Idasa responds to Land Bank announcement

The Public Expenditure and Smallholder Agriculture Project in African democracy institute, Idasa, has welcomed the Land Bank’s commitment to spend 1 billion rands on emerging farmers in the next two years as a move to unlock the long-term potential growth of agriculture as one of the pillars of South Africa’s economic development. Please read attached [...]

Keeping secrets is not the way to make friends

South Africa’s proposed Protection of Information Bill, now back with the adhoc parliamentary committee for redrafting, is chillingly similar to Zimbabwe’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, warns Maddy Halyard of Idasa’s States in Transition Observatory (SITO). It could turn everyday citizens who posses protected intelligence, even unknowingly, into common criminals, while exempting [...]

Idasa questions judgement of Director of Public prosecution in arms deal

African democracy institute Idasa is questioning the judgement of former national director of public prosecutions, Menzi Simelane, who decided not to investigate Fana Hlongwane, an adviser to then defence minister Joe Modise, who we recently learned took a R24m payback  from a SAAB subsidiary Saab in its bid to supply Gripen fighter jets to SA. [...]

Idasa concerns over vote buying

Democracy institute Idasa has expressed concern over vote buying and the improper use of state resources to influence voters in the upcoming local government election. Idasa’s monitoring has turned up a number of instances of interference and intimidation. Read more here.

Idasa says its time National Assembly cracks the whip on truancy

In a report in Business Day Idasa’s Nonhlanhla Chanza reminded us of the disruption absent MPs bring to the work of the National Assembly and its committees. Read full report here.

Investigate Shiceka – Idasa calls on Public Protector

African democracy institute Idasa has sent an urgent letter to South Africa’s Public Protector, Advocate Thulisile Madonsela, calling on her to investigate Minister Sicelo Shiceka for alleged fraud and abuse of privileges following his recent spending spree. Idasa believes Minister Shiceka is in breach of the Executive Code of Ethics in the Executive Members’ Ethics [...]

Idasa issues appeal on Ivory Coast

African democracy institute Idasa has urged the African Union, the United Nations, development agencies and think tanks to engage in a very honest appraisal by all parties of the transition processes currently in practice on the continent in the light of current events taking place in Ivory Coast. In particular, Idasa recognises the role of [...]

Public transport system could be key to development and equality in SA

Idasa’s Accountability Programme, ANSA Africa, has just producted a paper that looks at the importance of public transport in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, especially in the context of years of decades of persistent underinvestment in public transport. This research tracks South Africa’s dualistic land passenger transport system which contributes significantly to the continuing economic [...]

Idasa warns local govt neglected in proposed bill amendment

Gary Pienaar, a Senior Researcher in Idasa’s Political Information and Monitoring Service (PIMS), made a submission to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on its proposed amendment to the State Liability Bill that regulates the manner in which a final court order concerning money against the State must be satisfied. It raises a [...]

Budget 2011: Are we getting better at achieving more with less?

Idasa believes South Africa’s 2011 Budget will be released against a more favourable economic backdrop than the 2009 or 2010 Budgets, but warns that the current degree of economic recovery and the slightly more favourable fiscal position should not blind the country to the continuing unemployment crisis in the wake of the recession. The manager [...]