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The 1995 South African Citizenship Act in conjunction with s3 of the South African Constitution enshrined a free and equal Citizenship for all South Africans. The initial legislation inclined toward the inclusive, allowing dual citizenship and a number of other exceptions to reintegrate those who had lost citizenship under the Apartheid Regime. This paper argues that since 1995 there has been a slow but steady move to restrict access to citizenship through the legislative amendments of 2004, 2007 and 2010 and the Department of Home Affairs' unduly restrictive interpretations of the law in formal regulations and policies. The evidence suggests an agenda of 'shrinking the state' or, at the very least, an inclination to keep South Africa for South Africans. The paper argues that, as citizens, we ought to keep a sharp eye on this trend and respond to its political nature through political channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a study of South Africans' national perception and alignment to the dimensions of active citizenship, social cohesion and national pride. The study covers the 2017–2018 period and is based on a survey undertaken with a nationally representative sample. It identifies ten segments in the South African population that each point to distinct patterns of behaviour, attitude and opinion. Each segment displays a particular predisposition towards integration, social engagement and participative citizenship. The segmentation is defined by social and psychological characteristics and not demographics, although it offers demographic data on the composition of each group. The derived model yields significant insight into the national trajectory in the spheres of politics, civil society and the economy. It illuminates the dynamics of South Africa's pluralistic society and offers a platform for further political, social, economic and market research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]