A new think-tank and leadership development organisation — The Rivonia Circle — which promises a new approach to research and policy formation is in the process of being formed.
The non-profit organisation which derives its name and inspiration from the Rivonia treason trialists — who included ANC leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki — is the brainchild of former Absa head of marketing and corporate relations, former Business Day editor and author Songezo Zibi who is its chairperson and co-founder. He says the response so far to Sunday’s announcement of its formation has been “overwhelming,” with many people volunteering their services.
He says the formation of the organisation is in response to “a deepening national crisis”.
“SA has profound, distressing challenges, which include poverty, inequality, high unemployment, a degenerate political culture and declining hope that a brighter future is possible,” says Zibi. “Like every other country in the Global South, it also faces the devastating impacts of climate change. Our country needs new ideas and capable, modernising and committed leaders in all spheres of society, but in particular its politics and government.”
“The country cannot afford any more inertia,” Zibi says, adding that it is time to review what was working in society and what was not, instead of just accepting the status quo.
The Rivonia Circle has already received financial pledges from philanthropic organisations and foundations and plans to be fully operational by April. A board, a research advisory board and a full management team will be appointed. Currently non-executive directors include Luzuko Koti and Lorato Tshenkeng, with Tessa Dooms a full time director.
What will distinguish The Rivonia Circle’s research and social policy formation approach will be that it will be centred on what is necessary for thriving, sound, healthy, safe, culturally vibrant, economically viable and politically connected communities. Public institutions must support such communities. For example, Zibi says, the current political system is too cumbersome for an individual to get any accountability or action at a local level.
It will also develop leaders committed to its ideas who can spread them at all levels of society.
One of The Rivonia Circle’s areas of research will be democratisation, constitutionalism, political and state reform. “After 25 years of our constitution, we have seen evidence that our system needs greater political accountability (to the electorate), which may necessitate the exploration of constitutional and statutory amendments that will make ours an even better democracy,” according to Zibi. “Modernising and strengthening the state is core to building strong institutions that will carry the task of creating a more prosperous SA.”
“Creating a new political culture is not just a matter of electing different politicians; our political and government institutions need to be re-formed in such a way that they facilitate and ensure that culture. It will not happen by happenstance.”
Another focus will be to develop ways to reshape and modernise SA’s economy to make it more inclusive and capable of competing in a rapidly changing world characterised by climate change.
“Unlike traditional think-tanks, we will make these ideas accessible to South Africans from all walks of life,” Zibi said. This will be through the public advocacy and dialogue leg of its activities.
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