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Discussing a new era in South Africa's young democracy
Quo Vadis South Africa?

"Coalition Land: South Africa after the elections and their impact on the industrial landscape" - that was the topic of an expert conversation co-hosted by the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation on the 28th of June.

Screen druing online event: Discussing the historic elections in South Africa

Discussing the historic elections in South Africa

BDI

Matthias Wachter, Head of Department, Security and Raw Materials, Federation of German Industries, shared welcome remarks and highlighted the importance of economic relations and other ties Germany has with South Africa. About 600 German companies are represented in the country.

The event brought together experienced speakers:

* Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Chairperson of the Board and Head of African Futures and Innovation, Institute for Security Studies Pretoria 

* Cas Coovadia, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA)

* Hanns Bühler, Regional Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in South Africa

The conversation was moderated by Karin April, Senior Project Officer and Head of the Johannesburg Office of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. 

Speaker inputs and the discussion explored key aspects of the current situation and potential future developments in South Africa.

  • We are speaking of historic elections, a watershed moment, and a new era for South Africa’s democracy – why is that the case? 
  • In what way is this moment of forming a “coalition government” new and unique for South Africa - and what does this mean for the parties and decision makers?
  • From a business perspective, how can one describe the current situation? 
  • The business sector has been part of reform projects and collaborations with the government in the previous administration, which are meant to be accelerated and somewhat broadened. What progress has been made so far - and what are the expectations now? What should be the priorities for the new government?
  • What is the situation of the Rule of Law, and how can work to strengthen it be pursued further now? 
  • What is the relevance of these developments for Germany and Europe? How can and should development cooperation and "Africa policy" consider them, and possibly be adapted?
  • What scenarios for South Africa does research suggest?

These were just some of the questions discussed during an insightful conversation.

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We are grateful to our speakers and a keen audience for an engaging, informative discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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