HSF Briefs

AGAINST ECONOMIC RECKLESSNESS IV – IS THE GROUND BEING PREPARED FOR FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICY ADVENTURES?
Author: Charles Simkins
Published: 21 Jun 2017
This brief by Charles Simkins considers the possibility of a radical fiscal stimulus to the economy and the Public Protector’s proposed amendment to Section 224 of the Constitution, which deals with the primary objective of the Reserve Bank. It argues that neither is appropriate and that their implementation would do serious damage to the economy.
Economy Briefs
THE PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION AND THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND - AN OVERVIEW
Author: Charles Collocott
Published: 14 Jun 2017
This Brief by Charles Collocott considers the overall structures of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) and Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), with a focus on transparency and the framework within which they invest. The need for transparency has been highlighted since the PIC invested over R 1 billion in Independent Media in 2013. The framework for investment is of particular interest since the National Treasury has recently stated that the PIC could possibly become the equity partner in loss-making South African Airways.
Economy Briefs
Judicial Overreach
Author: Chelsea Ramsden
Published: 08 Jun 2017
Briefs Strengthening the Judicial System Upholding the Rule of Law Justice
A Progressive Judiciary
Author: Chelsea Ramsden
Published: 08 Jun 2017
Briefs Strengthening the Judicial System Upholding the Rule of Law Justice Securing Accountability
Women in the Judiciary
Author: Michelle Toxopeus
Published: 08 Jun 2017
Briefs Strengthening the Judicial System Upholding the Rule of Law Social Justice
ARE FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SERVICES IN CHARGE OF SOUTH AFRICA?
Author: Charles Simkins
Published: 01 Jun 2017
In an increasingly fractious political environment, the ANC’s draft policy document on Peace and Stability includes bold claims about interference from foreign intelligence services in domestic South African politics. In addition, the document labels a wide range of groups as accomplices in this plot. This brief, by Charles Simkins, takes issue with this characterisation and looks at why these accusations are concerning for South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
Briefs Governance
UNDERSTANDING THE ANC'S POLICY FORMULATION PROCESS
Author: Anele Mtwesi
Published: 01 Jun 2017
This brief deals with the way in which ANC policy is developed. Further briefs will consider the substance of recently released draft policy documents for the June National Policy Conference.
Briefs Politics
TREASON IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Author: Rafael Friedman
Published: 01 Jun 2017
Over the past few years allegations of treason have become more regular in South Africa. While there has only been one major treason case in the 23 years since the end of Apartheid, there have recently been a number of accusations of treason levelled against a variety of individuals, ranging from student activists to senior politicians. These allegations can be seen in the context of the implementation of treason law in southern Africa, with a number of pending treason cases in other countries that have been seen as politically motivated.
Briefs Governance