Fact and Fiction - A comment on the 2025-6 Budget
SA's overall economic strategy in the budget and the proposed VAT increase demand more rigorous debate.
How a well-managed coalition can ensure fiscal sustainability
A middle ground that benefits all could be found between the ANC’s interventionist instincts and the DA’s libertarian leanings.
Fifty years ago, women led the mass Durban strikes
US exit from Paris Agreement opens door for SA leadership
SA can choose to stick with an outdated energy system, or embrace a future where clean energy powers industries, drives growth and secures wellbeing.
Climate talks — Global South must seize the moment and take the lead to speed up transition
Climate talks: global south must take the lead
Reducing emissions, removing greenhouse gases, repairing ecosystems and building resilience are the four R’s that can save the planet.
South Africa’s fight over VAT raises a key question: who should bear the burden of taxes?
Climate finance and care services: why public investment is necessary
Promoting Intersectional Development Research Learning Series
Women are seen as ‘saviours’ or ‘victims’ in climate change debates: why this is a problem
What is good for judges must surely be good for central bankers
Padayachee believed in negotiating from a position that represents the needs of the working class
Vishnu Padayachee believed in negotiating from a position that truly represents the needs of the working class - Imraan Valodia
Climate change — women’s role in the economy is key to a just transition
Vishnu Padayachee: A teacher above all
He was my friend and mentor, serving as a bridge between an emerging generation of activist academics and an older generation of more established ones.
Developing nations are least responsible for climate change but cop it worst
Will the COP29 climate talks tackle injustice?
Developing nations are least responsible for climate change but cop it worst. Who is responsible for climate change?
Climate change: women’s role in the economy is key to a just transition
Climate change: women’s role in the economy is key to a just transition
Evidence suggests that a low-carbon transition could worsen gender inequalities if not properly addressed in climate policy.
Economic policies encourage the careless use of people and the planet
The just energy transition ignores labour outside the formal economy. So is it just?
A decade ago, such a protest movement in Mozambique would have been difficult to fathom
Climate change is hitting women the hardest. What to do about it – economists
Treasury asked to ease up on fiscal austerity
Michael Sachs, former head of Treasury budget office, says less austerity would lead to more credible outlook
Climate change is making it harder for people to get the care they need
GDP - an outdated way of measuring the economy
Economics and economic policy need a rethink.
Climate change: care for humans, other species and the natural environment key to a just transition
Communities across the world are facing two worsening crises: a climate crisis and a care crisis.
(In)justice in the year of climate finance – at COP29 and G20 summit
One of the main outcomes of COP29 is expected to be a new goal for global climate finance but there are substantive challenges.
Mining and Geopolitics: Who controls Southern Africa’s platinum?
In the first of our Viewpoints series, which features guest written articles from people on the continent.
South Africa’s economy needs a shot in the arm, not austerity
Here are 3 key areas where more public spending would get results.
Africa’s ‘youthquake’: No jobs, the wrong skills and little hope
With growing populations and major youth unemployment in Africa, more must be done to create jobs and help young people develop the right skills.
Climate change: how capitalism and colonialism fit in
Amitav Ghosh has used his storytelling prowess to outline the historical and political roots of climate change within systems of power and oppression.
Patronage Partitions | South Africa after the 2024 elections
In South Africa’s watershed election last May, the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure an outright majority for the first time.
DR # 293 Factores de conflictualidade em Moçambique
“Dói porque não é normal estudar e ser desempregado. A frustração até pode dar uma trombose. Sem emprego, vamos ficar marginais, queimar infraestrutura, queimar
Four urgent reasons to tackle inequality in South Africa
Inequality is bad for politics, the economy, society and climate change, and South Africa has a huge gap between rich and poor.
South Africa has a huge gap between the rich and poor - 4 urgent reasons to tackle inequality
South Africa has exceptionally high levels of inequality.
SA needs a game-changer to fix joblessness crisis
The country needs fresh thinking to shift the economy onto a more employment-intensive growth path.
New General Secretary Appointed by International Alliance of Waste Pickers
Kabir Arora (Qabeer Jalandhari) appointed as General Secretary of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers
South Africa’s political monopoly has been broken: could it help the economy?
Over the last decade or so there has been something of a revolution in economics.
A violent freedom
Despite the knife-edge upon which South Africans live, the country is not, in fact, a failed state – but a new form of democracy is required.
Social grants: A hand up, not a hand-out
The child support grant and proposed pregnancy grant give children a healthier start in life and make democratic and economic sense.
Party manifestos lack a clear, coherent and inspiring roadmap for a just transition
Party manifestos lack a clear, coherent and inspiring roadmap for a just transition
Securitising responses to inequality conflict: Beware the Zimbabwe way
"I was once a great democratic leader of a prosperous African country … never mind what happened after 1997."
What happened to the Just Energy Transition grant funding?
What happened to the Just Energy Transition grants? Where has the money gone to?
The ‘Sociology Madala’ who shaped the way we think
Eddie Webster was the ultimate socially engaged academic who played a key role in the labour movement.
OBITUARY: The ‘Sociology Madala’ who shaped the way we think about the world
Eddie Webster was the ultimate socially engaged academic who played a key role in the labour movement
Phiroshaw Camay Library opens
The new facility boasts a collection of 8 000 books from Camay, an activist, unionist and champion of democracy who was once denied access to a library.
There’s hope for the future
Dr Jane Goodall is positive that we will overcome challenges such as climate change and biodiversity devastation.
Farmers call for action in addressing delays at ports
Farmers are calling for action to be taken to address delays at the country’s ports, outbreaks of animal diseases and rising interest rates.
Professor Imraan Valodia appointed Chair of National Minimum Wage Commission
Professor Valodia's appointment stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
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Global South scholars explain their solidarity with Palestine, and why they can’t stay silent
Wits University scholars reflect on the Israel-Gaza war and what informs their solidarity as part of the Global South community.
Mission impossible? Not for these postdocs
9 Postdoc Fellows join Wits to boost research on the intersecting themes of climate change, just transition, sustainability, and inequality.
Take the money? A conundrum for African biodiversity and climate negotiators
We have just had the final text negotiated at COP28 in Dubai.
More COP input needed from Global South universities to draw attention to region’s needs
The lack of academic representation from climate justice conferences such as COP28 by Global South universities is worrying
The road to COP28 — key debates and expectations for South Africa
Discussions and negotiations on climate change will take place at COP28 after another year of record-breaking climate events and extreme weather changes.
Insights from South Africa's 12-year-old renewable energy programme
South Africa and renewable energy: a 12-year-old programme offers insights for countries moving to cleaner power sources.
Minister Godongwana, you misunderstand — social development is a labour-intensive sector
The consequences of the finance minister’s misunderstanding of the nature of caring work are likely to be particularly severe for the NPO sector
India to Africa to the UK: Diasporas don’t influence politics in predictable ways
Leading politicians in the UK, including the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, are of African Indian descent.
‘Grim’ MTBPS is a new budget, not an adjustment, says Michael Sachs
Former Treasury official lays into unprecedented cost cuts
Budget will hurt key public services and fail to halt rise of debt, says Michael Sachs
Former Treasury budget office head says the medium-term budget will bring unprecedented austerity.
To foster African science, breaking barriers to intracontinental mobility is paramount
Science should serve as the unifying force that brings Africa together.
Why companies should report what CEOs and workers earn
Changes in the law will ensure that companies can’t go on ignoring inequalities in earnings and wealth in South Africa.
Labour’s future hangs in the balance
Workers still have power and agency but sustainable collective organisation is under threat from the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Sweeping the city clean: ‘Anti-poor’ plans for urban renewal
"Clean! Clean of what?”
‘End of labour’ thesis tested
There is a widespread view that labour as a counter-hegemonic force has come to an end.
Inequality: troubling trends and why economic growth in Africa is key to reducing global disparities
Inequality remains on the top of the policy priority list for most countries in the world.
Trade unions - new ways of organising in the digital age
From US car factories to public sector workers in Nigeria and South Africa, strikes by trade unions continue among the established sectors of the working class.
South Africa can’t crack the inequality curse. Why, and what can be done
Efforts have been made to change the patterns of inequality in South Africa. But not enough has been done. Race-based inequality is still a real problem.
South Africa can’t crack the inequality curse. Why, and what can be done
South Africa is ranked one of the most unequal societies in the world. The Conversation Africa spoke to Imraan Valodia, an economist, about inequality in SA
Grid capacity a significant obstacle to renewables transition and fixing load shedding
Countries across the world are redesigning their grids to cater for the fact that power generation from renewables changes the geography of electricity supply
UN body proposes new social contract
A new eco-social contract is necessary to create a sustainable and just future, responsive to multiple and intersecting crises.
Riding to survive: food couriers in three African cities
Most of the studies on gig work focus on the Global North. There's been little research on how platform workers in Africa are responding to the digital economy
Social development budget is not fit for purpose
The finance minister warned in February that the 2023-24 budget would make “tough trade-offs in the interests of the country’s short and long-term prosperity”.
Column: Ensuring a just energy transition is complex
Focusing on the dynamics in the electricity sector, Professor Imraan Valodia outlines the challenges South Africa is facing and what can be done.
Africa, don’t swallow the poison pill of austerity any more
The continent’s debt crisis is not of its making. And cutting back on public spending will only aggravate the problem.
SA’s budget has become less credible
Award-winning research means impactful change for young unemployed men
Dr Hannah Dawson, Researcher at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) at Wits, wins at the HSRC and USAf CEOs’ annual award
SCIS researcher recognised for her contribution to social justice
SCIS' Dr Hannah Dawson is the recipient of the prestigious 2022/23 Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Universities South Africa (USAf) CEO’s Award
Climate change a time for Africa to roar back
The battle for power and profits is on as the world moves towards the green agenda.
Facing the climate crisis in a world of inequality: Who should pay? Who will pay?
Climate change worsens inequality and inequality worsens climate change, warn experts.
Core services shrinkage in budget will harm the poor, MPs told
Civil society organisations criticise what they say is an austerity budget
Informal settlements could drive South Africa’s rooftop solar revolution
Informal settlements could drive South Africa’s solar revolution
Non-racial South Africa: book shows debate on nation building is still relevant today
There has been much comment recently on the lack of representation of minorities in the ANC's leadership structures
Budget pressures erode capacity of the criminal justice system
The criminal justice system faces severe challenges: as organised crime has risen, the capacity of the system has diminished. Here's what the numbers tell us
COP27 key outcomes: progress on compensation for developing countries, but more needed on climate ju
Academics unpack wins, tensions at COP27 and the way forward.
Key outcomes from COP27
COP27 key outcomes: progress on compensation for developing countries, but more still needed
Worker organisations can survive the digital age. Here’s how
In the face of a decline in traditional union membership, it’s critical to focus on where resistance is taking place, rather than where it is not.
Worker organisations can survive the digital age. Here’s how
There is a widespread view that labour has become irrelevant as a force for change.
Climate Change and Me marks Wits’ largest first-year course in its history
Climate Change and Me was launched in 2022 and became the largest course by student numbers ever offered at Wits University.
Work and economic security in the 21st Century: What we can learn from Ela Bhatt?
Eddie Webster pays tribute to Ela Bhatt, the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India, who died on 2 November at the age of 89.
COP27 explained by experts: what is it and why should I care?
COP27 is the 27th Conference of the Parties (countries) that signed up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Be outraged – there are alternatives to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
Global leaders called on to build universal social protection systems that address inequality
The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) hosted the 2022 edition of its Annual Inequality Lecture on 18 October 2022
SA needs a bold, visionary mini budget and an end to austerity policymaking
When the minister delivers his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, he should show public leadership by announcing that the current approach to running the econ
South Africa’s public service: real spending is falling, but demand is growing
Core public services – basic education, healthcare and criminal justice – account for a large share of the consumption basket of poor South Africans.
Social grants are not a magic bullet
Social protection on its own doesn’t shift the dial. Radical economic policies are needed to tackle poverty and inequality.
Social grants offer cash, but they aren’t a magic bullet response to inequality in the global south
Social grants offer cash, but they aren’t a magic bullet response to inequality in the global south
Over the last three decades, there has been a proliferation of social protection programmes across the global south in what some have dubbed a development revol
Women in SA continue to bear a double (or triple) burden
In the post-apartheid era, women in South Africa have made significant strides in the labour market.
What’s wrong with the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Pasha Podcast: Innovation in the digital space is not necessarily working for people in the global south.
Mozambican unions hit snooze on a national strike: why it’s a bad thing for workers
Auto manufacturing is changing: how South Africa can adjust to protect workers and jobs
Technological changes in industry have given rise to contending schools of thought about their impact on work and workers.
Mozambican unions hit snooze on a national strike
Mozambique’s trade unions have not been a strong force in society – which has left a space for others to fill.
Digital labour platforms subject global South workers to ‘algorithmic insecurity’
Digital labour platforms are rapidly transforming the world of work.
Address the realities of unemployment, not just the numbers
The recent release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) by Stats SA provides a glimmer of hope in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution: a seductive idea requiring critical engagement
Narrative frames are fundamental to unifying ideologies. They frame what is possible and impossible, which ideas can be accepted and which must be rejected.
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Towards an Inclusive Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and uneven impact on the global economy and on the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
PEP releases evidence-based report on budget spending choices
The Public Economy Project has offered an independent appraisal of expenditure choices implied by the South African 2022 budget.
A reflection on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a critical framing
The first in the dialogue policy series hosted by The Future of Work(ers) Research Group at SCIS.
What’s wrong with the Fourth Industrial Revolution
President Ramaphosa welcomes groundbreaking book on SA economy
The book comes at a time of great upheaval in the global economy.
Rick Turner and the enduring necessity of utopian thinking
Utopian thinking, revisiting the ideas of Rick Turner in the current political context.
Basic income support in SA: what it will take
Basic income support is not a question of government “being generous”. The money will be taken from employed citizens and the affluent.
Basic income support is unavoidable, but making it work requires political courage
A slowly worsening chronic fiscal crisis
National Treasury’s strategy to overcome South Africa’s chronic fiscal crisis rests on highly uncertain political and economic foundations.
The MTBPS clears some fiscal space but it is still a path through a swamp
The Future of Work in the Digital Age
Decoding Algorithmic Control
Head of UNAIDS unpacks the knock-on effects of Covid-19
Greater urgency is needed in the response to pandemics, to end AIDS and to end COVID-19.
Developing countries should inform global debates on inequality
Greater urgency is needed in the response to pandemics, to end AIDS and to end COVID-19.
Work as we knew it has changed. Time to think beyond the wage
Recent developments in the organisation of production have led to the decline of wage employment across much of the world.
Work as we knew it has changed. Time to think beyond the wage
EFE-EPA/Nic Bothma South African shack dwellers show how grassroots democracy is done
South African shack dwellers show how grassroots democracy is done
Trevor Ngwane shows how structures that emerged in the struggle against apartheid continue in democratic South Africa, now in conflict with the ruling ANC.
Pay the taxman his dues
A wealth tax could make a significant contribution to alleviating South Africa’s ailing fiscal situation.
South Africa’s basic income versus jobs debate: a false dilemma
South Africa’s vaccine quagmire, and what needs to be done now
South Africa has clearly suffered the consequences of poor strategic decisions to this point. It doesn't need to continue along these lines.
RFP Monitoring and Evaluation
The SCIS is looking for an evaluation specialist to support the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Centre.
Stereotypes about young jobless South Africans are wrong
Many unemployed young people are engaged in a variety of economic activities. These may not necessarily be recognised as a form of self employment.
Stereotypes about young jobless South Africans are wrong: what they’re really up to
Book calls for a rethink of capitalism amid the ravages of Covid-19
Rethinking capitalism requires that the primary focus should be on the distribution of economic power as the potential leading causal factor driving inequality.
7Qs for Academics Hannah Dawson
Today we speak to Dr Hannah Dawson Senior Researcher: Future of Work(ers) Southern Centre for Inequality Studies
7Qs for Academics Kitso Kgaboesele
Today we speak to Kitso Kgaboesele, Researcher: Communications and Engagement, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies
Why forcing disclosure of wages and executive pay in SA is a good idea
Companies being required to go public with information about executive and workers pay packets is increasingly becoming the norm.
7Qs for Academics Zukiswa Kota
Today we speak to Zukiswa Kota, Programme Head at the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) at Rhodes University
The link between inequality and power
How power is distributed in SA and how those with power think about wealth and income.
7Qs for Academics David Francis
Today we speak to David C. Francis, the Deputy Director at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies
7Qs for Academics Siviwe Mhlana
Today we speak to Siviwe Mhlana, Researcher: Inequality Studies at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies.
7Qs for Academics Sandiswa Mapukata
Today we speak to Sandiswa Mapukata, a research associate on the Future of Work(ers) project at SCIS
Informal workers and flexible organisation: Seizing the Covid moment
7Qs for Academics: Ruth Castel-Branco
Today we speak to Ruth Castel-Branco, Research Manager – Technology and the Future of Work(ers) Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS).
South African president extends special COVID-19 grant. Why this is not enough
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A wealth tax for South Africa
New paper shares details on how to implement a wealth tax in South Africa.
7Qs for Academics: Rosimina Ali
Today we speak to Rosimina Ali, a Researcher in Economics at the Institute for Social and Economic Studies, (IESE)
7Qs for Academics: Fikile Masikane
Today we speak to Fikile Masikane, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology at Wits.
7Qs for Academics: Olivia Faite Izidine
Today we speak to Olivia Faite Izidine from the National Institute for Social Action in Mozambique.
7Qs for Academics: Ravi Srivastava
Today we speak to Professor Ravi Srivastava from the Institute for Human Development, India.
7Qs for Academics: Thandiwe Matthews
Today we speak to Thandiwe Matthews, a human rights attorney and doctoral candidate in Law and Development Studies.
7Qs for Academics: Zerihun Berhane
Today we speak to Zerihun Berhane, an Assistant Professor in the Center for African and Asian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
7Qs for Academics Edward Webster
Today we speak to Professor Edward Webster, Distinguished Research Professor at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS).
Implications of Digital Technologies for the World of Work
The COVID pandemic has accelerated the use of digital technologies within the world of work.
South Africa’s waning economic fortunes demand harsh policy adjustments: who will bear the brunt?
Resolution of the fiscal crisis depends on faster economic growth which must be led by private investment.
Polanyi in South Africa
Edward Webster elaborates on the importance of Karl Polanyi’s work for South Africa.
Reasons for Uneven Digital Technologies
This is the second of three blog posts that will examine the relationship between digital technologies and work.
Digital Technologies and the World of Work
This is the first of three blog posts that will examine the relationship between digital technologies and work.
Work from home reserved for the privileged few in SA
Digital divides ensure that only 11% of households have access to the internet.
SA's budget for COVID-19 fails to pave way for more equal society
The budget is one of the key tools that government has to effect meaningful change.
Covid-19: The full economic impact will only be known later
South Africa needs to focus urgently on how COVID-19 will reshape its labour market.
Almost 16-million people allowed back to work
New level 3 regulations mark an important strategic shift in the government’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic.
South Africa needs a post-lockdown strategy that emulates South Korea
South Africa cannot afford to embark on a strategy of extended periodic lockdowns. It needs to shift to mass testing and contact tracing.
To zero-rate, or not to zero-rate: why the VAT debate is more complex than it appears
The 1% point increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) rate this year has raised important questions about how the tax system can and should address inequality.
The richest 10% own 95% – products of an economic and social system
How is it possible that we can have a society with so much wealth and so much poverty?
South Africa needs approach to inequality
It is widely accepted that SA is one of the most unequal societies in the world.
New Centre at Wits to tackle inequality
Wits launches first Centre for inequality in the southern hemisphere.