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Copyright © 2026 Inclusive Society Institute PO Box 12609, Mill Street Cape Town, 8010 South Africa 235-515 NPO All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission in writing from the Inclusive Society Institute. D I S C L A I M E R Views expressed in this report do not necessarily represent the views of the Inclusive Society Institute or those of their respective Board or Council members. MAY 2026 by Lerato Tsebe BA (Political Studies, International Relations & Sociology), BA Hons (Political Studies), University of the Witwatersrand ABSTRACT This paper examines the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway initiative and its implications for Africa’s development, with a particular focus on South Africa. Launched in 2021, the initiative seeks to mobilise substantial investment in key sectors such as clean energy, digital infrastructure, transport, health, and education, positioning Africa as a central partner in a shifting global economic landscape. It also reflects the EU’s strategic response to increasing competition from global actors, including China and the United States, for influence on the continent. While the Global Gateway is framed as a modern and sustainable development strategy, this paper questions whether it represents a meaningful departure from historically unequal EU-Africa relations. Concerns persist regarding the accessibility of financing, the rigidity of funding conditions, and the risk that European strategic interests may take precedence over African development priorities. The initiative’s reliance on private capital and loan-based financing models further raises questions about debt sustainability and the ability to achieve inclusive growth. South Africa serves as a critical case study due to its status as the EU’s largest trading partner in Africa and a major recipient of Global Gateway funding. Recent investments aimed at supporting renewable energy, infrastructure, and skills development highlight opportunities for advancing green industrialisation and a just energy transition. However, these opportunities will only be realised if investments align closely with national priorities and contribute to long-term structural transformation. The paper identifies key challenges, including limited African participation in decision-making, insufficient focus on local capacity-building, and the potential for externally driven projects to reinforce dependency. To address these issues, it recommends strengthening joint governance, increasing concessional financing, enhancing transparency, and prioritising local value addition. Ultimately, the paper argues that the success of the Global Gateway will depend on its ability to move beyond traditional donor-recipient dynamics and foster a genuinely equal partnership grounded in mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and sustainable development outcomes. 1. INTRODUCTION As the global multilateral order continues to evolve, smaller Global South and Western countries are participating more in the world arena, with Africa being seen as the next big destination for foreign investment – it is set to become a global economic powerhouse. Much of the African continent is youthful and resource-rich, making it attractive to foreign countries with an appetite for economic partnerships. This is especially true in the continent’s renewable and fossil fuels energy sector. Africa is undoubtedly one of the world's energy-rich regions – an appealing prospect for those countries eyeing dominance in the energy space. Within a global arena that is politically charged, economically consequential and fraught with division, the African continent remains at the epicentre of global attention. Russia, China, India and the European Union (EU) are all potential partners for mineral-rich Africa, each having signed agreements with the continent to enhance their mineral and/or economic wealth. However, Europe has maintained a mainstay economic partnership with Africa, one that continues to evolve. The EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner and has recently consolidated its economic prospects on the continent with its novel Global Gateway initiative – a geoeconomic instrument that primarily consolidates the strategic economic areas in which the EU seeks to partner with Africa. The Global Gateway, launched in 2021, is the EU’s strategic investment framework for the clean energy, digital, transport, health and education sectors, aiming to address the continent’s geopolitical challenges. Questions remain, however, about how the Global Gateway will contend with a China dominant across Africa, a financially rich United States, an aggressive yet inexperienced Middle East, and curious Global South partners such as Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil and Singapore. This paper will examine how the EU’s Global Gateway will compete with so many competitors in Africa and how it can anchor its position as a partner for the African continent. The paper will specifically look at South Africa, the EU’s largest trading partner in Africa, and examine the primary policy and governance priorities that can be addressed to strengthen overall EU-Africa relations and advance mutually beneficial outcomes. 2. THE EUROPEAN UNION’S GLOBAL GATEWAY: NOVEL POLICY FRAMEWORK OR OLD WINE IN A NEW BOTTLE? In 2021, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU launched the Global Gateway Framework. It is widely regarded as its counterstrategy to an encroaching China in Africa, traditionally perceived by the EU as its ‘economic landscape’ in perpetuity. Tied to the African continent for centuries, much of the relationship was initiated during the 300-year-long colonial project, which has left deep scars, particularly from European economic imperialism. Over the years, the Euro-African relationship has taken many forms. Most recently, it has struggled to become a fair and equal political and economic partnership. The geopolitical landscape on which this relationship seeks to establish itself is being shaped by new bi-continental initiatives, largely driven by the European Union, as it aims to position itself as the leading partner for Africa’s political, economic and green energy ambitions. The Global Gateway is “a new European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors, while also strengthening health, education and research systems across the world ... the Global Gateway is the EU’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap … the Global Gateway is also fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement” (European Commission, N.d.). It is envisioned that a total of €300 billion will be disbursed into Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean by 2027, with Sub-Saharan Africa receiving the lion's share of €150 billion through the Africa-Europe Investment package. This was the EU’s foundational initiative to strengthen ties with the African Continent. The EU announced its initial investment at the 2022 EU-AU Summit in Brussels, Belgium. The Global Gateway is structured around five pillars of partnership: digital connectivity, climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research (European Commission, 2021). The 2021 Africa-Europe Investment Package, worth €150 billion, focuses on the renewable energy transition, transport corridors, digitalisation, and sustainable agriculture (European Commission, 2022). These projects, announced for implementation across the continent, place a strong emphasis on expanding and strengthening Africa’s renewable energy sector. For the Global Gateway, as of 2023, “ninety key projects were launched worldwide across the digital, energy and transport sectors, while also advancing health, education and research systems globally” (European Commission, N.d.). For the EU, Africa is front of mind and formed the first phase of implementation under the Global Gateway initiative. Given the tense geopolitical climate, and the African continent’s rich mineral wealth, large youth population and massive natural energy endowments, Africa is a highly attractive partner for Western Europe, which lacks many of these key attributes. Taken together, these factors provide strong motivation for Africa to be on the receiving end of the first disbursement of the €300 billion Global Gateway investment initiative. A key feature of the Global Gateway has been the inclusion of the EU’s private sector, European financial institutions and development agencies – collectively referred to as ‘Team Europe’. “This 'Team Europe approach' means joining forces so that our joint external action becomes more than the sum of its parts. By working together and pooling our resources and expertise, we deliver more effectiveness and greater impact. Team Europe consists of the European Union, EU Member States – including their implementing agencies and public development banks – as well as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)” (European Commission, 2025). Other European regional development banks, such as Germany’s KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau), the