This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ending of apartheid and South Africa’s transition to democracy. Finland and Sweden, along with other Nordic countries, supported the liberation struggle and encouraged the building of democracy in South Africa. Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the anti-apartheid movement placed high value on the partnership with Nordic countries. Indeed, Mandela visited Sweden as early as March 1990, barely a month after his release after 27 years of imprisonment.
Since 1994, South Africa has embarked on many reforms focused on social service delivery to the most disadvantaged members of the population and national education. However, many challenges remain. The recent national elections show that popular discontent and impatience is growing, especially among the younger generation. Income inequality remains high and service delivery to poorer communities has often been neglected. Economic development has slowed, industrial development has encountered workers protest, and Nigeria has overtaken South Africa as the continent’s leading economy.
This seminar involves leading experts on South African development and will explore the main challenges facing the country in the post-apartheid era. How can living conditions for neglected population groups be improved more quickly, and how can political participation and civic engagement be encouraged? Will South Africa be able surmount these challenges and sustain its democratic development?
The seminar is moderated by Ms. Iina Soiri, Director of the Nordic Africa Institute
14.30 Coffee
15.00 Opening and introduction
Mrs. Gunvor Kronman, CEO, Hanasaari – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre
H.E. Mr. Sello Moloto, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
15.15 Key note
Governor Emeritus Mr. Tito Mboweni
15.45 Dialogue on the Swedish and Finnish engagement in the Liberation Process
The ambassadors Kirsti Lintonen and Bengt Säve-Sönderbergh
16.15 A Crisis of leadership? Reflecting on 20 years of democracy in South Africa
Professor Maxi Schoeman, University of Pretoria
16.45 Break
17.15 Panel: South Africa after the Mandela era
Ambassador Kirsti Lintonen
Ambassador Bengt Säve-Söderbergh
Associate Professor Annika Teppo
Professor Maxi Schoeman
Professor Liisa Laakso
18.15 Closing Words
18.30 Cocktails hosted by H.E. Mr. Sello Moloto, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
19.30–20.30 Theatre
Love and Revolution with Miriam Makeba
Registration at the Hanasaari website.
Organizers: Hanasaari – the Swedish-Finnish Culture Centre, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, the Nordic Africa Institute, the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. Enquiries 09-43502413