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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The 2nd episode of Just Access: The Real Democracy, comes out on the 6th of October. Host: Tasneem Essop (SWOP) Guests: Dr Federica Duca, Academic Engagement Programme Lead Dr Gaynor Paradza, Land Governance Programme Lead Daniel Sher, Researcher Produced By: Richard Rumney

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Join us for the keynote address about Local Government in South Africa and Beyond. 🔗 RSVP here by 6 October: shorturl.at/TdMCi

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Colloquium | Local Government in South Africa and Beyond JOIN US for the Local Government in South Africa and Beyond Colloquium on 14-15 October, with keynote address by Ellen Lust (University of Gothenburg) 🔗 RSVP is essential: pari.org.za/colloquium-l...

shorturl.at

Local Government Colloquium 14th & 15th October 2026

For more information contact: Dr Federica Duca federicad@pari.org.za

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

“Electricity costs have increased way faster than inflation,” Jugal Mahabir, programme lead for local government at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) in Johannesburg, told Africa Check. africacheck.org/fact-checks/...

africacheck.org

#LGE2026: Seven claims from the DA’s election manifesto fact-checked

South Africa’s second-largest political party is campaigning on a promise to get the country’s towns and cities “working for all”.

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Dr Sithembile Mbete, PARI's Executive Director joined SABC news to discuss how to understand municipal finances ahead of the November polls and the elected representatives who have to make decisions that affect some of the most immediate parts of our daily lives: water, electricity, refuse removal..

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Cool Politics Café by Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) returns on Thursday, 1 October 2026. PARI's Executive Director Sithembile Mbete is part of the panel discussing how coalition governments can work better in strengthening democratic accountability... whatsoninjoburg.com/discuss-coun...

whatsoninjoburg.com

Join The Conversation On Current Affairs At The Cool Politics Café This October | What's On In Joburg

1 Oct 2026 | As South Africa continues to navigate an uncertain political landscape, the Cool Politics Café provides an open and interactive platform for curious and political minds to examine the…

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

🎙️ The first episode of Just Access: The Real Democracy is out tomorrow on all major platforms. Host: Tasneem Essop (SWOP) Guests: Dr Sithembile Mbete, Executive Director (PARI) Jugal Mahabir, Local Government Programme Lead (PARI) Kate Tissington, Researcher (PARI) Produced by: Richard Rumney

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

🎙️ The Just Access podcast is back, and this season, we’re talking democracy. Host: Tasneem Essop (SWOP) Guests: Dr Sithembile Mbete, Executive Director (PARI) Jugal Mahabir, Local Government Programme Lead (PARI) Kate Tissington, Researcher (PARI) Produced by: Richard Rumney

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Where Does Your Municipality Get Its Money? Bridget Masinga (SAfmRadio) spoke to PARI's Local Government Programme Lead, Jugal Mahabir to discuss the importance of municipal funding and understanding its different sources. 🗣️ Listen to the full interview here: omny.fm/shows/the-fu...

omny.fm

Where Does Your Municipality Get Its Money: Understanding The Different Sources of Municipal Funding - THE FULL CIRCLE

GUEST: JUGAL MAHABIR - Programme Lead: Local Government at the Public Affairs Relations Institute

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

PARI's Executive Director Dr Sithembile Mbete, is a moderator at this Institute for Security Studies seminar about South Africa's constitution, where speakers will take stock of the past 30 years and discuss how to strengthen democracy and promote accountability in the run-up to the LGE in November.

issafrica.org

South Africa’s constitution at 30: from promise to practice | ISS Africa

Local government elections will reflect voters’ sentiment on how the country has progressed from constitutional promises to delivery.

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

At a recent roundtable hosted by CSIR and Anglo American, PARI researchers presented its Independent Evaluation of the Municipal Capability & Partnership Programme. 🔗 Read the Independent Evaluation here: pari.org.za/report-indep...

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

LGE 2026 | Understanding the three-ballot system PARI researcher Kate Tissington, joined Liezel Wilson on SABC news to help unpack some of the complexities around engaging with the Local Government Elections and explains how citizens can participate in it and hold Local Government accountable.

youtube.com

LGE 2026 | Understanding the three-ballot system

Local government is the part of government we encounter everyday- in our water, electricity, refuse collection, roads and the rates we pay. But how much do we actually understand about the system…

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Just Access series is back with a spotlight on the 2026 local elections. Just Access: The Real Democracy explores what's at stake for South African communities and their municipalities. Look out for a new episode every week. #JustAccessPodcast #LocalGovernment #Elections2026 #LGE2026

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The latest issue of Amandla! features work PARI researcher Tracy Ledger on the cost recovery trap facing local government, "municipalities must fund services from tariffs millions of households cannot afford, while inadequate maintenance produces infrastructure losses and financial collapse."

amandla.org.za

Setting the poor against the poor - Amandla

With local government elections approaching and anti-migrant mobilisation growing, the central concern of this issue is how anger at poverty, unemployment and collapsing public services is being…

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

In the upcoming 2026 LGE there has been a massive 43% increase in candidates who have been put forward for council seats. However, these numbers don't necessarily reflect the inclusion of women in South Africa's democracy. Read the full article here 🔗 explain.co.za/2026/09/14/f...

explain.co.za

142,000 candidates vie for SA local council seats-Explain

More than 142,000 candidates are contesting South Africa’s 2026 local elections. Meet some first-timers and explore who gets represented.

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In a research article by Wits University, PARI’s Tracy Ledger is interviewed on her work on free basic services: ‘Dr Tracy Ledger traces administrative failure [of municipalities] back to a betrayal of the post-apartheid social contract.' 🔗: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Can trust in SA’s municipalities ever be restored?

Can trust in South Africa's municipalities be restored? A hard look at failing service delivery, corruption and reforms that could rebuild municipal trust.

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Seminar | Faces of the City 🗓️ Tuesday, 15 September 🕔 16.00 pm - 17.30 pm (CAT). 🔗 Microsoft Teams Link: payg.rocketseed.net/servlet/link... Meeting ID: 366 800 230 869 999 Passcode: YG954vo6

payg.rocketseed.net

Faces of the City Seminar

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Joburg Urban Crisis Seminar | Civil Society Engagement with Local Government: Transformative Water Justice: Some Pointers 🗓️ Date: September 17, 1-3pm. 🔗 Register to attend online: pari.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 👤 Register to join in-person: forms.gle/Fz8sGATkprbY...

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

In a Daily Maverick Op Ed, PARI researcher Waseem Holland unpacks how the Madlanga Commission has shifted the discourse on South African grand corruption by framing it as organised crime rather than political State Capture. 🔗 Read the full op-ed here: www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Beyond State Capture — how the Madlanga Commission exposes SA’s criminal state

The Madlanga Commission has shifted the discourse on South African grand corruption by framing it as organised crime rather than political State Capture. However, recognising corruption as inherent…

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A look back at PARI’s Just Transition podcast from earlier this year. If you missed it, take a moment to listen and catch up on the conversation here: 🔗 pari.org.za/podcast-just... #justenergytransition #renewableenergy #justtransitionpodcast #aPARIpodcast

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Bridget Masinga (SAfm) spoke to PARI researcher Kate Tissington about wards and the role of councillors in the upcoming election and the importance of local government as the space where citizens directly intersect with local government. 🗣️ Listen to the full interview here: omny.fm/shows/the-fu...

omny.fm

#HowSouthAfricaWorks: Wards: Understanding Wards, the Ward Council and the role of Councillors in the South African Local Government - THE FULL CIRCLE

GUEST: Kate Tissington - Senior Researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI)

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Hydration Station As Mpumalanga’s older coal-fired power stations are decommissioned over the coming decades, there’s an opportunity to transform the province’s water security and fortify the Just Energy Transition. 'The Water Dividend' is a new report from PARI. pari.org.za/report-the-w...

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Report | The Water Dividend: Reallocating water from coal-fired power plants and coal mines Read the full report here: pari.org.za/report-the-w...

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

PARI’s report, ‘Powering Development: A Pathway to Integrating Rooftop Solar PV into Municipal Electricity Distribution’, reveals an untapped opportunity for SA municipalities to save billions in bulk electricity purchases every year. Read the report here: pari.org.za/report-power...

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In yesterday’s JHB Urban Crisis Seminar, Dale T. McKinley presented the work of Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), highlighting the growing mainstreaming of xenophobic mobilisation, including the targeting of informal traders, intimidation of migrant communities

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

PARI's Executive Directer, Sithembile Mbete, will be taking part in a discussion with Giulietta Talevi at the Parkview Heritage Festival about why the upcoming elections on 4 November could prove to be so important for the future of South Africa's democracy. lifebrands.co.za/events-exper...

lifebrands.co.za

Parkview Heritage Festival | Johannesburg | Life Brands

Parkview’s much-loved Heritage Festival returns to Tyrone Avenue on Saturday, 19 September, promising a full day.

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

The Local Interface Critique on the Draft Local government White Paper: 'To be taken seriously, the White Paper needs community representatives at the table alongside traditional authorities and municipalities;

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Joburg Urban Crisis Seminar | Civil Society Engagement with Local Government: Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) 🗓️ Date: August 20, 1-3pm. 🔗 Register to attend online: pari.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 👤 Register to join in-person: forms.gle/Fz8sGATkprbY... pari.org.za/wp-content/u...

pari.org.za

https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PARI-Urban-Crisis-2026-workshop-20-AUG-v1.pdf

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

International Webinar | Consultative Discussion on Financing Grid Modernization for Renewable Energy Integration in Coal-Dependent Economies 🗓️ 7 August ⏰ 10am – 11:30am (SAST) 🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... @inettt.bsky.social

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Climate Adaptation, Justice and Equity: Conceptualising a ‘Just Adaptation’ in South Africa presents a detailed analysis of the linkages between climate change, poverty and development, and critically applies that analysis to South Africa’s current climate adaptation strategies.

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

In an @africacheck.org =explainer article about the upcoming local elections, PARI’s local government programme lead discusses the factors that cause poor municipal performance: ‘Internal factors include administrative capacity, governance and political dynamics.

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

"By adopting a cooperative rather than an oppositional stance towards rooftop solar, Gauteng municipalities in particular have an immediate opportunity to reduce the cost of their bulk purchases of electricity, a new report shows." www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/roof...

engineeringnews.co.za

Rooftop solar could save municipalities billions on bulk electricity purchases

By adopting a cooperative rather than an oppositional stance towards rooftop solar, Gauteng municipalities in particular have an immediate opportunity to reduce the cost of their bulk purchases of…

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

PARI Researcher, Waseem Holland, attended International IDEA's conference on reimagining democracy earlier this year. Watch the video below to hear some of the reflections from participants. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9usW...

youtube.com

Reimagining Democracy

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

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Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) @parinstitute.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tracy Ledger, senior researcher at PARI, about how municipalities could cut electricity costs by buying surplus solar power from homes and businesses, unlocking billions in savings while reducing reliance on Eskom. pari.org.za/listen-could...

pari.org.za

Listen | Could solar rooftops cut power bills? » PARI | Public Affairs Research Institute

Stephen Grootes speaks to Tracy Ledger, senior researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), about how municipalities could cut electricity costs by buying surplus solar power from…