A comparison of the varying conceptions of the term "democracy" in the writings of R.A. Dahl and C.B. Macpherson
- Authors: Oliver, John Duncan
- Date: 2014-04-15
- Subjects: Dahl, Robert Alan - Criticism and interpretation , Macpherson, C. B. (Crawford Brough), 1911- - Criticism and interpretation , Democracy , Democracy in literature
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10241
- Description: M.A. (Politics) , What is democracy? In the second half of the twentieth century the term, which may relate either to a form of government or a form of society, has become much used and, in the writer's opinion, misused. Indeed, Macpherson believes there is "a good deal of muddle about democracy" (Macpherson 1972:1). At the start of the century's last decade this process appears to have accelerated as the term has become ever more topical, encouraged hugely as the process is by the predominance of mass media communication. The writer considers that democracy is not only a topical term but an important concept, for students of politics as well as for the pub Li.c at large. It is a term which surely requires better understanding of its meaning if the concepts and principles to which it relates are to be valued and appreciated appropriately. At the beginning of his enquiries, which result in this dissertation, the writer assumes "democracy" to mean a form of government Which ensures an equal say in its direct control for all citizens of sound mind. Franchise qualifications should provide for a reasonable minimum age but must disregard any other differences, such as sex, race or religion. This dissertation is undertaken in an endeavour to clear away some of the confusion, or "muddle", which exists regarding democracy. The writer anticipates that elucidation will enhance not. only the possibility of wider understanding but also prospects for meeting the need for concerted, tenacious and widespread efforts to obtain meaningful improvement in levels of democratization. The writings of two prominent political theorists, Robert Allen Dahl and Crawford Brough Macpherson, will be examined to ascertain and compare their views on democracy, with the subsidiary objectives of clarifying the meaning of democracy and ascertaining whether real democracy exists in any sizeable political system. It is the writer's hypothesis that although the basic conceptions of democracy found in the writings of Dahl and Macpherson indicate major differences, certain similarities have been perceived: and that these similarities will prove valuable in stabilizing the meaning of democracy, and in establishing to what extent (if any) true, that is direct, democracy exists.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oliver, John Duncan
- Date: 2014-04-15
- Subjects: Dahl, Robert Alan - Criticism and interpretation , Macpherson, C. B. (Crawford Brough), 1911- - Criticism and interpretation , Democracy , Democracy in literature
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10241
- Description: M.A. (Politics) , What is democracy? In the second half of the twentieth century the term, which may relate either to a form of government or a form of society, has become much used and, in the writer's opinion, misused. Indeed, Macpherson believes there is "a good deal of muddle about democracy" (Macpherson 1972:1). At the start of the century's last decade this process appears to have accelerated as the term has become ever more topical, encouraged hugely as the process is by the predominance of mass media communication. The writer considers that democracy is not only a topical term but an important concept, for students of politics as well as for the pub Li.c at large. It is a term which surely requires better understanding of its meaning if the concepts and principles to which it relates are to be valued and appreciated appropriately. At the beginning of his enquiries, which result in this dissertation, the writer assumes "democracy" to mean a form of government Which ensures an equal say in its direct control for all citizens of sound mind. Franchise qualifications should provide for a reasonable minimum age but must disregard any other differences, such as sex, race or religion. This dissertation is undertaken in an endeavour to clear away some of the confusion, or "muddle", which exists regarding democracy. The writer anticipates that elucidation will enhance not. only the possibility of wider understanding but also prospects for meeting the need for concerted, tenacious and widespread efforts to obtain meaningful improvement in levels of democratization. The writings of two prominent political theorists, Robert Allen Dahl and Crawford Brough Macpherson, will be examined to ascertain and compare their views on democracy, with the subsidiary objectives of clarifying the meaning of democracy and ascertaining whether real democracy exists in any sizeable political system. It is the writer's hypothesis that although the basic conceptions of democracy found in the writings of Dahl and Macpherson indicate major differences, certain similarities have been perceived: and that these similarities will prove valuable in stabilizing the meaning of democracy, and in establishing to what extent (if any) true, that is direct, democracy exists.
- Full Text:
An interrogation of democratic governance and youth participation in Nigeria from an elite theory perspective
- Ikalewumi, Felix, Olaniran, Sunday Olawale
- Authors: Ikalewumi, Felix , Olaniran, Sunday Olawale
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Democracy , Good governance , Participation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/483576 , uj:43892 , Citation: Ikalewumi, F & Olaniran, S.O. (2021). “Democratic Governance and Youth Participation: Perspectives from Nigeria” , Youth Voice Journal, ISSN (online): 2969.
- Description: Abstract: There is a growing interest in the participatory governance in Africa, particularly the role of youth in the sustainability of democratic system of governance. The strength of democracy draws from popular consent and participation. Hence, the absence of citizens’ participation in its processes threatens its legitimacy and consolidation. The democratic system is popular due to its principles of fairness, equity, inclusiveness, negotiation, and rule of law. Thus, the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999 rekindled the hopes and aspirations of its citizens for good governance after over 30 years of military rule. Since the return of the democratic governance, young people show apathy to democratic processes because they believe they have been tactically alienated from seeking the elective position due to the material requirements of contesting elections. Thus, this paper explores the effects of poor participation of youths in the democratic process in Nigeria and recommends ways through which young people can be effectively engaged for sustainable democratic system. The paper concludes that collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in democracy are necessary towards ensuring active youth participation in the democratic governance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ikalewumi, Felix , Olaniran, Sunday Olawale
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Democracy , Good governance , Participation
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/483576 , uj:43892 , Citation: Ikalewumi, F & Olaniran, S.O. (2021). “Democratic Governance and Youth Participation: Perspectives from Nigeria” , Youth Voice Journal, ISSN (online): 2969.
- Description: Abstract: There is a growing interest in the participatory governance in Africa, particularly the role of youth in the sustainability of democratic system of governance. The strength of democracy draws from popular consent and participation. Hence, the absence of citizens’ participation in its processes threatens its legitimacy and consolidation. The democratic system is popular due to its principles of fairness, equity, inclusiveness, negotiation, and rule of law. Thus, the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999 rekindled the hopes and aspirations of its citizens for good governance after over 30 years of military rule. Since the return of the democratic governance, young people show apathy to democratic processes because they believe they have been tactically alienated from seeking the elective position due to the material requirements of contesting elections. Thus, this paper explores the effects of poor participation of youths in the democratic process in Nigeria and recommends ways through which young people can be effectively engaged for sustainable democratic system. The paper concludes that collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in democracy are necessary towards ensuring active youth participation in the democratic governance.
- Full Text:
Analysing the interface between bureaucracy, interest groups, and public policymaking for good governance in Africa
- Igbokwe-Ibeto, Chinyeaka Justine
- Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto, Chinyeaka Justine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Bureaucracy , Democracy , Good Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/431721 , uj:37264 , Igbokwe-Ibeto, C. 2020.: Analysing the interface between bureaucracy, interest groups, and public policymaking for good governance in Africa.
- Description: Abstract: , Introduction: Interest groups are major players in public policymaking processes, either within the legislature or the bureaucracy. They engage the tactics of lobbying and lobbyists to incorporate their interests into certain policies that help the advancement of their members and society at large. The effectiveness of interest groups’ influence is diluted by several constraints, which range from structural and organisational to procedural and logistics. Methodology: This article, which is theoretical in nature, utilised qualitative research methods and drew its arguments from secondary data, which included textbooks, journal publications, and Internet sources. Results: This article argues that if interest groups are to explore and exploit democratic channels for their activities, they must ensure that democratic ethos are embedded in the running of their organisations. Conclusion and Recommendations: It is concluded that unless interest groups practise democracy, they cannot champion or protect it. Perhaps the most salient challenge of interest groups in Africa is finance. In developing countries, funds are limited owing to the state of the economy. This has the potential of constraining their roles and autonomy. Bureaucrats should be proactive and deeply involved in consultations and bargaining with interest groups with a view to devising policies that will meet the expectations of their target groups in particular and society in general. At this critical juncture of Africa’s developmental pursuit, this drastic and revolutionary step has become inevitable if Africa is to meet the demands of the 21st century in a globalised system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Igbokwe-Ibeto, Chinyeaka Justine
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Bureaucracy , Democracy , Good Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/431721 , uj:37264 , Igbokwe-Ibeto, C. 2020.: Analysing the interface between bureaucracy, interest groups, and public policymaking for good governance in Africa.