world's largest development bank, are also a part of this broad coalition of development finance institutions that make up this multi-pronged Team Europe. Well-financed and resource-rich, the members of Team Europe and their respective contributions represent longstanding instruments of Europe’s engagement with Africa, suggesting that their role is more conventional than innovative. Additionally, for Africa and other members of the Global South, the real challenges that remain are the detailed technical terms and conditions governing access to Team Europe’s financing and resources. A longstanding point of political contention between the two continents has been the rigid terms and conditions – another defining feature of EU-Africa relations – which call for further evolution. From the perspective of African economists, academics and analysts, there has been criticism of the enduring relationship between Africa and Europe, particularly regarding new economic development initiatives structured around rigid governance frameworks. For African academics, the Global Gateway and these contentious terms and conditions, “access to finance, the perceived risks of investing on the continent not only results in a higher cost of borrowing from international markets (which can be up to five times more than other regions) but contributes to high debt burdens. Making more concessional capital available is fundamental, and this puts development banks at the centre of scaling affordable climate finance (unfortunately, development banks are also increasingly lending at market rates)” (esi-africa.com). In 2025, the relationship between the European Commission and the World Bank Group broadened, with the World Bank identifying 18 high-impact investments across energy, transport, and digital infrastructure in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, designed to move projects from pipeline to financing and, ultimately, to jobs and tangible results (World Bank, 2025). This is essentially the same formula that the Global Gateway adopts. The EU-World Bank relationship has in no way quelled African anxieties, as most African Union (AU) member states have long had a tenuous relationship with the World Bank – seen as a prototype of a financial institution that African countries feel is impenetrable and averse to African-led reforms that would make it more relevant to their realities. Although in its nascent stage, the Global Gateway faces challenges, as critical analysis reveals several structural concerns. Firstly, while the EU emphasises investment in hard infrastructure, there has been insufficient investment in strengthening governance frameworks and fostering local digital innovation (Lunardini et al, 2025). Secondly, the initiative’s geopolitical motivations – particularly competition with China – risk instrumentalising African development for European strategic interests rather than genuinely prioritising African-defined needs (Hackenesch & Bergmann, 2021). Thirdly, the mobilisation of private capital, central to Global Gateway’s financing model, raises questions about profit-driven priorities that may conflict with development imperatives and social equity. To support this third point, at the EU-AU summit in Luanda, it was noted that “debt relief and reform of the international financial architecture were also highlighted, with calls for more transparent restructuring mechanisms and reduced borrowing costs for African states” (APA News, 2015). Thus, although the Global Gateway was a response to the number of participants encroaching on the African economic arena and to the need to continue extending the lifeline of the EU-AU partnership, the perception that the Global Gateway is merely ‘old wine in new bottles’ is reinforced by its inability to address the structural issues of adopting terms and conditions and language that speak to the realities of African countries, and by the incongruencies that the continent faces in the international community. 3. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION South Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in Africa. Equipped with sophisticated transport infrastructure, an advanced financial architecture, and a tech-savvy population, and considered Africa’s most democratically advanced state, South Africa is an appealing partner for the EU. The country has thus far received the largest disbursement of funds from the Global Gateway coffers. In October 2025, following the March 8th EU-South Africa summit, the country received an additional €12 billion in funds. South Africa initially received €4.7 billion in March from the EU. The funds were intended to help Africa’s most advanced country to focus “on the just energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity and pharmaceutical value chains in South Africa. The objective is to drive inclusive growth and shared prosperity” (Bulbulia, 2025). The second disbursement of funds to South Africa signalled an extension of the EU’s renewable market initiatives in the country and the opportunity to use South Africa’s experience as a prototype to be emulated across Africa. For South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, the financial endorsement aligned with the country’s development aspirations, “welcome the special focus on skills, small business development, and research and development. This is vital for the development of South Africa’s people, our most valuable resource” (Bulbulia, 2025). Ramaphosa’s remarks are attributed to the fact that skills development and increasing employment opportunities for its people are central to the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) of 2025. The plan is anchored on four priorities: Supporting the local demand for renewable energy and storage by unlocking market demand and system readiness, as a large-scale rollout of renewable energy systems is a critical precondition to achieving the core objectives of SAREM. Driving industrial development by building renewable energy and storage value chains, through localisation drives on both the public and private sector markets and supportive trade and industrial policy. Fostering the inclusive development of renewable energy and battery storage value chains, by driving the transformation of the industry, supporting the development of emerging suppliers, and contributing to a just transition. Building local capabilities in terms of skills and technological innovation to enable the rollout of renewable energy and storage technologies and associated industrial development” (South African Government, 2025). Like the rest of Africa, South Africa is grappling with an unemployment crisis, with more than 30% of its population, mostly young people, unemployed. Thus, the President's acknowledgement of the funds allocated to skills development, which can help to alleviate the pressures of the unemployment crisis, is relevant. South Africa occupies a unique position within the EU-Africa partnership framework. As Africa’s most industrialised economy, a member of the BRICS grouping, and a continental leader in renewable energy development, South Africa is both a critical partner and a bellwether for the success of EU engagement strategies (Alden & Schoeman, 2015). The EU will undoubtedly use its partnership with South Africa as a template for how it will roll out and structure its Global Gateway framework across the African continent. The EU-South Africa “partnership also sends a message of geopolitical alignment, reinforcing the EU’s role as a development and investment partner of choice amid growing global competition for influence in Africa” (Chilamphuma, 2025). This competition for the African continent emanates from different directions – from BRICS and China’s Belt and Road Initiative to the United States of America. The competition for Africa’s future economic prospects is being played out by a variety of determined global actors. Thus, the EU’s relationship with Africa is being challenged to shift from being asymmetrical (with issues pertaining to finance and trade in the EU’s favour) to being mutually reciprocal. “With Global Gateway, the EU entered the race for global infrastructure financing with China by building up its own sphere of influence to foster economic relationships through catapulting trade and investment as geostrategic ‘key EU foreign policy tools’ (European Union External Action, 2022: 253) ... EU member states decided to establish Global Gateway as a new geopolitical instrument” (Heldt, 2023). The engineering of this new foreign policy instrument is “a combination of external and internal factors—the rise of China as a geopolitical power, the shift to private investment to finance development projects, and the transformational leadership of the European Commission— [that] contributed to the adoption of Global Gateway as a new European geopolitical strategy” (Heldt, 2023). For the EU and countries like South Africa, mutual reciprocity needs to manifest specifically in arenas where Africa has traditionally been on the back foot, such as trade agreements, financing mechanisms, and debt and loan financing terms and conditions. The latter issues have been ongoing areas of contention for the EU-Africa relationship. Thus, “as the partnership unfolds, both Brussels and Pretoria appear determined to show that development cooperation can evolve beyond rhetoric - into real, transformative impact” (Chilamphuma, 2025). 