The Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a high-profile panel discussion titled “Scholars in Conversation: SA and USA Political Tensions” at Mansfield Hall, Ritson Campus on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
The gathering aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy and reflected the faculty’s ongoing commitment to engaging with critical societal issues and fostering meaningful dialogue. The aim was to encourage informed and critical dialogue on the evolving political relationship between South Africa and the United States. It featured a dynamic panel of thought leaders, political figures, and academic scholars who shared diverse perspectives and expert analysis on current and emerging tensions between the two nations.
Amongst the Panellists were: Professor Ntsikelelo Benjamin Breakfast from Nelson Mandela University, Professor David Monyae: Director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS), Dr Thandiwe Khumalo: Head of the Department of Applied Law at DUT, Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa: Associate Professor in the Department of Public Management and Economics at DUT, Prof Dorcas Ettang: Associate Professor and Acting Director at the International Centre of Nonviolence at DUT and Professor Victor Ojakorotu who is a scholar of International Relations and an astute professor at North-West University.
Facilitated by DUT Journalism lecturer, Mr Sphumelele Zondi, the event opened with keynote addresses by two distinguished guest speakers – Leader of the Build One South Africa (BOSA) political party and Member of Parliament, Honourable Mmusi Maimane, and KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Honourable Francois Rodgers.
Welcoming the guests in attendance, Faculty Executive Dean, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, expressed his gratitude for having important individuals share their insights regarding international affairs and their impacts on South Africa.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Mmusi Maimane said that the engagement between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump at the White House was a culmination of a decade of challenges between the two countries.
“It culminates at a time where never and never before have we faced such profound geopolitical uncertainty, really presented before us by a conflict that took place in Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, and certain instability in multiple regions,” said Maimane.
Speaking on why President Trump would have a profound focus on South Africa, Maimane mentioned that despite South Africa not being in the top 10 in terms of its own exports to the United States, the United States remains South Africa’s second highest trading partner,” he said.
“That trade operates in our favour as South Africa, as we are net benefactors of the trade balance between us and the United States. With our focus being on vehicles, iron, steel, aluminium, and agriculture. These products are inherently needed for our economy to be able to thrive, and for the number of jobs that we describe, the billions and billions of US dollars that would be traded between the two countries mean that whether you and I accept it or not, our relations with the United States happen to be crucial,” said Maimane.
He then shared words of gratitude to DUT, for opening up a dialogue of this nature, which allows for the opportunity to think not only about what is domestic, but to reset and paint a future for Africa.
Francois Rodgers, KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance MEC, emphasised the need for political renewal, citing dire circumstances. He likely discussed challenges in South Africa’s political landscape, potentially drawing parallels with US political tensions. As a key figure in the Democratic Alliance, Rodgers stressed the importance of responsible governance and fiscal discipline.
Pictured: Guest speakers and panellists at the discussion.
Bright Nkomo/Thubelihle Dumakude
