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The UFS Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, in conjunction with the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR), recently hosted the fifth instalment of the Africa Dialogue Series. The webinar series – established by Prof Hussein Solomon – has rapidly grown in stature. The latest discussion on the SA Election Aftermath: Economic, Security and Political Considerations drew high-profile international attendance that included several ambassadors, military attachés, and representatives of security communities.

“Part of the success of the Africa Dialogue Series,” Prof Solomon says, “is that we include a variety of speakers in each discussion. This ensures that the conversation remains relevant.” 

Economic challenges amid coalition governments

Prof Philippe Burger, Dean of the UFS Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, opened the discussion by highlighting the complexities of coalition governments in South Africa – especially given the country’s lack of experience with such political arrangements. Prof Burger further pointed out the difficulty of managing coalitions amid economic stagnation, high unemployment, poverty, and mounting debt. At the time, Prof Burger forecast that a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) might push for pro-market reforms, but that such an agreement could still suffer from instability due to ideological differences. Prof Burger predicted a ‘rocky five years’ ahead for any coalition government.

A shift in security strategy

Transitioning to security matters, Eeben Barlow, Chairman and CEO of Executive Outcomes, stressed the paramount importance of a robust national security strategy for the new government's stability and South Africa's interests. He advocated for a comprehensive reassessment of the current strategy, urging a shift from reactive policies to a proactive, pre-emptive approach. Barlow underscored the need to align intelligence, law enforcement, and military efforts within this revamped strategy through proper structuring, training, and resourcing. He warned that without comprehensive security planning and decisive implementation, South Africa risks further instability, economic decline, and international reputational damage.

Political fragmentation

Next, Terence Corrigan, Project and Publication Manager at the IRR, offered a sobering analysis of the election results. He noted the severe weakening of the previously dominant ANC, which no longer serves as the nation's ‘moral voice’. Despite this, the opposition failed to capitalise decisively, with the DA potentially reaching its voter ceiling. Corrigan expressed concern over the rise of anti-constitutional parties such as the EFF and MK, which exploit public grievances and pose a ‘populist challenge’ to democratic institutions. He predicted increased political fragmentation and ‘fractious politics’ as South Africa navigates this political landscape.

Legislative gridlock and electoral reform

Adding to the discussion of political challenges, Marius Roodt, Deputy Editor of Daily Friend, noted the worrying decline in voter turnout, and reiterated the concerns regarding South Africa’s fragmented politics. Roodt warned that this fragmentation could lead to legislative gridlocks from minority governments or unstable coalitions unable to pass laws. To address these issues, he proposed electoral reforms, including minimum vote share thresholds, extended time frames for forming governments, binding coalition agreements, and restrictions on motions of no confidence. While some view gridlock as a check against radical policies, Roodt acknowledged that an inability to pass the necessary laws could hamper investment.

Broader political implications

Concluding the presentations, Sanet Solomon, a political analyst and lecturer at UNISA, provided an overarching analysis of South Africa's political landscape post-elections. She called attention to the historic significance of three decades of democracy and fluctuating voter turnout influenced by various challenges and achievements. Solomon emphasised the critical nature of policy alignment in coalitions, particularly the ANC's collaboration with the DA. She also discussed the complexities of maintaining macroeconomic stability, the urgent need for rule of law and anti-corruption measures, and the importance of strategic, cohesive policy making in the nation's future.

The webinar underscored the multifaceted challenges facing South Africa's new coalition government, highlighting the need for strategic economic, security, and political planning to navigate the uncertain road ahead.

Click to view documentClick here to watch the full dialogue.

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Odeion: Organ recital - Jaroslav Tÿma
2006-10-10

Saturday, 14 October 2006
Odeion
19:30
Admission: R60, R40
Enquiries / Bookings
Ninette Pretorius (051 - 401 2504)

Jaroslav Tÿma was born and educated in Prague.  He graduated from the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of the Performing Arts, where he now teaches organ performance and improvisation.  While still a student, he won prizes at several international competitions, including Linz, Prague and Leipzig.  In addition to being a concert organist, he also performs on harpsichord, clavichord and forte piano.  He is known throughout the world for his improvisations, which earned him first prizes at both the Haarlem and Nuremberg competitions.  He has been guest performer at the Prague Spring Festival, Musikfestspiele in Dresden and the Flanders Festival and he continues to concertize in prestigious concert venues in Europe, the United States, South Africa and Japan.  As an advocate of new music, Jaroslav Tÿma performs works by his contemporaries and is also a composer of note.  Through 1990-1993 he performed the complete organ works of J.S. Bach in Prague.  He records for radio, television, and numerous recording companies.  His discography includes over twenty solo recordings, most recently a recording of the Bach Goldberg Variations on both the harpsichord and clavichord.

 Programme

J.S. Bach
Preludium and Fugue in C minor (BWV 546)
Ich ruf zu Dir (from the Orgelbüchlein)

W.A. Mozart
Andante (KV 616)

B. Martinÿ
Vigilie (1959) - completed by Bedrich Janaÿek

J. Tÿma
Improvisasie op gegewe temas

C. Widor
Organ Symphony No. 5 in F Minor
Allegro vivace
Allegro cantabile
Andantino quasi allegretto
Adagio
Toccata

 

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