385. Lessons from Ending Apartheid: How to Resolve Deep Conflict

Around the world and throughout history, bitter political adversaries have put aside their differences and worked together to create peace.

In a conversation moderated by Jillian Youngblood, Executive Director of Civic Genius, hear two extraordinary leaders tell how they helped transform South Africa into a multiracial democracy, and what their experiences can teach us. Roelf Meyer is renowned for his pivotal role as the South African government’s chief representative in the negotiations to end Apartheid. Mohammed Bhabha was on the African National Congress team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), and later part of the agreements on the final South African Constitution. They’ll offer hard-won lessons on working across profound differences, and inspiration for healing divides at home.

Roelf Meyer (South Africa) is renowned for his pivotal role as the South African government’s chief representative in the negotiations to end apartheid and establish a multiracial democracy. His influence in persuading the National Party and the Afrikaner community to embrace negotiations and pursue a more just society is credited as crucial to South Africa’s peaceful transition. Meyer’s significant contributions extend to his involvement in the cabinet of former President Nelson Mandela, co-founding the United Democratic Movement, and consulting on international peace processes in various countries.

Mohammed Bhabha (South Africa) is a former Member of Parliament, attorney, and experienced negotiator. He was part of the African National Congress (ANC) team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), and later as part of the agreements on the final South African Constitution. Mohammed has worked on transitional and constitutional support projects in Kenya, South Sudan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Palestine, Bahrain, and Zimbabwe.

Jillian Youngblood (United States) is the executive director of Civic Genius, a program of the National Civic League. She has nearly 20 years of experience in politics, government, and civic action with a focus on deliberative democracy and solutions-oriented public engagement. Jillian is a frequent speaker and trainer on innovative processes that help governments and communities work better together. She sits on the board of the Seattle City Club and is a 2024 fellow of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

Presented by Town Hall Seattle, William D. Ruckelshaus Center, and Civic Genius.