4. THE EU-AFRICA RELATIONSHIP: PERPETUAL INCONGRUENCY? Aside from being tasked with evolving, there is also a concern that the EU’s Global Gateway will become the preferred model of development in the African renewable market and that it will serve as a dictation rather than a dialogue, with targeted milestones that could lead to a mutually beneficial partnership between the EU and Africa. In its initial design phase, the EU should have institutionalised African participation across all stages of project identification, design, implementation, and evaluation. The current model, in which European institutions largely determine priorities before presenting them to African partners, perpetuates asymmetry (Carbone, 2013). Global Gateway investments should align with and complement African-led frameworks, particularly the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) (African Union, 2015). For South Africa specifically, alignment with the National Development Plan 2030 is essential to ensure investments address nationally defined priorities rather than externally imposed agendas (National Planning Commission, 2012). Had the EU pursued this initial line of thought, it would have given the framework far greater efficacy and enhanced its offering in an arena dominated by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which invested $39 billion in Africa in 2025 alone. Although South Africa is the recipient of a substantial financial investment, the relationship between the EU and its largest African economic partner, South Africa, faces challenges. “South Africa’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, reflected in its non-aligned stance on various international issues and deepening ties with China and Russia, complicates EU expectations of alignment on geopolitical matters” (Sidiropoulos, 2021). As in any relationship, there are differences in the way an issue may be addressed. The way the issue is viewed and/or resolved will always be seen through the lens of what is in the best interest of a State. However, differences of opinion on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the current configuration of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in no way constitute an immovable obstacle to their relationship. Progress requires compromise, and continuing the current relationship dynamic between the EU and Africa will stall development. It will stall political and economic development for both sides. Compromise is necessary to ensure long-term strategic alignment and enable African partners to exercise meaningful oversight and course-correction authority (Lunardini et al, 2025). Even under the current framing of the Global Gateway principles and values, “guiding the investments, democratic values and high standards, good governance and transparency, equal partnerships, green and clean, security focused, catalysing the private sector” (European Commission, 2025), these should have been part of a dialogue the EU had with its African counterparts at the engineering phase of the Global Gateway, rather than merely consolidated points of instruction packaged as a new investment package. The Global Gateway project has to move beyond rhetoric to deliver a tangible, transformative impact that is mutually beneficial for Europe and Africa. This evolution is driven by a fast-changing geopolitical climate, where the Global South, Africa in particular, is playing a far more prominent role in global affairs. 5. LOCAL TECHNOLOGY AND LOCAL VALUE ADDITION A critical policy priority is to ensure that infrastructure investments catalyse technology transfer, skills development, and local value addition rather than merely creating dependencies on European technology and expertise. Historical development cooperation has often resulted in turnkey projects that leave little local capacity (Moyo, 2009). Global Gateway must differentiate itself through explicit technology transfer provisions, local content requirements, and investment in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems. In South Africa, this is particularly relevant to the renewable energy and digital infrastructure sectors. The country’s renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme demonstrates how local content requirements can stimulate domestic manufacturing and job creation (Eberhard et al., 2014). Global Gateway projects should incorporate similar provisions to ensure that solar panel manufacturing, wind turbine component production, and digital infrastructure equipment are progressively localised. Moreover, investment in research and development partnerships between European and African institutions can foster innovation ecosystems that generate locally appropriate solutions rather than merely transferring European technologies (Chataway et al., 2007). South Africa’s established research infrastructure provides a foundation for these partnerships. 6. SUSTAINABLE FINANCING MODELS AND DEBT SUSTAINABILITY The financing architecture of Global Gateway must prioritise grant financing and concessional loans over commercial lending, which exacerbates debt burdens. African countries collectively face debt distress, with debt-to-GDP ratios rising significantly, thereby constraining fiscal space for development investments (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2022). Whilst the EU emphasises leveraging private capital, this must not result in unsustainable debt accumulation or profit extraction that undermines development objectives. Questions remain about whether the EU can afford to finance the Global Gateway project at €330 billion, whilst China’s Belt and Road Initiative intends to spend $1.1 trillion, more than triple the envisioned amount for the Global Gateway initiative. “The European Court of Auditors has already questioned whether the EU can mobilize the claimed sums. In other words, Europe claims to support global development without actually committing any new or meaningful financial resources for much-needed infrastructure investments in low-income countries” (Gerasimcikova & Okumu, 2025). In addition, “the so-called billions are to be conjured up through the old toolbox of loans from multilateral development banks and EU member states. Projects from these loans are now rebranded as the Global Gateway” (Gerasimcikova & Okumu, 2025). If the EU wants to compete with other contenders for Africa’s economic partnership, it needs to scrutinise itself internally before it can offer a framework to a debt-ridden continent like Africa. There is scope for compromise here; innovative financing mechanisms, such as debt-for-climate swaps from African countries, could help redirect debt servicing towards renewable energy investments, aligning with Global Gateway priorities. Transparency in financing terms and conditions is essential. Global Gateway projects should publicly disclose their interest rates, repayment terms, collateral requirements, and expected returns to private investors, enabling both the lender and recipient countries to scrutinise the offer in their national Parliaments. 7. CLIMATE JUSTICE AND JUST TRANSITION Global Gateway’s climate and energy pillar must be grounded in climate justice principles that recognise historical responsibility for emissions and differentiated capacities for climate action. For South Africa, which remains heavily dependent on coal-fired electricity generation, a just transition requires substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure, grid modernisation, and social protection for workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels (Swilling et al, 2016). The EU’s Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, announced in 2021 with an initial commitment of $8.5 billion, provides a model for Global Gateway engagement – but implementation must ensure that financing is genuinely additional, grant-based rather than loan-heavy, and accompanied by technology transfer (Presidential Climate Commission, 2022). Furthermore, Global Gateway investments in renewable energy must prioritise energy access and affordability for African populations rather than merely facilitating green hydrogen exports to Europe. South Africa’s energy generation challenges, with millions lacking reliable access to electricity, demand that renewable energy investments serve domestic needs first. 8. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY For South Africa, Global Gateway’s commitment to sustainability must be operationalised through rigorous environmental and social safeguards. Where mining and infrastructure projects have historically caused environmental degradation and social displacement, particularly affecting marginalised communities, safeguards must be robust and enforced (Cock, 2007). Global Gateway transport corridor investments, for instance, must avoid biodiversity-rich areas, incorporate wildlife corridors, and ensure that land acquisition processes respect community land rights and provide fair compensation. For a country with deeply entrenched racial economic discrepancies, such as South Africa, this is imperative, as there are few other economic avenues for most poor communities to pursue to offset what they will lose. Gender-responsive approaches must also be mainstreamed across all Global Gateway interventions, ensuring that women participate in decision-making, benefit equitably from employment opportunities, and are protected from risks associated with large infrastructure projects (African Development Bank, 2021). For South Africa, gender and youth interventions are envisioned in the Renewable Energy Masterplan, where “a Transformation Fund, aimed at providing capital, but also support guarantees and warrantees (and possibly other support required by beneficiaries, such as skills development), for emerging suppliers into the sector will be established. It will aim to catalyse existing (and additional) funding streams in the sector” (South African Government, 2025). 9. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL OUTCOMES Proposed recommendations to strengthen EU-Africa relations through Global Gateway in a manner that advances mutually beneficial outcomes, particularly for South Africa: Establish a Joint EU-AU Global Gateway Governance Council with equal representation and decision-making authority, responsible for strategic direction, priority-setting, and oversight. This is to ensure that the Global Gateway framework remains impartial and meets the needs of both Africa and the EU alike. Reconsider the structure of debt, loans and grants being disbursed to Africa. A more substantive conversation between Europe and Africa needs to take place here. There is room for finance innovation and agility, well outside of the rigid conventional framework. Loosened terms and conditions for Africa could lend the EU a more competitive edge over its peers. Commit a portion of Global Gateway Africa financing as only grants or highly concessional loans to ensure debt sustainability. Mandate local content requirements of 40- 60% and skills development programmes across all Global Gateway infrastructure projects. This will align with local legislation and alleviate the pressure most African countries face, driven by high unemployment rates. Establish independent grievance mechanisms accessible to project-affected communities, led by local communities that interface most with them, especially women. Invest in strengthening African institutions for infrastructure governance, including regulatory agencies and parliamentary oversight capacities, to ensure sustainable management beyond project completion. 7. CONCLUSION The European Union’s Global Gateway African framework offers a significant opportunity to transform EU-Africa relations and address Africa’s infrastructure deficit in ways that support sustainable development and mutual prosperity. However, realising this potential requires confronting historical asymmetries, ensuring genuine African ownership, and prioritising development effectiveness over geopolitical competition. For South Africa specifically, Global Gateway can support the renewable energy transition, digital infrastructure development, and regional integration – but only if investments align with nationally defined priorities and contribute to structural economic transformation rather than merely facilitating European access to critical minerals and markets. The policy and governance priorities identified in this essay provide a framework for strengthening EU-Africa relations in ways that advance mutually beneficial outcomes. 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Developmental states and sustainability transitions: Prospects of a just transition in South Africa, Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 18(5): 650-672. Transparency International. 2020. Infrastructure Governance and Corruption in Africa. Berlin: Transparency International. United Nations. 2007. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. New York: United Nations. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. 2022. A World of Debt: A Growing Burden to Global Prosperity. Geneva: UNCTAD. World Bank. 2025. Global Gateway Forum: The European Commission and World Bank Group Deepen Partnership for Infrastructure and Jobs. Press Release No. 2026/015/EXC. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This report has been published by the Inclusive Society Institute The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) is an autonomous and independent institution that functions independently from any other entity. It is founded for the purpose of supporting and further deepening multi-party democracy. The ISI’s work is motivated by its desire to achieve non-racialism, non-sexism, social justice and cohesion, economic development and equality in South Africa, through a value system that embodies the social and national democratic principles associated with a developmental state. It recognises that a well-functioning democracy requires well-functioning political formations that are suitably equipped and capacitated. It further acknowledges that South Africa is inextricably linked to the ever transforming and interdependent global world, which necessitates international and multilateral cooperation. As such, the ISI also seeks to achieve its ideals at a global level through cooperation with like-minded parties and organs of civil society who share its basic values. In South Africa, ISI’s ideological positioning is aligned with that of the current ruling party and others in broader society with similar ideals. Email: info@inclusivesociety.org.za Phone: +27 (0) 21 201 1589 Web: www.inclusivesociety.org.za

Copyright © 2026 Inclusive Society Institute PO Box 12609, Mill Street Cape Town, 8010 South Africa 235-515 NPO All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the permission in writing from the Inclusive Society Institute. D I S C L A I M E R Views expressed in this report do not necessarily represent the views of the Inclusive Society Institute or those of their respective Board or Council members. JANUARY 2026 The concept outlines the Inclusive Society Institute’s approach to the National Dialogue. The Institute’s contribution will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 will be a high-level conceptualisation presented at the first summit, followed by phase two, which will entail a comprehensive process fleshing out a detailed policy proposal for submission to the National Dialogue in the run-up to the second dialogue schedules for next year. Background: The National Dialogue The National Dialogue is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at fostering open and constructive engagement among South Africans to address the country’s most pressing socio-political and economic challenges. It has been convened in response to the rising political uncertainty, social fragmentation and economic stagnation. The Dialogue seeks to build consensus around a shared national vision and actionable pathways for reform, by bringing together government, civil society, business, labour and other social actors, who must partner to jointly shape a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future. The National Dialogue is premised on the belief that South Africa’s long-term stability and prosperity can only be secured through collective deliberation and action and by creating a structured forum for honest conversation and collaboration, iin order to generate innovative solutions that are owned and driven by the people of South Africa themselves. The role of the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI), with its core mission of promoting a socially just, inclusive and equitable South Africa, regards the National Dialogue as a critical opportunity to contribute constructively to the country’s development path. Recognising that economic transformation and social cohesion are inseparable components of national renewal, the ISI will centre its participation on the interplay between economic growth and social justice. ISI’s approach: Economic growth underpinned by social cohesion The ISI will advance the argument that placing the economy on a more acceptable and inclusive growth trajectory is essential, but that such growth must be embedded in a broader framework of social cohesion. This dual focus will ensure that the economic gains are not only sustainable, but are distributed in ways that enhance fairness, that reduce inequality and which fosters unity. Key tenets of this approach include: A pro-growth economic agenda and therefore, the ISI will support policies and proposals that aim to enhance productivity, attract investment, foster entrepreneurship and improve job creation, particularly for the youth and historically the marginalised communities. An economy that is rooted in social justice, which suggests that growth alone is insufficient if it leads to deepening inequality or if it marginalises vulnerable groups and therefore the ISI will advocate for economic policies that are also pro-poor, pro-equity