Leadership, 'Political Comebacks', and Succession in Southern Africa

Date: 2007-06-07 to Invalid date

The leadership and succession debates in Africa have significant implications for the consolidation of democracy. In the Southern African region, the incumbents in Angola, Botswana, and South Africa are expected to step down having served their term limits. In Zimbabwe there are indications that the incumbent plans to run for another term. In both Malawi and Namibia, there are attempts by former presidents, Bakili Muluzi and Sam Nujoma respectively, to make political ‘come backs.’ The existence of this scenario is clearly a source of concern.

While the Constitutional position on matters of presidential ‘political come backs’ in these countries is not clear, they blur the meaning of term limits. More broadly, it is time that we pay closer attention to the aspects of leadership and succession. This public seminar will explore these debates in the context of democratic imperatives and challenges in Southern Africa.

Speakers:

• Jo Ansie Van Wyk: University of South Africa (Unisa)
• Steven Friedman: IDASA
• David Sebudubudu: University of Botswana
• Sehlare Makgetlaneng (AISA)

Date: Thursday 7 June 2007
Venue: ISS, Block C, Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street, New Muckleneuk
(Parking in Brooklyn Mall and ABSA Court)
Time: 11h00 to 13h00 (a light lunch will be served thereafter)
RSVP: Loreshnee Naidoo
Tel: (012) 346 9500
Fax: (012) 460 0997
E-mail: [email protected]