South Africa’s future in a changing world: the GNU’s two options

The Government of National Unity presents opportunities for reform, even amidst global uncertainty.
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Date: 08 July 2025
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Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (GMT+2)
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Venue: Online via Zoom
Overview
New analysis reveals two starkly different futures for South Africa. One marked by slow growth and persistent unemployment; the other by progress through reforms in governance, infrastructure, education, energy and trade.
The Government of National Unity creates opportunities for reform, even amidst global uncertainty. This seminar will draw on strategic foresight and scenario modelling to show how deliberate policy interventions and South Africa’s position within the African Continental Free Trade Area could improve the country’s growth trajectory.
This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) and News24.
Moderator: Carol Paton, Writer at Large, News24
Keynote: Ashor Sarupen, Deputy Minister of Finance, South Africa
Panelists:
- Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures & Innovation, ISS
- Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO, Business Leadership South Africa
- Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist, Agbiz
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