In early 2025, police announced that operation ‘Vala Mgodi’ (Close the Holes) had been completed at the Buffelsfontein gold mine near Stilfontein. It is estimated that approximately 100 ‘illegal’ miners died as a result of the operation. This paper explores the background conditions and policy context which led to this avoidable tragedy, and makes recommendations as to how artisanal and small scale mining should be addressed in future.
This practical guideline flyer provides essential information on guns in domestic violence, including how to apply for a protection order to have a firearm removed from an abusive relationship. If someone is abusive, depressed, or suicidal and owns or has access to a gun, and you fear for your safety, you can ask the police or court to remove it immediately. The flyer explains how relevant laws, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Firearms Control Act, allow the courts or police to remove guns and other dangerous weapons in abusive situations. It also provides support resources, including helpline contact details and safety planning tools.
Public space only comes alive when it is used. This seems obvious, but using public space in South African cities is to come up against a long history linking back to Apartheid spatial planning. This legacy of control permeates almost every aspect of public space and is highly visible across many areas of urban life. This research brief as part of the Global South Public Space Platform looks across the parallel contexts of South Africa and Colombia pointing to alternative approaches to create dynamic and resilient cities.
This research report explores the role of firearms in domestic violence. It draws on research to inform policy, improve practice, and enhance protection for women, children, and families affected by abuse. It is associated with the 'Removing the Trigger' campaign, a collaborative project of GFSA, Mosaic, NSMSA, and the HBF.
Our partner, the Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG), has been lobbying for a law against hate crimes and hate speech since 2018. This brief was developed to give policy and lawmakers an impression of the unacceptably high and ongoing cost in human life, equality, and dignity experienced in 2021 alone.
Despite Africa’s exceptional solar and wind resources, and the exhibiting costs, lead time and risks of nuclear power, announcements of nuclear power plant projects and cooperation agreements proliferate across the continent. This report was commissioned to try to distinguish hype from reality and provide a realistic assessment of which African countries’ nuclear plans are likely to materialise in the coming two decades.
The policy brief introduces basic concepts around the complexities of steelmaking, including why it has historically been seen as ‘hard to abate’ in terms of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from steel production. It aims to provide a non-technical commentary on AMSA’s Decarbonisation Roadmap suitable for frontline communities and the NGOs they work with to understand and engage with the plans.
The incoming German government will have to navigate challenges that are existential to Germany, Europe. This publication applies a feminist perspective to the far-reaching impact of the second Trump administration on global peace and security.
Community kitchens in Cape Town are feeding thousands amid rising food insecurity, yet their work extends far beyond food—each meal represents invisible care work, a daily act of resistance and solidarity that fills the gaps left by failing systems. This report shares findings from a four-year research project which explored how a strengthened informal sector can contribute to the progressive realisation of the right to food.
The Systematic Exclusion of the Kwazulu Natal Subsistence Fishers from the Fishing Rights Regime in South Africa. This Policy Brief is a summary of research report on the Exclusion of Subsistence Fishers in KwaZulu Natal from the fisheries policy regime.
Download the Safety Plan for staying safe while enduring an abusive relationship, or when planning to leave, and after leaving. While every situation is unique, these tips are meant to help you think of actions that work for your own situation.
