Partnering that promotes progress
Author/s: Gregor Jaecke (KAS), Nishendra Moodley (EDP) and Rashid Seedat (GCRO)
South Africa is at a pivotal moment in history. Standing at a critical juncture, we face a convergence of challenges that necessitate urgent change. From the desperate need for economic reform and improved social cohesion to addressing energy, food and security issues, all while pursuing sustainable carbon reduction goals. With the 2024 election having disrupted the ANC’s historical dominance, a new era of policymaking and governance is anticipated. In this context of political and economic transition, collaboration across sectors has never been more crucial. The EDP X-Change was an event emerging from a partnership between the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) and the Economic Development Partnership (EDP). It exemplified the type of collaboration needed to tackle the complex challenges we face.
Navigating a Just Transition | The keynote panel at EDP X-Change 2024 explored the mechanisms in place to ensure that South Africa’s energy transition is a just one. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks
Collaboration as a pathway for governance reform
As South Africa embarks on a new political chapter, the opportunity to strengthen democracy and foster economic growth is intertwined with capabilities for collaborative governance. KAS – aligned to the CDU party and with a global mandate to promote democracy, governance and rule of law – has been an advocate for partnerships that drive both political and economic reform. Since 1982, KAS has been active in South Africa, supporting democratic governance and fostering political dialogue. In the wake of the 2024 elections, the vision of inclusive governance is now more relevant than ever.
The EDP X-Change served as a practical demonstration of how diverse sectors—government, private industry, academia and civil society—can come together to drive this reform. The event was designed as an opportunity for collective sense-making between stakeholders in these diverse sectors. It showcased the EDP’s ability to convene stakeholders, engage them in open dialogue and draw out consensus on polarising issues.
Collaboration across sectors – a pillar of economic development
Like governance, effective economic development requires synergy between multiple sectors and must be informed by current research and evidence. At the EDP X-Change, the GCRO led a critical discussion about ways to enhance economic growth through informal economies and small business development. These challenges cannot be solved by individual sectors alone; they require a coordinated effort. Government must provide supportive regulations and infrastructure. The private sector plays a crucial role in integrating smaller enterprises into their supply chains to foster inclusive economic growth. And communities must be consulted about interventions; nothing can be achieved without their active participation.
Collaboration requires continuous effort, robust structures and mechanisms to address unintended consequences to ensure the success of these partnerships. The EDP supports this effort through enhancing the capabilities of good governance. Collective sense-making, as one of seven capabilities, is designed to manage divergent interests and bring together various stakeholders to advance shared goals. A critical voice in this sense-making is the evidence-based insights gathered by the GCRO and similar organisations. These insights contribute to the dialogues between government, the private sector, academia and civil society, and ensure that policies respond to a diverse range of needs.
Partnerships as the key to South Africa’s future
The partnership between KAS, GCRO and the EDP-on-EDP X-Change underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing South Africa’s societal challenges. The EDP X-Change is a prime example of how collective sense-making can create actions for securing South Africa’s democratic and economic future. Cross-sector partnerships that prioritise collaboration and consensus-building are the bedrock of inclusive growth in governance and the economy. The EDP X-Change has opened doors for stakeholders to engage. To start the conversations that are needed between different people for collaboration to begin.
In this moment of South Africa’s history, it is essential for all sectors to come together in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility. By embracing this collaborative approach, South Africa can build a stronger democracy, foster economic growth and create an inclusive society where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.