HSF Briefs

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.

Independent Oversight Of The Executive: United States And South Africa Compared

In this special brief, visiting researcher Emanuel Waddell compares the American and South African approach to independent oversight, and discusses whether there are any lessons that either country might learn from the other.