and which ensure access to opportunities, and fair outcomes for all. Social cohesion as an economic imperative, because social stability, trust and a shared identity are not only moral goals, they are economic assets, in that a cohesive society reduces conflict, improves cooperation and enhances resilience and therefore the ISI will champion initiatives that aim to address demographic fairness, cultural inclusion, equitable representation and the elimination of the systemic barriers to participation. Demographic and cultural fairness, which means the recognition of South Africa’s diverse social fabric within economic and institutional frameworks and in which representation, cultural acceptance and equitable participation are central to social stability and inclusive development. Institutional reform and governance for sustainable economic and social outcomes, which requires a capable, transparent and accountable institutions and therefore the ISI will support reforms that rebuild public trust and strengthen democratic governance. The central role of a capable state While the commitment of the private sector and active citizenry is vital to South Africa’s development, their efforts and ability to contribute meaningfully are dependent on the presence of a capable and effective state, because no amount of goodwill or enterprise can succeed in the absence of the institutional scaffolding that only a competent public sector can provide. Public services, infrastructure, law enforcement, education and healthcare, all of which are essential to economic dynamism and social cohesion and which require a state that is both efficient and trustworthy. A capable state is not synonymous with a large or omnipresent state, but rather a government that is strategic, focused and disciplined in its use of resources and mandates. The challenge facing South Africa is not necessarily that the state does too little, but rather that it in fact attempts to do too much with the resources at its disposal, thereby stretching its capacity too thin and undermining performance. This is where the principle of "less is more" must guide a rethinking of the public sector’s role and function. Instead of spreading limited capacity and resources across an overwhelming range of responsibilities, the state should concentrate on a core set of essential functions, where its role is irreplaceable and its impact most significant. These include, among others, maintaining the rule of law, ensuring macroeconomic stability, delivering quality basic education and healthcare, delivering social services, enabling infrastructure and providing a predictable policy environment. By focusing on doing fewer things, but doing them well, the state can rebuild credibility, restore functionality and support the conditions necessary for private initiative and social partnership to flourish. Moreover, a capable state must be underpinned by a professional public administration, clear lines of accountability, merit-based appointments and an uncompromising stance on corruption. These institutional attributes are not technical niceties, they are preconditions for development. In their absence, even the most innovative private sector or most committed civil society will struggle to gain traction. A state that is both strategic and capable becomes a partner in, rather than a barrier to, national renewal. It provides the platform upon which shared prosperity can be built, and without which no social compact can be sustained. Crucially, the ISI believes that it cannot be business as usual, because South Africa cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results and therefore a new trajectory must anticipate necessary sacrifices and a redefined social compact. This includes: Community service and active citizenship must be encouraged. Cultivating a culture of giving, charity and social responsibility must be cultivated. The tax system should be reformed in order to ensure that the super-rich and multinational corporations pay their fair share. Temporary financial sacrifices by those who can afford them, as part of a broader national effort to build a more stable and cohesive society, must be considered. These measures must be understood not as punitive actions or idealistic appeals, but as strategic, forward-looking interventions and a deliberate effort to cushion the nation against the inevitable instability that arises when an economy persistently serves only the privileged few. Without such shared sacrifices, the country risks deepening social fractures that could eventually destabilise the very economy these elites depend on and therefore these sacrifices represent an investment in shared prosperity and national preservation. Expected outcomes Through its participation the ISI aims to contribute to: Building a national consensus on inclusive economic growth as a foundational pillar for societal well-being. Developing policy recommendations that promote both economic performance and social justice. The promotion of stronger collaboration between social partners to implement inclusive development strategies. Enhancing the public discourse on the importance of equity, cohesion and collective responsibility. Building a national commitment to structural change, accountability and long-term shared sacrifice. Conclusion The National Dialogue presents a unique and timely opportunity to reimagine South Africa’s future and therefore the Inclusive Society Institute stands ready to offer thought leadership and convening power to shape a path that reflects the values of social justice, inclusivity and fairness. To turn this vision into a lived reality for all-of-society will require a new paradigm and new thinking that embraces growth, but not without reform and that encourages investment, but not without fairness; and that promotes unity, but not without accountability. Temporary financial sacrifices, community service, and cultural shifts toward greater empathy and inclusion are not burdens, they are safeguards against collapse. They are necessary instruments to avoid the societal rupture that will surely follow if the current economic path continues to favour the few at the expense of the many. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This report has been published by the Inclusive Society Institute The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) is an autonomous and independent institution that functions independently from any other entity. It is founded for the purpose of supporting and further deepening multi-party democracy. The ISI’s work is motivated by its desire to achieve non-racialism, non-sexism, social justice and cohesion, economic development and equality in South Africa, through a value system that embodies the social and national democratic principles associated with a developmental state. It recognises that a well-functioning democracy requires well-functioning political formations that are suitably equipped and capacitated. It further acknowledges that South Africa is inextricably linked to the ever transforming and interdependent global world, which necessitates international and multilateral cooperation. As such, the ISI also seeks to achieve its ideals at a global level through cooperation with like-minded parties and organs of civil society who share its basic values. In South Africa, ISI’s ideological positioning is aligned with that of the current ruling party and others in broader society with similar ideals. Email: info@inclusivesociety.org.za Phone: +27 (0) 21 201 1589 Web: www.inclusivesociety.org.za

Media Releases & Op-eds May 15, 2026 Op-ed: South Africa's immigration debate: Between reality, rhetoric and responsibility by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 23, 2026 Op-ed: South Africa must choose strategic patience over important panic by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 17, 2026 Op-ed: The world does not need new goals. It needs a new bargain by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 14, 2026 Op-ed: Universal Health Coverage is not the question. Design is. by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 7, 2026 Op-ed: Opinion | Europe and Africa must rethink their partnership for a changing world by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 31, 2026 Op-ed: Truth, not alarmism: Why evidence matters in South Africa's minority debate by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 22, 2026 Op-ed: South Africans want unity, but many doubt it is possible by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 10, 2026 Op-ed: South Africa's social fabric is fragile, but it may be starting to mend by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 17, 2026 Op-ed: AI can deepen democracy, or destroy it - The choice is ours by Tania Ajam and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 6, 2026 Op-ed: One school building, many futures: Why South Africa needs to rethink how we expand mother-tongue education by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 22, 2026 Op-ed: Why Africa's terrorism crisis is a governance crisis first by Odile Bulten and Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 14, 2026 Op-ed: After the scroll: A reflection on South Africa's mood and the need for rational hope by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 14, 2026 Op-ed: When words wound the nation: Social media, racism and social cohesion by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 7, 2026 Op-ed: Growth, equality and the question we keep avoiding by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 7, 2026 Op-ed: Record high interest rates - A self-inflicted economic blow by Roelof Botha & Daryl Swanepoel Up Dec 15, 2025 Op-ed: The illusion of leverage: Why racial escalation never ends well by Daryl Swanepoel Up Dec 15, 2025 Op-ed: What Buys gets wrong: Equality is not totalitarianism by Daryl Swanepoel Up Dec 10, 2025 Op-ed: Toward an inclusive electoral system: Reclaiming accountability without reproducing apartheid lines by Nicola Bergsteedt Up Nov 26, 2025 Op-ed: The veto isn't going away, but it needs to be civilised by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 24, 2025 Op-ed: Raising the Age: Why South Africa must rethink the old age grant threshold by Fanie Joubert & Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 22, 2025 Op-ed: South Africa's betrayal of its people: How our lawmakers are gutting the promise of public participation by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 22, 2025 Op-ed: Africa’s security crossroads: Why the continent’s future hangs in the balance by Odile Bulten & Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 18, 2025 Op-ed: Living longer, paying more: Why South Africans must confront the fiscal risks of longevity by Fanie Joubert & Daryl Swanepoel Up Oct 17, 2025 Op-ed: When power refuses to evolve: Rethinking global governance by Daryl Swanepoel Up Aug 27, 2025 Press Release: Inclusive Society Institute on Malema hate speech ruling by Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 27, 2025 Press Release: GovDem survey reveals rising distrust toward African immigrants in South Africa by Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 22, 2025 Press Release: Inclusive Society Institute warns against inflated illegal immigration figures and unlawful vigilantism by Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 21, 2025 Op-ed: The watchdogs of democracy: The vital role of South Africa's state institutions by Nicola Bergsteedt Up Aug 20, 2025 Op-ed: Africa's future must be funded by Africans by Odile Bulten & Daryl Swanepoel Up Aug 12, 2025 Op-ed: The National Dialogue is not about politicians talking. It is about people doing by Klaus Kotzé Up Jul 30, 2025 Op-ed: Navigating Africa's future in the face of shapeshifting global forces by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 30, 2025 Op-ed: Rebuilding trust: The imperative of the National Dialogue for South Africa's future by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 30, 2025 Op-ed: Africa, America and the East: In search of balance in a shifting world by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 25, 2025 Op-ed: Empowering small-scale fisheries for a sustainable and inclusive Blue/Oceans Economy in South Africa by Samantha Williams Up Jul 25, 2025 Op-ed: The National Dialogue: It cannot be business as usual - Social cohesion is key to South Africa's economic renewal by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 25, 2025 Op-ed: The National Dialogue: Solidarity is not just a moral ideal by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 22, 2025 Op-ed: Weaving a nation: Lessons from Singapore for South Africa's cohesion journey by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 17, 2025 Op-ed: A just global tax system - Balancing idealism and realism in the Developing World's fight for fairness by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 17, 2025 Op-ed: Rethinking leadership: A diplomatic reflection on US global primacy in a changing world by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 1, 2025 Press Release: A time for unity and collective action - Withdrawal from National Dialogue is counter-productive by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jun 22, 2025 Op-ed: Managing diversity in South Africa: Learning from the UAE experience by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jun 22, 2025 Press Release: Inclusive Society Institute CEO calls for just and inclusive global financial reform at the Think-Tank 20 (T20) Mid-Year Conference by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jun 18, 2025 Press Release: Political funding disclosure must match public support - Swanepoel by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jun 10, 2025 Op-ed: AI and social media: A double-edged sword that demands global responsibility by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jun 10, 2025 Press Release: Inclusive Society Institute welcomes World Bank Infrastructure Development Loan by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jun 6, 2025 Op-ed: Words that wound: "Kill the boer" is legal, but not wise for a fragile South Africa by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 30, 2025 Op-ed: Going for growth: Structural reforms needed for economic recovery by William Gumede Up May 21, 2025 Op-ed: G20 Human Rights Barometer: A red flag for global accountability by André Gaum & Daryl Swanepoel Up May 20, 2025 Op-ed: Going for growth: Structural reforms needed for economic recovery by William Gumede Up May 20, 2025 Op-ed: Economic resilience through strategic interventions by Jan van Heerden & Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 22, 2025 Op-ed: The Fragility of the Government of National Unity: A Critical Examination by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 3, 2025 Press Release: South Africans express doubts about GNU's cooperation and effectiveness by Ipsos and Inclusive Society Institute Up Mar 24, 2025 Op-ed: The urgency of fair climate finance for developing nations by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 12, 2025 Op-ed: No national dialogue if deferred by Klaus Kotzé Up Feb 12, 2025 Op-ed: Trump tariff fest threatens South African exports by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 21, 2025 Op-ed: A credo for a new South Africaness by William Gumede Up Dec 2, 2024 Op-ed: Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS countries by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 29, 2024 Op-ed: How cohesive is South African society? by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 29, 2024 Op-ed: South Africa's Social Cohesion Crisis by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 27, 2024 Media Release: Launch of the South African Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) at the Social Cohesion Roundtable hosted by the National Planning Commission at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, on 26 November 2024 by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 22, 2024 Op-ed: The Electoral Reform consultation panel call for public submissions by Daryl Swanepoel Up Oct 22, 2024 Op-ed: Strong enforcement needed to curb Human Rights abuses by André Gaum and Daryl Swanepoel Up Oct 2, 2024 Op-ed: The National Dialogue: Pathway to a people's plan for South Africa by Klause Kotzé Up Sep 12, 2024 Op-ed: Proposed Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill is flawed by Daryl Swanepoel Up Sep 12, 2024 Op-ed: Can South Africa learn from Finland's model for social cohesion by Nicola Bergsteedt and Daryl Swanepoel Up Aug 23, 2024 Op-ed: Government of National Unity met with positive response by Roelof Botha & Daryl Swanepoel Up Aug 22, 2024 Op-ed: South Africa’s national interest must be people-centred and pragmatic by Klaus Kotzé Up Jul 1, 2024 Op-ed: A new council for better global governance by Buyelwa Sonjica and Dr Klaus Kotzé Up Jul 1, 2024 Op-ed: Assessing institutional capacities to deliver in a changing world by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jun 25, 2024 Op-ed: Proposed Government of National Unity promises an exciting and inclusive future by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jun 24, 2024 Op-ed: South Africa is getting healthier? by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jun 3, 2024 Op-ed: South Africa is getting safer? by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 21, 2024 Op-ed: Voluntary Government of National Unity - an alternative to messy coalition government by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 21, 2024 Op-ed: China is an important African partner by Klaus Kotzé Up May 21, 2024 Op-ed: A constructive contribution to re-energize South Africa by Buyelwa Sonjica and Klaus Kotzé Up May 6, 2024 Op-ed: 2024 National Assembly Election: Two ballot papers - both of equal importance by Jørgen Elklit Up Apr 26, 2024 Op-ed: Developing an instrument to assess levels of social cohesion in SA by Klaus Boehnke and Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 17, 2024 Media Release: Scrapping of Gauteng e-Tolls welcomed, but defaulters still have to pay by Inclusive Society Institute Up Apr 16, 2024 Op-ed: The manifold challenges facing SA's Higher Education government policy by