30 Sep 2008: ISS Seminar, Addis Ababa: Mbeki`s Dramatic Departure from the Union Buildings - What Implications for South Africa?

ISS Seminar: Mbeki`s Dramatic Departure from the Union Buildings - What Implications for South Africa?
Addis Ababa, 30 September 2008

 

Hosted by the Direct Conflict Prevention Programme (DCP), ISS Addis Ababa

 

This past week will be remembered as a turning point in the history of post-apartheid South Africa. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) decided to terminate President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure just a few months ahead of the 2009 national elections and Parliament  and has now elected Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy Leader of the ANC as the new President of South Africa.

 

Now that Mbeki has resigned some critical questions remain: What will be the legacy of the ANC decision on the country’s history? What lessons should we draw from the ANC`s decision?  To what extent has the decision of the ANC dented its credibility? Is the South African political system firm enough to withstand this turmoil and what are the implications for the rest of the continent?

 

To answer these and other questions, Mr Tanana Mpanyane from the ISS will be making a presentation and the seminar will include the participation of South African Embassy officials in Addis Ababa.

 

The DCP strives to complement and support the work of the African Union (AU) particularly on issues of Peace and Security.  The ISS Public Seminar Series is part of the DCP effort at consensus building by providing a platform for sharing information, encouraging policy debates and dialogues on the African Peace and Security Agenda.  The aim is to stimulate quality discussion in-depth and constructive interaction between participants.  To allow for construction interaction, presentations will be introductory remarks aimed at stimulating unconstrained discussion.

 

Date: Tuesday 30 September 2008
Time: 09h30 - 12h30
Venue: Institute for Security Studies Office, First Floor, Ki-Ab Building, Alexander Pushkin Street, Pushkin Square, Addis Ababa

 

RSVP: Ms Sanatek Haile; Tel: (+251) 011-372-11-54; Fax: (+251) 011-372-59-54; E-mail: [email protected]

 

Please note that discussions occur under the Chatham House rules, which means no attribution without specific permission

 

Seminar Documentation