HSF briefs

The National Credit Amendment Act - And What Can Be Done

This brief looks at the potential effects of the National Credit Amendment Act that was recently signed into law. It begins with an overview of the Act, followed by the criticisms of it and the counterarguments to these criticisms. It concludes by looking at a unique model for micro lending as a plausible option to service the unsecured credit market in South Africa.

Do we need a Water Use Bill?

In light of a recent announcement to develop legislation dedicated to transforming the water use sector, this brief examines the current legislative and policy provisions intended to drive water use reform. It highlights the slow pace at which transformation has taken place, underscored by a lack of political will, socio-political factors and, ultimately, an inconsistency between the law and its implementation.

Strengthening institutional capacity in water resources management to enhance performance

Given its current financial and operational challenges, the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation is struggling to fulfil its obligations. The legislative framework allows the Department to establish regional institutions to assist it in managing water resources. These institutions are underdeveloped, under capacitated and underutilised.

Migration V: Policy recommendations for the South African migration regime

This final brief offers a set of problem statements and policy recommendations for the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Government.

Migration IV: The state of South Africa’s borders

South Africa’s borders require serious attention to counter irregular migration, illicit trade and incumbered movement. The Department of Home Affairs’ intended solutions are deficient.

Migration III: Interpreting the data on South African migration

There is a pressing need for more comprehensive and conclusive data on migration, to counteract uninformed xenophobic sentiment and to make migration policy responsive to regional developments and national demands.

Migration II: The South African migration policy landscape

South African migration has been dictated by an increasingly restrictive policy trajectory that positions migrants as criminal and undeserving.

Migration I: Public opinion versus reality on immigrants in South Africa

This brief reviews immigrants’ net economic contribution, and crime statistics. The OECD estimates that immigrants contribute between 8.9% and 9.1% of national GDP.