Age of identity politics?

Debates on South African identity highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of identity in a country shaped by a history of racial and ethnic divisions, economic inequality, and shifting political landscapes. Post-2024, South African identity will continue to evolve, shaped by these racial, regional, religious and ethnic loyalties, economic disparities, and emerging youth perspectives. This in the context of a world where right wing movements and governments will be throttling to death many of the hard-earned rights to self-identity – at times in the name of religion, acting against diversity programmes etc. The critical question is whether the approach of unity in diversity will continue to inform the journey towards a united and cohesive nation, or whether the project of nation-building and social cohesion will unravel.

The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung South Africa, invites you to a roundtable discussion exploring the question: Are we witnessing the return of identity politics?

Date: 30 Septemeber 2025 
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Venue: Lindiwe Mabuza Space 

Several panels, composed of leading scholars and public intellectuals, will engage in dialogue on the intersections of identity, politics and nation-building.