Clem Sunter’s enduring legacy strengthens the case for independent, evidence-based leadership in South Africa

Key topics:Sunter’s scenarios shaped SA’s democratic transition“High Road/Low Road” framed reform vs conflict debateLegacy champions evidence-led, independent leadership.Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..Issued by Christo van der Rheede on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation..Clem Sunter’s Legacy Affirms the Role of Independent Thinking and Evidence-Led Leadership in South Africa’s DemocracyThe FW de Klerk Foundation notes with deep sadness the passing of Clem Sunter and extends its sincere condolences to his wife, Margaret, his children and grandchildren and all who were influenced by his work and example.Clem Sunter was widely respected as a strategist, scenario planner and public thinker whose work helped South Africans reflect more clearly on the consequences of political and economic choices. In the 1980s, his “High Road / Low Road” scenario framework provided a structured way of understanding the stakes facing the country, namely a negotiated, peaceful transition on the one hand, or escalating conflict and instability on the other. Credible historical accounts record that these scenarios were presented across South African society and influenced debate at the highest levels, including among those shaping the reform path that ultimately led to constitutional democracy under President FW de Klerk.In mourning his passing, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Sunter as a “pioneering, incisive leader” who encouraged South Africans to reflect on the kind of inclusive and peaceful society the country should build. This tribute reflects the enduring significance of Sunter’s contribution: he expanded the space for rational, evidence-based discussion at a moment when fear and ideology could easily have dominated public discourse.Sunter’s legacy carries a continuing lesson for democratic governance. Constitutional democracy depends not only on institutions, but on a culture of independent thought, open inquiry and intellectual honesty. Scenario planning, as he practised it, required leaders to test assumptions against facts, weigh alternative futures and revise conclusions as new evidence emerged. Such disciplined thinking strengthens accountability and responsiveness by grounding decisions in reality rather than rhetoric..Read more:.Clem Sunter is gone, a foxy national treasure our tribe just loved.At a time when societies worldwide confront polarisation, misinformation and short-term political pressures, Sunter’s example underscores the importance of integrating research, science and long-term analysis into public decision-making. Independent thinkers who question prevailing assumptions and illuminate consequences perform a vital democratic function, in that they broaden debate, clarify choices and help societies navigate uncertainty with reason rather than fear.The FW de Klerk Foundation honours Clem Sunter’s life as one that strengthened South Africa’s journey toward a negotiated settlement and constitutional order. His work remains a reminder that the quality of democracy is shaped not only by the leaders societies choose, but by the quality of thinking that informs their choices. May he rest in peace.

Clem Sunter’s enduring legacy strengthens the case for independent, evidence-based leadership in South Africa

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