Democracy in Action - September 2008

September has been a momentous month of politics in Africa. We have seen the first peaceful elections in Angola in 16 years, a deal finally brokered in Zimbabwe after eight years of turmoil and, just in the last two weeks, a shake-up of political personalities and presidents in South Africa. All of this against the backdrop of nervous and uncertain global financial markets – we certainly are living in interesting times. Idasa monitors the political and governance implications of these events and...

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Democracy in Action - August 2008

Tension continues to simmer in Zimbabwe with the opening of Parliament and negotiation talks still under way. In South Africa we highlight the Action for a Safe South Africa initiative, as well as Idasa's work in deliberations on the closure of the Scorpions and other ANC politicking, the release of extensive research into local governance and citizen's satisfaction with service delivery, a new publication on Migration and Social Cohesion, and the debate on Money Bills finally set to alter Parliamentary oversight of the budget...

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Democracy in Action - July 2008

After months of watching disaster unfold in Zimbabwe the international community can finally see the results of negotiations, as a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed between leaders in that country.

In South Africa, Idasa has voiced its concern about the closure of the Scorpions, and the furore surrounding the spat between the Constitutional Court and Judge Hlophe, and the implications this has for the judiciary in South Africa...

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Democracy in Action - June 2008

As the crisis in Zimbabwe continues to unfold after the presidential run-off, Idasa supports the calls from SADC and the Pan African Parliament observer missions that conditions be put in place for the holding of a free and fair run-off as soon as possibleThis month's articles focus on the juridicial mechanisms employed by the ruling elite, the effects of violence on citizens' voting patterns, and the plight of ex-pat Zimbabweans living in South Africa...

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Democracy in Action - May 2008

As much as the xenophobia displayed on South African streets has been horrific, citizens have begun to show their true African colours in anti-xenophobia marches, movements and relief efforts. Idasa joined its voice with others in condemning the xenophobic attacks and calling for peace. Our work in Zimbabwe also carries high profile this month, as we navigate the events in that country in the last month, and head towards the election run off in June...

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Democracy in Action - April 2008

A month ago, nail-biting anticipation kept us glued to news sources for the outcome of the Zimbabwe election. It's been a long month of waiting. Below, we outline what the Zimbabwean Electoral Act says should really be happening by now. This month you can also read more about our investigation into crime trends in Mozambique and SA; the impact of ethnicity on voting patterns in Kenya; the political cost of AIDS in Africa; and the importance of social capital in Nigeria and Ghana. We also release...

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Democracy in Action - March 2008

Southern Africa waits in anticipation, for the outcome of this weekend's election in Zimbabwe. The results will have implications not only for Zimbabwean citizens, but for the entire Southern African community, and beyond. Will Mugabe remain in power, or not? We explore this in several articles below, and will endeavour to bring you more comment next week, when the election results are out.
Also in this month's newsletter, we release the results of our four country study regarding the relationship between oil and governance in Africa...

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Democracy in Action - February 2008

In a politically charged environment after Polokwane, and a global environment of economic uncertainty, South Africa's leaders have attempted to steady the country with their annual opening of Parliament and Budget speeches. This month we make comment on these events; as well as taking a look at the political shenanigans about the future of the Scorpions; and a recent report highlighting the dissatisfaction and exodus of medical personnel from the country...

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Democracy in Action - November/December 2007

Welcome to the final issue of Democracy in Action for this year. This edition demonstrates the vast scope of activities that Idasa has been engaged in. We hope you enjoy reading it and find it informative.

We would like to wish everyone well over the festive season. If you are travelling, we wish you a safe journey.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Kind Regards,

Media@Idasa Team

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Democracy in Action - October 2007

With our 20-year celebration successfully behind us, it seems as though Idasa has been abuzz with activities and celebrations. But now is a good time to reflect back on the past twenty years, and it is clear that Idasa has passed many milestones. It has been a significant 20 years in South Africa - at the time of Idasa's launch in 1987 the country seemed set on disaster, with the apartheid government's arsenal of detentions, shootings, bannings and repeated states of emergency. It is worth looking...

