstract This research explores the people’s perspective of public participation in local infrastructure and housing provision in South Africa. Through a
- [WATCH | Devi Pillay weighs in on the Zondo Commission report](https://pari.org.za/watch-devi-pillay-weighs-in-on-the-zondo-commission-report/) - Calling in to Newzroom Afrika from PARI/CASAC’s State Capture Commission conference, Devi Pillay discusses the role of law enforcement agencies in state capture, based on her OpEd titled : Zondo Commission’s missed opportunity on role of law enforcement agencies in State Capture
- [Policy Brief | Encouraged Whistleblowing in Public Procurement](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-encouraged-whistleblowing-in-public-procurement/) - South Africa will need an active and capable state to lift itself out of this crisis. Corruption in public procurement is a major impediment to this. The Covid-19 procurement scandals that have shocked the country vividly illustrate this problem. Ethics are important. Ethical government, however, rests on establishing institutions, checks and balances that prevent public
- [Reforming the Public Administration in South Africa: A Path to Professionalisation](https://pari.org.za/reforming-the-public-administration-in-south-africa-a-path-to-professionalisation/) - A new e-book by Jonathan Klaaren (ed.), Florencia Belvedere and Ryan Brunette. December 2021 Publisher: Siber Ink ISBN: 978-1-928309-37-6 Abstract This short book analyses three distinct and key features of the state: the system of appointment and removal in the public service and municipalities, high-level appointments and removals within the criminal justice sector, and
- [Toolkit for Public Servants](https://pari.org.za/toolkit-for-public-servants/) - The Constitution envisions a public administration that maintains a high standard of professional ethics, is developmentally orientated, and treats citizens in a fair and equitable way, without bias. Many public servants in South Africa have worked hard to support this vision, but corruption in the South African state over the past ten to fifteen years
- [Register Now | State Capture Commission Conference](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-conference/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and the Council for the Advancement of the Constitution (CASAC) are pleased to invite you to their joint hybrid conference to analyse the State Capture Commission’s report. The conference was initially scheduled to take place earlier in the year. However, in view of the extensions granted to the Commission
- [Seminar Series | Researching State-Society Relations in Southern Africa](https://pari.org.za/seminar-series-researching-state-society-relations-in-southern-africa/) - In September 2022, The Public Affairs Research Institute is launching a workshop series to offer scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications. Details of each seminar will be published a week prior. Please let us know if you
- [Research Seminar Series | Presentation 1](https://pari.org.za/research-seminar-series-presentation-1/) - 13 September 2022 14h00 – 15h30 Extractive industry indigenisation, unfulfilled pledges and mining-induced displacement vulnerabilities: The case of internally displaced persons in Arda Transau, Zimbabwe Presenter: Kennedy Manduna Discussant: Dr Hibst Kassa Abstract The discovery of diamonds in 2006 in Marange’s Chiadzwa area and extractive industry indigenisation in Zimbabwe beginning in 2010 has led
- [Op Ed | Public administration reform is critical after a pliant civil service greased the wheels of State Capture](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-public-administration-reform-is-critical-after-a-pliant-civil-service-greased-the-wheels-of-state-capture/) - By Devi Pillay The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has proven that there is an urgent need to professionalise South Africa’s public administration. The commission’s recommendations provide a good starting point – but we need a comprehensive programme of reform. [First published in Daily Maverick] The State Capture Commission, in its reports and
- [Op Ed | Zondo Commission's Missed Opportunity on Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in State Capture](https://pari.org.za/zondo-commissions-missed-opportunity-on-role-of-law-enforcement-agencies-in-state-capture/) - By Devi Pillay [first published in the Daily Maverick] The Zondo Commission missed an important opportunity to fully contextualise the evidence concerning law enforcement and to analyse its role in State Capture. More work needs to be done to show concretely how State Capture affected these institutions and what can be done to fix
- [Summary | The State Capture Commission](https://pari.org.za/summary-the-state-capture-commission/) - ABOUT THIS BRIEF In June 2022 Chief Justice Raymond Zondo handed the final report of the Zondo Commission to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The report was the culmination of nearly four years of investigation into ‘state capture’ in South Africa by the Commission, which is officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of
- [SA FM features Mbongiseni Buthelezi](https://pari.org.za/sa-fm-features-mbongiseni-buthelezi/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi was featured on Michelle Constant’s breakfast show on 22 August 2022, and brought in PARI researcher Thina Nzo and CASAC Director Lawson Naidoo. Listen below for a great discussion.
- [Watch | Corruption is not the only issue impacting service delivery, says Ledger](https://pari.org.za/watch-corruption-is-not-the-only-issue-impacting-service-delivery-says-ledger/) - Newzroom Afrika – 22 August 2022 – Although corruption at municipal level is a major issue affecting service delivery, Public Affairs Research Institute’s Tracy Ledger believes it is not the only problem. “More than half of all South African households live in poverty. 25% of households don’t have enough monthly income to buy a basic
- [Gaynor Paradza gives keynote address at University of Ghana](https://pari.org.za/gaynor-paradza-gives-keynote-address-at-university-of-ghana/) - Senior Researcher Gaynor Paradza leads PARI’s Land Governance programme. She is in Accra on 17 August to give a keynote address at the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) at the University of Ghana. The conference is titled Land Governance and Conflicts in West Africa. “Some questions are pertinent. In view of the
- [A Covid-Era Discussion: Mobility of the Informal Sector, Fiscal Legitimacy and the Fiscal Contract in Kenya](https://pari.org.za/covid-mobility-informal-sector-fiscal-legitimacy-kenya/) - By Attiya Waris and Mwaniki Maina, December 2020 We may share the same sun, but we do not share the same roofs. —Kalenjin proverb (Kenyan) Covid and the Kenyan response on movement East Africa has known her fair share of calamity in the recent past. This includes floods, droughts, diseases and recently the desert locust
- [Press Statements | In Support of SAITF and SERI SA against Hate Speech and Threats](https://pari.org.za/press-statements-in-support-of-saitf-and-seri-sa-against-hate-speech-and-threats/) - PARI has issued and endorsed press statements in support of SERI SA and SAITF in light of hate speech, cyberbullying and incitement of violence by Councillor Nkululeko Mbundu, party representative of ActionSA and MMC for Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg. Statement in Support of SAITF and SERI SA against Hate Speech and Threats
- [Declaration of the Conference for Democratic Renewal and Change](https://pari.org.za/declaration-of-the-conference-for-democratic-renewal-and-change/) - PARI is a signatory of the following Defend Our Democracy declaration: Declaration of the Conference for Democratic Renewal and Change as adopted on 2 July 2022 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province, South Africa We, the representatives of diverse civil society groups, organised labour and business, faith based and community organisations,
- [Working Paper | Remodelling Cabinet Departments in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-remodelling-cabinet-departments-in-south-africa/) - Abstract The internal organisational structure of government departments is the primary building block of any country’s system of public administration. It is also intimately entwined with the politics of restructuring and reform. In South Africa, the organisational architecture of the public service underwent substantial changes following the country’s democratic transition in 1994. This precipitated a
- [System of Capacity Building for Local Government: Diagnostic Review](https://pari.org.za/system-of-capacity-building-for-local-government-diagnostic-review/) - This Diagnostic Review is the first step in the design of a broader multi–year programme intending to improve the outcomes of the current capacity building system as South Africa enters a new five–year administrative cycle arising from the October 2021 local government elections. The Review also aims to contribute to improving the value for money
- [Op Ed | Covid-19 Informal Settlement](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-covid-19-informal-settlement-deligitmises-authority-of-the-city-of-cape-town/) - By Thina Nzo [First published in Daily Maverick] While the coronavirus lockdown exacerbated the pre-existing spatial inequalities and the housing crisis in Cape Town, it contributed to the growth of informality and its symbiotic relationship with the formal economy that state institutions loathe. Approximately 30km from the Cape Town CBD lies a newly established
- [Watch | Mbongiseni Buthelezi on the fifth state capture report](https://pari.org.za/watch-mbongiseni-buthelezi-on-the-fifth-state-capture-report/) - SABC Morning Live: Today the country awaits the fifth and final installment of the State Capture Report following a delay that drew public criticism, prompting the presidency to issue a statement that there has been no interference with the work of the Commission. Previous reports have mentioned individuals as well as SOEs, with the South
- [Watch | Thina Nzo: A metro-by-metro analysis](https://pari.org.za/watch-thina-nzo-a-metro-by-metro-analysis/) - On 20 June 2022, Newzroom Afrika looked at the state of municipalities – and particularly the metros. The political problems in some metros – look at the instability in Nelson Mandela Bay for so long – and then the water problems that were partially a result of that – or fighting over Tshwane that ended
- [Op Ed | KZN Floods: The dangerous cocktail of traditional authorities and local government](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-kzn-floods-the-dangerous-cocktail-of-traditional-authorities-and-local-government/) - Photo 57214329 © | Dreamstime.com By Mbongiseni Buthelezi [first published in Daily Maverick] Traditional leaders assign land giving little consideration to spatial planning for long-term, sustainable settlement. People are settled in places unsuitable for human habitation. And climate change will bring added volatility and exposure. At the funeral of five members of a family
- [Short Report | Access to Basic Services](https://pari.org.za/short-report-access-to-basic-services/) - National government has an obligation to intervene on behalf of communities where municipalities, through inefficiency or a lack of commitment to delivery and development goals, fail to provide affordable services. White Paper on Local Government (1998) This short report investigates the provision of basic municipal services — electricity, water and sanitation — to low-income
- [Towards an Integrated Land Administration System](https://pari.org.za/towards-an-integrated-land-administration-system/) - Gaynor Paradza, Lead of the Land Governance programme at PARI, has collaborated with PLAAS and SALGA to produce this diagnostic document, which lays a foundation for creating cohesion in South African land administration. A PARI—PLAAS—SALGA PROJECT A functional land administration system is fundamental to land reform, economic growth and equitable change and pursues widely accepted
- [PARI Launches a Research Workshop Series](https://pari.org.za/pari-launches-a-research-workshop-series/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute is launching a workshop series to offer scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students an opportunity to share their ongoing work, either by discussing work in progress or presenting upcoming and new publications. In the PARI workshop series we wish to discuss theoretical and empirical research that unpacks ways to understand organisations
- [The Hunger Crisis in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/the-hunger-crisis-in-south-africa/) - On 16 September, Dr Tracy Ledger had a gripping conversation with Mark Heywood from Maverick Citizen, in a Jacana ‘Don’t Shut Up’ session, about the state of the food system in SA. The conversation was covered in an article in the Daily Maverick by Shani Reddy: In her book, An Empty Plate: Why we are
- [Op Ed | The Zondo Report's Recommendations Must Be Implemented Yesterday](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-the-zondo-reports-recommendations-must-be-implemented-yesterday/) - By Ryan Brunette, Jay Kruuse and Tharin Pillay [See full article in the Daily Maverick] The Zondo report is an impressive undertaking. Drawing on 400 days of hearings and 1.7 million pages of documentary evidence, it is the largest open investigation into corruption in South African history. Its archive is largely published, and the first
- [PLAAS: Food in the time of Corona](https://pari.org.za/plaas-food-in-the-time-of-corona/) - Dr Tracy Ledger’s work on food security provided insights towards this revelatory article by PLAAS on the state of access to food in the time of the Corona virus. “Around the world, images of empty supermarket shelves have galvanised panic that soon there may simply not be enough food available because COVID-19 lockdowns have disrupted
- [Op Ed | The Politics of South Africa's Patronage System (Part One)](https://pari.org.za/the-politics-of-south-africas-patronage-system-part-one/) - By Ryan Brunette South Africa is entering its second recession in as many years. Gross domestic product per person has returned to the levels of 2008. Unemployment, already at five times the global rate, is rising. So is the poverty rate, with more than half of South Africans living on less than R1,183 a month
- [The politics of South Africa’s patronage system: The process of anti-patronage reform (Part Two)](https://pari.org.za/the-politics-of-south-africas-patronage-system-the-process-of-anti-patronage-reform-part-two/) - By Ryan Brunette South Africa has witnessed the rise of machine politics. Part One considered the dynamics of this development. Political machines work to extract resources from the public programmes of the state. They go on to tie their political leaders, by a discretionary distribution of the proceeds, by patronage, to the support base necessary
- [Patronage and lack of ethics creates a culture of impunity in municipalities](https://pari.org.za/patronage-and-lack-of-ethics-creates-a-culture-of-impunity-in-municipalities/) - By Dr Thina Nzo Patronage, and its cemented co-existence within the bureaucracy, has become the Achilles heel that contributes to poor financial performance outcomes. This makes troubleshooting budget and treasury directorates in municipalities a mammoth task. “Not much to go around, yet not the right hands at the till” — the 2018/19 Auditor-General (AG) local
- [Watch | Should local officials' pay be tied to performance?](https://pari.org.za/watch-should-local-officials-pay-be-tied-to-performance/) - The Watch Dog, SABC 1, interviewed Local Government Programme Lead Thina Nzo on 8 March 2022 about the proposal for local councillors to be paid according to their performance evaluations.
- [Listen | Injustice and Inequality in SA's Food System](https://pari.org.za/listen-injustice-and-inequality-in-sas-food-system/) - CapeTalk’s Refilwe Moloto interviewed Tracy Ledger on 29 March 2022 about the ingrained injustices and monopolies in our food system. ‘These inequities are ingrained in our food system, according to Dr Tracy Ledger, Senior Researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute and author of An Empty Plate. The Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (1996) aimed
- [Watch | Fixing Municipal Finances](https://pari.org.za/watch-fixing-municipal-finances/) - The Watch Dog, SABC 1, interviewed PARI’s Local Government Programme Lead Thina Nzo on 4 March 2022 about what it would take for municipalities to deliver on their promises. Catch Thina’s inputs from 44:37.
- [Webinar | Celebrating Women in the Land Sector](https://pari.org.za/webinar-celebrating-women-in-the-land-sector/) - On 24 March 2022, PARI’s Land Programme Lead, Gaynor Paradza, participated in a webinar titled Women’s Land Rights: Celebrating the Role of Women in the Land Sector: Reflecting on Experience, Progress and the Way Forward, held by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA). PARI joined the Network in January 2021. Dr
- [Op Ed | Universal access to electricity is a necessary prerequisite to ending poverty itself](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-universal-access-to-electricity-is-a-necessary-prerequisite-to-ending-poverty-itself/) - By Tracy Ledger for Energy Governance South Africa [first published in Daily Maverick] Power to the people! This starts with ending energy poverty and prioritising universal access to electricity. Energy poverty is a largely invisible form of both poverty and indignity. This might be why it receives so little attention. Yet, there are strong, positive
- [Memorandum: State of the Nation Address - The People's Voice](https://pari.org.za/memorandum-state-of-the-nation-address-the-peoples-voice/) - 9 February 2022 We, the undersigned organisations, express serious concern about the state of our nation. Tomorrow, President Cyril Ramaphosa will report back to the country about what the government has and has not achieved over the last year. He will detail what will be the country’s focus for 2022, leading into 2023.
- [Listen | State Capture Report: Accountability and Rebuilding the Procurement System](https://pari.org.za/listen-state-capture-report-accountability-and-rebuilding-the-procurement-system/) - Mbongiseni Buthelezi participated in an analysis of Part 1 of the State Capture report on Radio 786 Prime Talk, 2 February 2022: South Africans are paying severely for what appears to be a broken procurement system. According to the Zondo commission the subverting of the system has been going on long before state capture. It
- [Press statement: Collective Call to Stop Attacks on Migrants](https://pari.org.za/press-statement-collective-call-to-stop-attacks-on-migrants/) - Press Statement 23 January 2022 Collective call to stop attacks on migrants We, the undersigned organisations, are gravely concerned at the recent targeting of migrants in their homes and at their workplaces. The calls made by several political parties and community activists to forcefully remove migrants from their homes, and to count the number of
- [PARI and WITS research featured in state capture report](https://pari.org.za/pari-and-wits-research-featured-in-state-capture-report/) - The “Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture Report: Part 1 Vol. 1: South African Airways and its Associated Companies” was released on 4 Jan 2022. We congratulate PARI and Wits’ researchers on their publications being referenced in the report: In January 2022, the Zondo Commission released part one of its report into state
- [Op-ed | How will SA tackle corruption?](https://pari.org.za/how-will-south-africa-tackle-corruption/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [Decentralised procurement fails the state](https://pari.org.za/centralised-procurement-fails-the-state/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [How treasury got its teeth](https://pari.org.za/treasury-teeth/) - Since the dawn of democracy in SA, Treasury has flexed its muscles. But it has been a source of division for the ANC and its allies.
- [Once-invincible ANC takes on regional, ethnic colours](https://pari.org.za/once-invincible-anc-takes-on-regional-ethnic-colours/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [#FeesMustFall: Separating Treasury’s truth from ‘ultra-left’ fiction](https://pari.org.za/treasurys-truth-ultra-left-fiction/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [4 days in December](https://pari.org.za/4-days-in-december/) - It’s been a year since Nhlanhla Nene was axed as finance minister. The seismic four days that followed laid bare a new trend in corruption: state capture.
- [Crisis of 9/12 was turning point for SA](https://pari.org.za/crisis-turning-point/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [Op-ed | Struggle to keep the lights on](https://pari.org.za/how-treasury-got-its-teeth/) - It is not only the maladministration of municipalities – there are other contributing systemic factors connected to their failure to pay for the power they use...
- [Sars Special Report](https://pari.org.za/sars-special-report-institution-crisis-south-africa-faces-junk-status/) - An Institution In Crisis As South Africa Faces Junk Status Don’t be fooled by the talk of exceeding targets on revenue collections. The opposite is true and it’s not good news for radical economic transformation, writes Ferial Haffajee. Featured in Huffington Post Read more
- [Elite struggle over Zuma is making weapons against the poor](https://pari.org.za/elite-struggle-over-zuma-is-making-weapons-against-the-poor/) - Anti-corruption politics in South Africa are now decisively focused on Jacob Zuma’s removal. It is not our intention to legitimise him. Governing requires a measure of disinterest in oneself and distance in balancing the interests of others. Zuma’s indiscretion in giving ample circumstance to claims that he is acutely self-interested and heinously partial means that he is incapable of governing.
