Abstract
M.A. (Philosophy)
Race is still a massive issue in South Africa; division still runs rampant among South African citizens. I hold that one aspect of eliminating the division between people is through the medium of sport. Sport has the ability to bring people together as few things can, and it is for this reason that I argue that it is essential to look at sport in light of its importance to nation- building. In my thesis I look at the question "is affirmative action necessary for South African sport?" I specifically look at this question with the Ubuntu ideals of unity and harmony as the criteria for judgement. I use Ubuntu as my criteria for two main reasons; firstly Ubuntu is an African ethical system, and secondly, Ubuntu's focus on the community is important when looking at team sports and the effect sport has on the community. I explain the positive implications of affirmative action in sport as well as the negative implications. I conclude that the positive aspects are essential but the implementation of affirmative action and quotas, particularly in international sport, are not robust ways to promote the Ubuntu ideals of harmony and unity. If they must be used, then it is far better for the use of affirmative action to be aimed at lower levels of competitive sport, at school and domestic levels, as there is less competition for spots and these divisions are not as important at the national team. This action would mean that the next generation of sports stars will be a diverse group of players. Once I have given my judgement on affirmative action in sport, I then suggest possible ways to achieve the goals of affirmative action, without using the problematic techniques that are currently being implemented.