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This concept note proposes the creation of a first-of-its-kind national database in Mozambique to document and protect traditional knowledge (TK) related to biodiversity. The initiative aims to prevent the loss or misappropriation of cultural and scientific resources by establishing a secure, community-governed digital repository that bridges the gap between traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific research.

This draft explanatory memorandum outlines proposed amendments to the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2022, covering income tax, value-added tax (VAT), carbon tax, and customs and excise duties. The proposals aim to resolve technical anomalies, align tax laws with new accounting standards (IFRS 17), curb tax avoidance regarding contributed tax capital, and support South Africa's climate commitments through a ramped-up carbon tax trajectory and extended energy efficiency incentives.

This policy brief by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) proposes reforms to the appointment and removal processes of senior leaders within South Africa's criminal justice system. It argues that political interference and patronage have eroded the independence and legitimacy of key institutions, and suggests the implementation of independent selection panels and standardized criteria to ensure professionalism and insulation from partisan politics.

This position paper by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) proposes reforms to the appointment and removal processes of senior leaders within South Africa's key criminal justice institutions. It argues that political manipulation, corruption, and patronage have eroded the independence and legitimacy of these bodies, necessitating a shift toward transparent, merit-based selection mechanisms to ensure the rule of law.

This policy brief by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) proposes specific revisions to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules to increase transparency and public participation in 'State arbitrations'. The authors argue that arbitrations involving a State as a party differ fundamentally from private commercial arbitrations because they implicate the public interest, public treasuries, and public policy issues.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the early development of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. It argues that the Organ is currently underdeveloped, operating primarily at the summit level and through the military-focused Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC), while lacking mechanisms for human rights and democratic governance. The authors propose a comprehensive structural overhaul, including the creation of a Political Co-operation Council, an Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, and a permanent multinational secretariat to move the Organ from a reactive 'fire brigade' role to a proactive regional security framework.

This collection of articles from SA Crime Quarterly No 8 (June 2004) examines various aspects of the South African criminal justice system, including the legality of lethal force in property defense, police accountability and misconduct monitoring, strategies for local crime prevention through by-laws, national victimisation trends, the application of the Domestic Violence Act by magistrates, and the operational mandate and independence of the Directorate of Special Operations (the Scorpions).

This report documents the proceedings of a conference titled 'Civil Society – Defeating State Capture and Rebuilding the State', held on 23 October 2019 in Johannesburg. Hosted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), the event brought together civil society representatives and academics to analyze the effects of state capture in South Africa and propose reforms to insulate the public service from political interference. The report details discussions on the findings of various commissions of inquiry, strategies for state reform, the role of 'lawfare', parliamentary oversight, and public advocacy, culminating in a 'Civil Society Charter' that outlines a collective commitment to rebuilding democratic institutions.

This working document, compiled by the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST), proposes a conceptual framework to define, account for, and measure the quality and impact of South-South co-operation (SSC). It seeks to establish a common narrative and methodological approach for Southern partners to track development co-operation independently of the OECD-DAC's Official Development Assistance (ODA) standards.