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This policy brief explores how monitoring and evaluation (M&E) can be used to build transformative equity and resilience in South Africa. Based on six case studies, it identifies four key enablers: contextualized learning, inclusive processes, increased agency for Global South actors in M&E design, and institutional arrangements that ensure long-term data ownership. The brief argues that M&E is a tool of power and advocates for a shift from funder-driven compliance to locally-led, reflexive systems that empower marginalized communities.

This report by the Public Affairs Research Institute examines the weaknesses of parliamentary oversight in South Africa. It finds that while legal powers are sufficient, political pressures from the dominant party, poor committee management, and inadequate technical resources hinder the ability of MPs to hold the executive accountable. The authors distinguish between basic 'explanatory accountability' and the nearly absent 'amendatory accountability'. Key recommendations include creating a committee to oversee the Presidency, reforming the appointment of committee chairs to include the opposition, and establishing a formal tracking system for executive compliance with parliamentary resolutions.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines strategies to strengthen Africa's digital infrastructure to enhance economic resilience. It identifies critical gaps in both 'hard' infrastructure (power and broadband) and 'soft' infrastructure (digital ID and payment systems) and proposes a coordinated continental approach through the African Union and the AfCFTA to reduce fragmentation and attract investment.

This research paper examines the evolution of multilateralism through the lens of relations between the European Union (EU) and the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), particularly against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The author argues that a 'structural disjuncture' exists between the EU's preference for bilateral strategic partnerships and BRICS' pursuit of an inclusive, South-South multilateral model that challenges Western-led global governance and economic norms.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, on behalf of the Life after Coal Campaign, submitted further comments on the draft South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) in August 2023. The submission argues that gender equality and justice must be a deliberate, central outcome of the energy transition rather than an afterthought, as systemic patriarchy and existing discrimination currently limit women's participation in the renewable energy sector.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, acting on behalf of MEJCON-SA and MACUA, has submitted a formal appeal to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environmental Affairs to set aside an Environmental Authorisation granted to Tetra4 (Pty) Ltd on 13 July 2023.

The GreenCape Development Agency NPC's Privacy Policy, implemented in August 2023, outlines how the organization collects, processes, and protects personal information in compliance with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA).

This policy brief examines how the BRICS bloc can support the digitisation of African agriculture to drive economic growth. It highlights the potential for investment through the New Development Bank, knowledge transfer from BRICS members' digital agricultural reforms, and the role of South Africa's 2023 BRICS chair to advance continental goals like Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.

A joint submission by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM), The Ethics Institute (TEI), and Corruption Watch providing comments on the Public Administration and Management Amendment Bill 2023. The submission supports the professionalisation of the public sector but proposes strengthening prohibitions against public sector employees conducting business with the state to prevent corruption.

This expert report, prepared by geologist and hydrogeologist Steven K. Campbell for the Centre for Environmental Rights, critiques the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Tetra4 (Pty) Ltd’s proposed Cluster 2 gas production expansion near Virginia, Free State Province, South Africa. Campbell argues that the project's geologic and hydrogeologic frameworks are based on insufficient site-specific data, leading to unreliable groundwater flow models and flawed contamination simulations for methane and total dissolved solids (TDS). He concludes that the expansion should not be approved until critical data gaps are filled and a robust monitoring and remediation plan is established.

This document is an appeal submitted by groundWork and the Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action against a decision by the National Air Quality Officer (NAQO) to grant Eskom a postponement of compliance with Minimum Emission Standards (MES) for the Kusile Power Station. The Appellants argue that the decision is unlawful, violates constitutional rights to a healthy environment, and was based on flawed health and atmospheric impact assessments and unfounded claims regarding the reduction of load shedding.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the potential impacts of the G7 Climate Club on African countries. While acknowledging the goal of achieving global net-zero emissions by mid-century, the author argues that the Club's current design—particularly its focus on rapid decarbonisation and carbon-leakage reduction—could undermine African economic growth, energy security, and industrialisation. The report calls for a co-designed approach that prioritises climate justice, technological transfer, and financial support over trade-based sanctions.

An open letter from Jabu Hlatshwayo, an intern at the Public Affairs Research Institute, to President Ramaphosa, urging the South African government to prioritize urban land reform and the youth following the February 9, 2023, State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) issued a statement to the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) expressing concerns over transparency, environmental monitoring, and the lack of Climate Change Impact Assessments (CCIAs) for upstream gas and petroleum activities.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the systemic challenges facing food production in Africa and proposes specific interventions for the G20 to help the continent avoid missing the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and AU Agenda 2063 targets.

The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) states that one year after the release of the State Capture Commission report, the pace and breadth of reform to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future state capture in South Africa remain inadequate.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the limited developmental impact of tourism on local African economies, arguing that the industry often functions as an extractive force. Using Zanzibar as a primary case study, the author illustrates how foreign ownership, 'enclave tourism', and economic leakages prevent local communities from benefiting from industry growth.

This joint submission by IISD, CIEL, and ClientEarth to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment argues that Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms act as a major obstacle to climate and environmental action. The document details how ISDS is used by investors to challenge environmental regulations, creates a 'regulatory chill' that disincentivizes states from enacting green policies, and often ignores human rights and environmental obligations in favor of investment protections.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs advocates for the upscaling of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the vulnerability of coastal and island states to climate risks and argues that integrating EbA into national policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can simultaneously address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the health cooperation between Germany and African states, arguing that current partnerships are rooted in colonial legacies and lack genuine reciprocity. The author contends that recent shifts toward 'securitization' of health—prioritizing global health security and economic interests—often override the needs of marginalized populations and the goal of strengthening local health systems.