As we enter the second half of 2026, we reflect on how MISTRA is contributing  to ongoing conversations about inequality, governance, democracy, foreign policy, leadership, local government and Africa’s developmental prospects.

Between April and June, MISTRA executives and researchers participated in various policy dialogues, academic forums, stakeholder consultations and international engagements. These events strengthen MISTRA’s networks across government, academia, civil society and the international community, as well as showcase our commitment to developing ideas that support South Africa’s long-term development.

This edition highlights a high-level roundtable reflecting on the outcomes of the G20 Summit and exploring what these outcomes mean for South Africa. Also, MISTRA participated in a roundtable chat with IMF’s Senior Resident Representative for South Africa, Tidiane Kinda, which outlined the opportunities and obstacles faced by South Africa’s economy.

As South Africa marked the 30th anniversary of our constitution, MISTRA held a public webinar on  the place of traditional leadership within our constitutional democracy. In this period, MISTRA also launched our latest publication Africa and the Thucydides Trap: Strategies for a World in Transition, which examines power transition in international politics from an African perspective.

Click here for a broader look at other things we’ve been up to.