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"South Africa"
Recommended research
published by Karen Allen, ISS Today,
on June 9, 2021
A new cybercrime crime will support South Africa’s efforts to fight internet-based offenses. The law, which defines cybercrime as “acts such as: the unlawful access to a computer or device…the illegal interception of data; the unlawful acquisition, possession, receipt or use of a password; and forgery, fraud and extortion online.” The legislation also provides for international cooperation in investigations and prosecutions, highlighting South Africa’s commitment to balance security and freedom of speech.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on June 11, 2019
Despite voters’ repudiation of corrupt governance practices, the ANC remains divided in its commitment to reforms.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on May 3, 2019
Competing factions of the ANC and other political parties have vastly different visions for handling sensitive issues of corruption, land expropriation, and restoring trust in South Africa.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on February 17, 2018
South Africans have high hopes that Cyril Ramaphosa will be able to deliver change to systemic state capture. However, sustained reforms in South Africa's most important national institutions are required if those hopes are to be met.
Spotlight
published by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies
on January 2, 2018
As Cyril Ramaphosa replaces Jacob Zuma as leader of the ANC, much remains to be decided on the future trajectory of the party and the country. Here are four issues to watch.
Spotlight
published by Paul Nantulya
on May 23, 2017
Few African countries have the same depth of institutional checks and balances as South Africa. Yet, these institutions have been put to the test by President Jacob Zuma's efforts to expand executive privilege. How are South Africa's accountability structures faring?
Africa Center Research Paper No. 3
published by Assis Malaquias
on July 31, 2011
Political violence in South Africa indicates the country’s potential fragility. Reversing emerging political violence and loss of public trust will require breaking up the intertwining of political authority and economic opportunity.
Africa Security Brief No. 9
published by Hussein Solomon
on January 31, 2011
While not often considered a hub in global terrorist networks, South Africa has seen a steady and growing pattern of domestic and al-Qaeda–linked terrorist activity over the past decade. Coinciding with the creeping expansion of terrorist threats in other parts of the continent, this Security Brief examines lessons learned from South Africa’s experience and their potential relevance to other African countries and their security sectors.
Recommended research
published by Richard Poplack, Daily Maverick
on May 4, 2021
While the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado grows increasingly violent, the unpoliced coastline of Northern Mozambique allows for the trafficking of hundreds of millions of dollars of heroin. The ruling Frelimo party reportedly pockets at least of $100 million of revenue from this trade each year. Efforts to combat the insurgents, who doubt that the government’s deals for natural gas exploitation will benefit all citizens have stalled, worsened by heavy handed tactics of government forces and their allied Russian and South African mercenaries. A better understanding of the dynamics at play, along with a recognition that criminalized power structures seek to protect themselves, will be required to craft adequate responses to the violence.
Recommended research
published by Simone Haysom, ENACT
on February 13, 2020
Urbanization and governance shape the political economy of heroin trafficking in Southern and East Africa. Case studies of heroin trafficking dynamics in capital cities, port towns, interior hubs, and border communities suggest that counter-trafficking efforts should strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing, combat government corruption, consider local communities, address the role of informal transport systems in the narcotics trade, and mitigate the drug trade’s role in fueling violence.
Program Materials
Program materials for the Africa Center's 2019 program, “National Security Strategy Development Workshop: Central and Southern Africa.” Click here for syllabus, readings, and presentation slides.
Spotlight
published by Joseph Siegle and Wendy Williams
on March 7, 2023
The spike in militant Islamist group violence in Africa has been marked by a 68-percent increase in fatalities involving civilians, highlighting the need for more population-centric stabilization strategies.
