French Ambassador to South Africa Aurélien Lechevallier expressed on Wednesday his hope that politicians and ordinary South Africans will benefit from the upcoming Africa-Europe Dialogue hosted by The French Institute of South Africa in South Africa (IFAS).

The free event will take place on October 7 ans 8 in Johannesburg, in a dialogue that is expected to host 80 speakers, 21 nationalities and 23 South African and European Partners.

Speaking during the unveiling of the event themed ‘Paths to Democracy’ Lechevallier said hosting the forum in South Africa is significant given the journey of the country as a leader in democracy, despite the current challenges.

“Europe and Africa are facing similar challenges as we witness a widening gap between the youth and the political scene. Through this series of debates, we hope to encourage dialogue across the continents and generate new ideas to strengthen our democracies,” he explained.  

IFAS believes that one of the shared challenges is the erosion of democracy, and to address this, the way that democracy is considered needs to be transformed, it said.

‘Our Future: Africa-Europe Dialogues’ intends to do this through a series of innovative programmes designed to include diverse local and international perspectives from people of all ages.

Representing one of the organisations which will showcase its skills, award-winning multi-disciplinary Centre of Excellence Sibikwa Arts Culture CEO Caryn Green said democracy is an ongoing discussion that needs to be revisited in South Africa.

She will host a session themed ‘Access and Ability to Participate in Democracy’ which she said will interact in a creative way, with a focus on advocacy and lobbying for policy change.

The dialogue will be looking to address questions arouns equal access to opportunities.

Interactive children’s museum Play Africa MD Rongedzayi Fambasayi said his organisation is excited to be part of the forum, which he says is a deliberate effort to include children in a democratic environment.

Play Africa helps children as young as six years old to understand concepts such as democracy.

Fambasayi said some of the questions to be explored include ‘what does democracy mean for children?’ and who has the responsibility or the duty to facilitate democratic rights and expression of children?’.

Constitutional Hill Strategic Support Manager Lebo Marishane said her organisation is honoured to be part of the forum as it stands for human rights and social justice.

“We believe in dialogue. That is how South Africa transitioned to democracy,” she said and added that dialogues will help in protecting human rights.

Anybody wishing to be part of the free dialogues should register at https://www.pathstodemocracyforum.co.za/ to reserve a space.