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1. One world, many knowledges: Epistemological pluralism and African scholarship (Full Issue)

Author:
Moliehi Ramonate, Nnaemeka Ohamadike, Helen Acton, Malvern Kudakwashe Marewo, Senzo Ncube, Nene-Lomotey Kuditchar, Ross Harvey, Terence Corrigan, Kendra Connock, Jordan McLean, and Laura Rubidge
Publication Date:
10-2022
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Africa Governance Papers (TAGP)
Institution:
Good Governance Africa (GGA)
Abstract:
This issue reflects something of the journal’s multi- and interdisciplinary ambitions, with articles employing a range of research methodologies and looking at very different topics in Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as broader-ranging issues in West Africa and the continent.
Topic:
Politics, Governance, Research, Populism, Maritime, Accountability, Innovation, Oversight, Pluralism, Epistemology, and Traditional Leaders
Political Geography:
Africa, South Africa, and Zimbabwe

2. An ethics perspective to South Africa’s civilian intelligence governance regime

Author:
Lincoln Cave and Richard Jurgens
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
The Africa Governance Papers (TAGP)
Institution:
Good Governance Africa (GGA)
Abstract:
The role of national security entities in public administration, with specific reference to civilian intelligence structures, is a public policy issue of concern and interest across the globe, particularly with regard to questions of governance and public accountability. Governments need intelligence services to serve national and/or political interests, but these must, by nature, operate in conditions of secrecy. The gap between these two elements can be a source of misgovernance and/or abuse of power. We argue that the credibility of South African intelligence structures has been negatively impacted by failures and omissions of accountable governance since the emergence of a democratic dispensation in 1994. In particular, the article focuses on the effects of politicisation on effective governance of the country’s intelligence function. We propose an ethical governance model, framed by a transformative approach and grounded in ethical stewardship, as a way to give effect to constitutionally defined expectations regarding the purpose and management of the country’s intelligence function.
Topic:
Intelligence, National Security, Governance, Reform, Ethics, Constitution, Legitimacy, Values, Independence, Oversight, Decision-Making, Illegal Behavior, Politicization, and Utilitarianism
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa

3. Following the Money in Ghana: From the Grassroots to the Hallways of the IMF

Author:
Abdulkarim Mohammed
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Accountability Research Center (ARC), American University
Abstract:
Between 2011 and 2014, Ghana went from boasting the world’s fastest growing economy to requiring a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While a global downturn in commodity prices precipitated the fall, a lack of accountability in how public finances have been managed has been at the heart of the problem. Fiscal indiscipline, fueled by a lack of oversight and rampant corruption, left the government unable to mount an effective response during lean economic times. Oxfam and its civil society partners in Ghana were worried that everyday Ghanaians would be left shouldering the burden of the economic crisis. Moreover, Ghanaians worried that their concerns and aspirations would not be represented in the high-level negotiations on the bailout between the Government of Ghana and the IMF. To address these concerns Oxfam and its partners coordinated a multi-level advocacy campaign. The campaign drew together a diverse coalition of civil society—from community activists to globally influential think tanks—able to represent and articulate local level concerns and project a united voice at the national and global levels. This novel approach proved highly successful in driving important changes in policy and practice that have enhanced accountability, fiscal responsibility, and citizens’ participation. The campaign not only contributed to improving the laws governing how public finances are managed in Ghana, but also helped to increase pro-poor spending and protect crucial social services.
Topic:
Civil Society, Corruption, Accountability, Social Services, Participation, IMF, Oversight, and Public Spending
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

4. Effective Budget Oversight In Botswana: Role of the Legislature and the Office of the Auditor General

Author:
Keneilwe Pearl Marata
Publication Date:
09-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis
Abstract:
This policy brief discusses the effectiveness of public budget oversight in Botswana. It assesses the roles of Parliament and the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in budget oversight and makes recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of oversight of both organs. The policy brief uses data from the Open Budget Survey (OBS) 2012, and earlier indices to discuss the subject. The OBS is a global assessment of the openness of public budgets conducted biannually by the International Budget Partnership since 2006. Countries are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100 through the Open Budget Index (OBI). Botswana's OBI scores have been declining since 2006; 65 in 2006; 62 in 2008; 51 and 50 in 2010 and 2012 respectively. A score of 50, means that government provides only limited budget information does not enable the citizens to effectively hold government to account for public finance, leading to accountability deficit.
Topic:
Governance, Budget, Finance, and Oversight
Political Geography:
Africa and Botswana

5. Developing a Use of Force Policy for the South African Police Service: Workshop Report

Author:
Duduzile Ndlovu and David Bruce
Publication Date:
09-2011
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Abstract:
This report summarises the presentations and discussions held on 21 and 22 July 2011 at a workshop entitled "Developing a use of force policy for the SAPS". The workshop was held at the Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg, and was hosted jointly by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum and the Institute for Security Studies.
Topic:
Security, Law Enforcement, Civilians, Police, and Oversight
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa