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The state of democracy around the world: latest report

Democracy [noun]UK /dɪˈmɒk.rə.si/ The belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. South Africa, like more than 60 other countries, goes to the polls in a couple of months in what is Read more >

Ways to get involved in Parliament as a member of the public

Parliament, in its own words, “is the place where the members of Parliament [MPs] look after your interests.” It is only just, therefore, that Parliament allows public participation and oversight so that people can rest assured that MPs do indeed have the nation’s interests at heart. This is vital in a well-functioning democracy, because MPs Read more >

Democracy not so sweet any more, say South Africans

Survey results released last week indicate that the majority of South Africans are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in their country – this is according to Afrobarometer, who polled residents’ satisfaction with democracy during November and December 2022. Furthermore, few citizens see the country as a well-functioning democracy, with a growing majority saying they Read more >

Parliament: Zondo must stay in his lane, allow us space

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo overstepped his boundaries when he publicly made “inappropriate” remarks that undermined Parliament’s efforts in addressing state capture, says the institution’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo. Mothapo said this in a statement released last Thursday evening, 22 June 2023, in response to remarks made by Zondo earlier in the day at an event marking Read more >

Stemming the tide of kleptocracy – bold solutions alone not enough

Image: Flickr/sharonkubo By Karam SinghFirst published on News24 We have lived through a democratic transition wherein the rule of law has withstood a vicious battering, and what remains is a weak constitutional order presided over by a deeply compromised and corrupt governing party, writes the author. In the decade since Corruption Watch (CW) was formed, Read more >

Personal integrity is the antidote we need to corruption

By Kavisha PillayFirst published on Daily Maverick Over the past five years South Africa has made significant strides in addressing corruption in the country. We appointed new heads to law enforcement agencies. We established new bodies such as the Investigating Directorate, the Special Tribunal and the Fusion Centre. A commission of inquiry into State Capture Read more >

World Press Freedom Day marks 30th anniversary

It’s been 30 years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as an international day for press freedom. In those 30 years, journalists have faced an increasing barrage of threats, says UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2023. “Journalists and media workers are directly targeted on and Read more >

Freedom of expression underpins universal human rights 

Image: Flickr / Rachel Hinman With World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2023 upon us again, its custodian, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), names four fundamental freedoms which are outlined in the Preamble of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights: freedom of speech, freedom of belief, freedom from fear, and freedom from Read more >

Addressing a gap – how to better support civil society

By Kersty McCourtFirst published on Open Government Partnership Robust and vibrant civil societies play a critical role in contributing to development. Civil society helps shape policies, advocate for the needs and demands of citizens, provide essential services, protect human rights, and strengthen public participation in democracy. Yet, over the past decade, there has been insufficient Read more >