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Democracy in Action - August 2007

The highlight of our August 2007 newsletter is our upcoming 20-year anniversary and official celebration, which will be happening at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg on the 27th September. As part of our celebration, we will be collecting your reflections as partners, friends and former staff members of Idasa. We invite you to send us your comments, anecdotes and memoirs. All messages and 20-year birthday greetings will be most welcome. We plan to compile your stories and thoughts into an Idasa Memory Book...

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Democracy in Action - July 2007

July 2007 is an important anniversary for IDASA. It marks 20 years since the Dakar Conference, which was the first open and public meeting between members of the ANC in exile and members of South Africa’s white political establishment. The three-day conference was organized by IDASA to bring together white South Africans, mostly Afrikaners, and their counterparts in exile. As we celebrate this anniversary, there are several reflective pieces in our newsletter, alongside articles about our work...

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Democracy in Action - June 2007

June has been a big and busy political month in South Africa, with organised labour flexing its muscle through strike action, and the lead up to the current ANC Policy Conference. IDASA's work in neighbouring Zimbabwe has seen the meeting of key civil society and political players, in efforts to bridge a dialogue process. IDASA has co-launched a website (http://www.africa-interactive.net/index.php?PageID=4851) to keep you up to date with political developments in Zimbabwe...

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Democracy in Action - May 2007

Our May 2007 edition of Democracy in Action brings you news about IDASA's work in Nigeria, Angola and South Africa. Towards the end of May, IDASA held a conference which examined the impact of HIV/AIDS on democracies in six African countries and brought together decision makers to discuss the results of our research. In Angola, we are working with partners on building citizen leadership. And in South Africa, we have released a guide for political donations – intended to help those who are navigating...

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Democracy in Action - April 2007

As recent African politics has been dominated by the Nigerian elections, South Africa celebrates 13 years of democracy - freedom day represents the 27th April 1994 when South Africans first voted for their elected leaders. IDASA celebrates with the nation, and has also participated in observing the contested elections in Nigeria - see our election observation documentation on our Nigeria site...

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Democracy in Action - March 2007

IDASA programme activities during the last month have included hosting an international conference, producing research and engaging stakeholders in capacity building...

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Democracy in Action - February 2007

February has been a month full of political activity in South Africa, with the release of the State of the Nation Address and the Budget. Read our commentary on these and other hot topics, such as the emergence of the ANC's Progressive Business Forum, which highlights the need for regulation on party political funding. Another issue of accountability we emphasise is the need for transparent judicial ethics and integrity in the context of potential conflict of interests for judges...

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Democracy in Action - January 2007

January has been a time to gear up for the challenges of the year ahead, and 2007 promises to be a busy year for those of us working in South Africa and on the African Continent. Already we are steaming ahead as you will read below, about: political and parliamentary analysis; local government support and assessment; safety and security in South Africa and the DRC; HIV/AIDS support work in South Africa and Lesotho; support for community organizing and journalism; and research aimed at the realisation of children's rights...

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Democracy in Action - November/December 2006

Welcome to the final 2006 edition of Democracy in Action. This month we profile the Open Budget Index, a study that investigates the transparency of 59 countries' government budgets. Further work relating to transparency includes research on corporate funding of political parties in South Africa; and local government's new anti-corruption drive. Also at a local government level, we look at the importance of building capacity in municipalities. Further afield, IDASA staff participated as international...

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Democracy in Action - October 2006

This month's edition of Democracy in Action brings you a fresh crop of IDASA's work in South Africa and across the continent that is available on our website. We have consolidated our Safety and Security work into a new programme, that has begun work in SA and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Several workshops have been held in Mozambique, Namibia and a large citizen leadership conference is upcoming...

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Democracy in Action - September 2006

Democracy in Action will now be bringing you monthly, rather than quarterly highlights from our website. This past month highlights our work in the field of Active Citizenship, including articles on citizen leadership in rural Northern and Eastern Cape; the challenges of change in small towns in SA; and evaluations of ward committees and study circles. We also have some interesting Political Governance stories, including articles surrounding the Jacob Zuma trial, money & politics, Western Cape...