Dr Douglas Blackmur Up Apr 12, 2024 Op-ed: Voter registration mechanism needs to change by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 12, 2024 Op-ed: Managing social cohesion in diverse communities by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 3, 2024 Op-ed: Misrepresenting Polls Does Democracy A Disservice by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 25, 2024 Op-ed: UN summit of the future: On track to nowhere? by Nicola Bergsteedt and Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 11, 2024 Media Release: Mistrust in immigrants threatens social cohesion by Inclusive Society Institute Up Mar 5, 2024 Op- ed: A Critical Review of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 21, 2024 Op-ed: Embracing Flexicurity: Lessons from Denmark by Nicola Bergsteedt Up Feb 9, 2024 Op-ed: Navigating the complexities of coalition politics in South African municipalities by Nondumiso Sithole Up Feb 9, 2024 Op-ed: Growth drivers coming to the fore by Roelof Botha and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 7, 2024 Op-ed: Coalitions: Lessons from Finland by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 1, 2024 Media Release: Intent to emigrate remains disturbingly high by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jan 23, 2024 Op-ed: Who do we listen to? The human cost of war and its global impact by Buyelwa Sonjica Up Jan 16, 2024 Op-ed: Economic pandemic: Organised crime’s stranglehold on South Africa by Daryl Swanepoel Up Dec 14 , 2023 O p-ed: Leveraging Special Economic Zones for Growth by William Gumede Up Nov 29 , 2023 Op-ed: Many ethical hurdles to overcome in managing global population growth by Motsamai Molefe Up Nov 28 , 2023 Op-ed: Turnaround of construction sector is South African economy’s bellwether by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 20 , 2023 Op-ed: The United Nations must reform to represent the interests of the Global South by Klaus Kotzé Up Oct 18 , 2023 Op- ed: Reimagining Global Governance: A Call for Equitable and Resilient Systems by Daryl Swanepoel Up Oct 13 , 2023 Op-ed: Why Building Global Resilience Is the Best Investment We Can Make Now by Buyelwa Sonjica Up Oct 4 , 2023 Op- ed: Re-modeling the BRICS New Development Bank by William Gumede Up Sep 21 , 2023 Op- ed: Growth drivers coming to the fore by Roelof Botha & Daryl Swanepoel Up Sep 19 , 2023 Op- ed: The Progressive Realisation of Socio-economic Rights in South Africa: Albie Sachs' Pioneering Role by Nicola Jo Bergsteedt Up Aug 17 , 2023 Op-ed: Ensuring Administrative Justice for a Truly Inclusive Society by Inclusive Society Institute in collaboration with the Daily Maverick Up Jul 25 , 2023 Op-ed: The Vital Role of Participatory Democracy in Building a Just and Inclusive Society by Inclusive So ciety Institute in collaboration with the Daily Maverick Up Jul 12 , 2023 Op -ed: The global development and security initiatives: Safeguarding our global village by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 12 , 2023 Op -ed: Navigating China-Africa cooperation within a globally constrained environment by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 12 , 2023 Op -ed: New global trade and investment thinking by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jul 3 , 2023 Op -ed: Trust – the ‘glue’ that binds society together – is missing in SA by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 29 , 2023 Op-ed: Gender inequality - Men’s involvement in care: Contemplating the glass escalator by Nicole Daniels, Jodi Wishnia and Daryl Swanepoel Up May 22 , 2023 Op-ed: The personal is political: our families are blueprints for society by Jodi Wishnia and Daryl Swanepoel Up May 15 , 2023 Op-ed: Understanding gender inequality in caregiving and families by Nicole Daniels and Daryl Swanepoel Up May 9 , 2023 Me d ia Release: Intent to emigrate decreases but remains a risk Findings from the Inclusive Society Institute's GovDem Poll Up May 8 , 2023 Op-ed: Beyond Colonialism: Türkiye's Unique Approach to Africa by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 2 , 2023 Media Release: Mistrust in immigrants remains alarmingly high Findings from the Inclusive Society Institute's GovDem Poll Up Apr 25 , 2023 Med ia Release: An opposition coalition at the national level is highly unlikely Findings from the Inclusive Society Institute's GovDem Poll Up Apr 17 , 2023 Media Release: Comment on President Ramaphosa assents to the Electoral Amendment Bill by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 13, 2023 Media Release: Writing off outstanding E-Tolls under the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 22, 2023 O p-e d: A strong democracy comes with a price tag – and it’s worth every cent by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 22, 2023 Op-e d: Social Cohesion: Getting Symbolism, Action and Rhetoric Right by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 8, 2023 M edia Release : Inclusive Society Institute calls on President Ramaphosa to consider constitutionality of Electoral Amendment Bill by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 3, 2023 Op-e d: Born free, but not fair: Solutions to tackle youth inequality and unemployment in South Africa - Considered solutions to closing the gap on youth inequality and unemployment by Beth Vale and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 28, 2023 Op-e d: Born free, but not fair: 5 ways we can support SA’s teens to stay in school w ithout interventions along their life cycle, kids could well become the “disaffected youth” as early inequality gets compounded from birth, through school, and beyond. by Beth Vale and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 20, 2023 Op-e d: Born free, but not fair: Setting the foundation for long-term learning and earning Interventions that support childhood development in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life have the potential to radically shift South Africa’s current inequality crisis. by Michelle Flowers and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 16, 2023 Op-e d: Multi-Member Constituency model trumps Single Seat Constituency model by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 14, 2023 Op-ed: Born free, but not fair by Nicole Daniels and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 8, 2023 Op-ed: Coalitions must be built on trust and generosity by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 8, 2023 Op-ed: Born free, but not fair: Understanding youth inequality Youth inequality accumulates over a life course, but there are critical moments where policy and programming can intervene to alleviate inequality and safeguard more just futures for young people by Beth Vale and Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 3, 2023 Op-ed: Sustainable population and possible standards of living by Anton Cartwright Up Feb 3, 2023 Op-ed: Automatic voter registration: removing the thorn in the side of SA’s democracy by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 23, 2023 Op-e d: African Philosophy and Social Justice: The inclusiveness and limitations of a continent’s political thought by Mutshidz Maraganedzha Up Jan 20, 2023 Op-e d: Rise civil society: A new year’s resolution by Klaus Kotzé Up Jan 13, 2023 Op-ed: End the Social Compact tug-of-war: Lessons from Denmark by Daryl Swanepoel Up Nov 9 , 2022 Op-Ed: Parliament persists in passing an unconstitutional Electoral Amendment bill by Inclusive Society Institute Up Nov 2 , 2022 Op-Ed: Democratising the United Nations by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 27 , 2022 Op-Ed: A people-driven state is required for national renewal by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 24 , 2022 Op-Ed: Contractionary fiscal consolidation versus expansionary stimulus implications for growth, employment and debt by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 16 , 2022 Op-Ed: The world is on shaky ground, with South Africa no different by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 12 , 2022 Op-Ed: UN Security Council Reform - A New Approach to Reconstructing the International Order by Inclusive Society Institute Up Oct 06 , 2022 Op-Ed: The need for an evidence-based response to addressing Xenophobia in SA. The importance of addressing the real drivers of Xenophobia and Xenophobic vilolence. by Inclusive Society Institute Up Sep 15, 2022 Op-Ed: SA must pull up its socks or tourism rebound may be short-lived by Inclusive Society Institute Up Sep 08, 2022 Op-Ed: Challenges and solutions for local economic development in the City of Ekurhuleni by Inclusive Society Institute Up Sep 05, 2022 Op-Ed: Climate change adaptation and resilience: An analysis of some Global and National Measures by Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 29, 2022 Media Release: Proposals to remedy current deficiencies in the proposed NHI bill by Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 23, 2022 Op-Ed: Grease the gears so the economic wheels can turn by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jul 27, 2022 Op-Ed: As long as we keep failing our youth, the cycle of inequality will remain unbroken