Volume 21, Issue 4, September 2026
Direct democracy to fix local government?
Democracy, derived from the Greek words ‘Demos’ = ‘people’ and ‘kratos’ = ‘rule’, translates to ‘rule by the people’, which is a principle deeply revered in our society.
Court stops ESKOM from taking R125Million/month revenue from Tshwane
In City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and Another v National Energy Regulator of South Africa and Others [2026] ZAGPPHC 530 (8 June 2026), the High Court settled a dispute between the City of Tshwane, ESKOM and NERSA about who supplies electricity to a large new development. In doing so, the Court applied reasoning that reverberates through the electricity sector.
A preliminary appraisal of the implications of the Madlanga Commission on local government
The Madlanga Commission, formally known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, was established in 2025 to investigate allegations of corruption, organised crime infiltration, and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice institutions.
Does my vote matter? Electoral participation and accountability in local government
As South Africa approaches another local government election, familiar questions about the importance and value of electoral participation have resurfaced: Why should I vote? Does my vote really matter? These questions are particularly important at a time when local government is in a vulnerable state and voters have an opportunity to influence who will govern their municipalities for the next five years.
E-participation in municipalities: A boon or a bane?
Municipalities are responsible for delivering services that directly shape local communities’ quality of life. Municipal performance in this regard directly shapes whether local communities can inhale fresh air, have access to affordable, potable water, have booming local economies and live in safe and clean neighbourhoods.
Constitutional Court invalidates the Public Procurement Act due to public participation failures
On 17 September 2026, the Constitutional Court unanimously declared the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 28 of 2024 unconstitutional and invalid in its entirety because Parliament failed to comply with its constitutional duty to facilitate meaningful public participation.
