The Gathering Twenty Twenty-Four

Leaders Converge to Discuss South Africa's Future

The Gathering Twenty Twenty-Four Edition by the Daily Maverick kicked off on Thursday morning, 14 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Hundreds of people gathered to listen and engage with political leaders, activists, and change-makers from across the country and the world.

With South Africa being in an election year, the focus of this year's Gathering was on prospects after the elections on 29 May. Leaders from what is called "new politics" engaged in discussing what they perceive as wrong with South Africa and how they plan to "fix, save, and rescue" the country from what they called a "morally corrupt government" led by the ruling party, the African National Congress.

The country's criminal justice system was also in the spotlight, with former Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel setting the tone in the first opening address. He stated that we need new leadership willing to tackle issues. "We need skilled leadership willing to invest in proper training and artificial intelligence to tackle crime and corruption in South Africa," he told the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF).

People from around the country attending the event mingled while discussing their hopes and dreams for the country. This year, the FNF had its own little hub at The Gathering, and many people came to learn more about the Foundation for Freedom. The FNF, being a proud partner of this event, was thanked by both the organisers and attendees.

The last conversation on the agenda was the big debate amongst prominent political figures. These leaders all have their eyes on the prize in the upcoming election, with the leader of the opposition, John Steenhuisen, declaring himself "ready to rescue South Africa" with the formation of the new Multi-Party Charter, he said. However, Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola disagreed with Steenhuisen and stated that the ruling party will continue to govern South Africa.