by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jul 21, 2022 Media Release: Trust deficit between civil society and SAPS is flaming lawlessness in South Africa by Inclusive Society Institute Up Jul 05, 2022 Op-Ed: Challenges and opportunities to enhance social mobilisation to combat corruption by Prof Evangelos Mantzaris Up Jun 28, 2022 Op-Ed: Towards a national commitment by Dr Klaus Kotzé Up May 26, 2022 Op-Ed: Social Cohesion: Taking stock of South Africa’s socio-political strategy by Dr Klaus Kotzé Up May 26, 2022 Op-Ed: Get the basics right to reboot growth by Daryl Swanepoel Up May 11, 2022 Op-Ed: The preconditions for a South African welfare state by Dr Klaus Kotzé Up Apr 11, 2022 Op-Ed: Leveraging ideas of hope to reduce inequality in South Africa by Anja Smith, Jodi Wishnia, Carmen Christian and Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 11, 2022 Op-Ed: The Russia-Ukraine conflict: Impact on South Africa, fellow BRICS members and Africa by William Gumede Up Apr 07, 2022 Op-Ed: The establishment of a National Anti-Corruption Agency for South Africa by Daryl Swanepoel Up Apr 06, 2022 Op-Ed: Rejuvenating South Africa's economy - a labour sector perspective by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 28, 2022 Op-Ed: Efficient logistics needed to keep agri-exports on the right track by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 14, 2022 Op-Ed: Back to basics to better economy - Getting fundamentals right will reverse economic woes by Daryl Swanepoel Up Mar 10, 2022 Op-Ed: Crisis in Europe highlights critical importance of self-sufficient, secure and stable energy production by Daryl Swanepoel Up Feb 16, 2022 Social Democracy: A pathway for South Africa's development by Dr Klause Kotzé Up Feb 03, 2022 WEF Global Risks Report 2022 suggests it cannot be business as usual Up Feb 02, 2022 Preventing corruption is the key by Willie Hofmeyr Up Jan 31, 2022 South Africa investing in the ICT sector is a no-brainer by Daryl Swanepoel Up Jan 28, 2022 The effects of corruption by Prof Pregala Solosh Pillay Up Jan 17, 2022 Anti-corruption agencies need to be nurtured by Prof Andrew Spalding Up Jan 13, 2022 Different types of anti-corruption agencies by Drago Kos Up Jan 12, 2022 Construction sector: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Let the private sector help Up Dec 7, 2021 Rejuvenating South Africa's economy - a retail sector perspective Up Dec 3, 2021 Speech delivered by Vusi Khanyile, Chairperson of the Inclusive Society Institute, to the Integritasza Conference, Wellington, South Africa Up Nov 11, 2021 ISI meets Deputy Minister of Finance - Present NHI and Inequality research outcomes Up Nov 8, 2021 Op-Ed: Rejuvenating South Africa's economy - A SMME sector perspective Up Nov 8, 2021 Op-Ed: South Africa needs an urgent national security and intelligence assessment Up Nov 2, 2021 ANC support dips, but it is still best placed to win local government election Up Nov 2, 2021 Op-Ed: SA's Jekyll and Hyde economy has investors second guessing Up Sep 16, 2021 Op-Ed: Would you choose NHI as our universal health care scheme if you knew the costs twenty years from now? Up Sep 15, 2021 Op-Ed: Local government challenges: How far have we come? Up Sep 8, 2021 Op-Ed: South African courts: Are they guilty of judicial overreach or merely upholding the rule of law? Up Sep 6, 2021 Op-Ed: Assessing crime intelligence in South Africa Up Aug 27, 2021 Op-Ed: Rebuilding US-Africa relations under the Biden administration and its nexus with China Up Aug 26, 2021 Achieving wellbeing equa lity for South Africans: a dream that shouldn’t be deferred by the Inclusive Society Institute Up Aug 13, 2021 Op-Ed: Reviving factories can fire up a much-needed growth engine Up Aug 11, 2021 South Africa's developmental model: The significance of state-owned enterprises Up Jun 23, 2021 Challenging climate change: The transition to a sustainable economy Up Jun 10, 2021 No quick fixes for SA's woes but glimmer of hope on the horizon Up May 31, 2021 Restoring faith in South Africa key to rejuvenating the economy Up May 5, 2021 Survey suggests voter support for party system in SA Up Apr 8, 2021 ISI presents electoral system proposals to IEC Up Mar 16, 2021 COVID-19: Severe blow to long-term employment prospects Up Jan 28, 2021 Speech by Daryl Swanepoel, CEO, Inclusive Society Institute, South Africa: International Conference on Poverty Alleviation: China's rationale, Beijing, China Up Jan 25, 2021 Op-Ed: Slowing the population growth is vital for South Africa's economic recovery Up Dec 11, 2020 Op-Ed: The US-China-Africa nexus under a Biden administration Up Dec 11, 2020 Op-Ed: ISI Annual Lecture with Justice Albie Sachs Prosperity through inclusivity Up Aug 13, 2020 Op-Ed: South African and the 12th summit of BRICS Up Aug 12, 2020 Op-Ed: Universal Health Coverage pathways for South Africa Areas of misalignment between stakeholders on the NHI Bill require further engagement Up Aug 11, 2020 Universal Health Coverage pathways for South Africa Areas of misalignment between stakeholders on the NHI Bill require further engagement Up Aug 3, 2020 Op-Ed: COVID-19 US-China discord and its impact on Sino-South African relations Up Jul 21, 2020 LGBT+ survey findings Survey on everyday experience of the LGBT+ communicy finds inequality and discrimination still rife, and mental health potentially a crisis in the making Up Jul 14, 2020 National health insurance Bill Parliament's Portfolio Committee would be well-advised first to obtain legal clarity on constitutionality Up May 20, 2020 COVID-19 ANC members and supporters show overwhelming support for government measures and ANC leadership, but are concerned about the future of the economy Up Apr 17, 2020 COVID-19 Survey: COVID-19 and its impact on the SMME sector Up Up

Monthly Newsletter Apr 30, 2026 ISI Newsletter: April 2026 Nov 30, 2025 ISI Newsletter: November 2025 Aug 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: August 2025 May 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: May 2025 Feb 28, 2025 ISI Newsletter: February 2025 Oct 31, 2024 ISI Newsletter: October 2024 Jul 31, 2024 ISI Newsletter: July 2024 Apr 30, 2024 ISI Newslette r: April 2024 Jan 31, 2024 ISI Newsletter: December 2023 & January 2024 Sep 30, 2023 ISI Newsletter: September 2023 Jun 30, 2023 ISI Newsletter: June 2 023 Mar 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: March 2023 Nov 30, 2022 ISI Newsletter: November 2022 Aug 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: August 2022 May 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: May 2022 Feb 28, 2022 ISI Newsletter: February 2022 Mar 31, 2026 ISI Newsletter: February & March 2026 Oct 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: October 2025 Jul 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: July 2025 Apr 30, 2025 ISI Newsletter: April 2025 Jan 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: December 2024 & January 2025 Sep 30, 2024 ISI Newsletter: September 2024 Jun 30, 2024 ISI Newsletter: June 2024 Mar 31, 2024 ISI Newslette r: March 2024 Nov 30, 2023 ISI Newsletter: November 2023 Aug 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: August 2023 May 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: May 2023 Feb 28, 2023 ISI Newsletter: February 2023 Oct 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: October 2022 Jul 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: July 2022 Apr 30, 2022 ISI Newsletter: April 2022 Jan 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: January 2022 Jan 31, 2026 ISI Newsletter: December 2025 & January 2026 Sep 30, 2025 ISI Newsletter: September 2025 Jun 30, 2025 ISI Newsletter: June 2025 Mar 31, 2025 ISI Newsletter: March 2025 Nov 30, 2024 ISI Newsletter: November 2024 Aug 31, 2024 ISI Newsletter: August 2024 May 31, 2024 ISI Newslette r: May 2024 Feb 29, 2024 ISI Newslette r: February 2024 Oct 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: October 2023 Jul 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: July 2023 Apr 30, 2023 ISI Newsletter: April 2023 Jan 31, 2023 ISI Newsletter: December 2022 & January 2023 Sep 30, 2022 ISI Newsletter: September 2022 Jun 30, 2022 ISI Newsletter: June 2022 Mar 31, 2022 ISI Newsletter: March 2022 Up

Embracing a society that is built on social and national democratic values Public Policy Research & Analysis Democratic Education, Briefings, Seminars & Conferences Publications & Liberation Archive Portal Featured Activity The People's Voice: Public Participation and the Soul of South African Democracy Books Our Latest Activities 4/2026: Investing in Green Industrialisation, Aligning EU Financial and Technical Instruments, including Global Gateway with African Priorities Release of Occasional Paper Lerato Tsebe May 6 #4/26 Open Consultation Mondays: The US/Israeli attack on Iran: What has happened to Global Principles and International Rule of Law? Open Consultation Mondays Inclusive Society Institute Apr 22 The Inclusive Society Institute attended and event marking the 25th anniversary and the 100th edition of New Agenda: South African Journal of Social and Economic Policy Public Engagement Inclusive Society Institute Apr 21 Up