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JOINT STATEMENT condemning attacks on CSOs and activists

The undersigned organisations condemn the recent vicious attacks on environmental justice activists in South Africa. In one case, we are outraged at the reported murder on 11 July 2018 of Mr D Mpanza, an activist who had opposed a relocation of the community in KwaDube in KwaZulu Natal. KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas has Read more >

How civil society has strengthened SA’s democracy

By William Gumede First published on Democracy Works The impact of having a robust civil society in South Africa has played a critical role in creating a vibrant democratic culture and addressing the gap between the state and local communities. This policy brief examines the successes and challenges in furthering engagement, holding public officials accountable Read more >

NACS discussion document: what’s it about?

The South African government planned to release its draft national anti-corruption strategy (NACS) on International Anti-Corruption Day, 9 December, last year. The document was delayed until 14 May, when it was launched to a lukewarm response from the nation. Last year Corruption Watch was engaged in the process that prepared the draft, along with other Read more >

CW joins civil society call for day of mobilisation

Corruption Watch joins civil society call for day of mobilisation Corruption Watch, in this week of multiple calls for action in response to recent cabinet shifts as well as the ratings downgrade, urges the public to join the march from the treasury building on Church Square to the Union Buildings on Friday, 7 April 2017. Read more >

SA must work to make govt more accountable

By Fola Adeleke First published on The Conversation The South African government completed its term as lead-chair of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in December 2016. The partnership is an international initiative formed by eight countries in 2011 that has grown to 75 members. Its aim is to improve public sector governance and encourage civil Read more >

Government – for the few, by the few

A new nine-country survey by the Pew Research Center (PRC), a US non-profit organisation, has found a common perception that government is run for the benefit of the few rather than the many‚ both in emerging democracies and more mature democracies that have faced economic challenges. The survey probes the strengths and limitations of civic Read more >

Technology can boost active citizenship – if chosen well

By Indra de Lanerolle First published in The Conversation – Africa Civic technology initiatives are on the rise. They are using new information and communication technologies to improve transparency, accountability and governance – faster and more cheaply than before. In Taiwan, for instance, tech activists have built online databases to track political contributions and create channels for public Read more >

SA should choose all public figures this way

By Serjeant at the Bar First published in Mail & Guardian Something strange happened in South African politics last week, which was not directly connected to the local government elections that have discombobulated the ruling party. For arguably the first time in 20 years a subcommittee of the legislature did its job without fear or Read more >

Upcoming vacancy: public protector

The ad hoc committee established to nominate a candidate for the position of public protector would like to inform South Africans that the advertisement calling for nominations or applications for the post is now available. South Africans are reminded to take note of the closing time and date, which is 16h00 on 24 June 2016, Read more >