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Democracy in Action - June 2006

IDASA's work on the African continent continues to grow, as can be seen in our Afrobarometer public opinion work in 18 countries; the Assessment Report for the APRM; the African children's budget network; and our peace building and dialogue work in Central Africa...

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Democracy in Action - February 2006

2006 has already seen vibrant political activity in South Africa, particularly in the lead up to the local government elections in March. IDASA continues its work in monitoring major political moments such as the State of the Nation address and the Budget Statement. Our work stretches further afield, as in this edition we share more about our work across Africa, and elsewhere. We have also launched a new website aimed at journalists wanting to report on local government issues - see below for more details...

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Democracy in Action - October 2005

This edition of Democracy-in-Action covers some exciting issues pertinent to the political and social agenda of our readers. Our Budget Information Service has produced several pieces of analysis on the recent Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) - this newsletter profiles our popular version...

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Democracy in Action - June 2005

Dear Reader

Welcome to our June edition of Democracy in Action. This edition once again presents an exciting range of articles on IDASA's work, projects and other interesting topics.

Since our last edition, judgement has been handed down in the Schabir Shaik trail, resulting in charges of corruption being brought against Jacob Zuma and his release from his position as Deputy President. Commentary is delivered on President Mbeki's response to the corruption allegations and its repercussions for South Africa's democracy...

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Democracy in Action - February 2005

Welcome to our February 2005 edition of Democracy in Action. This edition covers a range of IDASA's work, with particular commentary on the State of the Nation Address and our work on Party Political Funding. The work we are doing across Africa, in the fields of Human Rights, Active Citizenship and HIV/AIDS is also profiled below. Next week, after the Government Budget is released on 23rd February, our Budget Information Service (BIS) Units will be releasing statements on various aspects of the Budget...

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Democracy in Action - September 2004

Welcome to IDASA's new e-newsletter : Democracy in Action where we bring you news and perspectives from the work of IDASA in South Africa, across the African continent, and our work in other parts of the world. I encourage you to peruse our new website www.idasa.org.za which is a tool of outreach to further establish and consolidate democracy on the African continent.

For latest Idasa and other events, see our Events Calendar on the web.

Warm Regards
Samantha Fleming, Editor


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Newsletters: Democracy in Action - September 08
[2008 September 30]

September has been a momentous month of politics in Africa.  We have seen the first peaceful elections in Angola in 16 years, a deal finally brokered in Zimbabwe after eight years of turmoil and, just in the last two weeks, a shake-up of political personalities and presidents in South Africa...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The gap between demand and supply of municipal service widens
[2008 August 29]

A study released by Idasa in August found that, despite significant improvements in service delivery by local government over the past ten years, most municipal councils face a widening gap between demand and supply of services. This has led to citizens...
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Newsletters: Democracy in Action - August 08
[2008 August 29]

Idasa's latest newsletter, Democracy in Action, has just been released. The newsletter covers our work in Zimbabwe, where tension continues to simmer with the opening of Parliament and negotiations still under way. In South Africa we highlight...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Migration & Social Cohesion
[2008 August 18]

The project on Migration and Social Cohesion is funded by the Heinrich Boell Stiftung and is being implemented by Idasa as the South African partner of the Southern African Migration Project (SAMP). Welcome to this first edition of Migration & Social...
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Newsletters: Democracy in Action - July 08
[2008 July 31]

After months of watching disaster unfold in Zimbabwe the international community can finally see the results of negotiations, as a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed between leaders in that country.  In South Africa, Idasa...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Development Action Group struggling for housing, security and comfort
[2008 July 28]

About two out of ten South Africans live in informal settlements. They are part of a large number of citizens without a secure house to live in with their families. While some of us are concerned about the next electricity blackout, those without houses...
Read More >>

Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 01, 2008: Aliens, Migrants, Refugees and Interlopers: Perceptions of Foreigners in South Africa
[2008 July 18]

This edition of ePoliticsSA was compiled by Kate Lefko-Everett. This edition of ePolitics provides an overview of migration and refugee policy since 1994, which has only in recent years shifted from a “protectionist” approach conductive...
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Newsletters: Democracy in Action - June 08
[2008 June 30]

