Search Climate Insights Directory

This report summarizes a two-day meeting hosted by the Institute for Security Studies' Corruption and Governance Programme in September 2010, which brought together the South African Civil Society Energy Caucus to discuss governance, public participation, and accountability in South Africa's energy policy processes.

This report examines the patterns of forced migration from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South Africa, focusing on the demographic shift toward a young, educated, middle-class population. It details the social dislocation these migrants face, moving from professional status in the DRC to survivalist roles in the South African informal economy, and the defensive ethnic networks they form to navigate a hostile urban environment.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the nature, impact, and service delivery responses to violence against women in South Africa. Based on interviews with 1,000 survivors across nine provinces, the study analyzes economic, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, highlighting the normalization of domestic violence and the systemic failures of police, medical, and legal services in providing effective support and protection.

This report chapter details the historical development and implementation of restorative justice (RJ) in South Africa, tracing its evolution from early victim-offender mediation projects in the 1990s to the integration of community-based justice and government policy initiatives.

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 monograph examines the role of peacekeeping missions in the Burundi peace process, detailing the transition from the South African Protection Support Detachment (SAPSD) to the African Union Mission in Burundi (AMIB) and subsequently the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB). It analyzes the diplomatic efforts led by Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma, the implementation of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programs, the challenges of security sector reform, and the electoral processes that led to the 2005 elections and the eventual integration of the PALIPEHUTU-FNL.

This monograph by Irvin Kinnes examines the evolution of street gangs in the Western Cape, South Africa, from local youth groups into sophisticated criminal empires following the 1994 transition to democracy. It analyzes the intersection of political instability, socio-economic deprivation, and the rise of international drug syndicates, while detailing the violent conflict between gangs and vigilante groups like Pagad.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies provides a detailed analysis of 787 closed police dockets from Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town to understand the role of firearms in South African crime. It examines various firearm-related offences, including robbery, murder, and contraventions of the Arms and Ammunition Act, while highlighting significant gaps in police data collection and investigation quality.

This monograph examines the evolution, legislative framework, and operational challenges of municipal policing in post-apartheid South Africa. It details the transition from apartheid-era township policing and traditional traffic departments to the establishment of modern Municipal Police Services (MPS) under the South African Police Service Amendment Act No 83 of 1998, focusing on the experiences of major cities like Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town.

This monograph, published by the Institute for Security Studies and funded by the Norwegian Government, examines the intersection of terrorism, organized crime, and human rights in Africa. It analyzes the impact of the September 11 attacks on the continent, the legal frameworks provided by the OAU (now African Union) and the United Nations, and the specific operational and legislative responses of South Africa and Algeria.

This research paper analyzes the South African Defence Review process (1996–1998) and the 1995 Defence White Paper, arguing that while the process was historically inclusive and democratic, the resulting force design relied too heavily on traditional Western concepts of 'primary function' (territorial sovereignty) at the expense of more frequent 'secondary functions' (internal stability and regional support).

This policy brief summarizes the book 'Africa First!' by Jakkie Cilliers, which analyzes the current development trajectory of Africa and proposes a scenario for economic growth and poverty reduction by 2040. The document highlights a growing economic divergence between Africa and the rest of the world, attributing the slow progress to unproductive economic structures, slow demographic transitions, and weak governance.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the economic development of the Western Cape, focusing on its struggle with the 'middle-income trap.' Using the International Futures (IFs) forecasting model, the document compares a Base Case scenario with three alternative policy paths—Inclusive Economy, Vibrant Economy, and Enterprising Cape—to determine how the province can achieve high-income status and reduce social inequality by 2040.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines how to map murder and violence in South Africa when official police data is unavailable or outdated. Using the Western Cape as a case study, it argues that because violence is clustered in specific areas, data-driven mapping is essential for effective prevention. The author proposes several alternative data sources, including health facility trauma records, community police forums, smartphone applications, and municipal emergency systems, to identify violence hotspots and guide interventions.

This research paper describes the 'Heroes Project,' an interdisciplinary collaboration between Natural Justice, the Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, and the Law+Environment+Design Laboratory. The project uses design, storytelling, and graphic narratives to address the collective historical trauma of the Khoi-San people in South Africa, aiming to reconnect youth with their cultural identity and provide alternatives to dysfunctional coping mechanisms.

This guide, produced by Natural Justice, provides information to the public regarding a proposed oil and gas exploration project in Block 3B/4B off the west coast of South Africa. It outlines the project's scope, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, potential ecological and social risks, and instructions for public participation.

A fact sheet by Natural Justice detailing a legal challenge brought by the Aukotowa Primary Fishing Cooperative, The Green Connection, and Natural Justice against the South African government's decision to grant TotalEnergies EP South Africa S.A.S environmental authorisation for ultra-deep water exploration in the Deep Water Orange Basin (DWOB).

This fact sheet, produced by Natural Justice in September 2025, provides information regarding Total Energies' (TEEPSA) proposed oil and gas exploration drilling in the southern part of the Deepwater Orange Basin (DWOB) block off the coast of South Africa. It outlines the planned technical activities, potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, and the legal process for public participation and comment.

This guide, published by Natural Justice in January 2024, provides information to the public regarding the proposed oil and gas exploration activities by Africa Oil South Africa Corp (AOSAC) and its joint venture partners in Block 3B/4B off the west coast of South Africa. It outlines the exploration process, potential environmental and social impacts, and the procedure for public participation and commenting on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

This guide, published by Natural Justice in July 2024, provides information and guidance for the public regarding a proposed 3D seismic survey by Searcher Geodata UK Ltd off the coast of South Africa. It outlines the project's scope, the regulatory process for environmental authorisation, and the potential negative impacts on marine biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.