Publications

Local Government: Crises Decades In The Making And How To Deal With Them

South Africa’s system of local government is experiencing profound difficulty.

Understanding Drivers of Ethical and Professional Board Governance in South African Public Institutions

Launch of the KAS & OUTA Research Series on State-Owned Enterprise Board Remuneration

South Africa's State-Owned Entities (SOEs) remain central to the country's economic development, infrastructure delivery and public service mandate. However, persistent governance failures, weak organisational performance and recurring financial challenges continue to undermine their effectiveness.

The State of Local Government in South Africa

Between Crisis and Reform

South Africa’s municipalities are entering the 2026 local elections amid a deep governance crisis marked by failing service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure, financial distress, and declining public trust. These challenges have contributed to growing political fragmentation and increased uncertainty over coalition governance in major metropolitan areas. At the same time, a range of reform initiatives seeks to strengthen administrative capacity, improve accountability, and enhance the effectiveness of local government. Policy solutions already exist; their success depends on overcoming chronic implementation shortcomings.

Practical Artificial Intelligence for Political Parties

Author: Tayla Pinto

Harness AI tools with confidence - ethically, responsibly and within the law.

Mega-Events as Development Policy? Cape Town’s Legacy 16 Years After the World Cup

The long-term lessons of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for infrastructure, urban development, and governance in Cape Town.

Sixteen years after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town demonstrates that mega-events can boost infrastructure and international visibility, but lasting development depends on long-term planning and effective governance.

Charged climate ahead of the Local Government Elections: Xenophobic violence in South Africa is on the rise

The xenophobic unrest in South Africa reflects a polarised debate on migration, which threatens to destabilise the country both domestically and internationally in the run-up to the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The recent xenophobic unrest in South Africa reflects an increasingly tense domestic political climate in the run-up to the 2026 Local Government Elections, in which migration is becoming ever more polarising. It is being exacerbated by socio-economic pressures, widespread anti-migrant narratives, and the mobilisation of corresponding radical groups. At the same time, it poses significant domestic and foreign policy risks, particularly for the country’s stability and its relations with African partners.

Germany’s UNSC Defeat: A Structural Realist Reading from the Global South

In this thought-provoking paper, Dr. Zimkhitha Manyana unpacks the outcome through a Structural Realist lens from the Global South, revealing how power, regional dynamics, and coalition politics shape outcomes at the UN.

Migration, Rule of Law, and Social Cohesion in Urban South Africa

South Africa's cities are at a crossroads. Deepening unemployment, overstretched institutions, and contested notions of belonging have created fertile ground for xenophobic mobilisation, with real consequences for social cohesion, the rule of law, and democratic stability.

South Africa’s Fragile Political Centre

Between Polarisation and Populism

South Africa’s political centre is searching for direction in the face of growing populism, social inequality, and a fracturing party landscape. While the Democratic Alliance has the potential to become a catch-all party, reaching voters across classic class and social divides, the question remains: what strategies are needed to secure a majority for centre-right parties?

The Loss of Steven Gruzd

Caroline Kanter heartfelt condolences to Steven's family and his colleagues at SAIIA.