As the crisis in Zimbabwe continues to unfold after the presidential run-off, Idasa supports the calls from SADC and the Pan African Parliament observer missions that conditions be put in place for the holding of a free and fair run-off as soon as possible...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Auditor General goes on National Roadshows to Present Overview of Municipal Audits
[2008 June 25]

The Auditor General Terence Nombembe has embarked on a national road show to present his overview of municipal audits in all nine provinces. This has involved briefing mayors and municipal managers on the municipal audit outcomes and trends for the 2006/7 financial year...
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Newsletters: Democracy in Action - May 08
[2008 May 30]

As much as the xenophobia displayed on South African streets has been horrific, citizens have begun to show their true African colours, in anti-xenophobia marches, movements and relief efforts.  Idasa joined its voice with others in condemning the xenophobic attacks and calling for peace...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Days and nights of citizen cruelty, shame and solidarity
[2008 May 28]

As we write these words, hundreds of fellow Africans, most of whom fled political persecution from their own countries to seek safety in a democratic South Africa, are gathered in makeshift camps and church halls across Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Residents Win a Court Battle in the Struggle for Free Basic Water
[2008 May 06]

For five years the residents of Phiri in Soweto had to endure what some of us take for granted – going without water for at least two weeks every month. Since the installation of pre-paid meters in the area, most residents find themselves running...
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Newsletters: The Power of Community – Learning from the Cubans
[2008 April 18]

It is a Thursday evening and the Elijah Loza Hall at Community House is full to capacity. Young and old, activists and academics, workers and students, have all come to watch ‘The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil Crisis’. This...
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Newsletters: Leadership for Accelerated Delivery and Development
[2008 March 28]

This week local government leaders from 107 municipalities in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape are gathered in Somerset West for the first Governance Summer School. The school is hosted by the Western Cape Department of Local Government...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The State of Our Drinking Water
[2008 March 13]

South Africa’s tap water is still among the safest in the world. This is what the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Lindiwe Hendricks told parliament this week. Responding to questions form members of parliament, Minister Hendricks said South Africa does not have a water crisis...
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Newsletters: Demand for Skills in Local Government
[2008 February 28]

Over the last few years the national budget transfers to municipalities have increased from nearly R14 billion in 2004/5 to R44.2 billion in 2007/8 financial year. This represents an increase from  4.3 percent to 8 percent of national revenue. The...
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Newsletters: What the national budget means for municipalities
[2008 February 22]

While the world economy is facing a slowdown, South Africa will weather the storm. This was the message from the Minister of Finance as he delivered his annual budget this week. The national budget allocates resources to the three spheres of government,...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Municipal Revenue threatened
[2008 January 29]

Municipalities could soon lose billions of rands in revenue. This is if the Department of Provincial and Local Government’s draft regulations on rates charged by local government, published in the Government Gazette last month, go ahead. The regulations,...
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Newsletters: How far to total eradication of the bucket system
[2007 November 30]

In February 2005, there were 252 254 buckets in use in the country. The national government then committed itself to eradication of the bucket sanitation system by December 2007. With this deadline upon us, we ask how far have we come to meeting this target...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Reading the ANC's National Membership Audit
[2007 November 07]

On 12 October 2007, the African National Congress (ANC) released its audit of membership in preparation for the party’s 52nd National Conference (NC), due to be held in Polokwane in December this year.  The audit has a direct bearing on the...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The state of our cities’ finances
[2007 October 29]

South Africa’s nine cities are showing ‘improved financial stability’ and an ‘increasing ability to tackle the challenges’ of service delivery to the rich and poor households in their respective communities. This has come...
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Newsletters: Should public servants serve as elected public representatives?
[2007 October 19]

We have now had two democratic elections for local government. And over the time in many municipalities we have had teachers and other public servants standing as councilors and getting elected into the councils. The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently...
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Newsletters: Local Government and Floor Crossing
[2007 September 12]

Local government is where you as a citizen conduct most of your affairs with the institutions of our democratic state. South Africa’s vision of a participatory and developmental local government is one of the most ambitious and progressive in the world...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Local Government Laws Amendment Bill
[2007 September 03]