- [Plundering the state in the name of change will only perpetuate inequality](https://pari.org.za/plundering-the-state-in-the-name-of-change-will-only-perpetuate-inequality/) - There is a way for ordinary South Africans to join the fight against corruption, writes PARI’s Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
- [How Not to Talk About Corruption in SA](https://pari.org.za/not-talk-corruption-sa/) - By Ryan Brunette On Tuesday, 5 December, global retail group, Steinhoff International, headquartered in South Africa, announced the resignation of its CEO, Markus Jooste. A white South African, Jooste, resigned in connection with a German accounting fraud investigation, involving significant overstatements on revenue and assets. One asset manager noted of Steinhoff that it was “as close to
- [The Lame Duck President](https://pari.org.za/lame-duck-president/) - By Ryan Brunette South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, is a lame duck. On December 18 2017, Cyril Ramaphosa, Zuma’s deputy, was elected president of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), placing him on a trajectory toward the state presidency. Zuma, clearly unable to threaten this eventuality, has lost support, as erstwhile allies jockey for position around his
- [SA Constitution: Not Holy Grail, But Beachhead for Change](https://pari.org.za/sa-constitution-not-holy-grail-beachhead-change/) - By Ivor Chipkin Zuma’s 10 years of anti-constitutional governance Now that Jacob Zuma has stepped down as president, the past decade emerges in sharp relief. We have discovered that the Constitution has many enemies. State capture was born out of questioning its value and legitimacy, and the political transition that preceded it. We also learnt
- [President Ramaphosa Brings a Sense of Renewal and Optimism](https://pari.org.za/president-ramaphosa-brings-sense-renewal-optimism/) - By Vinothan Naidoo The election of Cyril Ramaphosa as South Africa’s fifth democratic president has generated a palpable sense of renewal and optimism. It also presents a real opportunity to reimagine the structure of the state machinery over which he will preside. President Ramaphosa signalled as much in his maiden state of the nation address,
- [Op Ed | Cyril Ramaphosa's New Dawn is Breaking in Mahikeng](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-cyril-ramaphosas-new-dawn-breaking-mahikeng/) - By Thokozani J Chilenga President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about a “new dawn” in his state of the nation address earlier this year. Since then, the new dawn has been repeated as a positive mantra of change in SA’s politics and governance. But every dawn needs to break — which usually means a battle between the
- [Op Ed | South Africa's Invisible Majority: Women Feeding Hungry Families](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-south-africas-invisible-majority-women-feeding-hungry-families/) - By Dr Julie Smith and Dr Tracy Ledger If there is just one outcome from the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa that could be considered positive, it is this: for perhaps the first time, the reality of household hunger and malnutrition has become visible to policymakers. To date, food security policies and strategies have displayed
- [Op Ed | SA Needs a Medupi Write-Off](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-sa-needs-a-medupi-write-off/) - By Dr Tracy Ledger There are growing global calls for a debt write-off for developing countries because of Covid-19. Eskom received a $3.75-billion loan from the World Bank in 2010, intended mostly for the construction of Medupi. Writing off this debt would be a good start. For many South Africans, one of the only good
- [The Public Procurement Bill Needs An Enforcement Strategy](https://pari.org.za/the-public-procurement-bill-needs-an-enforcement-strategy/) - By Ryan Brunette and Jonathan Klaaren South African public procurement law needs a tougher approach to enforcement. It will have one if it empowers and incentivises whistle-blowers. The Public Procurement Bill, in process since 2013, was recently published for comment. The public has until 31 May to have its say. Government’s procurement budget is larger
- [Op Ed | Ramaphosa Must Rebuild Trust In The Public Service](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-ramaphosa-must-rebuild-trust-in-the-public-service/) - By Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi In the 2020 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa presented an impressive gamut of key initiatives that need to be or are already being done by the state and the government. They are forward-looking, aspirational and practical. I listened closely to a SONA for the first time in
- [Op Ed | People Must Participate In Governance](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-people-must-participate-in-governance/) - By Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Dr Tracy Ledger The civil society conference on October 23, organised by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Public Affairs Research Institute (Pari), is an attempt to offer a view from civil society’s perspective on what needs to be done to overcome state capture and to reform the state in key
- [Op Ed | ANC Should Stop Recycling Old Ideas](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-anc-should-stop-recycling-old-ideas/) - By Thokozani Chilenga-Butao There is an important question people used to ask before Nkandla, state capture, Thuma Mina and Ramaphoria became the most important issues in South Africa: Who comes first: the country or the ANC? The party’s democratic-centralism framework means the ANC policy and resolutions are taken during conferences.This is the position of all
- [Op ed | #ShutDownAlex, symbole d’un développement à deux vitesses en Afrique du Sud](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-shutdownalex-symbole-dun-developpement-a-deux-vitesses-en-afrique-du-sud/) - Research fellow Thomas Lesaffre writes about #ShutDownAlex and the ANC in the lead up to 2019 national elections on 8 May. Dans deux semaines, les Sud-Africains sont appelés à élire leur président. Comme depuis 1994, la victoire semble assurée au parti au pouvoir, l’African National Congress, et son candidat Cyril Ramaphosa. Et comme depuis une
- [Op Ed | Not Knowing What The Problem Is, IS The Problem](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-not-knowing-what-the-problem-is-is-the-problem/) - Not knowing what the problem is, IS the problem Dr Tracy Ledger Daily Maverick, 22 March 2019 Eskom has hit a brick wall and, by all accounts, no one in any position of authority can tell us why or how this has happened. Minister Pravin Gordhan publicly stated that “we” do not know what the
- [Op Ed | Covid 19: A test of Africa's solidarity and resilience](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-covid-19-a-test-of-africas-solidarity-and-resilience/) - By Patrick Kadima In 2014, Africa was faced with the Ebola epidemic, which affected mainly West African countries, causing fatalities and disrupting the economic sectors.During that, certain African leaders made a call to the world, especially to developed countries, to mobilise resources to help the continent fight off the deadly virus.Indeed the world responded to
- [Op Ed | A better and united Africa for all is still possible](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-a-better-and-united-africa-for-all-is-still-possible/) - By Patrick Kadima In 1999 two teenage Africans from Guinea were found in the landing gear of an Airbus operated by the now defunct Belgian airline known as Sabena. What captured the attention of the public was not only the fact that the bodies were found four days later but the letter that the teenagers
- [Real Relief Requires Reform of the State Recruitment](https://pari.org.za/real-relief-requires-reform-of-the-state-recruitment/) - by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao The recruitment processes in government have been under debate and scrutiny for years. Allegations of nepotism, cadre deployment and the recruitment of unqualified candidates in government departments have been well documented. Now, as South Africa deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we see how previous recruitment practices have seeded the glaring weaknesses in
- [Another Reason Why Eskom is the Bull in the Fiscal China Shop](https://pari.org.za/another-reason-why-eskom-is-the-bull-in-the-fiscal-china-shop/) - By Tracy Ledger We have seen many headlines over the past two years highlighting the negative effects of Eskom on the national fiscus. Billions of rands have been allocated to the national utility to try and shore up its fragile balance sheet. The total amount of money handed over to Eskom for this purpose
- [White Elephant Schools Reveal Lack of Progress](https://pari.org.za/white-elephant-schools-reveal-lack-of-progress/) - by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao The media has reported on a public school in Midrand, worth R82 million and brand new, which has not opened for the past three years because the school was built on a wetland. According to reports, no approval to build the school, particularly given it is on a wetland, was sought from the
- [Op ed | A New Part for the Course](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-a-new-part-for-the-course/) - By Federica Duca Recent news of the redevelopment of the River Club in Cape Town, and a furore about the lease renewal of the Rondebosch golf course in the same city, have sparked a much-needed debate around urban golf courses in South Africa. What do they represent? Do we need them? Do golf courses
- [Op Ed | Every Zimbabwean Deserves Secure Land Rights](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-every-zimbabwean-deserves-secure-land-rights/) - by Gaynor Paradza In 2019, Zimbabwe embarked on a long-awaited land policymaking process. The Land Policy’s emphasis on gender sensitivity echoes global recognition and acknowledgement of the strategic importance of land as a resource for men and women in Zimbabwe. Land is an important asset for women in Zimbabwe because of their limited access to
- [Op Ed | Local government vs communities](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-local-government-vs-communities/) - Local government vs communities: Reclaiming the people’s power through the courts [first published in News24] State authority can be challenged, giving civil movements the power to circumvent limitations and failures of state institutions, moving closer to the idea of co-existence and co-dependency between the state and society when it comes to accountability, writes Thina Nzo. The
- [Op Ed | Sustainable investing in Africa must place priority on the social aspect](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-sustainable-investing-in-africa-must-place-priority-on-the-social-aspect/) - by Vincent Obisie-Orlu, OIS Honours Student [first published in Business Day] The concept of environmental, social & governance (ESG) entails three factors that have been overlooked in measuring firms’ compliance with these criteria. Environmental responsibility speaks to energy usage, carbon footprint and waste management systems. Social responsibility refers to the relationship between companies and labour,
- [Op Ed | Nigeria’s undemocratic Twitter shutdown points to a dangerous slide towards dictatorship](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-nigerias-undemocratic-twitter-shutdown-points-to-a-dangerous-slide-towards-dictatorship/) - By Michael Asikabulu, OIS Honours Student [first published in Daily Maverick] The decision of the government of Nigeria on Friday, 4 June 2021 to suspend Twitter operations in the country “shows that the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has suspended Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution”, said prominent human rights lawyer and activist Femi
- [Op Ed | Coalition politics: crux of demolition of political stability, governance in Johannesburg](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-coalition-politics-crux-of-demolition-of-political-stability-governance-in-johannesburg/) - by Thina Nzo [first published on News24] Thina Nzo breaks down why coalition politics in Johannesburg were initially successful, but became less so following ongoing battles and reneging on various agreements, preventing representatives from focusing on service delivery and political oversight as particularistic party interests were placed over the interests of citizens and constituencies. Political
- [Op Ed | Energy Transition Moves Beyond the Boardroom](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-energy-transition-moves-beyond-the-boardroom/) - by Vincent Obisie-Orlu [This article was first published on Business Live] In May Royal Dutch Shell lost what is considered a precedent setting climate change case for oil companies. The Hague district court in the Netherlands ordered Shell to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 based on the company’s 2019 levels. This would
- [Open letter to the President | Major reforms in the public service are critical to the future of South Africa](https://pari.org.za/open-letter-to-the-president-major-reforms-in-the-public-service-are-critical-to-the-future-of-south-africa/) - [first published in Daily Maverick] Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa, On Monday, 1 March 2021, in your presidential letter to the nation, you reiterated your administration’s commitment to build an efficient, capable and ethical state free from corruption. At the centre of this commitment you put the need to professionalise the public service, to ensure the
- [We need a ‘Food First’ approach to basic municipal services and not use them as a source of local government revenue](https://pari.org.za/we-need-a-food-first-approach-to-basic-municipal-services-and-not-use-them-as-a-source-of-local-government-revenue/) - By Tracy Ledger First published in Daily Maverick, 4 Oct 2021 Municipal services (electricity, water and sanitation) are intended to be a tool to reduce poverty and inequality. Providing services to households that were previously denied such access is among the most important roles of local government and its main contribution to reducing poverty and
- [Business and the state are twin enemies of SA’s poor](https://pari.org.za/business-and-the-state-are-twin-enemies-of-sas-poor/) - Real radical economic transformation requires more than a binary battle between the private and public sectors — it needs an overhaul of morality President Jacob Zuma has promised that the ANC will focus this year on achieving “radical” transformation of the economy and, by implication, of society. He (and many others) believe that SA’s levels
- [Viral Contradictions: Canadian Exceptionalism and Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-canada/) - By Adrian Murray, January 2021 [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]C[/nectar_dropcap]anadians generally see their country as a progressive and cooperative member of the global community across a range of domestic and international policy spheres. At first glance, it appears there is some basis for this view. Canada ranks in the middle of the pack among Organization for Economic Cooperation
- [Pandemic as Campaign Stage: On Trump’s Handling of Covid-19 in the United States](https://pari.org.za/pandemic-as-campaign-stage-trumps-handling-of-covid-19-usa/) - By Zachary Levenson, December 2020 From the very beginning, US President Donald Trump was nonchalant about the coronavirus’ impact on Americans. A week before the first major spike in that country, he told reporters, ‘It goes away. It’s going away. We want it to go away with very, very few deaths.’ He made similar pronouncements
- [Nigeria's Response to Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/nigeria-response-covid/) - By Mustapha Ndajiwo, November 2020 Introduction The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has altered the global system in myriad ways, and a major concern has been the preparedness and response to the pandemic by African countries. Early predictions in Africa put the expected death toll at 300,000, with significant risk for increased poverty. However, while the economic
- [South Africa, Covid-19 and the Social Contract](https://pari.org.za/south-africa-covid-19-social-contract/) - By Mbongiseni Buthelezi, October 2020 Covid-19 has exposed the deep fault lines that characterise South African society. When the crisis broke out and a hard lockdown was instituted in March 2020, it became clear that food poverty is a stark reality for many people. The army was deployed to police the population, making state violence
- [Revisioning State-Society Relationships in a Pandemic:  New Zealand’s Response to Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-new-zealand/) - By Naomi Simon-Kumar, Rachel Simon-Kumar and Monique Jonas, August 2020 Introduction [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]N[/nectar_dropcap]ew Zealand’s early success in containing Covid-19 proved a cause célèbre worldwide as the only Western country to pursue an elimination strategy committed to completely eradicating transmission of the virus within its borders. Led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the government acted swiftly
- [Covid-19 in the United Kingdom: Navigating a Global Pandemic](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-uk/) - By Joan McGregor, August 2020 We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm. — Damian Barr [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]T[/nectar_dropcap]he first two cases of Covid-19 in the United Kingdom were recorded on 31 January 2020, and up to 28 February, all cases in the UK were contracted abroad. By early
- [Covid-19 Pandemic: An Experience from Tanzania](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-tanzania/) - By Bariki G. Mwasaga, September 2020 Disclaimer: I am a PhD candidate at the University of Perugia, Italy. Prior to starting PhD studies, I was working with the Prime Minister’s Office in Tanzania. I am sharing my insights on how the government of United Republic of Tanzania responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]T[/nectar_dropcap]he first
- [Bolivia: Legitimation Crisis and State (In)capacity](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-bolivia/) - By Alice Soares Guimarães, August 2020 [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]I[/nectar_dropcap]n early March, the first cases of Covid-19 in Bolivia were confirmed. Shortly afterwards the government decreed a state of health emergency and adopted strict measures to avoid the spread of the virus.[1] Four months later, however, we are witnessing the increase of infections, the collapse of the
- [Covid-19: The India Story](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-india/) - By Aditya Nigam, July 2020 [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]T[/nectar_dropcap]he Indian government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the state-society relationship that emerged as a result is perhaps the most surreal episode of the drama that has played out in different parts of the world. Background Since May 2014, India has had a government of the Hindu right
- [Brazil: Half Blind in the Coronavirus Crisis](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-brazil/) - By José Maurício Domingues, September 2020 Introduction [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]T[/nectar_dropcap]he coronavirus hit like a tsunami over the planet. International organizations and national states definitely knew that the risk of a devasting pandemic was high – the World Health Organization (WHO), in particular, had warned of this possibility, even likelihood, but global preparedness lagged. When, at the
- [Pandemic: The Italian Way](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-italy/) - By Wolf Bukowski, July 2020 [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]A[/nectar_dropcap]t the beginning we were mocked, abroad,’ says Romano Prodi referring to the government’s response to Covid-19, ‘But now we hear people call it the Italian way: we dictated the rule. I believe that we saved Europe.’ Former Italian Prime Minister Prodi’s statements are often banal, but never casual.
- [China and State Capacity in the Era of Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-china/) - By Flora Sapio, July 2020 [nectar_dropcap color=”#1e83ec”]F[/nectar_dropcap]or decades, the Asian continent has seen the import of concepts devised in Europe or in the United States, and it has been on the receiving end of efforts aimed at enhancing the capacity of national states. The People’s Republic of China has been no exception to this trend.
- [The Case of Sweden and Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-sweden/) - By Rui Llera Blanes, July 2020 Disclaimer: I am a university professor employed at the University of Gothenburg and living in Sweden since January 2018. Prior to that, I have lived in Norway for three years, and have traveled several times to Denmark. The personal knowledge acquired concerning the case of Sweden and Scandinavia is
- [Strengthening municipal systems for inclusive and sustainable water and sanitation in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/strengthening-municipal-systems-for-inclusive-and-sustainable-water-and-sanitation-in-south-africa/) - Water and sanitation progress globally is characterised by poor sustainability, social exclusion, weak accountability, poor scalability, and insufficient prioritisation and resourcing. These issues are symptomatic of system weaknesses, so require systems thinking to tackle them. They are worsened and made more urgent by poor environmental sustainability, growing demand and competition for water, weak governance, structural
- [Chapter | Women and Land Inheritance Under Legal Pluralism in Lesotho](https://pari.org.za/women-and-land-inheritance-under-legal-pluralism-in-lesotho/) - ‘Land inheritance is an important process through which women negotiate access to the resource. Legal pluralism renders land inheritance a complex process for those who rely on inheritance as a source of land. This chapter uses the case study of Lesotho to highlight how legal pluralism influences women’s land inheritance in Lesotho. The research applied
- [Podcast | This Is OIS](https://pari.org.za/podcast-this-is-ois/) - This Is OIS is a journey into the research topics and methodologies of the students of OIS – Organisational and Institutional Studies at Wits University. Episode 5: What’s behind poor service delivery at eMfuleni Municipality? Lesley Mhlanga interviews her fellow OIS honours student, Tafadzwa Ndofirepi, about her research into eMfuleni Municipality in the Sedibeng district.
- [The Net-Zero Energy Transition: Policy case studies from INETTT](https://pari.org.za/the-net-zero-energy-transition-policy-case-studies-from-inettt/) - In December 2020, an international group of think tanks working for the energy transition in major and emerging economies around the world came together to create the International Network of Energy Transition Think Tanks (INETTT). The INETTT founding members are from Europe (Germany and Poland), East Asia (Japan and the Republic of Korea), South-East Asia
- [WP | The Role of School Governing Bodies](https://pari.org.za/wp-the-role-of-school-governing-bodies/) - A working paper by Noma Pakade and Thokozani Chilenga-Butao School governing bodies (SGBs) are the nerve centres of schools in South Africa. Their main purpose is to create and maintain school policies, provide support to principals and other staff, and oversee general governance issues that are in the best interest of schools and their learners.
- [Watch | Coalition Talks Following Local Elections](https://pari.org.za/watch-coalition-talks-following-local-elections/) - Local Government lead, Thina Nzo, spoke to Newzroom Afrika on 8 November 2021. ‘So there are coalition negotiations underway around the country in different ways – the ANC’s national working committee is meeting – the party met with the Economic Freedom fighters over the weekend. Senior researcher Dr Thina Nzo weighs in.’
- [Gallery | eMthanjeni Municipality and Renewable Energy](https://pari.org.za/gallery-emthanjeni-municipality-and-renewable-energy/) - Images by photographer, Bram Lammers, depict life in and around De Aar and its renewable energy farms. This photo essay was commissioned by PARI’s Local Government programme, for a research report about eMthanjeni Municipality: Whose Power is it Anyway? Local Government and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) eMthanjeni & Renewables eMthanjeni
- [COMPANIES AMENDMENT BILL, 2021 Bill [B-2021] Submission of Public Comments](https://pari.org.za/companies-amendment-bill-2021-bill-b-2021-submission-of-public-comments/) - PARI’s State Reform programme and the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) have submitted public comments on the Companies Act Amendment Bill. Download
- [Watch | Corruption and Governance in Local Government](https://pari.org.za/watch-corruption-and-governance-in-local-government/) - Dr Tracy Ledger, Lead of PARI’s Energy and Society programme, participated in this webinar hosted by the Mail&Guardian. Streamed live on Oct 25, 2021 • The Auditor-General’s reports of the last decade have painted a rather grim picture of deteriorating governance at local government level. Municipalities are increasingly racking up huge bills in unauthorised and
- [WATCH | Has access to basic services enabled transformation or entrenched poverty?](https://pari.org.za/watch-has-access-to-basic-services-enabled-transformation-or-entrenched-poverty/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) has released a report on its investigation of the provisions of basic municipal services to low-income households in South Africa. Overwhelmingly the poorest 50% of households in South Africa are being required to pay a quarter of their monthly income on basic services, says Dr Tracy Ledger. The study
- [Listen | Basic services costs take food off the table](https://pari.org.za/listen-basic-services-costs-take-food-off-the-table/) - Based on the Access to Basic to Services report, Tracy Ledger chats to Chai FM about how basic services costs are making South African households poorer, most importantly at the expense of food. Dr Ledger contradicts the narrative of a “culture of non-payment” for services, and recommends genuinely pro-poor and pro-development policies. 2021.10.04 Dr Tracy
- [WATCH | Sophie's Choice for Many South Africans](https://pari.org.za/watch-sophies-choice-for-many-south-africans/) - It’s Sophie’s choice for many South Africans who must choose between water and electricity, or food. Dr Tracy Ledger shared the findings in her latest research report with eNCA on 3 October. Find the report HERE.
- [Launch of the Association of Former Directors-General](https://pari.org.za/launch-of-the-association-of-former-directors-general/) - Having undergone a consultative process with a small mandated and coordinating group of former DGs, PARI’s State Reform has assisted this group in conducting comparative research on the best organisational vehicle to adopt, the preparation of the founding documents for the establishment of a voluntary association, as well as preparations and logistical support for the
- [Press Release | Are Basic Services Entrenching Poverty and Inequality?](https://pari.org.za/press-release-are-basic-services-entrenching-poverty-and-inequality/) - PRESS RELEASE Johannesburg 01 October 2021 (For Immediate Release) Access to Basic Services: Enabling Progressive Transformation or Entrenching Poverty and Inequality? The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) has released a short report by Dr Tracy Ledger investigating the provision of basic municipal services to low-income households, to answer a key question: is the current model
- [WATCH | A Just Recovery After Covid-19 and Looting](https://pari.org.za/watch-a-just-recovery-after-covid-19-and-looting/) - This PLAAS webinar on 30 September 2021, facilitated by Mbongiseni Buthelezi, aimed to reframe the post-Covid and post-unrest ‘recovery’ discourse to foreground the danger of entrenched corporate power in the food system, and the immediate opportunities to “build back” different and better. This requires an understanding of inequality, power and politics in food systems. On
- [WATCH | Local Government in Crisis: How do communities respond?](https://pari.org.za/watch-local-government-in-crisis-how-do-communities-respond/) - This second session of Local Government in Crisis held on 30 September 2021, a webinar series by Tshisimani and MyVoteCounts, explores what tactics communities can and have used when municipalities are failing. The panellists were Dr Trevor Ngwane (Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee) and Dr Tracy Ledger (Public Affairs Research Institute).
- [WATCH | State Reform and Traditional Leadership](https://pari.org.za/gcro-mistra-rebuild-sa-webinar/) - On 29 September 2021, Mbongiseni Buthelezi presented an input into the Rebuild SA webinar, the first instalment in a series by GCRO and MISTRA. Dr Buthelezi spoke on State Reform and Traditional Leadership: What is to be done? His input can be found at 55:22. Guest speakers included Julia de Kadt from GCRO on Understanding
- [WATCH | Should Electricity Be A Free Basic Right?](https://pari.org.za/watch-should-electricity-be-a-free-basic-right/) - Is there a duty on the government to provide free basic electricity to the people of South Africa, especially the poor? Dr. Tracy Ledger, a senior researcher and Lead of the Energy and Society programme at the Public Affairs Research Institute, Energy Expert Chris Yelland, Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha; and National Campaigner at Forum 4
- [Hiring | Executive Director Position](https://pari.org.za/hiring-executive-director-position/) - Executive Director, Johannesburg The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) is a Johannesburg-based organisation that studies the effectiveness of state institutions in the discharge of their mandates. PARI is affiliated to Wits University and to the University of Cape Town and is a leading research institute thinking about the state
- [WATCH | Youth Participation in the Electoral Process](https://pari.org.za/watch-youth-participation-in-the-electoral-process/) - Young people are disengaged from the democratic process. Most of them don’t participate in elections, they don’t usually stand as candidates and remain unrepresented in electoral managerial functions. The IEC is also concerned about the under-representation of young people on the voters’ roll. Dr Thina Nzo a Senior Researcher and Local Government Programme Lead at
- [HR | Sexual Harassment Policy](https://pari.org.za/hr-new-sexual-harassment-policy/) - PARI researchers and management alike called for transparency and good governance within the organisation, in keeping with the values underpinning the work that the organisation produces. PARI is proud to have a manual of human resources Policies and Procedures, including a comprehensive policy for sexual harassment. PARI believes that each individual employed by the organisation
- [Op ed | Elections 2021 - Unpredictability, instability may cost parties votes](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-elections-2021-unpredictability-instability-may-cost-parties-votes/) - by Thina Nzo It’s been five years since the last local government elections were held in 2016. For South Africans, that means its time to go back to the voting booth after the Constitutional Court ruled that local government elections must be held no later than 1 November 2021. With the elections drawing closer, there
- [Whose Power Is It Anyway? | Emthanjeni Local Municipality and Renewable Energy](https://pari.org.za/whose-power-is-it-anyway-emthanjeni-local-municipality-and-renewable-energy/) - A report by Thina Nzo. We owed Eskom R106 million. Eskom cut us [the municipality] from the electricity supply for two days during lockdown, when people lost their jobs and there was no revenue generated by our municipality. We were forced by Eskom to fork out R19 million to reconnect to the grid. We even
- [Podcast | What went wrong with free basic electricity?](https://pari.org.za/podcast-what-went-wrong-with-free-basic-electricity/) - This community announcement aims to inform households about why affordable basic energy allocations have not been delivered as promised, and what they can do about it. It is available in five major South African languages, based on a community brief – the research behind which comes from: Broken Promises: Electricity Access for low-income households. Produced
- [Photo Essay: Mogalakwena Municipality](https://pari.org.za/photo-essay-mogalakwena-municipality/) - A photo essay on the Mogalakwena Municipality by Leon Sadiki. Part of the PARI project on Mogalakwena Local Municipality. 20170904_NFrontiers_MOG01 mogalakwena municipality6 mogalakwena municipality8 View image mogalakwena municipality13 mogalakwena municipality23 mogalakwena municipality24 mogalakwena municipality30 mogalakwena municipality33 mogalakwena municipality35 mogalakwena municipality40 mogalakwena municipality48 mogalakwena municipality50 mogalakwena municipality51 mogalakwena municipality52
- [Gallery | State Capture and its Aftermath](https://pari.org.za/gallery-state-capture-and-its-aftermath/) - Day 1 Day 1 continued Cocktail Evening with Conrad Koch Day 2 Day 2/3 Day 3 continued
- [Annual Report 20/21](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-20-21/) - The Year In Review THE NEW NORMAL 2020 was an unprecedented year as the Covid-19 pandemic created serious challenges, and unexpectedly, extreme productivity in the organisation across the six programme areas. On 23 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus that was fast becoming a global
- [Watch | R26 billion in irregular expenditure](https://pari.org.za/municipal-audit-outcomes-r26-billion-in-irregular-expenditure/) - Dr Thina Nzo on Morning Live traces dysfunctionality in municipalities back to a lack of political leadership and oversight: “Accountability needs to be applied; heads need to roll” The state of affairs at the country’s municipalities has once again come under the spotlight, following Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke’s briefing to parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts
- [PARI joins Participedia](https://pari.org.za/pari-joins-participedia/) - PARI, in 2020, joined Participedia, a global community sharing knowledge and stories about public participation and democratic innovations. Participedia is an open-sourced, online research tool and publishing platform for articles and case studies of real life examples of participatory democracy. It was set up by North American academics in response to a perceived gap in
- [Mbongiseni Buthelezi joins the Agora Energiewende Supervisory Board](https://pari.org.za/mbongiseni-buthelezi-joins-the-agora-energiewende-supervisory-board/) - Mbongiseni Buthelezi has joined the Supervisory Board of Agora Energiewende: a think tank funded by the European Climate Foundation and Stiftung Mercator that focuses on dialogue with energy policymakers. It initiates and commissions research and uses the results to define the challenges of the Energiewende, presents possible solutions and creates a strategy for transforming Germany’s
- [PARI joins the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa](https://pari.org.za/pari-joins-the-network-of-excellence-on-land-governance-in-africa/) - NELGA is the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa. The NUST NELGA node currently has over 30 academic partner institutions in 12 southern African countries, making it the largest node on the continent. PARI joined the NUST NELGA Node for Southern Africa on 29 January 2021, as an academic, non-governmental organisation involved in
- [Land | Partnerships and Stakeholder Participation in the Management of National Parks: Experiences of the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe](https://pari.org.za/partnerships-and-stakeholder-participation-management-of-national-parks-experiences-of-the-gonarezhou-national-park-in-zimbabwe/) - By Walter Musakwa, Trynos Gumbo, Gaynor Paradza, Ephraim Mpofu, Nesisa Analisa Nyathi and Ntlakala B. Selamolela Abstract National parks play an important role in maintaining natural ecosystems which are important sources of income and livelihood sustenance. Most national parks in Southern Africa are managed by their states. Before 2007, Gonarezhou National Park was managed
- [Land | Could Mapping Initiatives Catalyze the Interpretation of Customary Land Rights in Ways that Secure Women’s Land Rights?](https://pari.org.za/could-mapping-initiatives-catalyze-interpretation-of-customary-land-rights/) - By Gaynor Paradza, Lebogang Mokwena and Walter Musakwa Abstract Although land forms the basis for marginal livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa, the asset is more strategic for women as they usually hold derived and dependent rights to land in customary tenure areas. Initiatives to secure women’s land tenure in customary areas are undermined by the
- [WATCH | State Capture and Civil Society - a PARI presentation](https://pari.org.za/watch-state-capture-and-civil-society-a-pari-presentation/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute presented some ideas on state capture and civil society at the RAITH Foundation’s Brown Bag Sessions on 13 March 2020. Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi asks what took civil society so long to get consensus about what was happening in the state? Dr Florencia Belvedere talks about PARI’s state reform project. Dr
- [OIS Orientation 2020](https://pari.org.za/ois-orientation-2020/) - On Wednesday 29 January, 2020, the Organisational and Institutional Studies department at Wits University held an orientation session for the new 2020 cohort of Honours, Masters and PhD students. The Honours lecturer, Dr Marcus Walton, and Academic Coordinator, Dr Federica Duca, addressed an excited room full of new recruits to the programme. Head of the
- [Watch | OIS Introduces A New PhD Programme](https://pari.org.za/watch-ois-introduces-a-new-phd-programme/) - Organisational and Institutional Studies (OIS) is a multidisciplinary degree programme in the School of Social Sciences at Wits University. The department offers Honours and Masters levels, and introduces a new PhD level in 2020. Limited scholarships are available. Apply to study at https://www.wits.ac.za/applications/ Learn more about OIS
- [Webinar | Unpacking Infrastructure Delivery In Relation to the Draft Procurement Bill](https://pari.org.za/webinar-unpacking-infrastructure-delivery/) - Watch the full webinar video from Thursday, 18 June for the event Unpacking Infrastructure Delivery In Relation To The Draft Procurement Bill. The PARI resources link, including NPC links, referred to in the video are at: https://pari.org.za/position-papers-public-procurement/ The webinar was a collaboration between Wits School of Law, Mandela Institute and PARI, moderated by Prof. Jonathan
- [Watch | PARI uncovers scandal totaling billions of rand](https://pari.org.za/watch-pari-uncovers-scandal-totaling-billions-of-rand/) - In the interview with Newzroom Afrika, Tracy Ledger breaks down the incentives for municipalities to divert funds intended for free basic services. She discusses the imbalance in the conversation around energy generation and why renewables may not translate into cheaper bills for the consumer. And finally, what needs to happen to address these issues. Watch
- [Webinar | Professionalising Local Government](https://pari.org.za/webinar-professionalising-local-government/) - A professional and well-capacitated local government bureaucracy is essential for the delivery of efficient and effective public goods and services to local communities. The recruitment and appointment of municipal administration is legislatively governed by the National Treasury Minimum Competency Regulations (2007), Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (2000); the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (2003).
- [Webinar | Launch event for Recruitment Position Paper on State Reform](https://pari.org.za/webinar-launch-event-for-recruitment-position-paper-on-state-reform/) - On 6 May 2020, 2pm, PARI launched online a position paper on state reform titled “Appointment and Dismissal in the Public Service and Municipalities”, authored by Ryan Brunette. This was PARI’s first online event. The launch was extremely well attended with incisive and stimulating questions coming in from the Q&A box. These inputs have been
- [Webinar | Land Reform and the Art of Government: The role and capacity of the state](https://pari.org.za/webinar-land-reform-and-the-art-of-government-the-role-and-capacity-of-the-state/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi will be participating in this webinar, organised by PLAAS at the University of the Western Cape, on government roles and capacities in land reform. Watch the public webinar at the link below. Thursday, 30 July 2020 @ 13h00
- [WATCH | Land Policy-Making in SA Webinar](https://pari.org.za/webinar-towards-coherent-land-policy-making-in-sa/) - Towards Coherent Land Policy-Making in SA: insights and Lessons was the first webinar held by PARI’s Land Governance Programme. The webinar, on 16 September 2020, featured dynamic inputs from land policy experts from Zimbabwe, Uganda and South Africa and stirred up an exciting engagement around South Africa’s prospects for dealing with its land policies. The
- [WATCH | Professionalising Local Government Webinar](https://pari.org.za/professionalising-local-govt-webinar/) - Professionalising Local Government: Recruitment and Appointments in Municipalities was held jointly by the Local Government and State Reform Programmes. The webinar, on 27 October 2020, featured an impressive panel of technical experts in the field. The panel was: Tebogo Motlashuping, Chief Director: HR Management Services, COGTA Koena Ramotlou, General Secretary, SAMWU Rio Nolutshungu, Chief Officer:
- [Webinar | Protect Our Whistleblowers](https://pari.org.za/webinar-protect-our-whistleblowers/) - A webinar by PARI and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on 5 November looked at how public servants who speak out need to be protected. PARI also launches it Toolkit for Public Servants. Find it HERE Panel: Cynthia Stimpel (former SAA whistleblower) Stefanie Fick (OUTA) Mandla Nkomfe (Gauteng MEC) Karam Singh (Corruption Watch) Florencia Belvedere (PARI)
- [Watch | The Future of the Ingonyama Trust](https://pari.org.za/watch-the-future-of-the-ingonyama-trust/) - The Future Of The Ingonyama Trust: Substantive Accountability in a post-Covid era dialogue held by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Land and Accountability Research Centre and the Public Affairs Research Institute, with the kind support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
- [Webinar | Back to School](https://pari.org.za/webinar-back-to-school/) - PARI’s Education Governance programme held a webinar on 11 February titled Back to School: Challenges to teaching and learning while managing a pandemic. Programme leads Noma Pakade and Thokozani Chilenga-Butao presented their working paper and facilitated a discussion with four engaging panellists. WATCH THE FULL RECORDING Resources Download the working paper Exploring Institutional Coordination of
- [Debora Matthews Speaks About Activist Archives](https://pari.org.za/debora-matthews-speaks-activist-archives/) - Debora Matthews worked for seven years as Archival Coordinator in the Struggles for Justice Programme at the South African History Archive (SAHA), an independent activist and human rights archive in Johannesburg. SAHA is an independent human rights archive dedicated to documenting, supporting and promoting greater awareness of past and current struggles for justice through archival
- [Listen | We need a conversation about professionalising the public service](https://pari.org.za/political-influence-hampered-south-african-public-service-says-dr-mbongiseni-buthelezi/) - On 29 May, Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi spoke to radio talkshow host Eusebius McKaiser about the need to reform the public service, with reference to PARI’s #AfterCapture campaign. Read Cape Talk’s write up here, or listen to the recorded interview and excellent call-in discussion. Political influence has hampered the South African public service, says Dr
- [Listen | State Capture Revealed Vulnerabilities in Government's Workings](https://pari.org.za/listen-state-capture-revealed-vulnerabilities-governments-workings/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), working in partnership with a broader civil society has announced that it will be hosting a major conference on reconstructing public institutions in South Africa in the aftermath of state capture. PARI’s Executive Director, Ivor Chipkin, joined Karima Brown on her show to discuss this and how South Africa
- [Listen | Civil Society Engages on Defending Constitutional Democracy](https://pari.org.za/listen-civil-society-engages-on-defending-constitutional-democracy/) - The Role of Civil Society in Deepening the Fight against State Capture An engagement of some of South Africa’s prominent civil society organisations was facilitated by the #AfterCapture campaign on 26 June 2018. The engagement saw a stimulating discussion about the role of civil society in defending and protecting the constitutional democracy, not least
- [Read | Watch | Listen | Shadow State: The Politics of State Capture](https://pari.org.za/shadow-state-the-politics-of-state-capture/) - Johannesburg book launch 21/08Cape Town book launch 28/08About the BookBuy the Book MEDIA Extract in the Daily MaverickExtract in News24Extract in News24
- [Listen | The rotten heart of Nelson Mandela Bay](https://pari.org.za/listen-the-rotten-heart-of-nelson-mandela-bay/) - Crispian Olver spoke to talkshow host Eusebius McKaiser on 5 September about his book about the corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay, “How To Steal a City”, published in 2017. Recent dramatic events in the municipality include an intervention by National Treasury over a question of “interference” in the supply chain management procedures. News24 reported on
- [Listen | Zuma says there is no state capture](https://pari.org.za/listen-zuma-says-there-is-no-state-capture/) - Former president Jacob Zuma addressed students at the Walter Sisulu University of Technology in Mthatha on Wednesday 12 September. He again denied that the South African state was ever captured‚ saying the term is a “politically decorated expression”. He said the term was used by people who wanted to achieve certain political outcomes, that the
- [Interviews | Democracy, State-building and Taxation Workshop](https://pari.org.za/democracy-state-building-and-taxation-workshop/) - PARI, in conjuction with FES_South Africa, hosts a workshop from 15-16 October 2018 at the Hilton Hotel Nairobi on Democracy, State-building and Taxation: The role of fiscal activism in sub-Saharan Africa. The two-day programme unpacks the role of fiscal activism on the continent and to understand how it positions itself in the current context. Unpacking
- [Listen | State Capture and its Aftermath from Africa](https://pari.org.za/listen-state-capture-and-its-aftermath-from-africa/) - PARI’s 22-24 October #AfterCapture conference hosted international and local speakers in 17 panels over the three days. The rigorous programme featured papers presented by the speakers on the many and diverse aspects of state capture, what led to it, how it played out and what needs to happen after that. Topics included areas like political
- [Watch | Justice Zak Yacoob's Keynote Address](https://pari.org.za/watch-zak-yacoobs-keynote-address/) - The State Capture and its Aftermath conference opened with an address by Professor Linda Chisholm, then-Chair of PARI’s board, a note from Executive Director Mbongiseni Buthelezi and a keynote address by Justice Zak Yacoob, ex-Constitutional Court judge. This session opened a 3-day conference featuring 17 panels and roundtables on the aftermath of state capture in
- [Listen | How do we depoliticise our civil service and make it fitter for purpose?](https://pari.org.za/listen-how-do-we-depoliticise-our-civil-service-and-make-it-fitter-for-purpose/) - On March 5, 2019, Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi chatted to Eusebius McKaiser on Radio 702, about the need to depoliticise the public service, issues of cadre deployment and political legitimacy. “We are coming from a history of bantustan administrations which were highly politicised in many ways, in service of an apartheid project.” “We need to
- [Watch | Traditional Leaders in a Democracy Interview with Mbongiseni Buthelezi](https://pari.org.za/watch-traditional-leaders-in-a-democracy-interview-with-mbongiseni-buthelezi/) - Mbongiseni Buthelezi speaks about unaccountable leaders and apartheid legacies in an interview about the book, on which he is one of the editors, “Traditional Leaders in a Democracy: Resources, Respect Resistance”. What should African pasts mean in postcolonial presents, as new modes of existence are being worked out? How are the boundaries of contemporary ‘customary
- [Ecoutez | Les stigmates de l'apartheid encore présents 25 ans après les premières élections multiraciales](https://pari.org.za/ecoute-les-stigmates-de-lapartheid-encore-presents-25-ans-apres-les-premieres-elections-multiraciales/) - Research fellow Thomas Lesaffre speaks to ‘Forum’ on Schweitzer Radio und Fernsehen [Swiss Radio and TV] on Freedom Day, 25 years after the first democratic elections in South Africa: C’était il y a tout juste 25 ans, le 27 avril 1994, pour la première fois l’Afrique du Sud organisait des élections parlementaires multiraciales, les noirs
- [Ecoutez | Les 25 ans de la fin du régime d'apartheid en Afrique du Sud](https://pari.org.za/ecoutez-les-25-ans-de-la-fin-du-regime-dapartheid-en-afrique-du-sud/) - In the midst of national and provincial elections, research fellow Thomas Lesaffre talks to Radio Television Suisse (RTS) about the state of South Africa 25 years after the end of apartheid. [FRENCH]
- [Ecoutez | L'Afrique du Sud en transition au moment où son ancien président Jacob Zuma comparaît](https://pari.org.za/ecoutez-lafrique-du-sud-en-transition-au-moment-ou-son-ancien-president-jacob-zuma-comparait/) - Research Associate Thomas Lesaffre spoke to Radio Television Suisse (RTS) about former president Zuma and French arms company Thales going on trial for corruption. L’ancien président sud-africain comparaît aujourd’hui devant les juges pour une affaire de corruption. Procès qui se déroule donc en pleine période de transition, alors que le nouveau président Cyril Ramaphosa a promis
- [Listen | Mbongiseni Buthelezi on Traditional Leadership and Democracy](https://pari.org.za/listen-mbongiseni-buthelezi-on-traditional-leadership-and-democracy/) - The evolution of traditional leadership and its impact post-democracy THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED HERE We have seen a number of stories around developments in various royal households in South Africa. Recently, a court ruling in the Mthatha High Court restored the AmaMpondomise kingship when Judge Richard Brooks set aside former president Jacob Zuma’s
- [Listen | Structural reforms are required to reclaim the state #BetterState](https://pari.org.za/listen-structural-reforms-are-required-to-reclaim-the-state-betterstate/) - Thoko Chilenga-Butao, Associate Lecturer and Doctoral Fellow at PARI, spoke to Bob Mabena on the Power Breakfast show on 27 June 2019, about the forthcoming proposals for state reform in the areas of appointments to the criminal justice system, civil service recruitment and state procurement. Three position papers on these themes are due to be
- [Listen | PARI local govt report on 702](https://pari.org.za/listen-pari-local-govt-report-on-702/) - On 4 October, journalist Theto Mahlakoana spoke to Joanne Joseph on Radio 702’s Afternoon Drive, discussing PARI’s latest report, Mind The Gap: Section 139 interventions in theory and in practise. ‘While the autonomy of municipalities is protected constitutionally, it is also the responsibility of the provincial executive committees and at times national government to jump
- [Listen | Chilenga-Butao comments on PSC investigation into dodgy appointments](https://pari.org.za/listen-chilenga-butao-comments-on-psc-investigation-into-dodgy-appointments/) - On 30 January 2020, PARI Research Associate and Political Studies lecturer Thokozani Chilenga-Butao chatted to Bongani Bingwa on Radio 702 about alleged nepotism in the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC director-general Dovhani Mamphiswana will be investigated for allegations of appointing his mistress as the chief director for professional ethics. Chilenga-Butao commented on the need
- [Listen | Practical Solutions and Actions Can Rescue SOEs](https://pari.org.za/listen-practical-solutions-and-actions-can-rescue-soes/) - The Strategic Dialogue Group (SDG) and Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) say it’s practical solutions and actions that can rescue state-owned entities. SDG and PARI held a joint interactive dialogue session over the weekend aimed at improving public discourse about how to address South Africa’s poverty and inequality through SOEs. During the dialogue it was
- [Listen | Food security in the time of Covid-19 lockdown](https://pari.org.za/listen-food-security-in-the-time-of-covid-19-lockdown/) - Eusebius Mckaiser on Radio 702 hosted a one-hour panel and call-in show on rights to food security during the Covid-19 pandemic, with panellists Dr Tracy Ledger, Mervyn Abrahams, Mazibuko Jara & Jane Battersby-Lennard. @drtracyledger says “Policymakers have little to no idea about how most SAfricans access food. Poor people don’t use supermarkets like the middle
- [Watch | Civil society resorts to courts to enforce good governance](https://pari.org.za/watch-civil-society-resorts-to-courts-to-enforce-good-governance/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi spoke to SABC on Morning Live on 29 May 2020. “The decision by the High Court in Pretoria to declare former South African Airways Board Chair Dudu Myeni a delinquent director for life, brings up questions about government’s commitment to good governance in State-owned enterprises. Handing down her final decision on Wednesday,
- [Watch | Public Health System Under Scrutiny](https://pari.org.za/watch-public-health-system-under-scrutiny/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Professor Alex Van den Heever joined SABC Morning Live via Zoom this morning. Watch the full video below. South Africa’s Public Health System has been allocated 21 and a half billion rand more to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, but there’s no strategy to guide how it should be used. This is
- [Watch | Women go hungry for the sake of their children](https://pari.org.za/women-going-hungry-for-the-sake-of-their-children/) - Dr Tracy Ledger is quoted in the Daily Maverick article, Many Mothers Going Hungry For the Sake Of Their Children, New Data Shows, on her work on food security and women. Click the button below for the full article, watch her interview with eNCA news. ‘Burden usually falls on women Food security expert Dr Tracy
- [Watch | Could the Public Procurement Bill Minimise Unbridled Corruption?](https://pari.org.za/watch-could-the-public-procurement-bill-minimise-unbridled-corruption/) - Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, Research Associate at PARI and Sandile Swana, political analyst, spoke to SABC Morning Live on 22 September 2020 about the upcoming Public Procurement Bill. For more information about PARI’s work on public procurement, see HERE. “Reports of unrestrained corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic have further exposed the grave weaknesses in government and
- [Watch | Professionalism in the public sector](https://pari.org.za/watch-professionalism-in-the-public-sector/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi was interviewed on Newzroom Afrika on 11 October about the issue of a lack of professionalism in the public sector, which results in bad service and often, indignity. Dr Buthelezi argues that performance management systems, record systems and skill sets inside the public service need to be improved, as well as looking
- [Listen | More Taxpayer Money for Political Parties](https://pari.org.za/more-taxpayer-money-for-political-parties/) - The ANC’s treasurer-general Paul Mashatile is reportedly calling for an increase in state funding for political parties. The ANC has been in the news for some time with reports of the party unable to pay salaries for its staff members. They would like the yearly funds to be increased from R164 million to over R500
- [Listen | Public procurement and the SIU investigation into PPE scandal](https://pari.org.za/listen-public-procurement-and-the-siu-investigation-into-ppe-scandal/) - On 5 Feb 2021, Dr Florencia Belvedere chatted to Ntokozo Mazibuko on PowerFM about the state of public procurement, responding to the SIU’s media briefing that same day on the Covid-19 PPE scandal. Dr Belvedere leads the State Reform programme at PARI.
- [Listen | New policy to shake up SA's public service](https://pari.org.za/listen-new-policy-to-shake-up-sas-public-service/) - Dr Florencia Belvedere was on Radio 702’s early breakfast show this morning, chatting with Africa Melane about how the government could root out corruption among public service officials. Listen to the podcast below. Dr Belvedere leads PARI’s State Reform programme – LEARN MORE.
- [Watch | PARI comments on reforming the state](https://pari.org.za/watch-pari-comments-on-reforming-the-state/) - Dr Florencia Belvedere shares PARI’s state reform work at the Consulting Engineers Protecting Lives and Livelihoods Webinar, Episode 3. You can watch the full webinar in the YouTube embed below.
- [Listen | Building State Capacity for Inclusive Development](https://pari.org.za/listen-building-state-capacity-for-inclusive-development/) - Khaya Sithole is in conversation with Busani Ngcaweni, Principal of the National School of Governance and Dr Florencia Belvedere, Lead of the State Reform programme at the Public Affairs Research Institute – Building of state capacity for inclusive development.
- [Watch | Trust, Accountability and Capacity in Education System Reform](https://pari.org.za/trust-accountability-and-capacity-in-education-system-reform/) - In the short video clip below, Melanie Ehren and Jacqueline Baxter interview Noma Pakade and Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, authors of chapter 12 from the book Trust Accountability and Capacity in Education System Reform. Interviews with other chapter authors can be found HERE. This global collection brings a new perspective to the field of comparative education by
- [Listen | New research shows how municipalities divert funding intended for free basic electricity](https://pari.org.za/listen-new-research-shows-how-municipalities-divert-funding-intended-for-free-basic-electricity/) - Head of the Energy and Society programme, Tracy Ledger, speaks to Thabiso Tema on PowerFM in a revelatory discussion about how the failure to provide free basic electricity for poor households in South Africa costs these households around R6 billion a year, which could be spent on other necessities like food.
- [Listen | Tracy Ledger chats to YFM about Broken Promises report](https://pari.org.za/listen-tracy-ledger-chats-to-yfm-about-broken-promises-report/) - On Thursday, 22 April 2021, Dr Tracy Ledger chatted to YFM about the main findings in her latest research report Broken Promises and what communities need to know about free basic electricity. The full report and community brief are available HERE.
- [Submission to the Draft Public Procurement Bill](https://pari.org.za/submission-to-the-draft-public-procurement-bill/) - PARI’s state reform programme is centrally focused on the relationship between politics and the state administration, it seeks to reduce the influence of corruption and patronage on South African politics, and to develop a public administration that better serves its democratic mandate. This programme provides practical, evidence-based recommendations for reforms in key regulatory and administrative
- [Professionalising the Public Service: Submission on the draft implementation framework](https://pari.org.za/professionalising-the-public-service-submission-on-the-draft-implementation-framework/) - In view of its continued interest in enhancing institutional performance and professionalising the public service, PARI welcomes the opportunity to make submissions on the National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service which was published for public comment in December 2020 by the National School of Government (NSG), under the leadership of the
- [Policy Brief | Reforming Appointment and Removal in the Public Service and Municipalities](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-reforming-recruitment/) - The deterioration of the state, its inability to move decisively to lift South Africa out of this crisis, is rooted institutionally in the ways in which personnel are appointed to and removed from the public service and municipalities. The Constitution envisages a non-partisan administration, obedient to democratic law and policy and positively oriented to the
- [Proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA) and Public Administration Management Act (PAMA)](https://pari.org.za/proposed-amendments-to-the-public-service-act-psa-and-public-administration-management-act-pama/) - PARI welcomes the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act (PSA) which seek to (1) devolve administrative powers to the heads of department while retaining strategic powers with the executive authority and to (2) increase the functions of the Director-General in the Presidency to include the functions envisaged by the NDP for an administrative head
- [A High-Level Task Team to Professionalise the Public Service](https://pari.org.za/a-high-level-task-team-to-professionalise-the-public-service/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi has been appointed to a high-level task team to assist government through the National School of Government (The NSG), to finalise the National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service. In December 2020, Minister Mchunu released the draft National Implementation Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service for
- [Broken Promises | New research from the EnergySociety programme](https://pari.org.za/broken-promises-good-intentions-bad-trade-offs-and-unintended-consequences/) - A new report on electricity access for low-income households by Tracy Ledger, Lead Researcher on the Energy and Society programme. Poverty has received scant attention from an energy perspective. This is remarkable given that energy is central to the satisfaction of basic nutrition and health needs, and that energy services constitute a sizeable share of
- [Spotlight | Two OIS students awarded Research Fellowships from the Wits History Workshop](https://pari.org.za/spotlight-two-ois-students-awarded-research-fellowships-from-the-wits-history-workshop/) - Congratulations to OIS students Musa Sithole and Jabu Hlatshwayo who have been awarded fellowships in the “Institutional transformations for sustainable urban mobilities in urban Africa” project, led by Dr Njogu Morgan at the Wits History Workshop. The project explores changes in urban mobility governance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Kampala, Uganda. In both cities, steps
- [Petition | Raising Our Voice Against State Capture and Corruption](https://pari.org.za/petition-raising-our-voice-against-state-capture-and-corruption/) - As part of the Civil Society Working Group on State Capture, PARI’s State Reform programme has put out a call for voices against state capture and corruption: Sign the petition State capture and corruption has had a clear impact on the people of this country. The consequences of the looting have been dire and have
- [A Just Distribution: What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition?](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-a-just-distribution-the-role-of-distribution-policy-in-a-just-energy-transition-2/) - by Tracy Ledger ‘What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition? In our initial assessment, there are two key gaps in the current national just transition debate that will undermine significant progress towards a genuinely inclusive and socially just energy system. The first gap is created by the fact that many of
- [Community Brief | The Broken Promise of Affordable Energy For All](https://pari.org.za/community-brief-the-broken-promise-of-affordable-energy-for-all/) - Download this Community Brief in the following languages: EnglishIsizuluIsixhosaAfrikaansSetswanaSesotho People who get enough electricity to meet their daily needs, at a price that they can afford to pay, have many benefits: They have more money to spend on other essential items, like food and transport, instead of expensive electricity, paraffin or coal. Electricity is a
- [Position Paper | Recruitment in the Public Service](https://pari.org.za/position-paper-recruitment-in-the-public-service/) - This position paper is one of a series of three papers that argue for crucial reforms of the South African state. The goal of these reforms is to realise a rigorous reduction in corruption and in the influence of patronage in South African politics while improving the political responsiveness, efficiency, and developmental effectiveness of its
- [Call to Action | Defend Our Democracy](https://pari.org.za/call-to-action-defend-our-democracy/) - It is a crucial moment in our democracy. PARI has joined over 300 organisations and individuals in putting out a call to action to all South Africans. Watch the video below to get a clearer understanding of the campaign, and you can add your name to the statement here: http://defendourdemocracy.co.za
- [SIU to investigate Mogalakwena Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/siu-to-investigate-mogalakwena-local-municipality/) - President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation on 5 March 2021 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo. The proclamation authorises the SIU to look at alleged serious maladministration in connection with Mogalakwena’s affairs, improper or unlawful conduct of the municipality’s officials, as well
- [Turning the Tide: The Johannesburg Development Agency and its Role in Revitalising the Inner City](https://pari.org.za/turning-the-tide-the-jda-role-revitalising-the-inner-city/) - Download the full text By Tracy Ledger (van der Heijden), for the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice Johannesburg started life as a mining village in 1886. Half a century later it was a fast-growing city, and by 1936 was considered important enough to host the Empire Exhibition. Its rapid
- [Financing the Future: Budget Reform in SA 1994-2004](https://pari.org.za/financing-the-future-budget-reform-in-sa-1994-2004/) - Download the full text By Joel Pearson, Sarita Pillay and Tracy Ledger, for the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice The euphoria surrounding the historic elections of 1994 was well-justified, but it could not hide the considerable socio-economic challenges that the new ANC-led government faced in almost all areas: South
- [Politicising the Zondo Commission needs to stop, says Civil Society](https://pari.org.za/politicising-the-zondo-commission-needs-to-stop-says-civil-society/) - We, representatives of civil society, jointly issue this statement condemning former president Jacob Zuma’s insistence on defying the State Capture Commission and the dangerous attacks he and other political actors have levelled at the judiciary without offering evidence in support of such charges. This kind of behaviour and blatant disregard of the law shows that
- [Meet the new OIS team](https://pari.org.za/meet-the-new-ois-team/) - The Organisational and Institutional Studies programme at Wits University started with first block lectures last week, with a whole new team for 2021. Dr Federica Duca, who leads the OIS programme, is joined by Refiloe Ramaisa as Programme Coordinator, Noma Pakade as Masters lecturer and Njogu Morgan and Lebogang Mokwena have stepped in as the
- [Chapter | National Standardized Assessments in South Africa: Policy and Power Play](https://pari.org.za/chapter-national-standardized-assessments-policy-power-play/) - A timely contribution to the debate on educational governance and equality, the World Yearbook of Education 2020 documents the significant changes that have occurred in the last 20 years reflecting a widespread shift from government to governance. Considering school context as well as specific school responses around the emergence of particular forms of governance, this
- [Chapter | Distrust, Accountability and Capacity in SA's Fragmented Education System](https://pari.org.za/chapter-distrust-accountability-and-capacity-in-sas-fragmented-education-system/) - This global collection brings a new perspective to the field of comparative education by presenting trust, capacity, and accountability as the three building blocks of education systems and education system reform. In exploring how these three factors relate to student learning outcomes across different international contexts, this book provides a powerful framework for a more
- [Parents, teachers and learners anxious about reopening schools](https://pari.org.za/parents-teachers-and-learners-anxious-about-reopening-schools/) - by Zukiswa Pikoli [first published in Maverick Citizen] A Public Affairs Research Institute webinar on institutional coordination of the return to schools agreed that parents’ participation in their children’s education would improve with better access to information such as study guides. Parents could then better help with learning at home and continue teaching on days
- [Tracy Ledger in discussion about the District Development Model](https://pari.org.za/tracy-ledger-in-discussion-about-the-district-development-model/) - The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) held a discussion on 27 January 2021 with Themba Fosi (COGTA), Tracy Ledger (PARI) and Louis Scheepers (UWC). The conversation dealt with the prospect and pitfalls of intergovernmental planning and development in the context of the District Development Model. “We need to think very carefully about trade-offs and
- [A Just Energy Transition Must Not Deepen Inequality](https://pari.org.za/a-just-energy-transition-must-not-deepen-inequality/) - Smart Energy International, 23 January 2021 A new working paper by Dr Tracy Ledger, A Just Distribution, argues that: ‘A better understanding of the linkages between distribution and socioeconomic development is critical to our ability to design and implement a genuinely just energy system. If we continue to ignore them, we run the very real
- [A Just Distribution: What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition?](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-a-just-distribution-the-role-of-distribution-policy-in-a-just-energy-transition/) - by Tracy Ledger ‘What is missing from the current narratives of a just transition? In our initial assessment, there are two key gaps in the current national just transition debate that will undermine significant progress towards a genuinely inclusive and socially just energy system. The first gap is created by the fact that many of
- [Op Ed | A just energy transition must be developmental, pro-poor and not deepen inequality](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-a-just-energy-transition-must-be-developmental-pro-poor-and-not-deepen-inequality/) - by Tracy Ledger A better understanding of the linkages between electricity distribution and poverty is critical to a just transition. Otherwise, we run the very real risk of restructuring our energy system in ways that will permanently entrench present mechanisms that are deepening poverty and inequality. South Africa is committed to a just energy transition
- [Working Paper | Exploring Institutional Coordination of the Return to Schools](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-exploring-institutional-coordination-of-the-return-to-schools/) - Abstract South Africa’s basic education system, like many across the globe, has been impacted by the deadly Covid-19. Between March and August 2020, many public ordinary schools remained shut due to the lockdown in the country. Based on interviews with provincial education officials in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, as well as other education
- [Press Statement | Zuma must account before Zondo](https://pari.org.za/press-statement-zuma-must-account-before-zondo/) - Press statement 15 November 2020 Zuma must account before Zondo We, the undersigned organisations, express our ongoing support for the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. We condemn all attempts aimed at frustrating and delegitimising its work. Given the national importance of the work of the Zondo Commission in probing state capture,
- [Water Rights Webinar Series](https://pari.org.za/water-rights-webinar-series/) - On 3 November, Dr Tracy Ledger was a panel member at the Water Rights Webinar Series 3rd session, on Makana Municipality. The series is organised by SERI and the Mail & Guardian. Dr Ledger presented her report on S139 interventions in municipalities, Mind the Gap. tweets from the webinar @drtracyledger @PARInstitute : What has gone
- [Special Issue: A window into local government](https://pari.org.za/special-issue-a-window-into-local-government/) - “This ambitious issue of Transformation seeks to open a window into local government, and offer new understandings about what a municipality is, and how it works. Many of these articles showcase exceptional research which was done in two municipalities in Limpopo Province. These municipalities demonstrate the precarious nature in the making of the South African
- [Governing mining towns: the case of Lephalale](https://pari.org.za/governing-mining-towns-case-of-lephalale/) - By Emma Monama Abstract South Africa’s failure to transform the spatial geography of apartheid has been centrally attributed to policy failure. Drawing on empirical research in Lephalale, a town in South Africa’s Limpopo province, this article looks at the intersection between local government, spatial planning and mining companies in undoing the disintegrated apartheid geographies. It
- [Being watched, being excluded and being made to speak the ‘truth’: Foucault and power relations within a Limpopo municipality](https://pari.org.za/watched-excluded-truth-foucault-limpopo-municipality/) - By Thomas Lesaffre Abstract The present condition of the South African state has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, with many questions raised about the failure of the post-apartheid state to both transform and deliver. While much of this attention has centred around perceptions of corruption, self-enrichment and state capture, there has
- [Paperwork and power plays: contestation and performance at a Limpopo municipality](https://pari.org.za/paperwork-powerplays-contestation-limpopo-municipality/) - By Joel Pearson Abstract This article considers the role that documents played in episodes of political conflict that gripped the conflictual Mogalakwena Local Municipality in Limpopo province, South Africa. Advancing from the idea that an organisation is a ‘collective storytelling system’, the article shows how the authoring of official documents offers an important tool for
- ['The Logic of Appropriateness': understanding non-compliance in South African local government](https://pari.org.za/logic-appropriateness-understanding-non-compliance-local/) - By Tracy Ledger Abstract Local government is central to the delivery of the state’s developmental agenda, but many municipalities record poor financial management and operational outcomes. Mainstream explanations of these focus on the low level of skills of officials and/or their self-interested and unethical behaviour. As a result, proposed remedies focus on training, raising ethical
- [Journal Articles](https://pari.org.za/list-journal-citations/) - 2020 Klaaren, J. and R. Brunette (2020) ‘The Public Procurement Bill Needs Better Enforcement: A suggested provision to empower and incentivise whistleblowers’. African Public Procurement Law Journal, 7(1): xxx Phadi, M. and Vale, P. (2020) ‘Inside the Municipality: Locating debates on local government’, Transformation, 103: pp.1–11. 2019 Brunette, R., J. Klaaren and P. Nqaba
- [Decentralisation and recentralisation in South Africa’s local government: case studies of two municipalities in Limpopo](https://pari.org.za/decentralisation-local-govt-limpopo/) - By Thokozani Chilenga-Butao Abstract Democratic decentralisation was introduced in South Africa during the transition to democracy (1990-1994). It followed a long trajectory of centralisation and decentralisation processes that took place during apartheid. This paper argues that in order to more adequately understand the prospects for decentralisation to achieve its intended outcomes in South African local
- [Inside the municipality: locating debates on local government](https://pari.org.za/inside-the-municipality-locating-debates-on-local-government/) - By Mosa Phadi and Peter Vale The rise of African liberation parties to power in the 1960s brought to the fore ‘questions about the role and position of the African state’ (Doornbos 1990:179, also see Mamdani 1996, Amin 1972). Leaders of newly independent African states looked upon the state as the machinery to drive far-reaching
- [Position Papers | Public Procurement](https://pari.org.za/position-papers-public-procurement/) - At our conference last year – Defeating State Capture and Reforming the State – in collaboration with Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, an outcome was that Public Procurement is a key area for state reform. Our position paper on Public Procurement was presented in a draft form, PARI has done a round of consultations and is now
- [Local Government Week and S139 Interventions](https://pari.org.za/local-government-week-and-s139-interventions/) - From Tuesday, 8 to Friday, 11 September, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) hosted a virtual Local Government Week. The programme was aimed at providing an opportunity for national reflection on issues affecting local government, in order to improve the lives of South Africans through accelerated service delivery. The 2020 programme was themed: Ensuring Capable
- [The Case of Sweden and Covid-19](https://pari.org.za/covid-19-states-and-societies-sweden-2/) - By Rui Llera Blanes, July 2020 Disclaimer: I am a university professor employed at the University of Gothenburg and living in Sweden since January 2018. Prior to that, I have lived in Norway for three years, and have traveled several times to Denmark. The personal knowledge acquired concerning the case of Sweden and Scandinavia is
- [Now or Never: It’s time to Create Real, Lasting Procurement Reform](https://pari.org.za/now-or-never-its-time-to-create-real-lasting-procurement-reform/) - 1 September 2020 Corruption Watch and the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) have submitted the following open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni, both of whom have acknowledged receipt. [Scroll down to watch eNCA interview with Dr Florencia Belvedere]. Open letter Now or Never: It’s time to Create Real, Lasting
- [Toolkit for Public Servants | Resources](https://pari.org.za/toolkit-for-public-servants-resources/)
- [End of the Road: A critical review of the local government fiscal framework](https://pari.org.za/end-of-the-road-a-critical-review-of-the-local-government-fiscal-framework/) - A report by Tracy Ledger and Mahlatse Rampedi. [There is] a financial cul-de-sac that many of the local municipalities and districts have already reached across the whole country, with a few and limited exceptions Auditor-General of South Africa, July 2020 In post-1994 South Africa, a central role for local government was envisaged in
- [Open Letter to the President | We are not 'in this together'](https://pari.org.za/open-letter-poor-women-need-land-justice/) - OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT: WE ARE NOT ‘IN THIS TOGETHER’, POOR WOMEN NEED LAND JUSTICE! Dear President Ramaphosa, We appreciate your efforts in trying to curb the rampant spread of Covid-19, a pandemic that has had catastrophic consequences. However, we have been dealing with another pandemic that threatens to wipe out the women in
- [Press Release | The End Of The Road](https://pari.org.za/press-release-the-end-of-the-road/) - The End of the Road: A critical review of the local government fiscal framework A new study on municipal failure in South Africa Press Release [There is] a financial cul-de-sac that many of the local municipalities and districts have already reached across the whole country, with a few and limited exceptions Auditor-General of
- [Annual Report 2019/20](https://pari.org.za/annual-report-2019-20/) - the year in review RESTRUCTURING AND COLLABORATION Coming out of a leadership crisis in the previous year, 2019 was a year of internal restructuring, and has yielded a sea change in PARI’s culture and structure. The primary task was to rebuild trust and build what everybody could take ownership of, as an organisation. The Institute
- [Article | The Public Procurement Bill Needs Better Enforcement](https://pari.org.za/article-the-public-procurement-bill-needs-better-enforcement/) - THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT BILL NEEDS BETTER ENFORCEMENT: A SUGGESTED PROVISION TO EMPOWER AND INCENTIVISE WHISTLE-BLOWERS Jonathan Klaaren, Ryan Brunette Abstract Among other reforms, South African public procurement law needs increased enforcement. The current draft Bill proposes some enforcement measures including a new Public Procurement Tribunal with adjudicative powers. We argue the draft Bill should
- [Letter to the Zondo Commission: Commission responds](https://pari.org.za/letter-to-the-zondo-commission-a-call-for-transparency/) - The Zondo Commission responded on 15 June to the CSWG’s open letter. Read both letters here. On the Civil Society Working Group’s letter to the Zondo Commission, calling for more transparent processes: We commend the Commission on the work that it has completed to date. Since the lockdown the Commission has shared barely any
- [Dialogue Report | Envisioning A New Path for SOEs](https://pari.org.za/dialogue-report-envisioning-a-new-path-for-soes/) - Strategic Dialogue Group (SDG) and Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) held a successful interactive dialogue session which emphasised a need to move public discourse towards practical solutions and actions that can rescue state owned entities (SOEs). Such interventions should ultimately ensure SOEs play their intended transformative roles in society. The report of proceedings of this
- [Open letter to the President: Make sure emergency funds are not wasted or stolen](https://pari.org.za/open-letter-to-the-president-make-sure-emergency-spending-is-not-wasted-or-stolen/) - Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa We, the undersigned organisations, commend you for the decisive action taken over the last few weeks in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. We note the efforts of the state in placing the health and wellbeing of people at the forefront of decision-making. However, we are acutely aware of the dire financial
- [Blog | High Time for a Capable State](https://pari.org.za/blog-high-time-for-a-capable-state/) - By Mbongiseni Buthelezi Nothing demonstrates how much we need a capable state like a crisis. Despite the wealthy and the middle class having checked out of using public services in education, healthcare and security, we all now look to the state to get us through the current crisis without too much devastation. We hope that
- [Position Papers | Criminal Justice System](https://pari.org.za/position-papers-criminal-justice-system/) - This position paper is one of a series of three papers that argue for crucial reforms of the South African state. The goal of these reforms is to realise a rigorous reduction in corruption and in the influence of patronage in South African politics while improving the political responsiveness, efficiency, and developmental effectiveness of its
- [Why the Past Matters: Histories of the Public Service in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/past-matters-histories-public-service-south-africa/) - SHORT ESSAY | MAY 2011Why the Past Matters: Histories of the Public Service in South Africa This paper argues that the state of the public sector in South Africa is heavily influenced by particular histories of state administration related to the legacy of apartheid and the nature of the political transition to democracy. Whilst this
- [Beyond the popular discourse: capacity constraints in the public sector](https://pari.org.za/beyond-popular-discourse-capacity-constraints-public-sector/) - SHORT ESSAY | MAY 2011Beyond the popular discourse: capacity constraints in the public sector There is an aspect of politics of transformation that has not attracted the attention it deserves—the reorgansition of the public service on the basis of the New Public Management (NPM) from the mid-1990s. We will see that these measures have had
- [Design flaws in CIPRO: ambivalence to the New Public Management in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/design-flaws-cipro-ambivalence-new-public-management-south-africa/) - SHORT ESSAY | MAY 2011Design flaws in CIPRO: ambivalence to the New Public Management in South Africa Based on in-depth interviews with senior DTI and CIPRO staff, PARI considered the CIPRO case in the light of a broader study of the introduction of the New Public Management in South Africa. The research suggests that that
- [Transforming racial bureaucracy: New Public Management and public sector reform in contemporary South Africa](https://pari.org.za/transforming-racial-bureaucracy-new-public-management-public-sector-reform-contemporary-south-africa/) - LONG ESSAY | FEBRUARY 2012Transforming racial bureaucracy: New Public Management and public sector reform in contemporary South Africa This article provides an illustration of the complex and fraught work of public sector reform in practice. After briefly retracing some of the achievements of OPM and the range of criticisms it has been subject to since
- [Middle classing in Roodepoort: capitalism and social change in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/middle-classing-roodepoort-capitalism-social-change-south-africa/) - LONG ESSAY | JUNE 2012Middle classing in Roodepoort: capitalism and social change in South Africa This essay explores social change in South Africa since the end of apartheid by considering the kinds of communities that are emerging in the new townhouse developments on the western edge of Johannesburg. DOWNLOAD
- [Marking time: inefficiencies in the schooling system and possible responses](https://pari.org.za/marking-time/) - SHORT ESSAY | JULY 2012Marking time: inefficiencies in the schooling system and possible responses It is not new to note that South Africa has an inefficient schooling system. The adjective ‘inefficient’ has most commonly be used to refer to the cost of education provision relative to very low educational output or learning outcomes. This poor
- [Diagnostic Research Report on Corruption, Non-Compliance and Weak Organisations](https://pari.org.za/diagnostic-research-report-corruption-non-compliance-weak-organisations/) - COMMISSIONED RESEARCH | AUGUST 2012Diagnostic Research Report on Corruption, Non-Compliance and Weak Organisations The Technical Assistance Unit (TAU) commissioned PARI to perform diagnostic research on the phenomenon of state corruption and the nature of anti-corruption efforts in South Africa. DOWNLOAD
- [Living Together, Separately in the New South Africa: The Case of Integrated Housing in Mohale City and Lehae Project](https://pari.org.za/living-together-separately-new-south-africa-case-integrated-housing-mohale-city-lehae-project/) - COMMISSIONED RESEARCH | AUGUST 2012Living Together, Separately in the New South Africa: The Case of Integrated Housing in Mohale City and Lehae Project Over the past few years, there had been demands from applicants for the Department of Human Settlements (Housing) to make RDP houses available to all race groups. This had seen city officials
- [The Politics of Corruption: Two Competing Definitions](https://pari.org.za/politics-corruption-two-competing-definitions/) - LONG ESSAY | OCTOBER 2012The Politics of Corruption: Two Competing Definitions “In this paper I defend three hypotheses about corruption in South Africa, namely that: the measure of corruption in South Africa is allied to a concept of the state – liberal and Leninist; growing alarm about corruption suggests that on both liberal and Leninist
- [Hollowing out the local state: Managerialism and Skills in the Water Sector](https://pari.org.za/hollowing-local-state-managerialism-skills-water-sector/) - REPORT | 2015Hollowing out the local state: Managerialism and Skills in the Water Sector In large parts of South Africa, the management of municipal water and sanitation is in crisis. There are regular media reports of interrupted water supply and dysfunctional sanitation systems. These difficulties have coincided with an increase in civil society protests, most
- [Reflections on a GTAC project to improve supply chain management in a provincial education department](https://pari.org.za/reflections-gtac-project-improve-supply-chain-management-provincial-education-department/) - REPORT | DECEMBER 2015Reflections on a GTAC project to improve supply chain management in a provincial education department A case study report by the Public Affairs Research Institute (University of the Witwatersrand) for the Government Technical Advisory Centre, National Treasury DOWNLOAD
- [Is this how the ANC lost Nelson Mandela Bay?](https://pari.org.za/is-this-how-the-anc-lost-nelson-mandela-bay/) - An insider has blown the lid on wide-scale corruption syndicates in Nelson Mandela Bay metro. In a recent paper, Crispian Olver who was part of an intervention team dispatched to save the ailing Eastern Cape city, sets out the detail of how corruption syndicates operated and of how they held the city government hostage. Here
- [State-Building in South Africa after Apartheid: The History of the National Treasury](https://pari.org.za/state-building-south-africa-apartheid-history-national-treasury/) - WORKING PAPER | JANUARY 2016State-Building in South Africa after Apartheid: The History of the National Treasury The National Treasury is a pivotal institution in South Africa’s governance landscape. Portrayals of the Treasury are often polarized: where some see an exceptional institution that stands “head and shoulders” above other government departments and which has long held the
- [2013/14 Red Zone Municipalities: Municipal Audit Outcomes Unpacked](https://pari.org.za/201314-red-zone-municipalities-municipal-audit-outcomes-unpacked/) - REPORT | JANUARY 20162013/14 Red Zone Municipalities: Municipal Audit Outcomes Unpacked A report by the Public Affairs Research Institute (University of the Witwatersrand) for the South African Local Government Association DOWNLOAD
- [In Jacob Zuma, South Africa has found its Gorbachev](https://pari.org.za/in-jacob-zuma-south-africa-has-found-its-gorbachev/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [State capture at a local level – a case study of Nelson Mandela Bay](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-local-level-case-study-nelson-mandela-bay/) - WORKING PAPER | NOVEMBER 2016State capture at a local level – a case study of Nelson Mandela Bay “This paper is an attempt to reflect on the result of 18 months of work in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, during which I was part of an intervention team appointed by the then Minister of
- [Op-ed | State of the Nation: The New Right in SA](https://pari.org.za/new-right-in-sa/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [Op-ed | Admin at its best](https://pari.org.za/admin-at-its-best/) - Reforming the way the civil service works can effect positive change for SA. It is tempting to think that
- [Report Launch: Betrayal of the Promise](https://pari.org.za/betrayal-of-the-promise/) - The state capacity research group invites you to the launch of a major new study on the country's emerging shadow state.
- [Betrayal of the Promise: How South Africa Is Being Stolen](https://pari.org.za/betrayal-promise-report/) - A major, new study on the country's emerging Shadow State.
- [Press release: Betrayal of the Promise](https://pari.org.za/press-release-betrayal-promise/) - Betrayal of the Promise: How South Africa is Being Stolen A Major, New Study on the Country’s Emerging Shadow State Press release Calls for President Jacob Zuma to resign have intensified, including from within his own party, spurring the largest protest marches since the advent of democracy in 1994. Until now, the academic community has
- [Mbongiseni Buthelezi joins National Anti-Corruption Committee](https://pari.org.za/mbongiseni-buthelezi-joins-national-anti-corruption-committee/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]O[/nectar_dropcap]n the back of launch on 14 May of the new National Anti-Corruption Strategy discussion document, the Public Service Commission seeks to breathe life into the National Anti-Corruption Forum (NACF), which fell into disarray in 2012. To this end, PARI Research Manager Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi has been appointed to a committee that will help
- [The Contract State](https://pari.org.za/contract-state/) - May 2014The Contract State One of the most dramatic features of the post-apartheid state has been the contracting-out of government services to third-party providers. South Africa has become a ‘contract state’. What was called ‘state capacity’ is now predicated upon the ability of the state to tap into and manage, through contractual relations, private sector
- [South Africans can help draft the new plan to combat graft](https://pari.org.za/south-africans-can-help-draft-new-plan-combat-graft/) - There is a way for ordinary South Africans to join the fight against corruption, writes PARI’s Mbongiseni Buthelezi.
- [Ivor Chipkin speaks at the SACP 14th National Congress](https://pari.org.za/ivor-chipkin-speaks-at-the-sacp-14th-national-congress/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]T[/nectar_dropcap]he broad theme of the South African Communist Party’s (SACP’s) 14th National Congress this year was to discuss the party’s relationship with the ruling African National Congress, and whether the SACP should stand on its own in elections. July 13th, the third day of the congress, saw reports delivered to the congress on state
- [Conference for the Future of SA #OperationRecapture](https://pari.org.za/conference-future-sa-operationrecapture/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]T[/nectar_dropcap]he largest gathering of civil society organisations since 1994 convened at Rhema Church’s sizeable premises in Randburg this Mandela Day, to call for action to ‘recapture’ SA from the ‘power elite’. Leading up to this event, PARI collaborated with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation to convene the Public Servants Roundtable – a strategic workshop at
- [Seminar: State, Capture, Revolution](https://pari.org.za/seminar-state-capture-revolution/) - UJ Sociology, Anthropology & Development Studies W E D N E S D A Y S E M I N A R Wed 02 August 2017 at 15h30 C-Ring 315 UJ Kingsway campus State, Capture, Revolution Prof Ivor Chipkin Executive Director, Public Affairs Research Institute, University of Witwatersrand Discussant: Prof Mcebisi Ndletyana
- [Seminar: State, Capture, Revolution](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-revolution/) - Wed 02 August 2017 at 15h30 C-Ring 315, UJ Kingsway campus Presented by Prof Ivor Chipkin
- [Betrayal Presented To Parliament](https://pari.org.za/betrayal-presented-parliament/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]L[/nectar_dropcap]ast week, Ivor Chipkin, as a member of the State Capacity Research Group, and along with the South African Council of Churches, made a submission to Parliament’s portfolio committee of public enterprises. This hearing was in preparation for the committee’s inquiry into Eskom and other state-owned enterprises in the context of state capture.
- [Party political funding and the South African state](https://pari.org.za/party-political-funding/) - WORKING PAPER | AUGUST 2017Party political funding and the South African state PARI has prepared a submission to the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on the funding of political parties. Party Political Funding and the South African State, compiled by Crispian Olver, Mbongiseni Buthelezi and Ryan Brunette, will be presented on 15 August – the first
- [State, capture and politics of 'elite populism'](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-politics-elite-populism/) - In South Africa today, analysis of current politics frequently invokes the term ‘corruption’ and the expression ‘state capture’. Yet both terms are inadequate conceptually, both on their own terms and for the explanations that they offer. What they obscure is a) the form of contemporary politics – that it is focused on the State-Owned Enterprises
- [GCRO Brown Bag: Regimes of Urban Public Goods](https://pari.org.za/gcro-brown-bag-regimes-urban-public-goods/) - PARI and GCRO invite you to a brown bag presentation by Benjamin Bradlow Regimes of Urban Public Goods Distribution: Governing Johannesburg, 1990-2016 Date: 30 August 2017 Time: 13.00-14.00 Venue: GCRO, 6th Floor University Corner, 11 Jorissen St, Braamfontein RSVP to Mpho Mohapi: mmohapi@pari.org.za Photograph by Johnny Miller South Africa’s social basis for transition to democracy
- [Urban Anxieties in the Global South](https://pari.org.za/urban-anxieties-global-south/) - On 16 August, senior researcher Federica Duca gave a talk at Urban Anxieties in the Global South, a project by Wits Media Studies and WiSER. Federica’s talk titled, “Macabre and belonging: Reflections Johannesburg” was among a day-long programme of exciting talks exploring spatial anxieties in urban South Africa. Sarah Nutall of WiSER, introduces the project:
- [Tracking the expansionary state: machinery of government change in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/tracking-expansionary-state-machinery-government-change-south-africa/) - WORKING PAPER | SEPTEMBER 2017Tracking the expansionary state: machinery of government change in South Africa The aim of this paper is to explain the evolving size and shape of South Africa’s government machinery. The country’s state apparatus underwent extensive organisational restructuring following its democratic transition in 1994. However, this base component of South Africa’s public
- [Rethinking Urban Global Justice](https://pari.org.za/rethinking-urban-global-justice/) - From September 11-13, Federica Duca attended the RC21 Conference in Leeds, titled Rethinking Urban Global Justice: An international academic conference for critical urban studies. Duca convened a roundtable “Elites and (in)justice: unraveling the link”, in the session looking at African cities and comparative urban studies. The full programme is available here. RC21 : Leeds We
- [The People's Tribunal on Economic Crime](https://pari.org.za/peoples-tribunal-economic-crime/) - MenuLivestreamCall for evidenceEskom Inquiry Reference BookPeople's Tribunal in the News Livestream Press Release - Call for Evidence Given the failure of state institutions to fully investigate allegations of corruption and state capture, members of civil society have today announced the creation of a People’s Tribunal on Economic Crime in South Africa. We urge members of
- [In the Media: Party political funding](https://pari.org.za/media-party-political-funding/) - In The Media: Party Political Funding Since PARI’s 15 August submission to the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee on political party funding, the committee has already met to review a draft bill to regulate the way parties are financed. The draft bill provides for the establishment of a multi-party democracy fund, to be administered by the
- [Public Service Reform Roundtable: Testimonies](https://pari.org.za/public-service-reform-roundtable-testimonies/) - PARI will shortly launch a major, new initiative on public sector reform. This comes in the context of the institute’s ongoing research into how government works and in the wake of the Betrayal report. South Africa is at a crossroads, where the democratic project is at risk from a populist nationalism that has also weakened
- [Report launch: The Mogalakwena Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/report-launch-mogalakwena-local-municipality/) - Report launch: The Mogalakwena Local Municipality This report focuses on the internal institutional dynamics of the troubled Mogalakwena Local Municipality, located in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province. The report traces in detail how local party-state conflicts are embedded in broader contests within the African National Congress (ANC), and how the resultant factionalism can produce
- [How to Steal a City: The Battle for Nelson Mandela Bay](https://pari.org.za/steal-city-battle-nelson-mandela-bay/) - PARI researcher and doctoral fellow, Crispian Olver, launched his controversial book, “How to Steal a City: The battle for Nelson Mandela Bay” on October 23. Olver was a government “fixer” and the book is an inside scoop on the web of lies, threats and a sophisticated political syndicate designed to milk the city dry. With
- [Journal of Public Administration reviews Mogalakwena Report](https://pari.org.za/journal-public-administration-reviews-mogalakwena-report/) - “… from a perspective that most scholars in the discipline are yet to consider” In a glowing recognition of PARI’s work, the report Mogalakwena Local Municipality of South Africa: an institutional case study conducted by PARI was reviewed by the Journal of Public Administration. Author Rasodi K. Manyaka, from the Tshwane University of
- [Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of South Africa](https://pari.org.za/fiscal-histories-sub-saharan-africa-case-south-africa/) - Previously in this series: Fiscal histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Botswana WORKING PAPER | JULY 2017Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of South Africa Thatshisiwe Ndlovu, Public Affairs Research Institute Working Paper Series: No.2, July 2017 DOWNLOAD The history of taxation in South Africa was shaped by the complex relations between the native
- [Machinery of Government Change in South Africa’s Post-democratic Public Administration](https://pari.org.za/machinery-government-change-south-africa/) - WORKING PAPER | FEBRUARY 2018Machinery of Government Change in South Africa’s Post-democratic Public Administration South Africa’s public administration machinery underwent extensive organisational remodelling following the country’s 1994 democratic transition. The structure of the country’s bureaucracy under white minority rule was inordinately complex, driven by the illusory aim of providing designated racial groups with the political
- [What Can Cabinet do? #200Days](https://pari.org.za/can-cabinet-200days/) - PARI invites you to join a roundtable conversation on the immediate, achievable actions for Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet to create a more transparent and effective government. Cyril Ramaphosa’s election to ANC president is being widely celebrated as an opportunity to deal with the corruption and economic mismanagement of the Zuma administration, to restore the constitutional project
- [Reading Power and Patronage in an Approach to Local Government in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/reading-group-reading-power-patronage-approach-local-government-south-africa/) - People interested in joining this reading group should please complete this form. Or go to the WiSER site Hosts: The reading group is jointly hosted by PARI, CUBES and WISER. Participants: The reading group will be open to interested researchers, post-graduate students or practitioners in the state. Facilitators: Facilitators for each session will
- [Chapter | The Salience of Chiefs in Post Apartheid South Africa](https://pari.org.za/chapter-salience-chiefs-post-apartheid-south-africa/) - Recently published is Mbongiseni Buthelezi’s co-authored chapter on chieftancy in contemporary South Africa, in: Comaroff, J.L. and J. Comaroff. eds., 2018. The Politics of Custom: Chiefship, Capital and the State in Contemporary Africa. Chicago, IL; London: University of Chicago Press, pp. 100–35. The book will launch in Johannesburg later this year. The Salience of Chiefs
- [#AfterCapture Campaign Flyer](https://pari.org.za/aftercapture-campaign/) - In the spirit of South Africa 2018’s democratic opening, the Public Affairs Research Institute, working in partnership with a broader civil-society, and drawing from the expertise and experience from elsewhere in the world will facilate a national campaign to reform and reconstruct Government Institutions. Download #AfterCapture Presentation
- [Eskom Inquiry Reference Book](https://pari.org.za/eskom-inquiry-reference-book/)
- [Report Launch | A 'Lily-White' Town in Transition](https://pari.org.za/report-launch-lephalale-local-municipality/) - We Are Building a City: The Struggle for Self-Sufficiency in Lephalale Local Municipality By Dr Mosa Phadi and Joel Pearson Preface In 2006, Eskom unveiled plans for a new multi-billion rand mega-project: the construction of the Medupi coal power station in the small town of Lephalale in Limpopo Province. This once quiet town near the
- [Time for Meritocratic Appointments, says Sizani (PSC)](https://pari.org.za/time-meritocratic-appointments-says-sizani/) - What Can Cabinet Do?, 10 April 2018, Wits Humanities Graduate Centre What happens #AfterCapture? This is the theme of a trail-blazing set of consultations and seminars being run by the Public Affairs Research Institute. At a second roundtable in April held at Wits University and addressed by the Chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC)
- [Chapter | The End of Tyranny: How Civil Society in SA Fought Back](https://pari.org.za/chapter-end-tyranny-civil-society-sa-fought-back/) - Rising to the Populist Challenge is a groundbreaking playbook for the human rights field against populism, by Columbia-based research and advocacy organisation, Dejusticia. Ivor Chipkin’s chapter talks about civil society’s push-back during the Zuma years. The End of Tyranny: How Civil Society in South Africa Fought Back “In classical texts, tyranny, as opposed to despotism,
- [AfterCapture Programme Press Release](https://pari.org.za/aftercapture-programme-press-release/) - State Capture and its Aftermath: Developing an Agenda for State Reform A programme to build a responsive, working state Press Release Apart from major challenges in the structure and the management of South Africa’s economy, state capture revealed important weaknesses in the design, organization and staffing of many state institutions. The Public Affairs Research Institute
- [Through the Lens of Life Esidimeni:  the collapse of a health department](https://pari.org.za/lens-life-esidimeni-mark-heywood-makes-links/) - As part of the #AfterCapture campaign, PARI in May held a Public Service Reform Roundtable. This second-in-the-series discussion was to investigate one of the deadly side-effects of state capture in South Africa – the Life Esidimeni tragedy in which 144 people died after being transferred to ‘spaza-shop NGOs’. Called Through the Lens of Life Esidimeni, the
- [Taxation and State-Society Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa](https://pari.org.za/taxation-state-society-relations-sub-saharan-africa/) - By Alice Soares Guimarães, Federica Duca and Thatshisiwe Ndlovu. The centrality of taxation in the making and functioning of modern states is widely recognized in academic literature as well as in public policy debates. The powers and legitimacy of the state, allocation of public and private resources, financing of public administration and the ability
- [Save the Date | State Capture and its Aftermath](https://pari.org.za/save-the-date/) - The conference, State Capture and its Aftermath: Building Responsiveness Through State Reform, will take place in Johannesburg from 22 to 24 October, 2018. The aim of the conference, to be attended by both national and international thought leaders on state reform, is to provide for knowledge exchange, sharing of comparative experiences on institutional reform and
- [Seminar | Embedded Cohesion, Governing Public Goods in Sâo Paulo, 1989–2016](https://pari.org.za/seminar-embedded-cohesion-governing-public-goods-in-sao-paulo-1989-2016/) - Joint PARI – GCRO Seminar – Embedded Cohesion: Governing Public Goods in São Paulo, 1989-2016 Embedded Cohesion: Governing Public Goods in São Paulo, 1989-2016 Seminar presented by Benjamin Bradlow Wednesday 4 July, 11:00-12:30 GCRO Boardroom Abstract Dominant theories of urban political economy predict convergence in material and institutional outcomes in large cities across the globe:
- [#AfterCapture: Public Service Reform Roundtable Series](https://pari.org.za/aftercapture-public-service-reform-roundtable-series/) - More than 20 years into democracy, South Africa finds itself having to rethink state transformation. As much as significant steps were taken immediately after 1994 to reconstitute the state and its machinery against a background of a racialised, and disjointed public service subject to a ‘sunset’ clause, state transformation is an unfinished business of the
- [Minister Ayanda Dlodlo sees a new cadre of public servants](https://pari.org.za/programme-minister-ayanda-dlodlo-talks-hr-and-recruitment/) - #AfterCapture Public Service Reform Roundtable Series IMPROVING HUMAN RESOURCE AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR 09 JULY 2018, 17H30 – 20H00, Humanities Graduate Centre, Wits University The fourth roundtable in the PSR series focused on the human resources and recruitment aspect of the public service, and what measures could make public servants more
- [Call For Papers | State Capture and Its Aftermath](https://pari.org.za/call-for-papers-state-capture-and-its-aftermath/) - Download Call for Papers
- [Kenneth Brown urges a hawk-eye on procurement](https://pari.org.za/kenneth-brown-urges-a-hawk-eye-on-procurement/) - Third in the Public Service Reform Roundtable Series, which probes what should happen in the years following the decade of state capture, the former Chief Procurement Officer at National Treasury, Kenneth Brown, questioned why the 2016 Public Procurement Bill had still not been passed. Brown said the draft legislation sought to beef up and make
- [The Future of Energy and State-owned Companies in SA](https://pari.org.za/the-future-of-energy-and-state-owned-companies-in-sa/) - In this fifth roundtable of the #AfterCapture Public Service Reform series, keynote speakers Catrina Godinho and Lauren Hermanus delivered a comprehensive and candid presentation on the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the energy context in South Africa. Godinho is a PhD Candidate in the Management Programme in Infrastructure Regulation and Reform (MIR) at the
- [Listen | Creating Sustainable SOEs](https://pari.org.za/programme-creating-sustainable-soes/) - DINEO MOGOTSI FROM #UNITEBEHIND ON THE KARIMA BROWN SHOW #AFTERCAPTURE: ROUNDTABLE SERIES No. 5 CREATING SUSTAINABLE STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES (SOEs) WEDNESDAY 25 JULY 2018 The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, Rondebosch, 7700 The Future of Energy and State-owned Companies in SA In this fifth roundtable
- [Transnet Inquiry Reference Book](https://pari.org.za/investigating-corruption-in-transnet/) - Download the full report Investigating corruption in Transnet “As this report details, corruption at Transnet has centred largely on procurement, including questionable contracts for port cranes, locomotives, IT services, and advisory, financial management and consulting services. Many of these contracts were awarded by confinement – that is, without a tender. Almost all of the contractors
- [How One Word Can Change The Game](https://pari.org.za/how-one-word-can-change-the-game/) - Download the Report “The State Capacity Research Project released a new report, How One Word Can Change The Game: A Case Study Of State Capture And The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), which provides a rare detailed example of the mechanics and modus operandi of state capture. Critically, it demonstrates that South Africa’s shadow state
- ['I am no longer applying straight' – Human Resource Practices in State Institutions: Perspectives of public servants](https://pari.org.za/i-am-no-longer-applying-straight-human-resource-practices-in-state-institutions-perspectives-of-public-servants/) - By Joel Pearson and Thatshisiwe Ndlovu Appointment, promotion and placement of officials in positions within government administrations is the subject of intense daily discourse by those working within the state and political organisations. It is highly contested, attracting frequent accusations of impropriety and unfairness. In particular, the role of political functionaries in determining human resource
- [Op Ed | Denel's Long Trail Of Corruption](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-denels-long-trail-of-corruption/) - By Waseem Holland. The similarities between apartheid-era corruption and contemporary corruption are clear, even in today’s democratic South Africa, supposedly accountable to its citizens. Corruption is old, but now wears a new face. And the Guptas did not challenge Western capitalist hegemony as some have suggested. They, and other business networks like them, perpetuate a
- [Get the conference app](https://pari.org.za/get-the-conference-app/) - We’ve built a mobile app for the State Capture and its Aftermath conference! If you have registered, you will have received an invitation to the app. Hot tip: It works best on a mobile phone! It has all the important information you’ll need for the conference, like the programme and speakers, as well as a
- [Federica Duca on gated communities | Paris](https://pari.org.za/federica-duca-on-gated-communities-paris/) - Federica Duca was in Paris on 28 September, attending a seminar on gated communities. This half-day workshop took place at Nanterre University to reflect on the evolutions of urbanism in the face of an rising concern for security. The workshop is organised by Karen Lévy and Federica Duca, in partnership with IFAS-Research, the Public Affairs Research
- [State Capture and its Aftermath | A cocktail evening](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-and-its-aftermath-a-cocktail-evening/) - A cocktail evening with Conrad Koch and Chester Missing. The State Capture and its Aftermath conference will include an evening of light entertainment, drinks and opportunities to mingle informally with the range of local and international participants attending the 3-day conference. Conrad Koch is South Africa’s top comedy ventriloquist, and possibly the only one, and
- [Listen | Does SA have the mechanisms for political accountability?](https://pari.org.za/listen-does-sa-have-the-mechanisms-for-political-accountability/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi contributed to a debate on whether South Africa has the necessary mechanisms for political accountability. Do we have a culture of accountability in our main political parties, the state and in general politics? Eusebius McKaiser engaged senior researcher and analyst AngeloFick, political analyst Dr Sithembile Mbete and PARI Executive Director Dr Mbongiseni
- [Map to the venue](https://pari.org.za/map-to-the-venue/) - Venue: University of Johannesburg School of Tourism and Hospitality 57 Bunting road, Cottesloe, Johannesburg, 2092
- [Highlights and programme | State Capture and its Aftermath](https://pari.org.za/highlights-state-capture-and-its-aftermath/) - The State Capture and its Aftermath conference will host some exciting speakers over the 3-day programme, from 22 – 24 October. Here are some of the highlights to look out for. #AfterCapture See the Full Programme Prof. Juan Pablo Luna (Chile) presents on Panel 2, Day 1, with the title Neither populism nor oligarchy. The
- [Chapter | Towards a holistic understanding of taxes: coming to grips with the idea of the just tax in Cameroon](https://pari.org.za/chapter-towards-a-holistic-understanding-of-taxes-coming-to-grips-with-the-idea-of-the-just-tax-in-cameroon/) - by Federica Duca Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) This paper aims at enhancing an understanding of the world of taxes from a sociological perspective. It suggests that in order to achieve a tax system that is perceived and intended as equitable and just by the population, a holistic approach to the knowledge of the notion
- [Seminar | The Politics and Governance of Basic Education with Brian Levy](https://pari.org.za/seminar-the-politics-and-governance-of-basic-education-with-brian-levy/) - Brian Levy is the lead editor and co-author of The Politics and Governance of Basic Education: The tale of two South African Provinces. Brian Levy gave a seminar at PARI on Wednesday, 21 November, looking at the state of basic education in South Africa. He is Professor of the Practice of International Development, School of
- [Report | The Challenge of Prioritisation and Alignment in Public Sector Planning and Implementation](https://pari.org.za/report-the-challenge-of-prioritisation-and-alignment-in-public-sector-planning-and-implementation/) - A literature review by Tracy Ledger and Sarah-Meny Gibert Strategic planning has become increasingly popular in the public sector around the world, and is generally understood to mean “a systematic process of strategy formulation during which an organization’s environment is analysed and strategic goals are defined” (George, 2017, p 527). In theory, plans should be
- [LitRev | The Contract State](https://pari.org.za/litrev-the-contract-state/) - 10 Features of South Africa’s Contract State PARI’s 2014 report remains relevant in the light of whistleblowers’ revelations at the Zondo Commision of Enquiry into state capture. The report states that was called ‘state capacity’ is now predicated on the ability of the state to tap into and manage, through contractual relations, private-sector capacities. Corruption
- [State Capture and its Aftermath conference report](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-and-its-aftermath-conference-report/) - The State Capture and its Aftermath conference was a 3-day conference in the #AfterCapture campaign programme. It ran from 22-24 October 2018, featuring 17 panels and roundtables on the aftermath of state capture in various areas of the state and civil society, with an impressive programme of local and international speakers from academia, private sector,
- [Why the Lights Went Out: Reform in the South African Energy Sector](https://pari.org.za/why-the-lights-went-out-reform-in-the-south-african-energy-sector/) - Download the full text By Tracy Ledger (van der Heijden), for the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice In 2019, Eskom’s narrative is a cry of victimhood, laying blame with government and municipalities for what has become a national energy crisis. In this 2013 PARI case study, Tracy Ledger lays
- [Traditional Leaders in a Democracy](https://pari.org.za/traditional-leaders-in-a-democracy/) - Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi is one of the three editors on the book launched by the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) on 28 February 2019. Published by Jacana Media, the edited volume, Traditional Leaders in a Democracy: Resources, Respect and Resistance, explores the contested role of chieftancy in democratic SA where leaders are frequently accused
- [Op Ed | Unbundling Eskom Will Reveal True ANC](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-unbundling-eskom-will-reveal-true-anc/) - Unbundling Eskom Will Reveal ANC’s True Nature Simba Lando, Thokozani Chilenga-Butao and Dr Tracy Ledger The Citizen, Saturday 9 March 2019 The mismanagement and corruption at Eskom has reached crisis levels, leading to sustained blackouts and a debt crisis that has the potential to cripple the entire economy. In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Eskom’s
- [Research partnership with SALGA: The question of local government](https://pari.org.za/the-question-of-local-government/) - On March 11 and 12, Dr Tracy Ledger and Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi attended the South Local Government Association (SALGA)’s 2nd Local Government Research Colloquium that sought to strengthen SALGA’s research agenda through collaborative partnerships with PARI and two other organisations. The SALGA Research Strategy outlines a research delivery model that aims to generate research through
- [Media Statement | Civil Society Working Group on State Capture](https://pari.org.za/media-statement-civil-society-working-group-on-state-capture/) - Media Statement: Civil Society Working Group For release 20 March 2019 Resisting the looters who stole our human rights The struggle against State Capture and corruption in South Africa is a struggle for human rights. This is why the current revelations at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture (the Zondo Commission) are important –
- [Policy Brief for Improved Prioritisation and M&E](https://pari.org.za/policy-brief-for-improved-prioritisation-and-me/) - Following the commissioned literature review, The Challenge of Prioritisation and Alignment in Public Sector Planning and Implementation, for Twende Mbele (http://www.twendembele.org), authors Tracy Ledger and Sarah Meny-Gibert have extrapolated the review into a policy brief: Analytical Capacity for Improved Prioritisation and M&E. 'Strategic planning has become increasingly popular in the public sector around the world,
- [Federica Duca on Wealth Inequality](https://pari.org.za/federica-duca-on-wealth-inequality/) - The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies recently held a symposium on understanding inequality in the global South. The pre-conference event on 9 April 2019 featured a presentation by Dr Federica Duca, discussing researching elites and wealth inequality. Background: Much of the research on inequality has focused on inequality of income and of opportunities. There is
- [Article | State “Infrastructural Power” and the Bantustans: The Case of School Education in the Transkei and Ciskei](https://pari.org.za/article-state-infrastructural-power-and-the-bantustans-the-case-of-school-education-in-the-transkei-and-ciskei/) - By Sarah Meny-Gibert In this article I explore the authority of the state (and its “infrastructural power”) in school education in the Eastern Cape bantustans during and after “homeland” rule. I focus my narrative on the period of the 1970s, when the Transkei obtained independence and the education systems expanded substantially in both the
- [Is Leisure Innocent?: Reflections from Golf Courses](https://pari.org.za/is-leisure-innocent-reflections-from-golf-courses/) - Senior Researcher Dr Federica Duca participates in the Wiser/UMichigan Mellon collaborative seminar titled Spatial Typologies and the Built Environment: Navigating African Urban Landscapes. Dr Duca will talk on Monday, 6 May on the first panel “Planned urbanisms: Gating and Golfing”, her topic “Is Leisure Innocent?: Reflections from Golf Courses”. Download the programme
- [Article | Reform in the Contract State: Embedded directions in public procurement regulation in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/article-reform-in-the-contract-state-embedded-directions-in-public-procurement-regulation-in-south-africa/) - By Ryan Brunette, Jonathan Klaaren and Patronella Nqaba As South Africa contemplates another episode of public procurement legal reform, we trace the post-apartheid history of such efforts and consider critical issues moving forward. South Africa has over the last few decades followed the international trend of an expanding ‘contract state’. Public procurement is increasingly important
- [PARI joins the call on all parties to ensure that the corrupt are not appointed](https://pari.org.za/pari-joins-the-call-on-all-parties-to-ensure-that-the-corrupt-are-not-appointed/) - Open Letter to Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces 22 May 2019 Dear Members of Parliament and Members of the National Council of Provinces Congratulations on your election to Parliament and on your parties’ successful participation in our sixth democratic general election held on 8 May 2019. We salute you
- [Article | Document Wars and the Local Archives: The Case of Mogalakwena Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/article-document-wars-and-the-local-archives-the-case-of-mogalakwena-local-municipality/) - By Joel Pearson ABSTRACT In this article, I explore the flows of official paperwork in the troubled Mogalakwena Local Municipality in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province from 2009 to 2015. The documentary environment of this municipality exhibits many of the challenges identified in existing scholarship on contemporary records management in the state. In this
- [#AfterCapture | Kenya's Inability to Fight State Capture](https://pari.org.za/aftercapture-kenyas-struggle-to-fight-state-capture/) - PARI supports this new report by the Africa Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG), explaining why President Uhuru Kenyatta’s current anti-corruption efforts are unlikely to work. The problem, the study shows, is state capture; that is, the repurposing of state institutions for private profiteering. The study concludes that publicity-driven prosecutions are likely to deepen rather than
- [Civil Society Calls on EFF to Raise its Political Game](https://pari.org.za/civil-society-calls-on-eff-to-raise-its-political-game/) - PARI has joined a collective call to the EFF political party to stop threats and intimidation, violent language, undemocratic assault in the media and racist pronouncements. The statement urges the party to focus on the substance of the VBS scandal investigations and to show their commitment to the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Read
- [Media Statement | Proposals for state reform #BetterState](https://pari.org.za/media-statement-proposals-for-state-reform-betterstate/) - Proposals for State Reform A collaborative series of position papers on how to make the state work better MEDIA STATEMENT Three position papers, to be released by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) in August 2019, collectively argue for reforms in key regulatory and administrative institutions to realise a rigorous reduction in corruption and
- [The Usual Suspects in State Capture - Politicsweb](https://pari.org.za/the-usual-suspects-in-state-capture-politicsweb/) - “At the 2018 conference under the title State Capture and its Aftermath hosted by the Public Affairs Research Institute, Mr John Githongo, a prominent anti-corruption activist from Kenya, described the “usual suspects” in state capture. One category of persons he singled out as responsible in furthering the state capture project was “private actors in the
- [Long road ahead for new SOE law](https://pari.org.za/long-road-ahead-for-new-soe-law/) - Involve the public, says Dr Tracy Ledger. This article was first published by *ParlyBeat Despite public pressure for urgency in addressing problems in state-owned entities (SOEs), there is still a long road ahead for government’s law meant to regulate these entities, if the Department of Public Enterprises’ Annual Performance Plan (APP) is anything to go
- [PSA Gives Too Much Power To Politicians, says Ryan Brunette](https://pari.org.za/psa-gives-too-much-power-to-politicians-says-ryan-brunette/) - A recent article in the Farmer’s Weekly covered the Estina/Vrede Dairy Project which has featured at the Zondo Commission, and consulted PARI’s Ryan Brunette on the reasons behind these forms of state capture: Vrede Dairy Project: SA Needs to Rethink Public Service Act By Sabrina Dean Allegations of murder, death threats and state capture
- [The Politics Of Leisure And Exclusion: Critical perspectives on golf](https://pari.org.za/the-politics-of-leisure-and-exclusion-critical-perspectives-on-golf/) - On 25 July, Dr Federica Duca gave a lecture to University of Johannesburg’s third-year Architecture students (UJ FADA). The title of the lecture was The Politics of Leisure and Exclusion: Critical perspectives on golf. The presentation referenced recent work in the urban studies field by Hugo Cerón-Anaya in his book titled Privilege at Play: Class,
- [Dr Tracy Ledger on Joburg's Consumer Debt](https://pari.org.za/dr-tracy-ledger-on-joburgs-consumer-debt/) - Joburg’s most cash-strapped residents can look forward to some relief soon, when a plan aimed at helping them and reducing the size of the city’s debtors book is introduced, says Alistair Anderson. In his article, Lightening Joburg residents’ debt burden (Financial Mail), Anderson interviews Tracy Ledger on the subject of municipal debt. ‘The City of
- [Dr Florencia Belvedere on Criminal Justice Reform](https://pari.org.za/dr-florencia-belvedere-on-criminal-justice-reform/) - The Helen Suzman Foundation’s recent report on independence and accountability in the criminal justice system included a contribution from Florencia Belvedere, who leads PARI’s #AfterCapture state reform campaign. FLORENCIA BELVEDERE – PARI There are two issues that I would like to bring into the discussion: 1) The power lies with the President to appoint
- [Perspectives on State Capture](https://pari.org.za/perspectives-on-state-capture/) - The August issue of Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s Perspectives includes contributions from Dr Tracy Ledger and Crispian Olver. In the opening article, Tracy Ledger provocatively asks whether a different version of state capture could be a good idea in South Africa. She argues that the allocation of public resources is never a neutral affair and motivates
- [Alliance for State Reform #FixTheState](https://pari.org.za/alliance-for-state-reform/) - The form below has a brief description of the proposed alliance, and enables you to indicate whether you would support its formation and the types of contribution that you would be willing to make. It will only take a few minutes to complete. Should you have any questions or need further information, feel free to
- [Dr Tracy Ledger on Good Governance in Post-Apartheid South Africa](https://pari.org.za/dr-tracy-ledger-on-good-governance-in-post-apartheid-south-africa/) - What is the state for? Contestations around the definition of ‘good governance’ in post-apartheid South Africa – Tracy Ledger This paper will present findings from ethnographic work undertaken in various locations in the public sector in South Africa over the past five years. Much of this work had as its goal the detailed investigation of
- [Working Paper | Rents and Repurposing in Two South African Cities](https://pari.org.za/working-paper-rents-and-repurposing-in-two-south-african-cities/) - Towards a Typology of City Governance Regimes By Crispian Olver Abstract The systemic nature of corruption in local government needs to be understood it terms of the social and economic forces acting on the state, particularly the formation of new classes and elites within the dynamics of the South African political transition. Through case studies
- [Tracy Ledger on Food Security at Governance Innovation Week 2019](https://pari.org.za/tracy-ledger-on-food-security-at-governance-innovation-week-2019/) - On 25 September, the Centre for Governance Innovation held a workshop on ‘The State of Food Governance in South Africa’ at the Future Africa Campus of the University of Pretoria. This event was part of the biennial Governance Innovation Week organised by the Centre. The objective of this workshop was to continue the existing policy
- [Civil Society - Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State](https://pari.org.za/civil-society-defeating-state-capture-and-rebuilidng-the-state/) - PARI is collaborating with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on 23 October to host the conference: Civil Society Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State – Taking stock and moving forward. The conference will be an opportunity for PARI to present positions on state reform, particularly regarding recruitment in the public service, public procurement and appointments
- [Building An Alliance for State Reform #FixTheState](https://pari.org.za/building-an-alliance-for-state-reform-fixthestate/) - On 21 August, PARI met with civil society organisations to discuss an alliance for state reform, and presented three working papers detailing proposals for reform in three key areas. This workshop follows on from the #AfterCapture campaign, and was the first engagement with civil society organisations and individuals towards an alliance to #FixTheState. South Africa’s
- [REGISTER | Civil Society Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State](https://pari.org.za/register-civil-society-defeating-state-capture-and-rebuilding-the-state/) - Loading…
- [Report Review | The Problem of Failing Municipalities](https://pari.org.za/moneyweb-review-the-problem-of-failing-municipalities/) - By Adriaan Kruger, Moneyweb, 22 October 2019 A research report by the Public Affairs Research Institute (Pari) on the financial state of South Africa’s municipalities has received very little attention in the media, despite its damning findings and its importance for residents and ratepayers – especially with voters heading to the polls next year to
- [Retreat and Belonging in Upper Class Gated Communities](https://pari.org.za/retreat-and-belonging-in-upper-class-gated-communities/) - Dr Federica Duca presented at a conference at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London, titled Breaking down the nation-state: retreat and belonging in upper class gated communities in Johannesburg. The presentation was on the panel “Juxtaposition, Conflict and Segregation in Cities” on 12 November, as part of an intensive three-day programme. “Urban societies are
- [Fully Booked | A New Path for SOEs](https://pari.org.za/panel-discussion-a-new-path-for-soes/) - PARI and the Strategic Dialogue Group are holding a panel discussion next month with a compelling lineup of speakers. The programme will enable leadership from different perspectives and stakeholders – inside the state (SOE Manager, Presidency), independent analysts, civil society/labour – to comment on the commitments made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 20 January 2020 in respect of
- [Postponed | Joburg Urban Governance Dialogue](https://pari.org.za/joburg-urban-governance-dialogue/) - Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring Covid-19 a national disaster, please be advised that this event has been postponed. We will be in communication during this week about how and when we will proceed with the dialogue. Thank you for your consideration. Joburg Urban Governance Dialogue is a joint event by PARI, SA
- [Schools Rationalisation in the Eastern Cape - A case study](https://pari.org.za/schools-rationalisation-in-the-eastern-cape-a-case-study/) - This case study was written by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), which is affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand. PARI played a knowledge management role on the project; knowledge management and team reflection were designed as an integral part of the project’s implementation. Through routinely scheduled ‘action learning’ sessions, PARI was tasked with
- [We Are Building a City: The Struggle for Self-Sufficiency in Lephalale Local Municipality](https://pari.org.za/7221-2/) - By Dr Mosa Phadi and Joel Pearson In 2006, Eskom unveiled plans for a new multi-billion rand mega-project: the construction of the Medupi coal power station in the small town of Lephalale in Limpopo Province. This once quiettown near the Botswana border suddenly found itself inundated with massive new developmentsand an influx of people
- [Op Ed | We Already Have a Solution to Failing Municipalities: It's in the fine print](https://pari.org.za/op-ed-we-already-have-a-solution-to-failing-municipalities-its-in-the-fine-print/) - By Tracy Ledger If we have a cleverly designed and detailed piece of constitutional legislation designed specifically to prevent it, why do we have municipalities in total collapse? The short answer is that all parties tasked with implementing section 139 have failed to act in the spirit and letter that the legislation requires. Local government
- [The Mogalakwena Local Municipality in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/mogalakwena-local-municipality-south-africa/) - REPORT | JUNE 2017The Mogalakwena Local Municipality in South Africa This report focuses on the internal institutional dynamics of the troubled Mogalakwena Local Municipality, located in the Waterberg District of Limpopo Province. The report traces in detail how local party-state conflicts are embedded in broader contests within the African National Congress (ANC), and how the
- [Mind The Gap: Section 139 interventions in theory and practice](https://pari.org.za/mind-the-gap-section-139-interventions-in-theory-and-practice/) - By Tracy Ledger and Mahlatse Rampedi “There are fifteen municipalities that for the last three consecutive years have received either a disclaimer or adverse audit outcome, or have failed to submit their financial statements on time, or a combination thereof. More than thirty municipalities have achieved that dubious distinction in the last two consecutive years.
