HSF Briefs

Electoral Reform: Understanding the New Nation Movement case

The Helen Suzman Foundation will be producing a series of briefs on electoral reform in South Africa. Following the landmark decision of the Constitutional Court to allow independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections,this series will examine the road ahead from the policy, legislative and institutional perspectives. This brief, the first in our series, will explore the reasoning of the Court and consider the implications of the judgment.

July Production Statistics: An Indication Of A V-Shaped Recovery?

Statistics South Africa publishes monthly production statistics for mining, manufacturing, electricity distributed, the five components of trade, catering and accommodation and two components of trade, storage and communication. The July 2020 estimates have now been published. Gross domestic product statistics have been published for the first two quarters of 2020. What do these estimates reveal about economic recovery since the Level 5 lock down?

The Implications Of The Second Quarter 2020 Gross Domestic Product Data

Dr Simkins highlights that the StatsSA announcement on 8 September of a 51% fall in GDP is misleading in the light of a sharp, temporary shock to the economy as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. The Brief discusses information from the GDP data about the distribution of the burden of the shock. Further analysis of the distribution will become possible when the Quarterly Employment Statistics and the Quarterly Labour Force Survey are published in late October.

A Constitutional Challenge To The Supplementary Budget II: What Are The Prospects Of Success Of A Socio-Economic Rights Challenge?

This brief examines the prospects of success of a constitutional challenge to the Supplementary Budget based on the State’s failure to allocate more resources to be used for the fulfilment of socio-economic rights.

A Constitutional Challenge To The Supplementary Budget I: A Direct Challenge Within The Context Of The Separation Of Powers

An article in Daily Maverick has proposed a direct constitutional challenge to the Supplementary Budget. This brief examines whether a court will entertain a direct challenge to the Supplementary Budget.

Austerity And A Permanent Income Shock

This brief distinguishes between a policy of austerity and the fact of a permanent decline in per capita income, arguing that South Africa should adapt to a drop of real per capita income of 7 to 10% since 2014. It considers the trajectory of monetary and fiscal policy in this light.

Has The Supplementary Budget Betrayed The Promise Of A R 500 Billion Stimulus Package?

An Article In Daily Maverick Has Charged That The Supplementary Budget Has Torn The Guts Out Of The Covid-19 Package Announced In April. This Brief Examines The Validity Of That Claim.

The Adjustment Budget And Beyond

Charles Simkins reviews the Supplementary Budget. A brutal affair. The Zuma legacy and misfortune have made it so.