In a move to close legal ambiguities, tighten anti-corruption measures and do away with the potential for litigation, parliament is considering proposals to amend a number of laws dealing with local government. At least four pieces of local government...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Floor-Crossing and its Discontents
[2007 August 30]

On 1 September a perfect storm of floor-crossing will implode on South Africa’s system of representative democracy.  For the first time since the passing of floor-crossing legislation in 2002 and 2003, the “window of opportunity”...
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Newsletters: Restoring a Sense of Responsibility and Mission to the Local News Media
[2007 July 20]

“You see, a fish lays a thousand eggs at a time and says nothing about it.” Lechesa Tsenoli smiles as he says this. He paces up and down as about 40 men and women sit glued to his every word. They are from trade unions, community-based organisations,...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The Role of the Mayor in Municipal Budgeting
[2007 June 29]

This is the time of year that municipalities all over the country have to present their annual budgets. It represents the culmination of a process of consultation with citizens and communities to identify the development priorities for their municipal...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Negotiating the the ANC's Policy Conference
[2007 June 26]

This edition of ePoliticsSA analyses the African National Congress’ (ANC) self-assessment of the intersection of party and state.  This is discussed against the backdrop of the transition and keeping in mind the discussion documents published...
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Newsletters: Municipal Leaders Reflect on Project Consolidate
[2007 June 13]

Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi told a gathering of about 500 mayors, municipal managers, local government partners and practitioners in Cape Town to reflect on the progress of Project Consolidate, a government-driven hands-on support programme for local government...
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Newsletters: Championing service delivery
[2007 May 21]

Sometimes all it takes for something to be done about development in a poor area is to find a political champion able to influence both the relevant government department and the private sector to take action, says Lechesa Tsenoli, chairperson of Parliament's...
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Newsletters: Ichibi Lolwazi Citizen Advice Bureau - Using Information Technology to Empower Citizens with Knowledge
[2007 May 04]

Advising People Everywhere The Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) has given advice to ordinary citizens since 1962 in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. Today, only the Cape Town and Pretoria offices remain. But the demand for advice has grown since the advent of democracy...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Opposition Succession in Practice
[2007 May 04]

Over the course of the next week the Democratic Alliance (DA) will convene three separate election forums.  The first, the party’s Federal Congress, will commence at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on 5 May.  The Congress will bring together...
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Newsletters: Turnaround in Service Payments
[2007 April 25]

Recently the news has been dominated by the Presidential Imbizo in Gauteng in which President Thabo Mbeki interacted with and listened to citizens on how they experience government service delivery. At this Imbizo, as with all the others, most of the...
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Newsletters: High density, low cost housing
[2007 April 04]

Word on the Street Newsletter number 25 featured the Impumelelo Awards for innovation in the public sector. From time to time, in future newsletters we will feature some of the winners, in the belief that these projects offer ideas and experiences that...
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Newsletters: The Budget Speech and Local Government
[2007 March 26]

While the Minister of Finance’s budget speech usually hits the headlines for a day or two, the national budget contains a wealth of information that can provide a year’s worth of interesting stories for any journalists willing to put in a bit of work to understand the detail...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The Year Ahead for Local Government
[2007 March 07]

February is traditionally the month when government outlines its programme of action for the year. President Thabo Mbeki’s annual State of the Nation address sets the agenda for the year, while Ministers also present the specific goals and plans for their departments...
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Newsletters: Impumelelo Awards
[2007 February 23]

Every year, Impumelelo Innovations Awards Trust sends out 5000 application forms to national and provincial government departments, municipalities, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. The forms encourage them to enter this competition...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The State of Energy in South African Cities
[2007 February 09]

South African cities on average have the highest energy intensities in the world as they rely on cheap coal as one of the major sources of energy to drive economic activity. And in most cities, transport accounts for more than half of the total energy consumption...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Municipalities and Land Allocation
[2007 January 29]

Land is one of the most important resources held in common heritage by all human beings. However nowadays land has become a source of private wealth for individuals and companies. The democratic Constitution and the White Paper on Land Reform in South...
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Newsletters: Local Government Leadership Academy
[2007 January 11]