- [The People's Hearing on State Capture](https://pari.org.za/the-peoples-hearing-on-state-capture/) - PARI is a member of the Civil Society Working Group, along with over 20 other civil society organisations. Saturday, 12 October 2019 10.00 — 15.00 Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill The Civil Society Working Group on State Capture – a coalition of over twenty civil society organisations – is organising a People’s Hearing on State Capture
- [Public Session | Keynote Address by Mcebisi Jonas](https://pari.org.za/public-session-keynote-address-by-mcebisi-jonas/)
- [Conference Highlights | Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State](https://pari.org.za/conference-defeating-state-capture-and-rebuilding-the-state/) - Welcome “We will not be silenced”, stated Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) Board Chair Derek Hanekom, opening a day-long civil society engagement, hosted by PARI and AKF on 23 October. The conference, Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding The State, attracted a full house of civil society organisations, interested individuals and media to discuss a way forward
- [Position Papers on Proposals for State Reform](https://pari.org.za/position-papers-on-proposals-for-state-reform/) - Position Papers on State Reform #FixTheState This provides a description of the three position papers that argue for crucial reforms of the South African state. The goals of these reforms are to realise a rigorous reduction in corruption and in the influence of patronage in South African politics, while improving the political responsiveness, efficiency, and
- [Panel Discussion | Fixing the State: From Diagnosis to Treatment](https://pari.org.za/panel-discussion-fixing-the-state-from-diagnosis-to-treatment/) - The Strategic Dialogue Group convenes a panel discussion on 9 November featuring Tracy Ledger from PARI, alongside Crispian Olver, Yolisa Pikie and Percy Mahlathi. ‘The aim of the panel is to share perspectives and engage on ways in which progressive public servants and members of the SDG can contribute to fixing the state particularly after
- [For an ethical public sector, remove politics from its appointment](https://pari.org.za/for-an-ethical-public-sector-remove-politics-from-its-appointment/) - Politicians being responsible for senior public servants’ appointments has historical reasons that need to change in post-apartheid SA 13 November 2019 – 05:05 Kris Dobie [Business Live] Discussions of ethical challenges in the public sector frequently lead to discussions of the “political-administrative interface”, which seems to be a euphemism for political interference in the bureaucratic
- [Roundtable discussion | Appointments to the leadership of the NPA](https://pari.org.za/roundtable-discussion-appointments-to-the-leadership-of-the-npa/) - hosted by the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) and Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) The Constitution and the NPA Act provide that the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) is appointed by the President, who may also, after consultation with the NDPP and Minster of Justice, appoint up to four Deputy National Directors of Public
- [Civil Society Working Group launches a Joint Submission to the Zondo Commission](https://pari.org.za/civil-society-working-group-launches-a-joint-submission-to-the-zondo-commission/) - On Wednesday, 19 February 2020, the Civil Society Working Group (CSWG) launched its joint submission of recommendations to the Zondo Commission into State Capture. The CSWG brings together at least 24 participating civil society organisations, convened by Open Secrets. “The purpose of this submission is to summarise and highlight recommendations made by members of the
- [Press Release | It's Time for Practical SOE Solutions](https://pari.org.za/press-release-its-time-for-practical-soe-solutions/) - MEDIA STATEMENT For immediate release; 16 March 2020 Johannesburg IT’S TIME FOR PRACTICAL SOE SOLUTIONS Strategic Dialogue Group (SDG) and Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) held a successful interactive dialogue session which emphasised a need to move public discourse towards practical solutions and actions that can rescue state owned entities (SOEs). Such interventions should ultimately
- [SAFTU slams the state's response to Covid-19, calls for social solidarity](https://pari.org.za/saftu-says-the-state-isnt-pulling-its-weight/) - PARI has endorsed the following statement by Zwelenzima Vavi, General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU). The state isn’t pulling its weight! 24 March 2020 The all-out war against the Covid-19 virus which SAFTU supports has just ground to a halt. What we as the masses are being asked to sacrifice,
- [Postponed | Public Procurement Position Paper Launch](https://pari.org.za/save-the-date-public-procurement-position-paper-launch/) - DUE TO GLOBAL CONCERNS AROUND COVID-19, THE LAUNCH EVENT FOR THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT POSITION PAPER IS BEING POSTPONED UNTIL LATER IN 2020. The Position Paper will be made available online very soon. For enquiries, please contact florenciab@pari.org.za.
- [State Capture and State Reform Conference Report](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-and-state-reform-conference-report/) - The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) hosted a conference entitled: Civil Society – Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State on 23 October 2019. The conference was held at Mancosa Campus, Johannesburg and was attended by civil society representatives, academics, and individuals interested in the issues. The conference built on
- [Economists write to Ramaphosa suggesting better Corona measures](https://pari.org.za/economists-write-to-ramaphosa-suggesting-better-corona-measures/) - 78 economists – and at least 29 others in supporting fields, including PARI – say that government can do more to mitigate the economic harm of Covid-19. They have addressed an open letter to President Ramphosa and his Cabinet from South African economists, economic and business analysts and economic justice analysts. Read the Open Letter
- [Welcome to New PARI Staff and Associates](https://pari.org.za/welcome-to-new-pari-staff-and-associates/) - PARI is delighted to welcome some new faces to the Institute, and some old faces to new appointments. As 2020 takes off, we are looking forward to working together to create new projects and expand PARI’s research in our various programmes. The Institute’s broad programmes for 2020 are: Local Government Land Governance State Reform Education
- [Set the Apartheid Secrets Free | Statement in Solidarity with SAHA](https://pari.org.za/set-the-apartheid-secrets-free-statement-in-solidarity-with-saha/) - We, the undersigned organisations and individuals committed to justice for historical crimes and social justice in South Africa write in support of the South African History Archive. On Tuesday 03 March 2020 it faces the next round in an epic battle against the South African Reserve Bank in the Bloemfontein Supreme Court of Appeal. This
- [Call for applications | Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity #AFRE2020](https://pari.org.za/call-for-applications-atlantic-fellows-for-racial-equity/) - The Nelson Mandela Foundation has just opened applications for #AFRE2020. If you are changemaker with a track record of impact, apply for this amazing opportunity!! https://racialequity.atlanticfellows.org/ PARI is a South African partner to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and a curriculum advisor for the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity.
- [People's Guide to Archives and Democracy](https://pari.org.za/peoples-guide-to-archives-and-democracy/) - This People’s Guide to Archives in South Africa seeks to provide information and links to ways in which civil society, researchers and organisations can be empowered in order to gain access to government and other records for research purposes and as a matter of administrative justice, transparency and accountability. The Guide is the result of
- [African regional workshop on effective governance for sustainable development](https://pari.org.za/african-regional-workshop-on-effective-governance-for-sustainable-development/) - From October 30 to November 1 2019, Tracy Ledger and Thokozani Chilenga-Butao attended a workshop co-organised by UNDESA and AU/APRM in collaboration with UNDP, titled African regional workshop on effective governance for sustainable development: putting principles into practice. The rational for the workshop and expected outcomes were as follows: ‘The joint UN-African Union workshop is
- [Launch | A House Divided](https://pari.org.za/launch-a-house-divided/) - Research Associate Crispian Olver launches his new book, A House Divided: The feud that took Cape Town to the Brink. Olver will be in conversation with finance journalist Siki Mgabadeli. When: Wednesday 23 October, 18h00 Where: Love Books, Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, 53 Rustenberg Road, Melville RSVP: kate@lovebooks.co.za, 0117267408
- [The Question of Agency in African Studies](https://pari.org.za/the-question-of-agency-in-african-studies/) - On 3 October, Dr Federica Duca appeared on a panel at the international doctoral workshop, The Question of Agency in Africa Studies. The workshop was held by the University of Napoli “l’Orientale”, Department of Asian, African and Mediterranean Studies Centre of Contemporary African Studies (CeSAC). Dr Duca sat on the first panel as a discussant
- [Workshop | Reviewing an ethical global research tookit](https://pari.org.za/workshop-reviewing-an-ethical-global-research-tookit/) - On 2 October, Thatshisiwe Ndlovu held a workshop at PARI offices to review an Ethical Global Research Toolkit produced by the University of Edinburgh. The Toolkit comes out of a roundtable event held in June/July 2019, at which Ndlovu and others explored the themes and principles required to underpin ethical research. “This toolkit seeks to
- [OIS Open Day - 19 September](https://pari.org.za/ois-open-day-19-september/) - On 19 September, the Organisational and Institutional Studies Department at Wits University held an Open Day to inform potential Honours, Masters and PhD students about the courses on offer in 2020.
- [Election 2019: Change and stability in South Africa's democracy](https://pari.org.za/election-2019-change-and-stability-in-south-africas-democracy/) - Thokozani Chilenga-Butao is a contributor to the new Jacana title, Election 2019. Election 2019 discusses political party campaigns, the media’s coverage of the campaigns, the latest trends in political participation and party fortunes, gender dynamics, the black middle class, as well as insights into the voter and public opinion. The book deals with the following
- [The Sad Passing of Mpho Mohapi](https://pari.org.za/8281-2/) - It is with great sadness that PARI announces the passing of Head of Administration Mpho Mohapi on Thursday, 8 August. Mpho was one of PARI’s very first employees, sporting a National Diploma in Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg. She was one of the original members who piece by piece helped to build PARI
- [Book Launch | Election 2019: Change and Stability in South Africa's Democracy](https://pari.org.za/book-launch-election-2019-change-and-stability-in-south-africas-democracy/) - PARI research associate and Wits Politics lecturer, Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, has contributed a chapter to Election 2019: Change and Stability in South Africa’s Democracy, a new book published by Jacana Media and edited by Collette Schulz-Herzenberg and Roger Southall. The volume will be launched in Cape Town and Johannesburg in August 2019. Chilenga-Butao’s chapter is titled
- [OIS Students Graduate](https://pari.org.za/ois-students-graduation/) - Organisational and Institutional Studies’ first cohort of students proudly graduated at Wits University on 7 July 2019. Honours graduates are: Violet Molefe, Obert Nangara, Anivuyina Ketsiwe, Mabothlale Mbatane, Nosipho Manana. Lecturers: Dr Federica Duca and Dr Marcus Walton Head of School of Social Sciences: Prof Mucha Musemwa
- [Watson Institute | Cities, Citizens and Governance Conference](https://pari.org.za/watson-institute-cities-citizens-and-governance-conference/) - On 30 May to 1 June 2019, Dr Marcus Walton attended a conference held by the Watson Institute at Brown University, titled Cities, Citizens and Governance in the 21st Century. The conference convened scholars from around the world to engage with one another on the possibilities and challenges of promoting urban citizenship by exploring the
- [The Narratives of Change - Nelson Mandela Foundation](https://pari.org.za/the-narratives-of-change-nelson-mandela-foundation/) - The Nelson Mandela Foundation has just announced the 2019 cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity. They will be hosting a public dialogue on 22 June in Houghton that is open to all. Two years since the end of the majority of student protests in South Africa, a number of books, articles and documentaries have
- [hambisana](https://pari.org.za/hambisana/)
- [Chilenga-Butao Assesses Ramaphosa's Cabinet Decisions](https://pari.org.za/chilenga-butao-assesses-ramaphosas-cabinet-decisions/) - PARI PhD Fellow and Wits Political Science Lecturer Thokozani Chilenga-Butao spoke to Cape Talk Radio about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet, that was sworn in on Thursday, 30 May. While cutting down the number of ministries from 36 to 28 as promised, the President was still criticised for the number of Deputy Ministers appointed. Chilenga-Butao
- [A People's Guide to the Archives](https://pari.org.za/a-peoples-guide-to-the-archives/) - You are invited to a panel discussion and launch of a digital guide on ‘Archives and Democracy’ Speakers: Yasmin Sooka (Foundation for Human Rights), Mbongiseni Buthelezi (Public Affairs Research Institute), Celina Flores (Memoria Abierta, Argentina), and Sharif Abdel Kouddous (Mosireen Collective, Egypt) Chair: Geraldine Frieslaar (South African History Archive) With an introduction to the guide
- [SHAC (Wits) reconfirms Policies and Procedures against Gender-Based Harm](https://pari.org.za/shac-wits-reconfirms-policies-and-procedures-against-gender-based-harm/) - Wits University is experiencing a significant pushback against its victim-centered policies and procedures for dealing with gender-based harm (GBH). Against this backdrop, the members of the Wits Sexual Harassment Advisory Committee (SHAC) – as established by the University’s Senate and Council and comprising experts from a range of disciplines to advise and advance the University’s
- [2018 Annual Report](https://pari.org.za/2018-annual-report/) - Download 2018 Annual Report The Year In Review In 2018, PARI took significant strides to start becoming a globally recognised organisation, and to develop a presence with organisations in other parts of the world. Early in the year, PARI partnered with the New School in New York to hold a conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- [Elections Are At The Heart of Democracy in Africa](https://pari.org.za/elections-are-at-the-heart-of-democracy-in-africa/) - By Thokozani Chilenga-Butao and Gwinyai Taruvinga For the African continent to address the challenges that it faces, we need to strengthen Africa’s democracies. The conduct of elections is at the heart of a strong democracy and this is why countries strive to hold them. The sentiment was echoed at the Wits University Humanities Graduate Centre’s
- [Meet the Students | OIS](https://pari.org.za/meet-the-students-ois/) - The Organisational and Institutional Studies academic programme at Wits University has gotten off to a strong start in the first semester of 2019. After last year’s pilot Honours programme, the OIS department introduced a new Masters level and hopes to have PhD students in the department by 2020. Meet this years cohort of Honours and
- [The Youth Reflect Society's Mood, says Mosa Phadi](https://pari.org.za/the-youth-reflect-society-says-mosa-phadi/) - Image: EPA/Nic Bothma Dr Mosa Phadi was discussant on a panel talking about youth politics, the coming national elections and youth participation and engagement. Lelethu Tonisi’s write up in the Daily Maverick (1 April, Young South Africans are politically engaged, but can’t see how the system works for them, studies find) quotes Dr Phadi’s assessment of
- [Seminar | Elections in Africa](https://pari.org.za/seminar-elections-in-africa/) - On Wednesday, 27 March, PARI fellow Thokozani Chilenga-Butao moderates a roundtable discussion unpacking the nature of elections, focusing on the challenges and opportunities African states face. The seminar will take place at the Humanities Graduate Centre, Wits University from 09h30. HUMANITIES GRADUATE CENTRE GUEST LECTURE SERIES ELECTIONS IN AFRICA A round table discussion unpacking
- [Archives and Democracy revisited - a web-based guide](https://pari.org.za/archives-and-democracy-revisited-a-web-based-guide/) - Archives and Democracy: Testing the Archive The anticipated activities under the extended project title “Archives & Democracy: Testing the Archive: A Guide” are a result of discussions held between the collaborating entities – the Wits History Workshop, the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), the South African History Archive (SAHA) and the Historical Papers Research
- [OIS | New Masters Programme](https://pari.org.za/ois-new-masters-programme/) - Today PARI launched a new Masters degree to the Organisational and Institutional Studies academic programme at Wits University. For 2019, PARI has accepted 8 Honours students and 6 Masters students to the multi-disciplinary degree course, based in the School of Social Sciences. The new students were inducted with a brief history of South Africa’s democracy
- [2015/16 Annual Report](https://pari.org.za/2015-16-annual-report/) - Evolving to Influence a State in Transition PARI is moving confidently towards its eighth year as a prominent research institute, while simultaneously adapting to South Africa’s changing sociopolitical environment. Historically, PARI has been a research institute that plays a soft advocacy role. It has conducted research on state institutions and processes. And it has provided
- [Farewell 2018!](https://pari.org.za/farewell-2018/) - View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger View Larger
- [In with the new Board](https://pari.org.za/in-with-the-new-board/) - PARI’s brand new Board of Directors convened their first meeting on 19 June 2018. After a few shuffles and changes over the course of 2018, the Board Chair is now Professor Mucha Musemwa, Head of the School of Social Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand. Further names of Board members, in addition to the
- [What would a pro-black state look like?](https://pari.org.za/what-would-a-pro-black-state-look-like/) - PARI, in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, hosts a workshop from 29 – 31 October 2018. PARI will offer an engagement with the question of why the state and its institutions are unable to fully incorporate black demands, through a series of lectures, readings and discussions, site visits and reflections. There is a
- [Seminar | On the Peripheries of Citizenship](https://pari.org.za/seminar-on-the-peripheries-of-citizenship/) - PARI’s internal seminars have started up again, kicking off with Marcus Walton’s presentation of his paper, On the Peripheries: Protest and Public Goods in Continental Africa. In his paper, he considers protests around public goods in 3 African countries: the Egyptian bread revolution, the Nigerian fuel movement and South Africa’s housing service delivery protests. Download
- [Governance through military operations](https://pari.org.za/governance-through-military-operations/) - Download poster PARI researchers Thatshisiwe Ndlovu and Dr Sifiso Ndlovu collaborate on a roundtable “Governance through military operations: Violent pasts and prospects for national healing”. The roundtable on 17 October at the Wits Humanties Graduate Centre will be a discussion featuring eight thinkers and scholars on : – Forms of military involvement in governing post-colonial
- [People's Tribunal Delivery of Findings](https://pari.org.za/peoples-tribunal-delivery-of-findings/) - The People’s Tribunal on Economic Crime will deliver its final findings to the public at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on 20 September 2018. This follows six months, in which implicated parties in business and government were allowed to respond to allegations of economic crimes, and in which legal arguments were prepared for deliberation by members
- [The first cohort: meet the 2018 OIS Honours Students](https://pari.org.za/the-first-cohort-meet-the-2018-ois-honours-students/) - Paulina HadebeProgramme Coordinator Paulina Hadebe is the Programme Coordinator. She holds a National Diploma in Public Management from Tshwane University of Technology and ensures the smooth running of the programme at Honours and Masters Levels at Wits University, Braamfontein Campus. Paulina can be found in the Robert Sobukwe Building, rm145. Violet Molefe “Why is the
- [Read | Mosa Phadi on Understanding Steve Biko](https://pari.org.za/read-mosa-phadi-on-understanding-steve-biko/) - On the anniversary of Steve Biko’s death – 12 September 1977 – the Review of African Political Economy journal posts an interview with Mosa Phadi titled Understanding Steve Biko:Race, Class and Struggle in South Africa. In the interview, she talks about how Biko’s black consciousness was influenced by other important thinkers of his time, like Stokely
- [Mosa Phadi receives African Humanities Postdoctoral Award](https://pari.org.za/mosa-phadi-receives-african-humanities-postdoctoral-award/) - Mosa Phadi has been accepted in to the African Humanities Program from the American Council of Learned Societies. Through fellowship competitions, regional workshops, and peer networking, the African Humanities Program provides support to the humanities in five African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The centerpiece of the programme is the distribution
- [PARI hosts Master's students from Brown University](https://pari.org.za/pari-hosts-masters-students-from-brown-university/) - This August 19th – 27th, PARI will host a group of Master in Public Affairs students from Brown University in Rhode Island, USA. The group can look forward to an exciting itinerary exploring Johannesburg’s historical and political spaces to better understand South African public policy. PARI – BROWN UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP MPA Programmme 2018 South
- [Introducing a new Masters programme to Organisational and Institutional Studies](https://pari.org.za/introducing-a-new-masters-programme-to-organisational-and-institutional-studies/) - PARI introduces a new Masters programme at Wits University in 2019, in the field of Organisational and Institutional Studies in the School of Social Sciences. This follows a successful first year of the Honours OIS programme. In February 2018, the Organisational and Institutional Studies (OIS) degree programme launched at the Wits Club, with a fresh
- [Dr Duca joins the African Tax Research Network](https://pari.org.za/dr-duca-joins-the-african-tax-research-network/) - Dr Federica Duca has become a member of the Scientific Committee of the African Tax Research Network (ATRN), placing her among a prestigious international group of policymakers, researchers and administrators, who are working to influence the African tax research agenda. The ATRN was established in 2014 to identify potential synergies and linkages between academics and
- [Report Launch | What tax systems tell us about Africa](https://pari.org.za/report-launch-tax-systems-tell-us-africa/) - Taxations and State-Society Relations in Sub-Saharan Africa: the cases of Cameroon, Mozambique and South Africa By Alice Soares Guimarães, Federica Duca and Thatshisiwe Ndlovu Download the report here. Understanding how revenue collection has functioned historically in three African countries. Taxation is of central importance to modern societies, as it channels vital issues such as the
- [The Decline of African Nationalism and the State of South Africa](https://pari.org.za/decline-african-nationalism-state-south-africa/) - JOURNAL ARTICLE | 2016The Decline of African Nationalism and the State of South Africa Ivor Chipkin (2016) The Decline of African Nationalism and the State of South Africa, Journal of Southern African Studies, 42:2, 215-227 This article explores the electoral performance of the African National Congress (ANC) to argue that there is evidence of a
- [2016/17 Annual Report](https://pari.org.za/2016-17-annual-report/) - The Year in Review 2017 was a dramatic year for PARI, as three major research projects matured into their final phases, and the Institute gained a weighty profile in the media around groundbreaking publications: Betrayal of the Promise, Mogalakwena Local Municipality and PARI fellow Crispian Olver’s How to Steal a City. New strategic connections were
- [Ivor Chipkin speaks at the Mandela Initiative Workshop](https://pari.org.za/ivor-chipkin-speaks-mandela-initiative-workshop/) - The Mandela Initiative is a multi-sector platform to investigate and develop strategies to overcome poverty and inequality. The Initiative is a university-led national endeavour in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Through research, workshops and public dialogue with a diverse range of stakeholders (from academia, government, civil society, churches, business and unions) it investigates key
- [Book launch: Incorruptible by Evelyn Groenink](https://pari.org.za/incorruptible-launch/) - Join us for a discussion with author Evelyn Groenink and PARI’s Ivor Chipkin on the questions this book evokes. How is it possible that only now, 30 years after the murder of Dulcie September, and 25 years after the assassination of Chris Hani, the veil is lifted with regards to the motive? How can we attempt to strive for more transparency and equality in South Africa’s global relationships in the post colony?
