Leadership and legitimacy in an era of fracturing democracies: Lessons from South Africa and the United Kingdom for the future of governance
Across the world, democratic institutions are under strain. Power is shifting from broad multilateral forums to smaller, exclusive ‘minilateral’ groups, while domestic systems face increasingly sophisticated threats of state capture. For leaders in business, government, and civil society, understanding these pressures, and how to counter them, is no longer optional.
This event brings together two respected thinkers on governance and institutional integrity from two different continents, for a candid and practical conversation on the future of democratic systems.
Host, Peter Ndoro and panellists, Prof Dominik Zaum and Dr Reuel J Khoza will explore how countries, companies, and citizens can strengthen state capacity, embed ethics that matter, and build oversight that works.
Event information
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Time: 18:30 for 19:00 – 20:30 (SAST)
Location: Henley Africa campus, 1 Witkoppen Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg 2191
or online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Meet the panellists :
- Prof Dominik Zaum is Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Planning and Resource) and Professor of Governance, Conflict and Security, University of Reading. Professor Zaum is responsible for the university’s academic portfolio and resource strategy, and previously served on secondment to the UK Department for International Development and the UK Stabilisation Unit. A member of the FCDO Science Advisory Group, he is also the author of The Sovereignty Paradox and a longstanding advisor on governance and international missions.
- Dr Reuel J Khoza is Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South African business leader, governance strategist, and President of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). With more than four decades of executive experience, Dr Khoza chairs Discovery Bank, Dzana Investments, and Hlayisani Capital. He is the author of seminal works on leadership and ethics including Essential Reflections, Attuned Leadership and Let Africa Lead. A prominent advocate for African humanism, responsible stewardship, and ethical governance, his contributions have shaped corporate culture across South Africa.
Moderator -
Peter Ndoro is a distinguished international broadcast journalist and a prominent voice in African media, with a career that spans more than 30 years across television and radio in Africa and Europe. He is widely regarded as a highly sought-after panel facilitator, celebrated for his calm authority, integrity, and insightful commentary on business, current affairs, and diplomacy.
Currently, Peter serves as a leading anchor for SABC News and co-hosts the flagship morning show Rise & Shine on SABC Channel Africa, where he continues to shape conversations on issues that matter to the continent. His international experience includes three years with the BBC World Service in London as a pan-African news specialist, a role that allowed him to bring African stories to a global audience. In addition, Peter has built a strong reputation in business journalism through significant anchor and producer roles at CNBC Africa and Business Day TV, establishing his credibility in the financial and corporate sectors.
Passionate about sharing the African narrative, Peter brings depth, clarity, and engagement to every discussion, making him an ideal facilitator for events that seek to inform, inspire, and connect audiences