Author: Damien J du Preez
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VC-backed LAP is Disrupting Germany’s Stale Coffee Game
If you believe the hype, LAP (Life Among People) may be about to disrupt Germany’s lacklustre coffee market. Like AirBnB or Uber, their goal is simple: to grow big and to grow fast. While they may operate in a very traditional market, they actually operate more like tech startups.
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Converting My South African Driving License to a German One
If you’re a South African that’s recently moved to Germany and plan on staying longer than six months, you’ll need to convert your South African driving license to a German one. While you’re allowed to drive on a South African license within those first six months, thereafter you’re legally obligated to make the swap. Fortunately…
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Setting Up House in Germany
It’s official – Jess and I have moved into our new apartment in Frankfurt, Germany. After eight months in temporary housing in the nearby town of Bad Vilbel, we’ve managed to secure a bright and recently renovated 1-bedroom apartment in the leafy district of Dornbusch.
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Stellenbosch University to investigate citizens’ assemblies for the future of South African democracy
The popularity of citizens’ assemblies continues to grow across the democracies of the Global North. From Ireland to New Zealand, citizens are increasingly being given the opportunity to directly involve themselves in democratic decision-making. What challenges and opportunities does this democratic innovation offer South Africa on the 30th anniversary of its democracy, and how does…
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Can Democracy Handle the Heat?
If democratic governments fail to address the growing climate emergency, they risk the rise of populist and authoritarian sentiments and the complete erosion of democracy as we know it.
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South Africa’s Democracy Problem
The vast majority of South Africans are unhappy with the way democracy is working, while our trust in public institutions and government officials continues to decline. Political participation (especially among the youth) is also at an all-time low. On the eve of our seventh general elections, which will also mark the 30th anniversary of the…
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Syria Rejoins Arab League
First published in Democracy Delivered – Issue 3, a monthly newsletter published by the Centre for Research on Democracy. The Arab League has voted to welcome Syria back into its ranks after a 12-year suspension. In doing so, they have helped legitimise a violent authoritarian regime. On Sunday the 7th of May, Syria was readmitted…
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Will Turkey’s Erdogan Go?
First published in Democracy Delivered – Issue 2, a monthly newsletter published by the Centre for Research on Democracy. Erdoğan’s 20 years of strongman rule are being threatened by a united opposition, economic dysfunction, and the aftermath of an earthquake which left 48 000 dead and millions more homeless. But will he go? On the…
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Democracy’s Shifting Fortunes
First published in issue 1 of Democracy Delivered, the Centre for Research on Democracy’s monthly newsletter on democratic trends and developments. How is democracy doing, globally? According to the V-Dem Institute’s new Democracy Report, the number of democracies in the world – and the influence they exert – is on the decline. A more democratic…
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Winners and Losers: Climate Mitigation May Cripple South Africa’s Tourism Industry
Meaningful efforts to mitigate climate change may very well cripple South Africa’s tourism industry. Nevertheless, South Africa desperately needs these sorts of mitigation policies.