In 2024, South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy, and Corporate Relations and Marketing, together with the School of Government Studies, at the North-West University (NWU), hosted a panel discussion on 23 May titled 30 Years of Democracy: The power, the people and protecting the way forward.

The event took place on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, less than a week before the national elections on 29 May.

The panel discussion was hosted by Prof Piet Croucamp and the panel members consisted of Dr Sysman Motloung, Dr Mabutho Shangase and Bonganu Mahlangu. Together they reflected on how the past three decades have shaped the country.

The panel also discussed the role the private and public sector play as obstacles to growth, corruption, how better to unlock growth opportunities, social cohesion, how to address the issue of a lack of service delivery, the impact of globalisation and South Africa’s role on the international stage, the country’s current economic trajectory, as well as the issue of youth engagement and future leadership. The panel also spoke about how South Africa should address the issues of unemployment and inequality.

The event started at 12:00 in the Recreation Hall of Building C12 (2), and an hour and a half of robust discussions later those in attendance and those watching live on YouTube left more informed about our political landscape than ever before.