The Interchange

In order to address the historic wrongs caused by arbitrary dispossession of land in South Africa, land redistribution has largely received universal acceptance as a means of reparations. But the concept of ‘compensation' in land reform is something of a contentious issue, and the conversation is both principled and economic. Implementing it even calls for a change to the country's constitution. While the policy of redistribution without compensation has been given the green light, critics warn against the heavy impact it will have on an economic level. However, optimists believe that this process can occur without adverse economic effects. Is land redistribution without compensation a viable option, and what needs to happen to ensure that it's successful?

Ideologies like communism and socialism have seen a massive decline in popularity over the years. Countries such as Venezuela are seen as the final nail in the coffin for the economic systems. On the other hand, global capitalism has taken a drastic knock, particularly after the 2008 global financial crisis left many people financially destitute. Ordinary citizens around the world continue to band together to fight corruption and grotesque abuse of funds either by the private sector or by governments. So, given the above, can we take the best of communism and capitalism and create a socio-economic utopia? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

Legislation in its best form is designed to be progressive and all encompassing – serving the needs of all. Yet, while a legal system should be unprejudiced; law enforcement and even law-making is sometimes vulnerable to bias. In South Africa specifically, women often seem to be the victims of this bias with gender-based violence and workplace inequalities still rife. If legislation impacting women was to be drafted exclusively by women, and justice enforced by women where women were the victims, would this bring about a desired equality in our legal system and balance the scales of justice? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

The rise of technology has in many ways made everyday life easier and convenient. But, for all its great uses there are also repercussions. The blue collar workforce are losing jobs because technology is replacing them. Tasks that were done by low-level professionals are now performed by inventions such as automated toll boots, supermarket tills and assembly lines in factories. Highly qualified jobs in law and finance are also being threatened by digitisation, robots and other innovations. With the advent of job losses in the 4th Industrial Revolution, would a universal basic income help mitigate the challenge? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

In an ever-changing modern landscape, traditional practices are constantly being questioned and challenged. Many of these controversial cultural practices such as genital mutilation and forced marriages, are rooted in beliefs that have been passed down through generations - making their relevance a contentious issue. In a world where traditions can be treated as fleetingly as a social media hashtag, what role do these old ways still have to play? Should the state have the right to ban or regulate certain cultural practices, especially where human rights are at stake? What must happen when these practices infringe on human rights? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

While current trends of the 4IR push economic growth in the direction of new scientific and technological innovation, predictions for the 5th Industrial Revolution seem to be completely contrasting. As we look ahead to the 5IR, experts are suggesting that we could be moving towards developing an economy built around purpose, inclusivity and humanity to make the world ‘better' rather than just ‘more efficient' or ‘more productive'. With current innovation seemingly supporting a more dehumanised economic future, could android systems be instrumental in stimulating business in times of economic stagnation? Could the technology that's making man less of an asset be utilised to reintroduce humanisation to meet the demands of a global economy that requires more critical thinking, empathy and civic activism?

As cities continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, so do opportunities for the development of local economies. Spatial design is crucial to consider during the growth phases of a city because growth means opportunity for business, business means people, people mean housing and services. Past trends suggest that where lucrative jobs are being created, the price of living space increases, often creating a barrier for social and financial exclusion. Would encouraging the relocation of large businesses into peri-urban areas break down the current barriers? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

Over the past 3 years, there has been a lot of buzz around the onset of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). The 4IR offers huge potential to transform and realign our economies and societies. But, how do we play a shaping role to prepare societies and industries at large for this economic era, and ultimately help shape the impact of the 4IR? Can we accelerate the development and implementation of emerging science and technology to the benefit of citizens, society and the public interest? In doing so, are we able to learn from the mistakes of the past in order to mitigate massive exclusions, human rights violations and regulatory lag? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

More often than not, the leadership in Africa has been defined by violent dictatorships. So much so that people wonder if the “Benevolent Dictator” exists and whether or not “The People” always know what's best for themselves. The contrasting leadership styles of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and that of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni are examples of incumbent leaders who function in democracies - yet the outcome of their leadership is worlds apart. While there are African countries that have thrived under democracy, the question remains: Is democracy a system imposed on Africa? And is it the universal solution for African governance? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

The recognition of gay rights continues to take shape across the globe. However, the violent discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community is rife on the African continent. Even in countries like South Africa, where human rights are constitutionally protected, members of this community still have to face abuse in their everyday lives. Can we bridge the divide between our Constitution and everyday behaviour? And can South Africa influence other African countries to recognise LGBTQIA+ rights? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

Women's rights in the workplace are a contentious topic. Men have always had the benefit of getting the opportunities, the higher salaries and continue to be the majority of executives running companies and sitting at the helm of industries. How can the state and the private sector be more inclusive of women? Can gender quotas be used in a meaningful way that gives deserving women a chance to thrive? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

For many of us, our schooling careers included going to university once completing high school. But, as online learning becomes one of the fastest growing industries, the modern world is quickly moving away from traditional universities. Many of these traditional universities are like Goliaths: not changing enough for the new world of work. Is there a future for traditional universities? Do we still need universities at all? And if so, how do they need to change to remain relevant? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

South African youths are faced with a great challenge: unemployment. Young people between the ages of 15–24 years are the most vulnerable in the local labour market as the unemployment rate among this age group was as high as 55,2% in the first quarter of 2019. The unemployment rate for youths with a higher education qualification in this age group is sitting at 31%; an increase of 11,4% quarter-on-quarter. Does this mean that higher education is still the key to success for these young people? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

For years South Africa has been plagued with violence aimed at foreigners. Could xenophobia be a result of a sense of exceptionalism amongst South Africans? How has this 'Afrophobia' contributed to the downfall of Pan-Africanism among Africans? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

When most of us think of foreign aid, it's synonymous with receiving help from another country out of goodwill. Foreign aid is meant to benefit the population of the recipient country, but what is the true cost? Can local problems really be solved with international influence, and should African countries be so willing to accept this help? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

Millions of people around the world have been forced to flee their homes, but have remained within the borders of their country of origin. These internally displaced people - or IDPs - are often referred to as refugees by virtue of being displaced, yet they are not legally considered to be refugees. Scores of IDPs are stuck in this inhumane predicament with little to no aid. Is their struggle less important than refugees who are in foreign countries? And how do we intervene to curb the growing number of IPDs in South Africa? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

It used to be said that “the future is digital”, but now we live in a digital era. Whether we want to admit it or not, the digital revolution has made our lives easier. Yet, we do not know how the rapid development of technology and artificial intelligence will affect our society in the long-term. Will the advancement of technology only increase the already dangerous divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots"? The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

The spotlight is on state-owned enterprises. For decades their value has been questioned and so many of these entities have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Is the time up for these kinds of enterprises, or is there a way to turn things around? It's the debate of privatisation versus rescue. The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

In this era of significant social, environmental, and political challenges, businesses have an opportunity to play a bigger role in shaping society and addressing vital issues such as economic inequality. Yet, while we expect companies to balance their sustainable goals and financial performance objectives, do companies really understand their licence to operate - or is the bottom line simply about making a profit? This thought-provoking episode of The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.

In a country recovering from a decade of corruption, economic stagnation and state capture, what fuelled voter apathy among young South Africans at the May 2019 polls? Was it a protest against lack of change… or is there more behind youth apathy in our country? Motion: This house believes that voter apathy among the youth did more good than harm in the South African general elections. This thought-provoking episode of The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong.