Coalition land: South Africa after the elections

What are the opportunities and challenges for the country and its new Government of National Unity?

In historic elections the African National Congress lost its absolute majority after 30 years in power. What are the opportunities and challenges for the country and its new Government of National Unity? What are the implications for Germany and Europe?

In South Africa’s 7^th democratic parliamentary and provincial elections at the end of May, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its absolute majority, after 30 years in power.  It announced its intention to form a Government of National Unity (multi-party coalition), under its president Cyril Ramaphosa. After two weeks of intense negotiations, the ANC and the market-oriented Democratic Alliance, the second largest party and decade long rival, announced they had concluded an agreement: a comprehensive Statement of Intent to form a multi-party coalition. The radical Economic Freedom Fighters and the nationalistic, anti-democratic new MK Party of Jacob Zuma are not included. These developments are highly relevant for Germany and the EU, and they have significant geopolitical implications. With Africa's most industrialised economy, its natural resources, a resilient democracy and its diplomatic clout as a member of BRICS, South Africa is a leading player on the continent. The EU accounts for almost 50% of foreign direct investment. About 600 German companies operate in South Africa.

What are the opportunities and risk of the new multi-party coalition government? Can it address the ease of doing business and social crises soon? What will be its impact on the rule of law, and on South Africa’s foreign policy? Which opportunities do these new developments present for Germany and Europe?

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS) cordially invite you to discuss these questions with us.

PROGRAMME

10:00    Welcome Remarks: Wolfgang Niedermark, Member of the Executive Board, BDI

10:10    Speakers

Hanns Bühler, Regional Resident Representative Southern Africa, HSS, South Africa – Election outcomes and what they tell us

Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Chair of Board of Trustees, Head of African Futures & Innovation, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa – A look into the future: Scenarios for a country at a crossroads

Cas Coovadia, CEO , Business Unity South Africa – Analysing election outcomes and implications from a business perspective.

10:40   Discussion / Q & A

Image: GCIS/Flickr

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