HSF briefs

Lindela And South Africa’s Defective Deportation Regime

What is going on at the Bosasa-run Lindela Repatriation Centre - South Africa's single specialised holding facility for illegal immigrants awaiting deportation? This brief investigates the country's notorious deportation regime and its custodians – the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs and Bosasa.

The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement On Not Answering The Question

In this brief, Charles Simkins reflects on the Medium Term Budget Statement and the projections made therein.

Developing water sensitive cities III: A case study of two South African metros

The final brief in a three-part series exploring urban water sensitivity in South Africa is a case study which examines the approach taken by Cape Town and Johannesburg in response to increased water stress.

Developing water sensitive cities II: Is there support in South Africa’s regulatory framework?

This brief, second brief in a three-part series exploring urban water sensitivity in South Africa, assesses the regulatory framework to determine the extent to which it gives effect to the concept of water sensitive cities.

Developing water sensitive cities I: Rethinking how we manage urban water

Given the current pressure on water sources, South African cities must rethink their approach to urban water management. The concept of water sensitive cities as an means of improving local water security will be explored in a three-part brief series. This brief, the first in the series, provides an overview of water sensitive settlements and its application in South Africa

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.