- [Building Rural Democracy](https://pari.org.za/building-rural-democracy/) - Alliance for Rural Democracy On 19 February 2018, Mbongiseni Buthelezi attended the Rural Democracy Trust’s National Campaigns Planning Meeting, hosted by the Alliance for Rural Democracy. Objectives of the meeting: Reflect on major trends in the rural economy, governance and accountability Review past activities, challenges and achievements and how we build on them Look at
- [The State, Capture and Revolution in Contemporary South Africa](https://pari.org.za/state-capture-revolution-contemporary-south-africa/) - WORKING PAPER | AUGUST 2016The State, Capture and Revolution in Contemporary South Africa ” We will see that the struggle against corruption in South Africa is really a struggle about the form of the state. In this sense the term shows a field of ideological contestation. On the one side are proponents of a liberal
- [Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of Botswana](https://pari.org.za/fiscal-histories-sub-saharan-africa-case-botswana/) - WORKING PAPER | AUGUST 2016Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of Botswana The first series looks at the fiscal history of Botswana from a long-term perspective, identifying its continuities and changes. Tracing the history of taxation and the formation of the tax state, the paper follows moments of major social, political, and economic disruption
- [Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of South Africa](https://pari.org.za/fiscal-histories-sub-saharan-africa-case-south-africa-2/) - Previously in this series: Fiscal histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Botswana WORKING PAPER | JULY 2017Fiscal Histories of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of South Africa Thatshisiwe Ndlovu, Public Affairs Research Institute Working Paper Series: No.2, July 2017 DOWNLOAD The history of taxation in South Africa was shaped by the complex relations between the native
- [Who gets jobs and why: Self-selection in migration](https://pari.org.za/gets-jobs-self-selection-migration/) - Nwabisa Nontenja passed her Master’s in Economics with flying colours, with a fascinating thesis topic: do aspirant migrants self-select and in this selection, are certain character types more amenable for migration. Does this impact how they do in the countries they migrate to? ABSTRACT The present study sought to investigate self-selection among internal and international
- [OIS: PARI becomes a teaching department at Wits](https://pari.org.za/ois-pari-becomes-teaching-department-wits/) - In partnership with Wits University’s Department of Social Sciences, PARI launches its groundbreaking Organisational and Institutional Studies degree programme on Monday, 5 Feb. Venue: Wits Club, West Campus Time: 09h00–13h00 Download programme
- [Ndebele Identity in Democratic South Africa](https://pari.org.za/ndebele-identity-democratic-south-africa/) - PARI doctoral fellow, Sifiso Ndlovu, produced her thesis in December 2017. Her project broadly looked at the production of Ndebele identity in democratic South Africa, with particular reference to its articulation with the process of nation-building in the culturally heterogeneous KwaMhlanga region. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Studies, a Bachelor of Arts
- [Confrontational, Complementary, Co-Operative Or Co-Opted? Social Justice Organisations Working With The State](https://pari.org.za/confrontational-complementary-co-operative-co-opted-social-justice-organisations-working-state/) - REPORT | AUGUST 2016Confrontational, Complementary, Co-Operative Or Co-Opted? Social Justice Organisations Working With The State This report was commissioned by the RAITH foundation to review various engagements between social justice organisations (SJOs) and state bodies with a view to determining under what conditions they have been successful in pursuing and deepening social justice and democratic
- [Notes from #FreetheArchive](https://pari.org.za/notes-from-freethearchive/) - PARI was well-represented at the Archives and Democracy: Colloquium of Civil Society on 24 August, 2017. The day-long programme featured five panels discussing the apartheid era archives, the importance of access, politics of the archive, international comparatives and how the law aids or hinders the liberation of the archives. Ferial Haffajee illuminated the value of
- [Betrayal report touches down in America](https://pari.org.za/betrayal-report-america/) - Ivor Chipkin takes ‘state capture’ and ‘elite populism’ on the road This October, Ivor Chipkin does a lecture tour in the US and Canada, and will present the Betrayal report along with other salient work on state capture in Washington, Providence, New York and Toronto. First up is John Hopkins University in Washington D.C. where
- [When it comes to connections, PARI does it up brown](https://pari.org.za/comes-connections-pari-brown/) - To ‘do something up brown’ means to do it skilfully and effectively. PARI has certainly been both in making international connections, not least with the recent MoU with ivy league college Brown University in Providence, USA. The collaboration will mean new opportunities for PARI senior researchers to become ‘Visiting Research Scholars’ at Brown. Vice versa,
- [Doors open for PARI master's fellow](https://pari.org.za/doors-open-pari-masters-fellow/) - In the last stretch of her Master’s degree, PARI fellow Jolandi Swanepoel has accepted a position at the Small Enterprise Foundation — a microfinance institution supporting rural women. It is with great pleasure that we wish Jolandi an excellent journey in her chosen field. Master’s in Economics I am nearing the end of my Master’s
- [PARI is recognized as a UCT entity](https://pari.org.za/pari-recognized-uct-entity/) - A new, formalised collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT) sees PARI making a major contribution in the field of institutional studies. A new, formalised collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT) sees us making a major contribution in the field of institutional studies. Until now, PARI has operated as a Wits University
- [Seminar: Transgressive Histories and Dis-eases of Secrecy](https://pari.org.za/seminar-transgressive-histories-dis-eases-secrecy/) - Join Chandre Gould and Prof Brian Rappert at the seminar “Transgressive Histories: Possibilities for Absence, Duplication, and Ignorance in Inquiry” DATE Wednesday, 21 June TIME 15:30 to 17:00 VENUE Wits Graduate Centre Wits University Johannesburg RSVP Savannah Lucas rsvp@jacana.co.za 011 628 3200 This seminar will be of particular interest and relevance to medical students, students
- [Alice Soares Guimarães joins the ATRN Scientific Committee](https://pari.org.za/alice-soares-guimaraes-joins-the-atrn-scientific-committee/) - Alice Soares Guimarães has become a member of the Scientific Committee of the African Tax Research Network (ATRN), placing her among a prestigious international group of policymakers, researchers and administrators, who are working to influence the African tax research agenda. [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]T[/nectar_dropcap]he ATRN was established in 2014 to identify potential synergies and linkages between academics and
- [No justice for the poor](https://pari.org.za/no-justice-for-the-poor/) - PARI Nedbank fellow, Brandon Bodenstein, was awarded a master’s with distinction this June. His MA thesis is a revelatory treatment of what is meant by meaningful access to justice in the context of Legal Aid South Africa in the Johannesburg District Courts. In Search of Advice: (re)defining meaningful access to justice in the district courts
- [PARI collaborates with National School of Government](https://pari.org.za/pari-collaborates-with-national-school-of-government/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]PARI[/nectar_dropcap] has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National School of Government (NSG) to work together to develop a programme focusing on African governance and building capable developmental states. The NSG provides education that addresses systemic challenges of public service delivery by improving the skills of, and thus empowering, the current generation of
- [A Journey through Wits #FeesMustFall 2015/16](https://pari.org.za/journey-wits-feesmustfall-201516/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]A[/nectar_dropcap] collected volume of chapters called Writing and Rioting: Diaries of the Wits Fallists is to be launched this July, containing a detailed account and analysis of the #FeesMustFall movement by PARI researcher, Hlengiwe Ndlovu. Her chapter captures the zeitgeist from October 14 to February 2016, and provides a subjective narrative on the momentous students’
- [Tracking the expansionary state: the evolving government machinery](https://pari.org.za/tracking-expansionary-state-evolving-government-machinery/) - PARI hosts a public lecture by UCT Politics senior lecturer, Vinothan Naidoo. Download the working paper here. The notion of ‘state machinery’ is usually employed to describe and critique the essential institutional infrastructure needed to effect public service delivery. But it is also inextricably bound up in the politics of deciding what the state’s institutional
- [Internship at PARI](https://pari.org.za/internship-at-pari/) - Waseem Holland has joined PARI as an intern for four months, and is currently engaged in a research project around state capture. From 2011, Waseem Holland worked with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), being retained on a number of programmes and projects ranging from capacity building programmes for political parties and
- [What's up at PARI in 2018?](https://pari.org.za/whats-pari-2018/) - Don’t miss PARI’s new reports forthcoming in 2018 Three Cities is a study of the evolution of governance in three metropolitan municipalities – Nelson Mandela Bay, eThekwini and Buffalo City – conducted in partnership with the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) of the National Treasury. It attempts to understand how metropolitan governance has evolved since
- [The Politics of the Archive](https://pari.org.za/the-politics-of-the-archive/) - Is it time to free the Apartheid era archives? Promoting open and transparent public record keeping for a democratic South Africa 9 am to 5pm 24 August, 2017 University of the Witwatersrand, Humanities PG Seminar Room, South West Engineering Colloquium will be followed by a cocktail event. RSVP to Gabriele Mohale gabriele.mohale@wits.ac.za 0117171940 Event link on
- [African Annual Youth Conference on social justice and democracy](https://pari.org.za/african-annual-youth-conference-social-justice-democracy/) - African People Disconnect – AAYC 2017 [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]T[/nectar_dropcap]he AAYC was a 3-day conference from 28 June to 1 July, featuring senior PARI researcher Alice Soares Guimarães as a facilitator. Organised by the Friederich Ebert Institute, this year’s conference held the title: The G-20 and the Global Order of the rich, by the rich, for the
- [PARI Fellow goes to Paris and Basel](https://pari.org.za/pari-fellow-goes-paris-basel/) - [nectar_dropcap color=”#27ccc0″]S[/nectar_dropcap]arah Meny-Gilbert, a PARI PhD fellow and research associate, will present papers this year at Sciences Po in Paris and the European Conference on African Studies in Basel. In June, Sarah will present two papers at Sciences Po, or the Paris Institute of Political Studies – one of Europe’s leading universities in the social
- [Progressive Politics: In search of a silver lining in the current crisis](https://pari.org.za/progressive-politics-dm/) - Power groups' preferred political projects will ultimately decide on whose terms corruption is fought, writes Ryan Brunette
- [State of the Nation: The New Right in South Africa](https://pari.org.za/state-of-the-nation-the-new-right-in-south-africa/) - Trump is very clear: America 1st. Brexit is very clear: UK 1st. S Africa MUST be clear about SA 1st. NOT Rating Agencies 1st.”

## Pages

- [Public Affairs Research Institute](https://pari.org.za/) - Research. Advocacy. Implementation support. Shaping Change We are an African institute doing research into the constraints to effective governance, underlining the importance of improved institutional design and performance. We work towards building effective and democratic state institutions, for more equitable policies to reduce poverty and inequality. Download our brochure For general enquiries, please email info@pari.org.za;
- [Our People](https://pari.org.za/our_people/) - Sithembile MbeteExecutive Director Nhongerai NemerambaHead of Finance Sarah Meny-GibertSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Gaynor ParadzaSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Federica DucaSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Lelethu MurombaHead of Administration Tracy LedgerSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Vishanthi ArumugamHead of Communications Daniel SherResearcher Mahlatse RampediSenior Researcher Nonhlanhla MathibelaResearcher Refiloe RamaisaOrganisational Administrator Jugal MahabirSenior Researcher and Programme Lead
- [The Procurement Reform Working Group](https://pari.org.za/procurement-reform-working-group/) - The Procurement Reform Working Group: Statement of Intent MenuHomeResources The Procurement Reform Working Group (PRWG) is a South African coalition of civil society organisations, allied partners, researchers, and interested individuals concerned with public procurement integrity and efficacy in South Africa. The group provides a space for analysis, coordination and collective engagement on procurement law, policy
- [About](https://pari.org.za/about/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute ABOUT US PARI is a non-profit African research institute affiliated to the University of Johannesburg and Wits University, providing new and original social science research, advocacy and implementation support for South Africa, the global South and beyond. PARI undertakes research and advocacy on state capacity, public governance and accountability in
- [State Reform](https://pari.org.za/state-reform/) - STATE REFORM MenuHomePRWGResources PARI’s State Reform programme aims to reduce the influence of corruption and patronage on the public administration so that it better serves its democratic mandate. The programme provides evidence-based recommendations for reforms in key regulatory and administrative institutions with the aim of strengthening them. The programme currently focuses on: Reform to the public
- [Local Government Collaboration Model](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/local-government-collaboration-model/) - Local Government Collaboration Model The COMPACT Local Government Collaboration Model is a practical, catalytic tool that brings together political, administrative, and community stakeholders to address real challenges faced by municipalities and to work together on improving service delivery. The goal of the model, and the collaboration workshops that are facilitated in municipalities, is to find
- [Civic Education](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/civic-education/) - Civic Education Civic education is vital because it equips citizens and communities with knowledge about how municipalities work, what their rights and responsibilities are, and how to access services or participate in decision-making. COMPACT has developed civic education materials for communities and other local government stakeholders. A comprehensive guide entitled Working Towards Collaborative Local Government:
- [Compact](https://pari.org.za/compact/) - MenuHomeCOMPACT ToolboxResources About COMPACT PARI, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Integrity Action (IA) jointly implemented a project titled ‘Supporting Public Participation and Planning in Local Government: Towards Local Government Service Delivery and Accountability’. The project is known as COMPACT – where Com refers to the community and Pact to all the stakeholders
- [Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Resources](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/integrated-development-plan-idp-resources/) - Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Resources The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a critical tool for local government in South Africa, guiding the strategic planning and development of municipalities. Despite its importance, there are structural and operational issues that hinder the IDP’s effectiveness, particularly regarding community participation. COMPACT has developed a user-friendly roadmap setting out the
- [Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/asset-based-community-development-abcd/) - Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) The Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach is a strategy for sustainable community-driven development which starts with what is present in a community, the capacities of its residents and workers, and the associational and institutional base of the community. The ABCD process is asset based, which means it is relationship
- [e-Participation in Municipalities](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/e-participation-in-municipalities/) - e-Participation in Municipalities e-Participation is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to increase citizen involvement in: public decision-making processes; policy-making; and service delivery. Through the ePPMOSA project, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and partners have been piloting e-participation and policy modelling technologies and methods in selected municipalities across South Africa. The goal
- [Municipal Performance Management](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/municipal-performance-management/) - Municipal Performance Management Performance management, at all levels of the accountability value chain, should be taken seriously in municipalities through the provision of sufficient information and support to councillors and municipal staff. COMPACT and SALGA’s Performance Management Unit have developed the Municipal Performance Management Technical Digest which provides information on performance management in local government
- [Strengthening Ward Committees](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/strengthening-ward-committees/) - Strengthening Ward Committees Ward committees are non-partisan neighbourhood-level structures intended to act as the link between communities and municipalities. Despite their important role in facilitating public participation in local governance, many ward committees are not functional and face issues such as: lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities; inadequate support and resourcing; political interference; inaction
- [Enhancing Youth Participation in Local Government](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/enhancing-youth-participation-in-local-government/) - Enhancing Youth Participation in Local Government COMPACT has identified the urgent need to prioritise youth participation in local government. Young people are discouraged with municipalities and face numerous challenges within their communities, including high levels of unemployment and poverty. Decisions taken by municipalities have a substantial impact on their lives and their unique perspectives on
- [Just Transition](https://pari.org.za/just-transition/) - JUST TRANSITION The Just Transition programme’s overarching goal is to contribute to a successful climate transition in South Africa; a transition that will contribute to decarbonisation and climate resilience, while prioristing social justice, equity and poverty reduction. We undertake innovative empirical research that contributes directly to national and sub-national policy on rapid decarbonisation of the
- [Toolbox](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/) - The COMPACT ToolboxEquipping you to effectively participate, plan and account in your municipality Welcome!The COMPACT Toolbox contains tools and links to resources from COMPACT and other stakeholders and allows you to search for content on a wide range of local government issues. Browse the Toolbox through the topic icon to search for specific information. For
- [Municipal Financial Transparency](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/municipal-financial-transparency/) - Municipal Financial Transparency Municipal financial transparency in South Africa is crucial because it enables citizens to hold local government accountable for how public funds are spent, helping to prevent corruption, mismanagement and wasteful expenditure. Clear and accessible financial reporting builds public trust and ensures that limited resources are directed towards service delivery such as water,
- [Community Participation Index](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/community-participation-index/) - Community Participation Index Community participation is an important component of municipal planning, budgeting and oversight in local government in South Africa. The COMPACT Community Participation Index is a developmental, capacity-building tool to help municipalities (as well as ward committees, CSOs/CBOs and communities) better measure and monitor community participation. The index encourages self-assessment by municipalities and
- [Citizen-Based Monitoring (CBM)](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/citizen-based-monitoring-cbm/) - Citizen-Based Monitoring (CBM) The COMPACT Citizen-Based Monitoring (CBM) tool was developed by Integrity Action (IA) and the approach trains ward committee members as citizen monitors, equipping them to monitor municipal infrastructure projects and provide feedback to communities, councillors and municipal officials. Ward committee members track project progress on existing and new capital projects via the
- [Toolbox FAQs](https://pari.org.za/toolbox/faqs/) - COMPACT Toolbox FAQs What is the COMPACT Toolbox?The COMPACT Toolbox is a set of practical, accessible and actionable tools and resources that municipal stakeholders, civil society and communities can use to improve planning, participation and oversight in local government. The COMPACT Toolbox exists within an ecosystem of local government tools, resources and materials that have
- [Local Government - COMPACT Toolbox](https://pari.org.za/lg-comp-toolbox/) - The COMPACT ToolboxEquipping you to effectively participate, plan and account in your municipality MenuHomeCOMPACT Toolbox Welcome!The Toolbox contains tools and links to resources from COMPACT and other stakeholders and allows you to search for content on a wide range of local government issues. Browse the Toolbox through the topic icon to search for specific information.
- [Local Government](https://pari.org.za/local-government/) - LOCAL GOVERNMENT MenuHomeCOMPACT Toolbox Capable and effective local government is central to the South African government’s developmental agenda. The primary aim of this programme is to investigate the factors that undermine this capability and effectiveness. The programme focuses on the study of the reality of administration and politics in municipalities and in their intergovernmental relations,
- [Ryan Brunette](https://pari.org.za/our_people/ryan-brunette-2/) - Ryan BrunetteResearch Associate Ryan Brunette Ryan works on the policy, strategy and politics of building state capabilities for development in South Africa and comparatively. His focus in this regard has been on the relationship between politics and public administration, human resourcing, public procurement, programmatic politics and patronage systems, and the dynamics of broader political regimes.
- [Professor Tawana Kupe](https://pari.org.za/our_people/professor-tawana-kupe/) - Board Member Professor Tawana KupeBoard Member Professor Tawana Kupe is an Associate Professor of Media Studies and the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Advancement, HR and Transformation at the University of the Witwatersrand He holds Bachelor of Arts Honours and Masters degrees in Literature Studies from the University of Zimbabwe and a Doctorate Philosophy degree in Media
- [Open Data](https://pari.org.za/local-government/open-data/) - OPEN DATA MenuLocal GovernmentOpen Data Capable and effective local government is central to the South African government’s developmental agenda. The primary aim of this programme is to investigate the factors that undermine this capability and effectiveness. The programme focuses on the study of the reality of administration and politics in municipalities and in their intergovernmental
- [Privacy Statement](https://pari.org.za/privacy-statement/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute PRIVACY STATEMENT We are committed to respecting and protecting your right to privacy as a visitor to our website. PARI is committed to respecting and protecting your right to privacy, and strives to collect as little personal information as possible. We are also committed to your right to view and
- [Murial Kwena](https://pari.org.za/our_people/murial-kwena/) - Murial KwenaResearcher Murial Kwena Murial Kwena joined PARI in 2024. Murial is interested in social activism movements, the youth, and their use of digital platforms and social media platforms to secure land for vulnerable communities. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology from Northwest University and a BA Honours in Development Studies at
- [Zain Mayet](https://pari.org.za/our_people/zain-mayet/) - Zain MayetResearcher Zain Mayet Zain holds a degree in Archaeology. His area of research was the trickster character in the rock art of the Matatiele region, depicted by the jackal figure in the paintings. He started at PARI as an intern in the State Reform programme in 2024. From Johannesburg, Zain holds hope and optimism
- [Pamela Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/pamela-ndlovu/) - Pamela NdlovuProgrammes Administrator Pamela Ndlovu Pamela Ndlovu serves as a dynamic Programmes Administrator at PARI, where she applies a versatile skill set rooted in both project management and finance. With a solid foundation as an accountant, Pamela possesses a comprehensive understanding of financial reporting and bookkeeping, which is a significant asset in managing programme budgets,
- [Academic Engagement](https://pari.org.za/academic-engagement/) - ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT Through engagement with the research coming out of PARI’s programmes, and in collaboration with research centres in South Africa and around the world, our aim is to contribute to the study of the state and state-society relations, in the field of public administration, state governance and sociology of the state. The Academic Engagement programme
- [SRP Resources](https://pari.org.za/state-reform/srp-resources/) - CATEGORYSRP Resources MenuState Reform HomeResources PublicationsReportsSRP ResourcesState CaptureReport | National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council October 31, 2025 Report | National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council In October 2022, President Ramaphosa submitted his response to the Zondo Commission to the South African Parliament. He committed to some 60 actions, most of them focused on institutional and… Public Affairs Research
- [News @ PARI](https://pari.org.za/news-pari/) - News @ PARIThe latest news from and about our organisation BlogsJoburgLocal GovernmentNewsBlog | Local Government White Paper Falls Short on Traditional Authorities and Climate Resilience August 3, 2026 Blog | Local Government White Paper Falls Short on Traditional Authorities and Climate Resilience Zain Mayet In May 2026, government published the Reviewed Draft White Paper on
- [Waseem Holland](https://pari.org.za/our_people/waseem-holland/) - Waseem HollandResearcher Waseem Holland From 2011, Waseem Holland worked with the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), being retained on a number of programmes and projects ranging from capacity building programmes for political parties and holders of public office, observing elections and conducting research into issues relating to elections and political parties. He
- [What we do](https://pari.org.za/what-we-do/) - What We Do LAND GOVERNANCE The Land Governance programme works to support the realisation of tenure security by most South Africa’s marginalised people in rural and urban areas. These include victims of apartheid dispossession and discrimination, women, farm workers, labour tenants and people who hold off- register land rights in the country. The programme also
- [Land Governance](https://pari.org.za/land-governance/) - LAND GOVERNANCE The Land Governance programme works to support the realisation of tenure security by most South Africa’s marginalised people in rural and urban areas. These include victims of apartheid dispossession and discrimination, women, farm workers, labour tenants and people who hold off- register land rights in the country. The programme also supports decentralised government
- [Events](https://pari.org.za/events/) - Events Colloquium | Local Government in South Africa and Beyond By Public Affairs Research InstituteAcademic Engagement, Events, News, Seminars Local Government in South Africa and Beyond Johannesburg, 14-15 October Local Government is a pivotal tier of government in South Africa with 2026 a particularly important year: elections are approaching in...Read More July 16, 2026 Love0 PARI
- [Vishanthi Arumugam](https://pari.org.za/our_people/vishanthi-arumugam/) - Vishanthi ArumugamHead of Communications Vishanthi Arumugam Vishanthi started in the performing arts with a Diploma in Dance Performance from the Johannesburg Dance Foundation. She began her career in contemporary dance and physical theatre in 2004, performing in South Africa and abroad over the following ten years. In 2011, she moved into Media and Communications as
- [Jugal Ma](https://pari.org.za/our_people/ntokozo-ndhlovu/) - Ntokozo NdhlovuResearcher Ntokozo Ndhlovu Ntokozo joined PARI’s Energy and Society program in 2024. In 2022, as a requirement of his undergraduate degree he completed an internship at Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project, an NGO in Freedom Park; where he was placed at a satellite site in the Elias Motsoaledi informal settlement, Soweto. His main research interests
- [Ntokozo Ndhlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/ntokozo-ndhlovu-2/) - Ntokozo NdhlovuResearcher Ntokozo Ndhlovu Ntokozo joined PARI’s Energy and Society program in 2024. In 2022, as a requirement of his undergraduate degree he completed an internship at Ikusasa Lethu Youth Project, an NGO in Freedom Park; where he was placed at a satellite site in the Elias Motsoaledi informal settlement, Soweto. His main research interests
- [Mahlatse Rampedi](https://pari.org.za/our_people/mahlatse-rampedi/) - Mahlatse RampediResearcher Mahlatse Rampedi Mahlatse Rampedi holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Johannesburg. His research interests include energy poverty, energy transitions, local government, and modes of popular mobilisation. Through this work and ongoing research, Mahlatse aims to inspire actionable solutions that foster universal access to electricity, and equitable and just energy
- [Nonhlanhla Mathibela](https://pari.org.za/our_people/nonhlanhla-mathibela/) - Nonhlanhla MathibelaResearcher Nonhlanhla Mathibela Nonhlanhla Mathibela is an MPhil graduate from the University of Cambridge. She also holds a Master of Urban Studies degree in the field of Housing and Human Settlements and a BSc (Honors) in Urban and Regional Planning, both from the University of the Witwatersrand. Before joining PARI’s Energy Programme as a
- [Thabiso Parirenyatwa](https://pari.org.za/our_people/thabiso-parirenyatwa/) - Thabiso ParirenyatwaProject Coordinator Thabiso Parirenyatwa Thabiso has over 10 years of work experience in the development space with a keen interest in current affairs and issues pertaining to the realisation of women’s and children’s rights. She started her career in IT after obtaining her degree in computer and information sciences from Monash University South Africa,
- [Daniel Sher](https://pari.org.za/our_people/daniel-sher/) - Daniel SherResearcher Daniel Sher Daniel Sher is a researcher in the Land Governance Programme at PARI. He grew up in Johannesburg and holds degrees in History from Wits University (BA, BA Hons) and Leiden University, the Netherlands (MA). Daniel has worked in education advocacy, conducting research on South African education provision and developing popular education
- [Dr Tracy Ledger](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-tracy-ledger/) - Dr Tracy LedgerSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Tracy Ledger Tracy leads the Just Transition programme at PARI. She holds a Phd in Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand and an M Comm from Stellenbosch University. Her main research interest is the analysis of institutional failure in the public sector, and how that undermines the
- [Sithembile Mbete](https://pari.org.za/our_people/sithembile-mbete/) - Dr Sithembile MbeteExecutive Director Sithembile Mbete Sithembile joined PARI as Executive Director at the end of 2024. She is a political scientist with fifteen years of experience working in academia, civil society and government. Before joining PARI, she was a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Sithembile’s research
- [Dr Federica Duca](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-federica-duca/) - Dr Federica DucaSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Federica Duca Federica Duca is a Senior Researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute and a research associate at UJ. Dr Duca leads PARI’s Academic Engagement programme, and previously the Organisational and Institutional Studies programme at Wits University. Her research focuses on state-society relations and the relationship between
- [Sarah Meny-Gibert](https://pari.org.za/our_people/sarah-meny-gibert/) - Dr Sarah Meny-GibertSenior Researcher and Programme Lead Sarah Meny-Gibert Sarah heads the State Reform Programme at PARI. Her research interests are in the historical development of the state, public sector reform, and the governance of school education. With twenty years’ experience as a social science researcher, she has lead research projects for government organisations, international
- [Refiloe Ramaisa](https://pari.org.za/our_people/refiloe-ramaisa-2/) - Refiloe RamaisaAdministrator Refiloe Ramaisa Refiloe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from STADIO Multi Varsity. She was previously the Academic Administrator at Wits for PARI’s Organisational and Institutional Studies (OIS) programme and is currently an administrator at PARI. A Microsoft Office whizz, Refiloe is passionate about office coordination and maintaining an efficient working environment.
