Democracy in the Balance
In Johannesburg, at The Forum in Hyde Park, the Ford Foundation convened an evening on “Democracy in the Balance: Constitutionalism in a Shifting Global Order,” bringing together jurists, activists, philanthropic leaders, and community voices to reflect on democracy’s fragility and what it will take to sustain it. The gathering also marked a farewell moment for Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, who steps down at the end of 2025, with reflections framed by Yasmin Sooka and a panel moderated by Sasha Stevenson featuring Justice Dikgang Moseneke, Darren Walker, Charlene May, and youth activist Noncedo Madubedube, who each underscored the urgency of justice, economic dignity, and real opportunity as essential to democracy’s promise. CivSource South Africa team members were present for the dialogue and the connections it sparked across the sector.