Two Weeks, New Perspectives: A Research Stay in Stellenbosch

Academic Dialogue and Legal Transformation

The exchange proved highly enriching from the start. Through lectures, workshops, and intensive discussions, participants engaged with topics such as Transformative Constitutionalism, EU–African relations, and the future of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A central component of the program was the presentation of individual research projects. These sessions enabled a deep academic dialogue across disciplines; even where projects were not directly linked to global value chains, the discussions opened up new perspectives on legal and societal transformation processes.

Beyond the formal program, the stay created opportunities for exchange with scholars from the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape, further strengthening international academic networks.

Global Challenges, Different Priorities

One of the most striking insights from the stay was the differing prioritization of global challenges. While European debates often focus on sustainability and geopolitical security, other issues take precedence in the South African context. In particular, water and food security represent immediate and pressing concerns, shaping both public discourse and regulatory priorities.

These differences highlight how legal frameworks are shaped by their specific contexts and normative assumptions. They underscore the need to systematically integrate perspectives from the Global South into discussions on global regulatory approaches, especially regarding global value chains.

A History Shaping the Present

Beyond the lecture halls, visits to historical sites in Cape Town provided sobering insights into the country’s social fabric. The Iziko Slave Lodge and the District Six Museum illustrated the lasting impact of slavery and forced removals, showing how deeply these histories continue to shape modern-day inequalities.

These structural disparities are also visible in the urban landscape—from the stark contrasts between neighborhoods to the townships along major transport routes. This experience added vital context to the academic discussions on law and justice.

Looking Forward

The research stay provided valuable impulses for the ongoing work within GO-Chains. It demonstrated the importance of situating global research questions within specific local contexts. The exchange not only deepened academic understanding but also broadened the horizon on how we view legal frameworks and global challenges.