President Ramaphosa to open the 25 Years of Democracy Conference

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday 23 July 2019, officially open and address the 25 Years of Democracy Conference.

The Presidency, in partnership with Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), an independent research Institution, and the University of Johannesburg, working in concert with other stakeholders will host the 25 Years of Democracy Conference on 23 - 24 July 2019.

The 25 Years of Democracy Conference is centred around the themes on Governance and Leadership; Socio Economic Transformation and Citizenship  and Identity. Participants from across academia, organised business and civil society will offer insights on the consolidation of democracy and  encouraging active citizenry, reflecting on the last quarter century since the fall of apartheid. The official review of the Twenty-Five Year government  Report will also be presented at the two day conference. 

The 25 years of Democracy conference also aims to provide an in-depth reflective analysis and reporting guided by the following critical questions:
- What lessons for governance, socio-economic transformation and nation building can we learn from our recent past?  
- What are some critical success factors and challenges for realising the democratic promise?
- What will be the key drivers of change in the next 25 years of our democracy?  
- Where will South Africa be in another 25 years? 

In his State of the Nation address at the opening of the sixth democratic parliament, President Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has remarkably progressed in building a new nation where all citizens have equal rights and broadening opportunities in the last 25 years since democracy, whilst acknowledging that the nation remains confronted by severe challenges. The President went further to say that due to collaborative work, a firm foundation on which all may know peace, comfort and contentment, has been laid. 

The Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, will officially close the conference on 24 July 2019.

The President will deliver the opening address as follows:
Date: Tuesday 23 July 2019
Time: 07:00
Venue: Sanlam Auditorium, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park

Media wishing to attend the conference should RSVP to conference@25yearsdemocracy.co.za by 22 July 2019 no later than 13h00.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria