In many ways, 2018 was bookended politically and legislatively by the issue of land. In February, the National Assembly resolved to allow for expropriation of land without compensation to give meaningful effect to land reform; in December, the 2019 Expropriation Bill was gazetted – the first step towards putting that...
TO REVEAL SOURCES? WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC INTEREST DEMAND?
In a country where freedom of expression, including freedom of the press and other media, is well-protected and enjoyed - at least on paper - can there ever be compelling, public interest reasons for journalists to reveal their sources? South Africa was recently gripped by revelations emanating from the Commission...
BEYOND THE LAW – ETHICS MATTER
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, to put it mildly, monumental tasks ahead of him. Not least, crafting a tangible and coherent message about economic recovery to assuage jittery investors and sceptical voters ahead of the 2019 national elections, but also appointing the best people for public office. Among the revelations before...
ACTIVATING AND RENEWING A SENSE OF CIVIC DUTY THIS WOMEN’S DAY
South Africa celebrates Women’s Day annually on 9 August to commemorate the more than 20 000 multiracial women, who, on the same day in 1956, marched to the Union Buildings to protest proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act of 1950 (introducing pass laws for women). In an age before...
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS THE WEAKEST LINK
The results of overall 2016/2017 audit outcomes prepared by the Auditor-General (AG) of the 257 municipalities are in. The results are grim and make clear that the local government system in South Africa is failing. The crux of the AG’s report is that of the 257 municipalities audited ‚ 45...