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.
-
Date: 08 July 2025
-
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (GMT+2)
-
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
More to explore

26 Aug 2025
Africa at work: redefining employment for a changing continent
Digitisation and youth-oriented policies could offer Africa’s vast youth population the prospect of adequate and productive jobs.

12 Nov 2024
Shaping the future: multilateralism and Africa’s geopolitical agency
The roundtable and training course will discuss Africa's interests in a changing world and empower young leaders to shape the continent’s future.

04 Jun 2025
How Africa can thrive in a turbulent multipolar world
Drawing on strategic foresight and scenario modelling, this seminar will examine Africa’s future in a rapidly evolving global order.

28 Mar 2025
South Africa’s active yet unequal trade with China
From afar, the China-South Africa trade relationship looks amazing, but when you look at the figures more closely, some real problems become evident.