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This research paper by Paul Hoffman, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in March 2009, examines the role of accountability in making constitutionalism a reality in Africa. Using South Africa as a primary case study, the author argues that while constitutional structures may exist on paper, the actual practice of democracy is often undermined by power struggles among elites, corruption, and the erosion of independent oversight institutions.

This 2009 briefing analyzes Namibia's agricultural sector and food security strategies. It highlights that while Namibia faced rising food prices, a conservative pricing agreement between producers and millers mitigated the impact. The report details the country's reliance on subsistence farming for 1.5 million people and the government's efforts to increase food security through irrigation (the Green Scheme), import controls on staples and horticulture, and targeted subsidies for communal farmers. It also discusses Namibia's trade position within SACU, SADC, and the WTO, emphasizing its status as a net food-importing developing country.

This research paper by Marianne Camerer examines the requirements for effective anti-corruption systems, particularly within the context of new democracies in Africa. The author argues that a single-agency approach is often insufficient and that sustainable reform requires a combination of data-driven policy, a matrix of legal and oversight institutions, ethical leadership, and active partnerships with civil society and the media.

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) submitted a report to the South African Parliament on 28 July 2008 regarding the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill and the South African Police Service Amendment Bill. The ISS argues for the retention of the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure independence from executive and political interference, particularly in high-level corruption and money laundering investigations.

This research paper by Victoria Ayer provides strategic advice for civil society organisations (CSOs) to influence parliaments and achieve legislative change, particularly in developing democracies. It emphasizes the importance of understanding electoral systems, conducting non-partisan research, building long-term relationships with political 'champions', and maintaining organisational legitimacy through financial transparency and community rooting.

This research paper argues that South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have failed to hold Robert Mugabe's regime accountable for electoral fraud and violence in Zimbabwe. The author contends that South Africa has underplayed its influence and calls for a decisive regional response, including sanctions and the recognition of the March 29, 2008, election results, to protect democratic institutions in Africa.

This research paper examines the relationship between governance, corruption, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, arguing that while good governance may not be the primary driver for short-term investment—particularly in resource-rich nations—it is essential for long-term economic stability and resource management.

This report provides a state-by-state overview of scheduled and potential elections across several African nations in 2008, noting a general trend where incumbents face little threat from fragmented oppositions, though some countries are experiencing significant leadership transitions.

This research paper examines the systemic advantages held by ruling parties in African electoral democracies, noting that incumbents often maintain power through state resource control, weak opposition structures, and the legacy of liberation movements.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines a business-centric vision for Africa's economic development, arguing that the continent must prioritize political stability, basic infrastructure maintenance, access to credit, and the rule of law over large-scale projects or long-term social goals to achieve immediate growth.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that international donor agencies and UN bodies are hindering malaria control in Africa by resisting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and DDT in favor of less effective measures. The author contends that a 'vertical' health program approach, combining DDT-based IRS and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), is the most effective strategy, citing successful implementations in South Africa and India.

This research paper examines the structural challenges facing political opposition parties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), arguing that the fusion of liberation parties with state and economic power creates an environment where opposition is largely ineffective and marginalized.

A research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs critiquing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its premature declaration that Mozambique's December 2004 elections were 'free and fair' before the vote counting process was completed.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies provides a progress update on the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF), a multidisciplinary force designed to enable the African Union (AU) to respond to conflicts through peace support missions and interventions.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses South Africa's foreign policy, economic relations, and security role within Africa since 1994. It highlights the transition from the 'principled' approach of the Mandela era to the 'pragmatic' African Renaissance agenda under Thabo Mbeki, while noting the tensions between South Africa's regional economic dominance and its desire to avoid being perceived as a 'big brother'.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the economic impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) on the North-South Corridor between South Africa and Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the Beit Bridge border crossing and Durban port. The study identifies administrative and trade policy barriers—most notably Zimbabwean foreign exchange controls and regional transport inefficiencies—as significant costs to businesses across various sectors including mining, fuel, and agriculture.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the typology of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This document is an opening address delivered by Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) on 31 October 2007. The speech outlines the ISS's regional security initiatives across Africa and discusses the challenges of policing, crime statistics, and security preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the trade policy challenges facing Malawi due to its dual membership in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It analyzes the technical and political implications of these overlapping memberships, particularly as these regional economic communities move toward forming customs unions, and evaluates the impact on Malawi's trade profiles and its negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union.