Posts

OGP at 10: toward democratic renewal around the world

Source: Open Government Partnership When eight governments and nine civil society leaders launched the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in 2011, no one expected it to reach its current size and scope. Over the last 10 years, however, OGP has grown in ways that have exceeded expectations. Governments and thousands of civil society members have, together, Read more >

Civil society’s role in getting Zondo recommendations implemented

The Zondo commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture has released three reports to date, each one lengthier – and more disturbing – than the last. Commission chairperson Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Raymond Zondo has asked for a two-month extension to complete the fourth and final part. Zondo’s reports lay bare the deep-rooted corruption Read more >

Open letter to G20 finance ministers from civil society

From Amnesty International, CIVICUS and Transparency International 13 October 2020 Dear G20 finance ministers, As you meet this week, we are writing to you to encourage you to take concrete actions in order to build a better future through a just recovery by investing in people and ensuring that funds being made available reach those Read more >

Now or never: time to create real, lasting procurement reform

1 September 2020 Dear President Ramaphosa and Minister Mboweni, We write to you as civil society organisations deeply concerned at the high levels of corruption being committed through our public procurement system. We call on you to take advantage of the current opportunities and show decisive leadership to steer a collaborative process as the draft Read more >

Dear Mr President, let us help keep the vultures at bay

By civil society organisationsFirst published on Daily Maverick Dear President Cyril Ramaphosa  We, the undersigned organisations, commend you for the decisive action taken over the last few weeks in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. We note the efforts of the state in placing the health and wellbeing of people at the forefront of decision-making.  However, Read more >

JOINT STATEMENT condemning attacks on CSOs and activists

The undersigned organisations condemn the recent vicious attacks on environmental justice activists in South Africa. In one case, we are outraged at the reported murder on 11 July 2018 of Mr D Mpanza, an activist who had opposed a relocation of the community in KwaDube in KwaZulu Natal. KZN violence monitor Mary de Haas has Read more >

How civil society has strengthened SA’s democracy

By William Gumede First published on Democracy Works The impact of having a robust civil society in South Africa has played a critical role in creating a vibrant democratic culture and addressing the gap between the state and local communities. This policy brief examines the successes and challenges in furthering engagement, holding public officials accountable Read more >

Civil society freedoms and rights under threat

South Africa is one of a number of countries where civil society is not fully able to enjoy its freedoms and rights. The 2017 CIVICUS State of Civil Society report shows that across the globe, civil society space is under unprecedented levels of threat. “Around the world, it is becoming increasingly dangerous to challenge power, Read more >