"Hope" was the buzzword – and a relevant one – when members of political parties, faith organisations, civil society, academics and students converged at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) for the first-ever National Dialogue on Coalition Governments.

The two-day event, convened by Deputy President and leader of Government Business Paul Mashatile, aimed to establish a national framework to guide the management of coalition governments as they become a reality in all spheres of government.

"The word (hope) has reared its head regularly in recent months as life – on all fronts – continues to hurl burdensome boulders at everyone. Most of us emphatically live with the hope that this country will overcome all its hardships. Others have abandoned all hope of a better tomorrow. Hope is a powerful emotion, a mighty tool that gives rise to greatness; it affects change and sparks power," said UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius in his welcome address.

With speakers recognising the relevance of hosting the event at UWC, "where the nucleus and core of political activists would gather and discuss what should go into the first democratic constitution and bill or rights", Prof Pretorius said now was not the time to give up on hope. 

"If that were the case, this institution would not be here today. Hope was the foundation that this very University was built on. The University of the Western Cape leaders and community never gave up hope that someday this institution would be one of the catalysts that would unshackle a nation. UWC succeeded, but we are responsible for continuing to build this hard-earned democracy. It is our duty to facilitate this seminal national dialogue that will ensure cohesive and effective governance.”

Prof Pretorius said it was fitting that the dialogue took place in the Jakes Gerwel Hall, named after the former rector and vice-chancellor who, under his leadership, a remarkable generation of professionals were educated and contributed so much to the construction of democracy in South Africa. 

"During this process, UWC staff, including Bulelani Ngcuka, Zola Skweyiya, Brigitte Mabandla, Albie Sachs and Kader Asmal, did not allow their political allegiance to cloud their judgement on the importance of having a Constitution that would protect citizens irrespective of affiliation everyone. We must evoke this spirit when we embark on a transformative national conversation to lay the foundation for a National Framework for Coalition Governments".

Prof Pretorius told the gathering about UWC’s Dullah Omar Institute’s history of thought leadership in local government spans over three decades. The institute, he said, has consistently been teaching and writing about local government. 

“It has made numerous contributions to the design and implementation of the current system and produced a vast network of alumni working in the sector. The institute is but one UWC establishment that can assist in finding answers to the challenges we face with coalition governments.”

UWC’s Prof Jaap de Visser, Interim South African Research Chair in Multilevel Government at Dullah Omar Institute on Coalition Governments

Prof Pretorius noted that the journey would be difficult and called on political parties to change their approaches. 

"First, we must acknowledge the problem's complexity and understand that there are no straightforward solutions. We should elevate discussions above party and political interests,” he said. 

“South Africa is a diverse nation; our societies are complex; therefore, providing a platform for all is paramount – every voice counts. Furthermore, we must focus on building leadership capacity, which will require quality training. And we have to look to countries with thriving coalition governments, but we have to ground our decisions within our unique context.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this might seem impossible, but this institution has a slogan – that UWC is a place to grow from hope to action through knowledge. I hope that you and the Presidency will join UWC on this journey for a better future for all.”