The New South Institute (NSI) recently hosted a two-day conference in partnership with On Think Tanks (OTT) from 17–18 June 2025. This year’s OTT Conference was particularly significant as it took place on the African continent for the first time. It brought together a diverse community of think tanks, policymakers and civil society organisations from around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

As part of the broader programme, the NSI organised a side event focusing on state capture and corruption. This panel discussion, which was co-hosted with the Governance Action Hub, took place on Wednesday, 18 June. The conversation was anchored by Daniel Kaufman, who as former World Bank director developed the concept of state capture, together with Joel Hellman. Kaufman presented a new comparative index of state capture, offering fresh empirical tools for assessing the phenomenon across countries and over time.

Strikingly, Kaufmann’s findings seemed to confirm recent work by the NSI, which emphasises that state capture is not merely a form of corruption, but a distinct mode of political and institutional control. The discussion suggested that the powerful civic and political mobilisation in South Africa after 2015, along with the work of the Zondo Commission, may have successfully interrupted a trajectory of state capture, defending key elements of constitutional democracy.

This important panel brought together for the first time since the conclusion of the Zondo Commission a distinguished group of speakers, including:

• – Paul Pretorius, evidence leader at the Commission;

• – Ferial Haffajee, journalist and editor, who offered a critical reflection on the Commission’s findings and the public response

• – Zodwa Xesibe, National Investigations Officer at the Special Investigating Unit; and

• – Ivor Chipkin, NSI Co-Founder and scholar of state institutions.

Together, they explored the global dimensions of state capture, the uniqueness of the South African experience, and the future challenges in sustaining constitutional governance.

If you missed this compelling discussion, a full video recording is available here:

A selection of presentations is also available.

Thank you for joining us, whether online or in person, and for helping make this historic edition of the OTT Conference such a rich and inspiring event. Follow us on social media and share your highlights and reflections.