- [Home](https://pari.org.za/home/) - For general enquiries, please email info@pari.org.za; for Human Resources enquiries, please email hr@pari.org.za. NEWS Blog | Local Government White Paper Falls Short on Traditional Authorities and Climate Resilience Public Affairs Research Institute | Blogs, Joburg, Local Government, News | No Comments Zain Mayet In May 2026, government published the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government
- [Resources](https://pari.org.za/compact/resources/) - MenuCompact HomeResources CompactLocal GovernmentNewsThe COMPACT Toolbox is live! July 21, 2026 The COMPACT Toolbox is live! The COMPACT Toolbox is Live! The COMPACT programme is a partnership between PARI, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Integrity Action. In 2026 the partnership culminated in the… Public Affairs Research Institute Love0 CompactConferencesEventsGalleryMultimediaGallery | COMPACT National
- [Lindiwe Ndlela](https://pari.org.za/our_people/lindiwe-ndlela/) - Lindiwe NdlelaActing Director Lindiwe Ndlela Lindiwe Ndlela has dedicated her career to supporting institutional and leadership development for elected and appointed government officials. She has worked with and for government for the last 25 years. She recently joined PARI following her position as the Acting Head of Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) in National Treasury,
- [Devi Pillay](https://pari.org.za/our_people/devi-pillay/) - Devi PillayResearch Associate Devi Pillay Devi Pillay is a researcher based at the Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence (GI-ACE) research programme in the UK, as well as a PARI research associate. She is an interdisciplinary social scientist and was previously a researcher in PARI’s State Reform programme and a researcher and analyst for the Zondo
- [Energy Transition](https://pari.org.za/energy-transition/) - ENERGY TRANSITION The Energy Transition Programme’s overarching goal is to contribute to the successful implementation of a Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Arica; a transition that will contribute both to decarbonisation goals and an equitable energy system that reduces poverty and inequality. We undertake empirical research that contributes directly to national and sub-national energy
- [Jugal Mahabir](https://pari.org.za/our_people/jugal-mahabir/) - Jugal MahabirResearch Associate Jugal Mahabir Jugal Mahabir is a Research Associate at PARI, working in the Local Government and Energy Transition programmes. He is currently a lecturer at the School of Economics at the University of Johannesburg. He has over 15 years of experience working with local government finances and public finance. Previously, Jugal worked
- [Prof Mbongiseni Buthelezi](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-mbongiseni-buthelezi/) - Prof. Mbongiseni ButheleziExecutive Director Mbongiseni Buthelezi Mbongiseni Buthelezi is the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Research Institute and an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg. His research focuses on studying land, governance and the state in South Africa. He is interested in trajectories of land reform, the role
- [Zondo Commission Resources](https://pari.org.za/zondo/) - This page is a repository for PARI articles, events and documents relevant to the Zondo Commission.
- [Pamela Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/pamela-ndlovu-3/) - Pamela NdlovuProgrammes Administrator Pamela Ndlovu Pamela studied for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at Speciss College. She has been working for PARI since January 2012. Over the years, Pamela has developed a comprehensive range of skills that make her an effective Programmes Administrator, including the ability to plan, organise and manage projects
- [Pamela Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/pamela-ndlovu-2/) - Pamela NdlovuAdministrative Support Pamela Ndlovu Pam studied for the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at Speciss College. She has been working for PARI since January 2012. Over the years, Pam has developed a comprehensive range of skills that make her an effective Programmes Administrator, including the ability to plan, organise and manage projects
- [Girish Daya](https://pari.org.za/our_people/girish-daya/) - Girish DayaProgramme Lead Girish Daya Girish Daya has 18 years experience working in public administration, the last ten as a consultant working for the German Development cooperation or Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in South Africa and based at the South African National Treasury (NT) as an Advisor on public finance management (PFM).
- [Dr Thina Nzo](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-thina-nzo/) - Dr Thina NzoSenior Researcher Dr Thina Nzo Thina holds a PhD in African Studies (University of Edinburgh) and a Masters in Local Government Studies (University of Birmingham). Thina uses an interdisciplinary approach to the study of politics and policy, that is underpinned by her interest in employing qualitative research and organisational ethnography to study local government bureaucracies in
- [Dr Gaynor Paradza](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-gaynor-paradza/) - Dr Gaynor ParadzaSenior Researcher Dr Gaynor Paradza Gaynor Paradza holds a PhD in Law and Governance (Wageningen) and an MSc in Rural and Urban Planning (University of Zimbabwe). She is a Land Governance expert with more than 15 years’ experience in capacity development, research and policy development in relation to land tenure, gender mainstreaming, rural
- [Kate Tissington](https://pari.org.za/our_people/kate-tissington/) - Kate TissingtonSenior Researcher Kate Tissington Kate is currently working on the Compact programme. From 2015 to 2018 she was part of the Practices of the State in Urban Governance (PSUG) research programme at Wits, which looked at state practices and urban change from the perspective of the global South. She has worked for a number
- [OIS](https://pari.org.za/ois/) - MenuHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us Organisational and Institutional StudiesA multidisciplinary approach to the study of the state and civil society Organisational and Institutional Studies was started in 2018 as an experimental programme in the School of Social Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, coordinated by the Public Affairs Research Institute. The programme, offered at
- [Education Governance](https://pari.org.za/education-governance/) - EDUCATION GOVERNANCE The Education Governance Programme was premised on dealing with a central problem in South Africa’s basic education system: how education institutions, their internal dynamics and processes affect education outcomes in the country. Thus the programme focused specifically on education governance as a key constraint in the sustainable, effective and equitable provision of basic
- [Noma Pakade](https://pari.org.za/our_people/noma-pakade/) - Noma PakadeResearch Associate Noma Pakade Nomancotsho Pakade holds an MA in Research Psychology from Wits. A graduate from UJ in Health Psychology (2005-2007) and Honours in Psychology (2008). Her work experiences have been involved in advocacy and documentation work in NGOs and research posts, with a focus on sexual rights, gender work, education, and health.
- [OIS Students](https://pari.org.za/ois-students/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us OIS Students 2021 HONOURS Shannon WardlawVincent Obisie-Orlu Musa SitholeAchievement Shitlhavani Miché RobertsLesley Samantha Mhlanga Jabu HlatshwayoKagisho Nkadimeng 2021 MASTERS Noluthando NgcoboMonique AtouguiaNyashadzashe Joyleen Muponda Michael AsikabuluShannon BernhardtThaakirah Savahi Faith ChavulaNombasa Kumalo Mthokozisi MthembuPatrick Kadima Lukusa 2021 PHD Gerald Mandisodza Owen Witbooi Sikhumbuzo Dube 2020 HONOURS Kamogelo NkgathoZiyanda Dludla Musa
- [OIS Staff](https://pari.org.za/ois_staff/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us OIS Staff Federica DucaAcademic Coordinator: OIS and Masters LecturerTel: 011 7174991 Email: Federica.Duca@wits.ac.za Refiloe RamaisaProgramme Coordinator: OISTel: 011 7174951 Email: Refiloe.Ramaisa@wits.ac.za Lebogang MokwenaHonours lecturerEmail: Lebogang.Mokwena2@wits.ac.za Njogu MorganHonours LecturerEmail: Njogu.Morgan@wits.ac.za Noma PakadeMasters lecturerEmail: nomap@pari.org.za
- [Contact OIS office](https://pari.org.za/contact-ois-office/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us Contact Us at Wits University Doctor Federica Duca Academic Coordinator (OIS) Tel: 011 7179999 Email: Federica.Duca@wits.ac.za Mrs Refiloe Ramaisa Programme Coordinator (OIS) Tel: 011 717 4951 Email: Refiloe.Ramaisa@wits.ac.za Where to find us: Room 145, 1st floor, Robert Sobukwe Block (former Central Block), East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein,
- [Thokozani Chilenga-Butao](https://pari.org.za/our_people/thokozani-chilenga-butao/) - Dr Thokozani Chilenga-ButaoResearch Associate Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao Thokozani completed her PhD in Political Studies in 2019, under the PARI PSETA scholarship. Her PhD thesis focuses on whether S100 interventions, as enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, are useful for the development and problem solving capabilities of provincial departments in South Africa, specifically provincial education departments. She
- [Emma Monama](https://pari.org.za/our_people/emma-monama-2/) - Emma MonamaResearch Associate Emma Monama Emma Monama is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Hamburg, where she also teaches on various topics including African urbanisms, postcolonial geographies of land and decolonial geographies. She holds a Master’s Degree in Geography from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her current research focuses on the production of former
- [Mosa Phadi](https://pari.org.za/our_people/mosa-phadi/) - Mosa PhadiResearcher Mosa Phadi Mosa Phadi completed her PhD at the University of Johannesburg. She has recently been accepted into the American Council for Learned Society’s African Humanities Programme and received a postdoctoral fellowship. Her work at PARI has focused on the Northern Frontiers project, and she co-authored two groundbreaking reports on the local municipalities
- [Masters Programme](https://pari.org.za/academic-programme/masters-programme/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us Masters Programme The OIS Masters Programme is intended for students who have either attended the OIS Honours Programme or come from other, related academic programmes and are interested in the study of institutions. This programme focuses on mastery of broader theoretical debates as well as the process of developing
- [PhD Programme](https://pari.org.za/academic-programme/phd-programme/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us PHD Programme The OIS PhD Programme is intended for students interested in contributing to the discipline through in-depth study and conducting independent and critical research. We expect candidates to be theoretically driven and methodologically rigorous, and be able to conduct independent research of a high academic standard. This is
- [Honours Programme](https://pari.org.za/academic-programme/honours-programme/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us Honours Programme The OIS Honours Programme is intended for students interested in basic theoretical debates on institutions. The programme focuses on foundational texts as well as the elements of how to do research and write an essay. The Honours Programme is made up of one theory core course—Basic Concepts
- [What we do old](https://pari.org.za/what-we-do-old/) - MenuResearchInstitutional DynamicsState FormationSocial ChangeApplied Research What we do Annual Reports Research Institutional Dynamics PARI has pioneered the field of organisational and institutional studies in South Africa. Using social science methodologies, our researchers explore how organisations are structured and staffed, how resources are allocated and personnel incentivised and how power is exercised and legitimised. This helps
- [About Draft](https://pari.org.za/about-draft/) - The Public Affairs Research Institute About Us The Public Affairs Research Institute is a Johannesburg-based organisation that studies the effectiveness of state institutions in the delivery of services and infrastructure. We generate high-quality research to better understand the drivers of institutional performance in the public sector, and improve implementation of policies in relevant fields. We
- [Programmes](https://pari.org.za/programmes/)
- [News](https://pari.org.za/news/) - The PARI office is strictly online from Wednesday 18 March. Please contact us via email : info@pari.org.za FeaturedJoburgJust TransitionMultimediaNewsvideos Watch | ‘Surviving on Four Buckets’: Realities of chronic water insecurity in Joburg’s informal settlements Academic EngagementEventsFeaturedJoburgLocal GovernmentSeminars PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2026 Academic EngagementEventsFeaturedJoburgLocal GovernmentSeminars PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2025 Tweets by PARInstitute Our
- [Dr Florencia Belvedere](https://pari.org.za/our_people/dr-florencia-belvedere/) - Dr Florencia BelvedereProgramme Consultant Florencia Belvedere Florencia joined PARI in April 2018 as a Programme Consultant leading the State Reform Programme. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (USA), a PhD in Political Science from the University of Minnesota (USA), and an LLB from UNISA. She
- [Thatshisiwe Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/thatshisiwe-ndlovu/) - Thatshisiwe NdlovuPhD Fellow and Researcher Thatshisiwe Ndlovu Thatshisiwe Ndlovu is a researcher and PhD fellow at Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI). Her PhD project currently in progress at the University of Witwatersrand broadly examines the relationship between culture and violence in a specific setting in South Africa. She specifically seeks to contribute to an understanding
- [Bariki Mwasaga](https://pari.org.za/our_people/bariki-mwasaga/) - Bariki MwasagaVisiting Doctoral Student Bariki Mwasaga Bariki is a Development Planner holding a M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Development Planning and Management from University of Dortmund, Germany. For the past 14 years, he has been working as a Policy Analyst at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dodoma, Tanzania. Bariki is currently doing a PhD in
- [Prof. Jonathan Klaaren](https://pari.org.za/our_people/prof-jonathan-klaaren/) - Prof. Jonathan KlaarenResearch Associate Prof. Jonathan Klaaren Jonathan Klaaren is a Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, serving in the Law School at the Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management and in the Faculty of Humanities with the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER). He teaches, researches, and
- [Wits University Academic Programme](https://pari.org.za/academic-programme-wits/) - MenuOIS HomeHonours ProgrammeMasters ProgrammePHD ProgrammeStaffStudentsContact Us Organisational and Institutional Studies A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the state and civil society Organisational and Institutional Studies (OIS) is a new programme in the School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, coordinated by the Public Affairs Research Institute. The programme offers ways to understand organisations
- [Joel Pearson](https://pari.org.za/our_people/joel-pearson/) - Joel PearsonResearcher Joel Pearson Joel Pearson completed his Masters degree in History at Wits, and is now working on his PhD. His doctoral dissertation considers how the transition to democracy unfolded in municipalities in Limpopo Province, using archival and oral history methodologies to understand the nature and limits of change. This builds off previous research
- [Reading Group 2019](https://pari.org.za/reading-group/) - Reading Group Schedule 15 Feb- 20 March Led by: Mosa Phadi 1 April- 17 May Led by: Joel Pearson 15 July-30 August Led by: Marcus Walton 9 September-22 October Led by: Sifiso Ndlovu 15 Feb: Mahlatse Rampedi_ The Impact of Violence on Local Politics and Administration 22 Feb: Samir Amin_ Underdevelopment and
- [Mosa Phadi](https://pari.org.za/our_people/mosa-phadi-2/) - Mosa PhadiSenior Researcher Mosa Phadi Mosa Phadi completed her PhD at the University of Johannesburg. She has recently been accepted into the American Council for Learned Society’s African Humanities Programme and received a postdoctoral fellowship. Her work at PARI has focused on the Northern Frontiers project, and she co-authored two groundbreaking reports on the local
- [Marcus Walton](https://pari.org.za/our_people/marcus-walton/) - Marcus WaltonResearcher Marcus Walton Marcus comes to PARI from Brown University, having recently defended his doctoral dissertation in Political Science entitled ‘Resources & Recourses: The Origins of Entitlement in Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa’. His research focuses on the history and normative frameworks of claims-making in Africa, particularly in regards to public goods and social
- [Conference Registration](https://pari.org.za/private-conference-registration/) - International Conference State Capture and its Aftermath: Building Responsiveness Through State Reform 22 to 24 October, 2018 Auckland Park, Johannesburg South Africa has reached a defining moment. The democratic dispensation has been severely weakened by an insurgent elite populism (that spoke in the language of subaltern and postcolonial studies) to justify violating the constitution and
- [Conference Registration](https://pari.org.za/conference-registration/) - International Conference State Capture and its Aftermath: Building Responsiveness Through State Reform 22 to 24 October, 2018 Auckland Park, Johannesburg South Africa has reached a defining moment. The democratic dispensation has been severely weakened by an insurgent elite populism (that spoke in the language of subaltern and postcolonial studies) to justify violating the constitution and
- [Dr Sifiso Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/sifiso-ndlovu/) - Dr Sifiso NdlovuResearcher Dr Sifiso Ndlovu Sifiso Ndlovu’s PhD project broadly looked at the production of Ndebele identity in democratic South Africa, with particular reference to its articulation with the process of nation-building in the culturally heterogeneous KwaMhlanga region. She holds a Master of Arts in Political Studies, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political
- [Hlengiwe Ndlovu](https://pari.org.za/our_people/hlengiwe-ndlovu/) - Hlengiwe NdlovuDoctoral Fellow Hlengiwe Patricia Ndlovu Hlengiwe Ndhovu is a PhD student in the Sociology Department at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and a Doctoral Fellow at PARI. She completed her MA in Industrial Sociology – awarded with a distinction as a PARI-Nedbank Fellow. She also holds a BA (Hons) in Industrial Sociology and a
- [Dr Crispian Olver](https://pari.org.za/our_people/crispian-olver/) - Dr Crispian OlverResearcher Dr Crispian Olver Crispian Olver is a public policy and management expert with extensive experience at senior management level in local government, environment and development issues. He is a medical doctor by training, and was a leader and activist in the anti-apartheid struggles during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Following the democratic elections
- [Publications](https://pari.org.za/publications/) - Report | Powering Development: A Pathway to Integrating Rooftop Solar PV into Municipal Electricity Distribution By Public Affairs Research InstituteJoburg, Just Transition, Publications, Reports By Tracy Ledger South Africa needs more electricity, more reliable electricity and cheaper electricity. Many municipalities have failed to take sufficient note of the opportunity provided by small-scale embedded generation...Read More
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- [Tweet Test](https://pari.org.za/tweet-test/) - FeaturedJoburgJust TransitionMultimediaNewsvideos Watch | ‘Surviving on Four Buckets’: Realities of chronic water insecurity in Joburg’s informal settlements Academic EngagementEventsFeaturedJoburgLocal GovernmentSeminars PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2026 Academic EngagementEventsFeaturedJoburgLocal GovernmentSeminars PARI Urban Crisis Seminar Series 2025 Op Ed | Price of Courage: Reward scheme must provide a proper set of incentives to whistleblowers By Public Affairs
- [Academic Programme](https://pari.org.za/academic-programme/) - MenuPostgraduate dissertation programmePari ScholarshipsEligibilityApplicationsAward of scholarships Academic Programme Postgraduate dissertation programme The PARI postgraduate dissertation programme provides the basis for new research to complement the institute’s strategic development projects. It guides young graduates who have an interest in related topics. Developing a clear research question, choosing a research methodology and writing a proposal are some
- [Simphiwe Dzengwa](https://pari.org.za/our_people/simphiwe-dzengwa/) - Fellows Simphiwe DzengwaPARI Doctoral Fellow Simphiwe Dzengwa completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology and his Honours in Political Science at the University of the Western Cape. In 1994 he was awarded a scholarship to study in the USA where he completed his MPA in Public Administration at the Florida Atlantic University.
- [Professor Phillip Bonner](https://pari.org.za/our_people/professor-phillip-bonner/) - Board Member Professor Philip BonnerChairman of the Board Professor Phillip Bonner is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of the Witwatersrand and held the NRF Chair in Local Histories and Present Realities. He was the Chair of the History Workshop up to 2011 and on the editorial committee of the South African Democratic Education
- [Jolandi Swanepoel](https://pari.org.za/our_people/jolandi-swanepoel/) - Fellows Jolandi SwanepoelPARI Masters Fellow Jolandi Swanepoel recently acquired her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Pretoria with an 80% average for her final year and is currently pursuing her Honours degree in Economic Science at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research interests lie in optimising the non-profit sector and analysing the
- [Siyaduma Biniza](https://pari.org.za/our_people/siyaduma-biniza/) - Alumni Siyaduma BinizaFormer PARI Masters Research Fellow Siyaduma Biniza has completed his MCom. in Development Theory and Policy at Wits. He holds Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Development Theory and Policy Cum Laude at Wits, in 2013. Siya also holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of
- [Sinoxolo Khowane](https://pari.org.za/our_people/sinoxolo-khowane/) - Alumni Sinoxolo KhowaneFormer PARI Masters Research Fellow Sinoxolo Khowane’s Masters research was on the incentives driving African female nurses to work in South African hospitals. She completed her undergraduate studies in Anthropology and Psychology at Wits and her Honours in Anthropology. Her Honours research looked at the racial politics of African women’s hair and aesthetic
- [Emma Monama](https://pari.org.za/our_people/emma-monama/) - Alumni Emma MonamaFormer PARI Masters Research Fellow Emma Monama graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography and Environmental Sciences in 2012 from Wits. She has completed her Masters Degree as a PARI Nedbank Fellow. Her research is part of the broader “New Emerging Communities” project. Her thesis will explore racial and class identity
- [John Paul Mashala](https://pari.org.za/our_people/john-paul-mashala/) - Fellows John Paul MashalaPARI Masters Fellow John Mashala is pursuing a Masters of Management in the field of Public and Development Management with Wits School of Government. His research explores the role of organizational design in the improvement of quality and efficiency of service delivery in South Africa. John Paul has an Honours degree in
- [Saneze Tshayana](https://pari.org.za/our_people/saneze-tshayana/) - Staff Saneze TshayanaResearcher Saneze Tshayana is a literary scholar who has attended the University of Pretoria for both her undergraduate and Honours degrees. She is interested in questions of access to public spaces, and how one ‘legitimises’ their claim to these spaces. Her Honours thesis analysed the novels of black authors who write about the
- [Rekgotsofetse Chikane](https://pari.org.za/our_people/rekgotsofetse-chikane/) - Fellows Rekgotsofetse ChikanePARI Masters Fellow Rekgotsofetse Chikane is currently completing his Master’s in Management at the University of Witwatersrand School of Governance. He completed his Honours in Social Science specialising in Public Policy and Administration at the University of Cape Town, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. His current research interests pertain to youth

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