About the New South Institute
Our story
At the New South Institute (NSI), we have seen firsthand how weak and unaccountable institutions undermine South Africa’s democratic promise. Established in response to these challenges, NSI has become a leading South African think tank, known for the quality, integrity, and independence of its work.
Through rigorous, evidence-based research and policy engagement, we focus on understanding—and reforming—the inner workings of government in fragile democracies. Our work is rooted in accountability: identifying the causes of institutional failure, strengthening oversight, and supporting reforms that improve the performance of the state. From disrupting state capture to shaping public service reform, our research has contributed to meaningful policy change. In recognition of this approach, NSI was named by On Think Tanks as one of the world’s Think Tanks to Watch in 2025.
Our purpose is to help build capable, accountable institutions that can sustain democratic governance and deliver for citizens.
Our People
Our Impact
NSI has been named by On Think Tanks (OTT) as one of the world’s Think Tanks to Watch in 2025, alongside leading institutions such as Carnegie and Brookings.
This recognition reflects NSI’s growing global standing and its proven ability to translate rigorous research into meaningful policy change.
NSI exists to provide evidence-based policy and applied research on the most complex challenges of governance in fragile and transitioning democracies. We judge our success not by publications alone, but by whether our work leads to concrete action by government that improves the performance of the state and strengthens the institutions that underpin democracy.
Over the past decade, NSI has played a decisive role in shaping public sector reform and accountability in South Africa.
Disrupting State Capture
- 2016–2018: NSI played a central role in interrupting state capture by publishing an acclaimed report and book that exposed the key actors behind the systematic takeover of the civil service. This work fundamentally reshaped public debate and policymaker understanding of state capture.
- 2016: NSI was instrumental in establishing a parliamentary inquiry into state capture, which ultimately led to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture (the Zondo Commission).
Supporting Ethical Governance
- 2016–2017: NSI worked directly with civil servants and politicians to help them resist illegal and unethical pressure, contributing to the emergence of a reform coalition committed to professionalism, transparency, and constitutional governance.
- 2017–2021: Through a sustained research partnership with the Anti-Corruption Coalition at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), NSI produced influential research supporting national efforts to combat corruption and restore integrity in government.
Reforming the Public Service
- 2021–Present: NSI developed detailed proposals to professionalise the public service and protect officials from political interference. This work contributed directly to Cabinet’s approval of the Framework on Professionalising the Public Service and informed ongoing advocacy around the Public Service Amendment Bill, positioning NSI as a leading voice on public administration reform.
From Policy to Implementation
NSI has moved beyond agenda-setting to implementation support.
- We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Service Commission to assist with implementing the professionalisation framework.
- In 2024, NSI concluded a landmark MOU with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), granting exclusive access to administrative data—access unprecedented for any organisation in South Africa.
Strategic Partnerships
NSI works closely with:
- The Department of Public Service and Administration, to drive systemic reform of the public service
- Academic partners, including GIBS, a leading business school in South Africa
- Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, enabling sustained engagement on legislative and oversight processes
Together, these partnerships ensure that NSI’s research continues to inform policy, shape legislation, and strengthen the institutions of democratic governance.
Our Aim
The New South Institute (NSI) exists to strengthen democracy by improving the accountability and performance of government.
We work in fragile and transitioning democracies across the New South, where state capture, institutional weakness, and fragmentation undermine public trust. Our approach is grounded in rigorous evidence, independence, and public interest, with a focus on reforms that can be implemented and sustained.
We measure our success by whether:
- Public institutions are more capable, ethical, and accountable
- Policy decisions are informed by credible evidence rather than private interests
- Governments are more transparent and responsive to citizens
NSI supports change by combining research with sustained policy engagement.
Partners
General Inquiries
If you have any questions or queries, please contact:
Media contact
To contact our communications and public relations officer, please contact us by e-mail or by telephone.
Vacancies
The NSI also recruits temporary staff to carry out its research and projects. If you are interested in working with us, please send an email with your CV, the project you would like to work on, and a brief description of your research interests. NSI also offers scholarship opportunities. Please visit our scholarships page for details. Temporary researcher vacancies are advertised on our LinkedIn page.