Tobacco Bill – are committee powers unconstitutional?
In May 2018, the Minister of Health published a draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill[1] in the Government Gazette[2] and invited interested persons to submit comments and representations on the draft Bill.[3]
Expropriation Act – why is the FMF challenging it?
Through its Rule of Law Project, the Free Market Foundation (FMF) participated as an amicus curiae (friend of the court). The constitutional challenge to the Expropriation Act ran from 3 to 7 August in the Western Cape High Court. AfriForum, IRR Legal and the Vaderland Stigting principally brought the substantive challenge. Meanwhile, the DA made a primarily procedural case. The FMF appeared alongside other civil society organisations participating in the proceedings.
Tobacco Bill – can an uncosted law be justified?
On 9 May 2018, the Minister of Health published in the Government Gazette a draft 2018 Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill and invited interested persons to submit comments on the Bill.
Consciousness and AI – what does it mean to be aware?
From Ancient Egypt and the Stoics to Rome and Artificial Intelligence, humanity has never stopped asking what lies behind the extraordinary fact that we know we exist
Digital future – why cyber resilience matters?
South Africa's data centre sector is expanding rapidly. New investment is creating opportunities for economic growth, digital innovation and regional connectivity. It is also positioning the country as a strategic hub for Africa's digital economy. The country now hosts nearly half of Africa's data centre capacity. The local market is projected to grow from US$2.16 billion in 2024 to US$3.40 billion by 2030.
FICA regulatory overreach – court constrains bureaucratic power
The Financial Intelligence Centre’s attempt to impose retrospective penalties for a period extending fully five years prior to the existence of any lawful authority is not merely misguided, it is a brazen affront to the rule of law.
African trade is growing despite the obstacles
Businesses are expanding across borders. New trade corridors are emerging. Regional ambition also remains strong. However, liquidity, payment and execution challenges continue to shape the reality of doing business across Africa. Six months into 2026, African trade is growing, but it appears to be telling two stories at once.
The connected citizen – advancing unified service delivery
For many South Africans, interacting with the government still involves repeating the same process over and over again. Whether citizens apply for an ID, access healthcare, navigate the justice system, or engage with social services, they often resubmit the same information. They also move between disconnected processes. Records do not always align. Each interaction can feel separate from the last.
Why social investment remains crucial during economic upheaval
The Middle East conflict continues to destabilise an already volatile global economy. It is driving energy price shocks, inflationary pressure and heightened uncertainty for developing economies, particularly those exposed to energy and currency volatility. In South Africa, economic shockwaves continue to drive up fuel prices, strain energy systems and push the cost of living beyond reach.
Xenophobia, migration and money – is economic pain the real driver?
South Africa’s migration anger may be less about borders than personal debt, rising costs and a shared household finance crisis. Every Africa Month, South Africa marks the African Union’s 63-year-old dream of shared sovereignty, shared prosperity and a borderless continent built together. Africa Day fell on 25 May. The flags went up. The speeches were made.