 Local government faces huge challenges in their work to deliver services to the citizens, and many municipalities fall short. Often, the reason given is lack of resources. This isn’t necessarily true, though, since many municipalities...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The Vuna Awards - Municipal Excellence
[2006 December 21]

Since 2003, municipalities across the country have been participating in a national contest for excellence in performance and service delivery. The Vuna Awards are part of the Minister of Provincial and Local Government's incentive scheme for municipalities...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Local Government and the 2010 Fifa World Cup - Newsletter No 19
[2006 December 04]

The countdown to the 2010 World Cup is on. What has been done so far to prepare for this, one of the biggest shows on Earth? How will our municipalities be affected, and what opportunities lie ahead for citizens? This newsletter explores these and other questions, as the clock ticks on towards 2010...
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Newsletters: The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority - Newsletter 18
[2006 November 20]

The media often pays a lot of attention to the apparent lack of skills in some important areas of local government, but less attention is paid to what is being done to address the situation. One of the leading organisations in the battle to ensure skills...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy – Newsletter No. 17
[2006 November 01]

The Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Sydney Mufamadi says corruption is responsible for poor service delivery in some municipalities. The government seems to be taking the fight against corruption seriously and as a result the DPLG has launched...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Local Government and Public Transport - Newsletter no 16
[2006 October 12]

Mishay Nomdo is 22-years old and lives in Kraaifontein, about 40 kilometres from the centre of Cape Town where she works as a web administrator. Every working day, Mishay has to get up at six in order to catch the ten-past-seven train to Cape Town which gets her to work at quarter-past-eight...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Citizens @ Work: September 2006
[2006 September 20]

This edition of Citizens at Work, the newsletter of the Citizen and Community Empowerment Programme, includes articles about Major step for DRC democracy; Occasional Column - your chance to have your say, Hard realities of the future; @ Work in the Community...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Word on the Street Newsletter no 15
[2006 September 11]

As part of the plan to improve electricity supply, there is an ongoing process to restructure the distribution of electricity in South Africa, and this will have a large impact on municipalities. In 2005, the Cabinet gave the go-ahead to the creation...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Local Government and Communication - Newsletter # 14
[2006 August 30]

Communication is arguably the most crucial aspect in any form of relationship between human beings. A democratic government constitutes a political contract between citizens, their representatives and civil servants. Our democratic government is committed...
Read More >>

Newsletters: EpoliticsSA: Presidential Succession in Practice
[2006 July 20]

Who will be elected President of the African National Congress (ANC) in 2007? Who will become President of the Republic of South Africa in 2009? These questions, and the speculation cast in their drift, have come increasingly to dominate newspaper...
Read More >>

Newsletters: A 5-year Strategic Plan for Local Government: Newsletter 12
[2006 July 14]

At a recent conference of SALGA (The SA Local Government Association), the Director-General of the Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG) presented the DPLG’s five-year strategic agenda for local government. The strategy is aimed...
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Newsletters: Youth and the Local Government: Newsletter # 11
[2006 July 01]

Young people constitute a large proportion of South Africa ’s population. In the South African National Commission Act of 1996, youth means any person between the ages of 14 and 35.   This year, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka...
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Newsletters: Citizens @ Work: June 2006
[2006 June 15]

This edition of Citizens at Work, the newsletter of the Citizen and Community Empowerment Programme, includes articles about the surveys of citizens in 18 African countries on perceptions of democracy; an interview with Evo Morales, the Bolivian...
Read More >>

Newsletters: HIV/AIDS and Local Government: Newsletter 10
[2006 June 13]

• “Everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care; sufficient food and water; and social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Municipal Talk June 2006
[2006 June 01]

We present to you a revamped, rejuvenated Municipal Talk. Past readers of Municipal Talk last saw it more than three years ago. We assume you missed it; this is evidenced by the number of calls we received enquiring why you no longer receive copies of the newsletter...
Read More >>

Newsletters: Community Development Workers: Newsletter 9
[2006 May 24]

