Governance in Southern Africa: Insights from Civil Society

This report synthesizes submissions from civil society organization (CSO) coalitions in seven Southern African countries to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), analyzing democracy, governance, and sustainable development.

• The report analyzes several dimensions of governance across seven countries, including the transition to multiparty democracy, the military's role in undermining democratic systems, the practical application of the separation of powers, and corruption and accountability within economic governance.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs) are identified as essential intermediaries between governments and communities for long-term national well-being, yet they currently face increasing financial and political threats.
• While there has been notable progress in creating policies and frameworks, the actual implementation and delivery of these measures are frequently weak.
• The report validates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a tool for peer learning and a method for civil society to ensure government accountability through participatory and sustainable means.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2025). Governance in Southern Africa: Insights from Civil Society. https://saiia.org.za/research/governance-in-southern-africa-insights-from-civil-society/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Governance in Southern Africa: Insights from Civil Society. 2025. https://saiia.org.za/research/governance-in-southern-africa-insights-from-civil-society/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Governance in Southern Africa: Insights from Civil Society |date=10 October 2025 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/governance-in-southern-africa-insights-from-civil-society/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2025governance, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Governance in Southern Africa: Insights from Civil Society}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2025}, month = oct, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/governance-in-southern-africa-insights-from-civil-society/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }