Panel Discussion: The State of the Nation

You are cordially invited to a “Building Democratic Societies Dialogue” hosted by Idasa

Reflection on the State of our Nation

The President’s annual address to Parliament affords citizens an opportunity to reflect on the health of our society, our economy and our democracy. What is the state of the nation? Are we as a country lurching towards the future and creating a more equal and just society for all citizens or are we simply ambling along hoping for the best? How are we meeting the challenge of a society which must be based on the values of openness, transparency and the rule of law as well as creating a state which works effectively for the benefit of all, particularly the most vulnerable? What can ordinary citizens do to build the society envisioned in our Constitution?

Please join us and participate in the first dialogue in our Building Democratic Societies series for 2011.

Confirmed Speakers:

Gwede Mantashe (Secretary-General, ANC)
Athol Trollip (Parliamentary Leader, DA)
Tony Ehrenreich (Provincial Secretary, COSATU)
Ferial Haffajee (Editor, City Press)

Date: Tuesday, 15 February 2011

Time: 18:00 for 18:30

Place: Idasa’s Cape Town Democracy Centre, 6 Spin Street, Cape Town

RSVP: Ms Nikola Botha: nbotha@idasa.org.za by 11 February 2011 (Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis)

Snacks and drinks will be served.

Parking options:
Street parking in the area is safe.
Parking garages open to the public in the area include:

• Plein Park (Plein Street; to get to the entrance, turn off Plein Street into Barrack Street and then into Corporation Street).
• Mandela Rhodes Place (entrance in Burg Street, off Wale Street).