In September, we hosted the 13th Mapungubwe Annual Lecture, which was delivered by Dr Naledi Pandor, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Dr Pandor explored current geopolitical developments and what place Africa occupies in these shifting grounds. The Mapungubwe Annual Lecture serves as a prestigious platform for thought leaders to discuss critical issues facing South Africa and the world. Since its inception in 2012, the lecture has attracted broad audiences for its deep reflection on complex themes, making it a significant fixture in South Africa’s intellectual discourse.
Other key MISTRA events that took place between July and September include the launch of the Coalitions Barometer II (2023 – 2025), which draws on case studies from approximately 80 local governments, alongside analysis of the unfolding national and provincial coalition governments. It also builds on MISTRA’s previous works to illuminate how the country’s political culture is adapting, and at times struggling, to manage this new governance landscape.
Additionally, MISTRA held a roundtable on how South Africans define and express identity amid political change, exploring the intersecting dynamics shaping politics, nation-building and social cohesion. We also hosted a webinar on Africa’s role in advancing global disarmament, discussing the effects of shifting geopolitics on nuclear disarmament and the importance of civil society in promoting nuclear awareness.
Another major event was the September seminar on reimagining Africa’s modernisation by leveraging China-Africa Partnerships under the auspices of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The seminar came at a time when the world faces many challenges, and participants called on Africa and China to use their collective agency to drive socio-economic development.
