Our work

South Africa has one of the world's great constitutions. The IGL exists to ensure that it isn't simply great on paper, but real, enforceable, and impacts on the lives of ordinary people.

We do this through three areas of focused, practical work.

Parliamentary submissions

The IGL makes submissions to Parliament on a range of issues, including impending legislation and policy reviews, drawing on our research to put on record what the Constitution requires. We aim to publicise our commentary to keep the public aware of changes in law.

Public events & dialogue

We bring together voices committed to a South Africa where governance is honest, accountable, and worth trusting again.

The IGL hosts events to promote the values of accountable, lawful governance. This creates spaces for serious discussions and debates on topics of importance to South Africans.

Public interest litigation

When government institutions or officials breach their obligations, they need to be held accountable. One of the IGL’s areas of work is to take institutions and officials to task, and this can include litigation if all else fails.

To support the aims of litigation, the IGL conducts extensive research on matters we consider urgent. Areas of high concern include good governance, ethical leadership, competent management, fighting corruption, and upholding the rule of law.