SPL (School of Public Leadership)
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​​​​​Citizen Participation in Turbulent Times: Grasping opportunities and navigating threats

​22-24 October 2025

The School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University is proud to continue the International Win​elands Conference series and tradition with its 18th edition. The main theme of the conference is focused on ​Citizen Participation in Turbulent Times:Grasping opportunities and navigating threats​.​

Both globally and domestically, South Africa and the broader African continent are undergoing profound and long-term systemic transformations across their political, economic, social, environmental, technological, and institutional landscapes. These changes present a dual reality: the emergence of new opportunities alongside the proliferation of unprecedented risks. On the global stage, growing disillusionment with the democratic project is increasingly evident. Geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the intensifying rivalry between China and the United States, demand astute navigation. However, they also present strategic openings for African countries, including South Africa, to assert their influence in shaping a more equitable global order. Notably, South Africa’s recent involvement at the International Court of Justice in support of ending the war in Gaza exemplifies its capacity to punch above its weight in international diplomacy and to contribute meaningfully to the reform of global governance institutions, an imperative starkly underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domestically, the establishment of a Government of National Unity and the increasing prevalence of coalition politics mark a significant reconfiguration of the political and governance landscape. While these developments introduce a level of instability and complexity, they also create new avenues for innovation and reform. There is growing momentum for the professionalisation of the public service and enhanced legislative oversight across Parliament, provincial legislatures, and local councils. Within this context, the constitutional provisions mandating public participation in policymaking and legislative processes can no longer be sidelined by bureaucratic inertia; instead, they must be embraced as a cornerstone of democratic governance.

From an environmental perspective, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure offers a significant opportunity to reorient South Africa’s development trajectory toward a greener and more inclusive model. The African continent is uniquely positioned to lead in this sustainability transition. Furthermore, unlike many countries in Europe and Asia facing ageing populations, South Africa retains a youthful demographic profile. As noted in the National Development Plan, it is imperative to leverage this demographic dividend to support inclusive economic development and social cohesion, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for all.

Conference Tracks/subthemes: 

Public Leadership and Governance:​

This track focuses on reimagining public leadership for turbulent times. It explores ethical, adaptive, and collaborative leadership practices that promote trust and institutional resilience in an age of political complexity, including coalition governance and public service professionalisation.

Policy Innovation and Democratic Participation:

This theme examines participatory policy processes and civic engagement in shaping inclusive and responsive public policy. It encourages insights into how governments can co-create with citizens, particularly in addressing systemic inequality and enhancing democratic legitimacy.

Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance: 

With a focus on climate change, ecological sustainability, and environmental justice, this track explores how governments and communities are addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainable development goals through inclusive governance models.

Accountability, Integrity, and Social Justice:

This integrated track invites exploration of how transparency, anti-corruption efforts, gender equity, and social justice can reinforce one another in building fair, inclusive, and accountable public institutions. It seeks contributions that address the structural and everyday barriers to ethical governance, with special attention to gender dynamics and marginalised communities.

​​​Call for papers:

The Academic Committee is pleased to invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for consideration for oral presentations at the 18th International Winelands Conference. This year’s theme, “Citizen Participation in Turbulent Times: Grasping Opportunities and Navigating Threats,” calls for critical reflections and fresh insights into how leadership is evolving in response to rapidly changing global and domestic contexts.

This conference seeks to explore how citizens and institutions can effectively respond to uncertainty, complexity, and instability. We are especially interested in research and practice-based contributions that grapple with the paradox of turbulence: how it creates both threats to democratic engagement and opportunities for innovation, reform, and collective action.​​

​​​The academic committee has extended the final paper submissions to be ready by the 31 July 2025


Conference Fees

R 7,000 for early bird 

R 7,500 for late registrations

R 5,000 for full time students providing proof of registration & registered postgraduate students presenting papers


Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring this exciting conference, a social function of the conference, or one of the parallel sessions, please feel free to contact us at winelands@spl.sun.ac.za. 

Accommodation and Transport

Delegates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and transportation during the conference. Visit https://www.visitstellenbosch.org/stay/ for accommodation options and https://uber-rates-stellenbosch-za.uber-fare-estimator.com/ for Uber fare estimates.

Important Dates​​​

​Call for Papers and Abstract Submissions Open
​​​07 April 2025
​Second Announcement​
​12 May ​2025
​Registrations Open
​12 May 2025
​Abstract Submissions Close
​31 June 2025
​Final Paper Submission
31 July 2025
​Early Bird Cut-off date
​01 September 2025
Late registrations closure​​
15 September 2025​​














CONFERENCE VENUE 

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel​

Polkadraai Rd, Baden Powell Dr, &, Stellenbosch, 7600

​CONTACT


  •  Pereka

  • +27 21 918 4122
  • winelands@spl.sun.ac.za​

PRESENTATION OF Manuscript before PUBLICATION​

Click here for instructions

CONFERENCE  PROGRAM

Click here TBC

How to Register for the conference

Click here to register for the conference​

​​HOW TO SUBMI​​T YOUR ABSTRACT


Closing date for the submission of abstracts is 31 June 2025, please click on the abstract submission tab below to submit your Abstract: