Inclusive Society Institute partners with Stellenbosch University’s School for Public Leadership for the 18th International Winelands Conference: 22 – 24 October 2025: Stellenbosch

The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) partnered with Stellenbosch University’s School for Public Leadership (SPL) in its hosting of the 18th International Winelands Conference, held from 22 to 24 October 2025 at the Asara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The event brought together leading academics, policymakers, practitioners and researchers to explore how societies can strengthen democratic participation and ethical governance in a rapidly changing world. The ISI was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Daryl Swanepoel and one of the Institute’s Senior Research Associates, Dr Klaus Kotzé.

Under the theme “Citizen Participation in Turbulent Times: Grasping Opportunities and Navigating Threats,” the conference created a vibrant platform for dialogue on how to deepen citizen engagement, renew public trust and equip leaders to respond effectively to social, environmental and governance challenges.

The conference was officially opened by Professor Zweli Ndevu, Director of the School for Public Leadership, and Professor Pieter von Wielligh, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University. Both reflected on the SPL’s 60-year contribution to developing ethical and capable leaders for the public sector. The Opening Address was delivered by the Minister of Public Service and Administration, the Hon. Mzamo Buthelezi, who stressed that citizen participation is essential to restoring confidence in government and ensuring responsive service delivery.

A highlight of the first day was a plenary panel discussion on “Citizen Participation in a Complex Global Context,” in which Mr Daryl Swanepoel, Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society Institute, served as a panellist. Drawing on the Institute’s research and policy work, he cautioned that “too often, what we call participation is less about sharing power and more about managing discontent.” He argued that “when citizens lose faith in the process, every other part of democracy begins to crumble,” and that public engagement must be treated not as a procedural obligation, but as a constitutional partnership between government and the governed.

The second day of the conference featured four parallel work streams, each addressing a critical dimension of democratic governance:

1. Public Leadership and Governance

2. Policy Innovation and Democratic Participation

3. Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance

4. Accountability, Integrity and Social Justice

Mr Swanepoel presented his paper on public participation during the Accountability, Integrity and Social Justice stream. He emphasised that South Africa’s Constitution makes participation a binding duty, not a courtesy, and noted that courts have repeatedly invalidated laws where consultation was absent. He argued that “the right to be heard is intrinsic to the very idea of democracy,” and urged that participation be transformed from “democracy with a clipboard” into a culture of deliberate listening, supported by practical reforms such as clear consultation standards, multilingual access and digital inclusion.

Another valuable contribution came from Dr Klaus Kotzé, who participated in the Public Leadership and Governance workstream. He presented a paper titled “Republican Constitutionalism: Reviving South Africa’s Democracy,” in which he examined how shifts in constitutional interpretation and institutional practice have weakened the republic’s founding balance between power and accountability. He argued that South Africa’s constitutional framework risks becoming overly technocratic at the expense of democratic engagement, and called for a renewed commitment to republican principles of civic virtue, ethical leadership, and public accountability. He also co-chaired the afternoon session of the same work stream, where participants discussed strategies to restore integrity and strengthen ethical governance within the public sector.

A fitting conclusion to the conference was the Gala Dinner, held on 23 October 2025 at the elegant Devonvale Golf Estate, marking the 60th anniversary of the School for Public Leadership. Sponsored by the Inclusive Society Institute, the event celebrated six decades of excellence in public leadership education.

In his address at the dinner, Mr Swanepoel, himself an alumnus and Research Fellow of the School, reflected on the shared mission of the SPL and ISI. He remarked that “a society cannot be inclusive without a capable state, and a capable state cannot endure without social cohesion,” observing that these twin pillars are the foundation of South Africa’s renewal. He toasted the School’s “six decades of academic excellence and public service,” and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening ethical, inclusive governance across all spheres of society.

Through its participation and sponsorship, the Inclusive Society Institute once again demonstrated its dedication to building an inclusive, capable and ethical state, one grounded in citizen participation, social cohesion and principled leadership.