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This research paper analyzes South Africa's military and diplomatic involvement in the Central African Republic (CAR), framing it as part of a broader geopolitical struggle for resource control and influence. The author argues that South Africa's efforts to resist Western interference and align with emerging powers like the BRICS group were undermined by a lack of regional support and insufficient intelligence infrastructure, ultimately leading to a 'humiliating experience' in the face of established Chinese and French interests.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), representing groundWork, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), and the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), submitted comments on 16 April 2013 regarding the draft 2012 National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa. The CER argues that the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) failed to follow prescribed review processes, ignored legislative obligations from the 2007 Framework, and provided insufficient support to municipalities for air quality management.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the role of African states in the international nuclear security agenda, specifically in the context of the Nuclear Security Summit process and the 2013 IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security. It argues for increased African engagement and cooperation to balance the peaceful use of nuclear technology with security requirements.

The April 2013 Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis and country-specific assessments for Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic (CAR), focusing on political instability, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises.

This April 2013 report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analyses for the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), focusing on political crises and instability in Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic.

This research paper analyzes the evolution of Senegal's foreign policy from 2000 to 2013, focusing on the transition from the administration of President Abdoulaye Wade to that of President Macky Sall. It examines the shift toward 'technicization' and economic diplomacy, the concentration of power within the executive branch, and the influence of pan-Africanism.

This research paper evaluates the viability of the South African Customs Union (SACU) transitioning from a Common Monetary Area (CMA) to a full monetary union. Using Southern African Development Community (SADC) convergence criteria, the authors find that while there is strong convergence in inflation, debt, and reserves, significant fiscal deficits in Lesotho and Swaziland present a major hurdle. The paper suggests that a monetary union would be beneficial and that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is well-positioned to lead the process.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted comments on 27 March 2013 regarding the draft Infrastructure Development Bill, 2013. The CER argues that the Bill is vulnerable to Constitutional challenge because it disregards national environmental policies, undermines the functions of provincial and local governments, and conflicts with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (PAJA). While supporting the goal of streamlined approvals, the CER asserts that the Bill's proposed fast-tracking of infrastructure projects risks bypassing essential environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and public participation processes.

This research paper examines South Africa's strategic role within the BRICS forum, specifically focusing on how it leverages its membership to advance African infrastructure development, regional integration, and economic restructuring under the NEPAD framework.

The National Chairman's Annual Statement of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), delivered on 27 March 2013, analyzes South Africa's strategic position within a multipolar world. It discusses the role of the BRICS forum, the necessity of strengthening ties with other African regional powers, and the impact of domestic instability and military casualties in the Central African Republic on South Africa's global prestige and soft power.

The 2013 BRICS Youth Communiqué, presented by Youth@SAIIA learners at the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, outlines recommendations for the establishment of a BRICS Development Bank (BDB). The document advocates for a bank that is independent of government political agendas, inclusive of all member nations regardless of financial status, and focused on sustainable development in the developing world.

This report examines the socio-economic challenges facing Mozambique, specifically focusing on the critical shortage of skilled labor and the constraints imposed by restrictive foreign labor regulations. It argues that Mozambique could accelerate its development by adopting a more liberal regional approach to skills transfer and professional migration, leveraging its position within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) wrote to Minister Susan Shabangu on 13 March 2013 seeking urgent clarification on the legal status of the Chrissiesmeer Biodiversity Site. Despite previous statements by the Minister that mining in the area was prohibited, the CER notes the absence of a formal declaration in the Government Gazette and the acceptance of a mining right application by Duiker Mining (Pty) Ltd for the proposed Harwar Colliery.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies provides analysis and recommendations for African states participating in the United Nations negotiations for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) scheduled for March 2013. It argues that a legally binding international instrument is necessary to regulate the transfer of conventional arms, ammunition, and technology to preserve human security and prevent human suffering, particularly in Africa, which is heavily impacted by armed conflict.

The research paper evaluates the Platinum Sector Peace and Stability Accord, arguing that while it provides a framework to manage conflict and prevent violence at South African platinum mines, it cannot resolve the broader socio-economic and market crises facing the industry.

This case study examines Capricorn Investment Holdings (CIH), a Namibia-based financial services group, and its regional expansion into Botswana and Zambia. It details the operational barriers CIH faces, including tax inefficiencies, regulatory uncertainty in Namibia, skill shortages, and the costs associated with duplicating IT systems to meet national central bank requirements.

Sunbird Tourism, the largest hospitality provider in Malawi, faces significant operational barriers including high taxes (specifically a 1% tourism levy and a turnover tax), difficulty accessing international finance, and infrastructure deficits in electricity and water. While the company leverages local pension funds for finance and internal training to address a shortage of senior Malawian management, it continues to struggle with high costs associated with backup utilities and the loss of import tax incentives.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted comments on the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill, 2012, arguing that while the application of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) to mining is welcome, the Bill fails to adequately protect community rights, ensure transparency, or establish a fair penalty system.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, acting on behalf of groundWork, the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), and the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA), submitted comments on 5 February 2013 regarding the draft National Dust Control Regulations published on 7 December 2012 under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (AQA). The submission argues for stronger protections for vulnerable populations, more rigorous monitoring standards, and the inclusion of government entities in enforcement.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) reports on its efforts to use the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain environmental records from government and private entities in South Africa as of February 2013.