South Africa at 30: Shaping the Next Chapter of Democracy

31 Mar 2025
Map of South Africa with flag overlay
31 Mar 2025

In 2024, South Africa marked three decades of democracy—a milestone that called for both reflection and forward-thinking. Over the past 30 years, the country had made significant strides in governance, economic development, and social transformation. However, persistent challenges—such as unemployment, inequality, and policy implementation gaps—still required urgent attention.

To take stock of this journey and chart a way forward, the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) hosted the South Africa at 30 Years of Democracy Conference in partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Commission.

Held from 2–4 April 2025 at the University of Cape Town, this landmark event brought together policymakers, business leaders, researchers, civil society, and development experts to engage in a bold discussion on South Africa’s progress and future policy pathways.

A Conference for Change

This high-level convening was more than just a reflection—it was an opportunity to reimagine South Africa’s future. Over three days, the conference explored critical socio-economic and political themes, with a strong focus on evidence-based policymaking and multi-stakeholder dialogue.

Day 1: Reviewing 30 Years of Policy Performance

Leading experts assessed South Africa’s progress across 12 key policy areas, including:

  • Fiscal & industrial policy

  • Trade & competition

  • Labour market & social protection

  • Healthcare & education

  • Immigration & governance

  • Environmental policy & Just Energy Transition

Day 2: Policy Dialogues for the Next Five Years

Building on the insights from Day 1, this day featured facilitated dialogues aimed at defining policy priorities for the next five years. These sessions emphasised practical solutions, collaboration, and actionable policy recommendations.

Day 3: Long-Term Strategic Planning

The final day focused on big-picture thinking, engaging decision-makers on what South Africa needs to prioritise over the next 30 years.

Who Attended?

The conference welcomed a prestigious lineup of government officials, thought leaders, and international experts, including:

  • South Africa’s Presidency, National Treasury, and National Planning Commission

  • The Departments of Home Affairs and Science & Innovation

  • The European Commission, AFD, the World Bank, and several United Nations agencies

  • Academics from MIT, Princeton, UCLA, and leading South African institutions

Why It Mattered

As South Africa stood at a crossroads, this conference provided a unique platform for shaping the country’s policy future. It was a vital moment for collaborative dialogue and forward-looking policy development.

The Details

Dates: 2–4 April 2025
Location: UCT Kramer Building, Middle Campus, Cape Town

Together, participants worked toward shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous South Africa.