Publications

Understanding Democratic Principles and Government of National Unity

Community Workshops

South Africa’s general election on 29 May 2024, in which the African National Congress (ANC) dropped from 57.5% of the vote in 2019 to a historic low of 40.2% resulted in the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU). It is the second time that South Africa has a Government of National Unity. The first time was in 1994 with the first democratically elected government when the ANC won 62.6% of the vote.

Anthology - Country reports with a difference

International comparison of accessibility

This publication provides research, compiled by some of our overseas offices, on the current situation of political participation for people with disabilities, in their respective countries. We hope that their reports will increase awareness of the sadly often persistent inequalities that remain and motivate all of us to pay greater heed to the issue of inclusion.

Voter Fluidity in the 2024 National Elections

Prof Carin Runciman and Prof Marcel Paret

The report focuses on two key dynamics that were influential in the 2024 elections, voter fluidity and voter abstention. The report provides a brief methodological note and examines voter trajectories and voter abstention.

Coal, Power Production and Corruption in South Africa: An Analysis

A report by the Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), an initiative of the Centre for Business Ethics (CfBE) at the University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

To enable a comprehensive understanding of the coal fired power production ecosystem in South Africa, this report considers South Africa’s continued reliance on coal fired power generation, despite espoused commitment to a Just Energy Transition programme, and explains the end-to-end value chain of coal fired power production from extraction to actual power generation. It examines the types of corrupt and criminal activities that are still taking place at Eskom, providing examples of each. It explores factors that are contributing to Eskom’s dysfunction and finally makes recommendations for measures to address some of the challenges.

South Africa's new government of national unity: progress or stagnation for the country?

An analysis of the first coalition in South Africa in almost thirty years

On 29 May 2024 historic elections took place in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa’s former first democratically elected president Mandela, lost its absolute majority – for the first time since the end of apartheid thirty years ago. A coalition government had to be formed – a very unusual step in a country used to a previously dominating ANC. So how did the “Government of National Unity” come about and how can its work be judged until now? Is it functioning well or are the risks to this 10-party-coalition too great for the challenges facing the rainbow nation?

ESG principles and Disclosures in United Kingdom and South Africa (The Fourth Report)

Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics and Business Law

Authors: Ruth Taplin (Professor and Director, Centre for Japanese and East Asian Studies, London UK; Editor, Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics and Business Law) and Neels Kilian (Associate Professor, Law Faculty, University of the North West, South Africa)

EDP X Change 2024 - Catalysing Change through Partnerships

Inspire. Empower. Collaborate.

EDP X-Change 2024 was a one-day event designed to foster a dynamic cross-sectoral exchange to address South Africa’s pressing challenges, including the energy crisis, safety concerns, and political coalitions.

Spotlighting South African Women in Socio-Politics

Women's Month

In South Africa, Women's Month, observed in August, is a time to honour the contributions and achievements of women, particularly in the context of the country's struggle for freedom and equality. The month commemorates the 1956 women’s march against apartheid laws, which was a pivotal moment in the fight for racial and gender equality. Women's Month serves to acknowledge the progress made toward gender equality while also highlighting ongoing challenges.

KAS x SAIIA Careers Event 2024

Formative Futures

Careers Event Inspires Humanities Graduates

KAS Interview: Meet Susanna Zapf

e-meet the newest member of our team, our research assistant Susanna Zapf.