What are Community Development Workers?   Community Development Workers (CDWs) are community-based resource persons who work with other local activists to help their fellow community members to obtain information and resources from service providers...
Read More >>

Newsletters: The Responsibilities of Local Government: Newsletter 8
[2006 May 05]

According to the South African Constitution, the different spheres of government (national, provincial and local) are responsible for particular functions. It is important to understand how responsibility and authority is divided across the different...
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Newsletters: Local Government Calender: Newsletter 7
[2006 April 21]

There are numerous events that municipalities are obligated to include in their yearly calendar. It is useful for journalists covering local government to take note of the key calendar dates in their respective municipalities, in order to ensure that...
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Newsletters: Councillors' Code of Conduct: Newsletter 6
[2006 April 05]

Just over a month ago, local government leaders were elected into office. For many, this was the first time that they assumed a public position. On accepting their new roles, some took an oath of honour - as instructed by their party leadership - that...
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Newsletters: Processes and Practices Post-elections: Newsletter 5
[2006 March 15]

This newsletter is aimed at journalists interested in local government.  For more about this project, see www.wordonthestreet.org.za The elections on March 1st have come and gone, and the results are in. So what happens, now that the process of...
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Newsletters: Local Government and the Budget: Newsletter 4
[2006 March 02]

Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel, delivered his budget speech on the 15th of February. What does the budget mean for local government and local communities, and what are some of the ways in which local media might follow up on it?
Poverty and Vulnerability...
Read More >>

Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Local Government Elections 2006 - the Race for Cape Town
[2006 February 21]

By Jonathan FaullNext week South Africa goes to the polls to elect into office nearly 9000 councilors to preside over 283 municipalities through the second term of democratic local government.

This edition of ePoliticsSA will outline the shape...
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Newsletters: Opinion Surveys in the Lead Up to Elections: Newsletter 3
[2006 February 13]

As the March 1st local government elections draw closer, we are starting to see several organizations releasing the results of public opinion surveys that they have conducted. These surveys generally focus on the likely outcome of the elections(nationally,...
Read More >>

Newsletters: CCEP Review August/September 2005
[2005 August 10]

This is the quarterly newsletter of the Community and Citizen Empowerment Programme (CCEP) of IDASA.
Read More >>

Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 04, 2005
[2005 July 22]

This edition of ePoliticsSA will isolate and interrogate three broad themes in the NGC report, and, in doing so, elaborate on the wider “organisational challenges” to the ANC. Firstly, this briefing will analyse and reflect on the party’s...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA 03.05 Transforming the Judiciary
[2005 May 13]

Debating the Transformation of the Judiciary: Rhetoric and Substance The transformation of South Africa’s judiciary is constitutionally prescribed, necessary and inevitable – what is important about transformation, however, is the form it takes...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 02, 2005 - Moribund Opposition and Why the Alliance won't Fold
[2005 April 08]

This brief will interrogate the state of opposition politics in South Africa through the prism of electoral results, turnout and representation. It will then assess the state of the ruling, African National Congress (ANC) led, Tripartite Alliance and...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA Tracing the "Two Economies": the politics, policy and practice of pragmatism.
[2005 March 03]

This brief will trace the genesis of the concept of South Africa’s "Two Economies", and interrogate the 2005 State of the Nation Address (SON) against this backdrop, in an effort to analyse government priorities, policy and the implementation thereof,...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - 08, 2004: The Third Democratic Parliament
[2004 December 19]

This edition of ePoliticsSA will assess the record of Parliament in 2004 with a focus on institutional integrity, transparency and its ability to hold the executive to account.  Introduction Since 1994, Parliament has transformed itself from...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 07, 2004: Elections Adspend in Mainstream Media
[2004 October 27]

According to information gathered by the media consultancy AC Nielsen, R46,784,678 was spent by major political parties to advertise their campaigns through the mainstream media at the height of the general election campaign (January through April 2004)...
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Newsletters: CCEP Review September 2004 volume 4
[2004 September 30]

This is the quarterly newsletter of the Community and Citizen Empowerment Programme (CCEP) of IDASA.
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 06: Local Government Floor Crossing 2004
[2004 August 31]

