South Africa's 2024 elections that led to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), offer a compelling case study for transitional democracies grappling with the legacy of deep-seated inequality and the challenges of forging a truly representative government. Nelson Mandela’s party, ANC lost power, after decades of dominance, and this presents a critical juncture. A GNU, born not of consensus but perhaps of necessity although ideological differences are vast, would continuously demand a delicate balancing act between satisfying diverse political agendas/interests and achieving policy coherence. Its success hinges on transcending the narrow interests of constituent parties, prioritizing national unity over partisan advantage, and demonstrating a tangible commitment to inclusive governance that delivers tangible improvements and service delivery in the lives of all citizens, especially the historically marginalized. Failure to do so risks exacerbating societal divisions, undermining democratic institutions, and potentially unravelling the hard-won gains of the post-apartheid era. This precarious situation offers invaluable lessons on power-sharing mechanisms, institutional resilience, and the vital role of civil society in navigating such transitions.
The American audience, accustomed to a two-party system with clear delineations of power, can gain unique insights from observing South Africa's complexities. The potential for a multi-party GNU demands a reconsideration of conventional notions of political stability and effective governance. In this session, Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika will answer these critical questions, but not limited to: What strategies best mitigate the risks of coalition fragility? How can institutional design foster accountability and prevent the erosion of democratic norms within a power-sharing arrangement? Examining the intricacies of negotiating policy compromises, managing conflicting priorities, and ensuring inclusive representation within a GNU provides a rich comparative lens for evaluating the effectiveness of diverse democratic models. The South African experience, with its unique historical context and contemporary political dynamics, can illuminate crucial considerations for countries navigating similar transitions, emphasizing the need for adaptable, context-specific approaches to democratization.
Dr. Thelela Ngcetane-Vika is a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance. Her research focus sits on the Governance, Security Studies, and International Law nexus. Her work weaves through various Sub-Saharan countries, particularly in South Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the UK, and the Americas. She is a Member of the Scientific Committee of the New Trends in Qualitative Research, which is a scientific journal for the World Conference in Qualitative Research. Her latest academic work is a comparative study on the European Union Single Market and African Continental Free Tade Agreement (AfCFTA), done through the Law School, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
In Dr. Ngcetane-Vika's chapter contribution titled “Between Belligerence and Servility: The Impact of British Law on Mandela's Legal Philosophy and Practice” in the recently published Black Britain and Nelson Mandela: "Pulling the Branch of a Tree" (2024), she offers expert commentary on Nelson Mandela's legal philosophy, showcasing her profound grasp of global governance and justice. Dr Ngcetane-Vika's presence in academic spaces is transformative. Her ability to empower those she engages with ensures that the knowledge she imparts is not just theoretical but a call to action, equipping individuals to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Lunch will be provided.
