A Conversation with Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu on U.S.-South Africa Relations and Recent Events in South Africa

On Thursday, October 27, 2016, the Wilson Center’s Africa Program partnered with the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa to host a luncheon discussion at the residence of the South African Ambassador, His Excellency Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu. The event, moderated by Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Director of the Wilson Center Africa Program, provided an opportunity to discuss recent events in South Africa as well issues of importance to South Africa-U.S. relations, and was attended by several U.S. government agencies, as well as leaders from business, think tank, media, civil society, and other organizations that work with or in South Africa.

Key issues covered included the challenges and successes on the governance, socio-economic, and development fronts in the 22 years since the end of apartheid, and the state of the relationship between South Africa and the United States. Participants discussed the recent protests in South Africa, highlighting the challenges and prospects for providing more access to quality education for the “born free” generation; the challenges of supporting economic growth and inclusivity in the context of South Africa’s diversity; the reasons underpinning South Africa’s recent decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court and the broader implications of that decision; the issues surrounding the Ministry of Finance and the importance of creating a more predictable economic policy environment to assure both domestic and international investors; and the conflicting signals sent by South Africa’s bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Discussion also touched on the importance of AGOA and beyond, partnership-building with the private sector, and the role and current state of Power Africa. Other topics included South Africa’s consensus-driven approach on key issues on the continent; migration and social cohesion; and the challenges of managing land tenure. The discussion also touched on lessons learned from South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Process and parallels with more recent developments in the United States, including events at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Overall, the event was a timely opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual concern and interest while also reinforcing the importance and potential of U.S.-South Africa relations.