The local government floor-crossing period commences on 1 September and closes two weeks later on the 15th.  This ePoliticsSA briefing will focus on the impending “window” for floor-crossing, and contextualise the issue within a broader...
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Newsletters: EpoliticsSA Government Ethics - balancing competing interests in the public interest
[2004 August 16]

ePoliticsSA – Edition 05, 2004 Introduction   Government and the civil service are constantly engaged in weighing up competing national, constituent-based, political and personal interests. A conflict of interest emerges when competing...
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Newsletters: ePoliticsSA - Edition 04, 2004: The Third Cabinet: Implications and Practice
[2004 July 31]

This edition of E-Politics will analyse the “shape” of South Africa’s Third Cabinet, its political implications, and its work vis-à-vis the recent State of the Nation Addresses and the Parliamentary Ministerial Briefings.

In...
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Newsletters: CCEP Review July 2004 volume 3
[2004 July 19]

This is the newsletter of the Community and Citizen Empowerment Programme (CCEP) of Idasa.
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Newsletters: Election Synopsis - How the West was Won (and Lost) - May 2004
[2004 June 21]

Jonathan Faull

According to most analysts, and some political leaders, the elections of 2004 have marked a substantive remaking of the political landscape of the Western Cape.  It has become common cause to cite the ascendance of the African...
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Newsletters: E-Politics: Elections 2004 outcomes in the Provinces - April 2004
[2004 June 21]

Jonathan Faull and Lorato Banda

With less than two weeks to go until South Africa’s third democratic elections, one can begin to make tentative predictions about likely outcomes in the nine provinces.

The incumbent African National...
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Newsletters: CCEP Review May 2004 volume 2
[2004 May 18]

This is the quarterly newsletter of the Community and Citizen Empowerment Programme (CCEP) of Idasa.
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Newsletters: CCEP Review February 2004 volume 1
[2004 February 21]

The Citizen and Community Empowerment Programme (CCEP) was established in 2003 as a project run by Idasa. This month Idasa would like to introduce the CCEP REVIEW - a monthly publication which will keep the CCEP’s alumni and partners informed of its progress, successes and plans.
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Newsletters: Municipal Talk December 2003
[2003 December 01]

After the 1994 elections, major political, economic and social changes took place throughout South Africa, not least within the local government sector. The legislative processes, such as the White Paper on Local Government issued in March 1998, give...
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Newsletters: Epolitics October 2003 - Reducing Inequality and Poverty A BIG Solution
[2003 October 21]

Compiled and edited by Collette Herzenberg.  Writers: Neil Coleman, Karen Kallman and Doug Tilton - Basic Income Grant Coalition South Africa’s social safety net has its roots in a set of apartheid labour and welfare policies that were racially biased and premised on full employment...
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Newsletters: Epolitics June 2003 - Black Economic Empowerment
[2003 June 21]

Nearly ten years after the first democratic elections South Africa continues to be characterized by high levels of racial and class inequality, the exclusion from basic social necessities for the majority and increasing unemployment. Further, the racial...
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Newsletters: Epolitics May 2003 - Growth & Development Summit
[2003 May 21]

Writers: Collette Herzenberg & Masibonge Mzwakali, Political Information & Monitoring Service.  E-politics draws on research completed by Judith Streak, Budget Information Service"The much-awaited Growth and Development Summit (“the...
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Newsletters: Municipal Talk 2003
[2003 May 01]

Idasa’s Local Government Centre seeks to empower municipalities and their communities for effective and accountable governance and service delivery. The centre does training and research, and gathers and disseminates information on legislative...
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Newsletters: Democracy in Action Newsletter 2003
[2003 March 31]

"Welcome to the revival of Democracy in Action. Since DIA was last published, Idasa has produced a variety of specialist media products that advance the work of specific programmes. DIA brings together these various strands to provide an overview of...
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Newsletters: Epolitics February 2003 - State of the Nation Address
[2003 February 21]

February 14 marks the official opening session of the 2003 South African parliament. Through the President’s state of the nation address, the government can reflect on its achievements, backlogs and the focus of its activities for the year ahead...
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