- Description: Abstract: , Introduction: Interest groups are major players in public policymaking processes, either within the legislature or the bureaucracy. They engage the tactics of lobbying and lobbyists to incorporate their interests into certain policies that help the advancement of their members and society at large. The effectiveness of interest groups’ influence is diluted by several constraints, which range from structural and organisational to procedural and logistics. Methodology: This article, which is theoretical in nature, utilised qualitative research methods and drew its arguments from secondary data, which included textbooks, journal publications, and Internet sources. Results: This article argues that if interest groups are to explore and exploit democratic channels for their activities, they must ensure that democratic ethos are embedded in the running of their organisations. Conclusion and Recommendations: It is concluded that unless interest groups practise democracy, they cannot champion or protect it. Perhaps the most salient challenge of interest groups in Africa is finance. In developing countries, funds are limited owing to the state of the economy. This has the potential of constraining their roles and autonomy. Bureaucrats should be proactive and deeply involved in consultations and bargaining with interest groups with a view to devising policies that will meet the expectations of their target groups in particular and society in general. At this critical juncture of Africa’s developmental pursuit, this drastic and revolutionary step has become inevitable if Africa is to meet the demands of the 21st century in a globalised system.
- Full Text:
Civil society and the South African Developmental State : an appraisal
- Authors: Asuelime, Lucky E.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Civil society , Democracy , Developmental State
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260229 , uj:27396 , Citation: Asuelime, L.E. 2017. Civil society and the South African Developmental State : an appraisal.
- Description: Abstract: In highlighting the 'strong state' features of the classical developmental state (DS), civil society's role for the realisation of developmental outcomes is often under-represented if not entirely side-lined in the DS literature in Africa. Given the renewed interest in the rising notion of democratic developmental states (DDS), civil society as an integral part of democracy must have some significance for aspirational developmental trajectory in Africa, and especially in South Africa. This article presents an analysis of the role of civil society in the project of a South African developmental state. A trend assessment is conducted with the view to illuminate where the civil society organisation (CSO) stands, and in the pursuit of the developmental state in South Africa's young democracy. The study identifies a number of strengths as well as challenges currently facing CSOs in South Africa with regard to their contribution towards the realisation of the democratic developmental state.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Asuelime, Lucky E.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Civil society , Democracy , Developmental State
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/260229 , uj:27396 , Citation: Asuelime, L.E. 2017. Civil society and the South African Developmental State : an appraisal.
- Description: Abstract: In highlighting the 'strong state' features of the classical developmental state (DS), civil society's role for the realisation of developmental outcomes is often under-represented if not entirely side-lined in the DS literature in Africa. Given the renewed interest in the rising notion of democratic developmental states (DDS), civil society as an integral part of democracy must have some significance for aspirational developmental trajectory in Africa, and especially in South Africa. This article presents an analysis of the role of civil society in the project of a South African developmental state. A trend assessment is conducted with the view to illuminate where the civil society organisation (CSO) stands, and in the pursuit of the developmental state in South Africa's young democracy. The study identifies a number of strengths as well as challenges currently facing CSOs in South Africa with regard to their contribution towards the realisation of the democratic developmental state.
- Full Text:
Democracy as an open-ended Utopia : reviving a sense of uncoerced political possibility
- Authors: Friedman, Steven
- Date: 2012-03
- Subjects: Contention , Democracy , Revolution , Violence , Utopian thought
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5837 , ISSN 1558-5816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7867
- Description: Utopian thought has been discredited because attempts to re-engineer society using Utopian formulae have invariably produced violence and despotism. But the apparent eclipse of Utopia has left a yawning gap, for economic and social conditions across the globe suggest a need for alternatives to the reigning social order - and thus for Utopian thinking which avoids the pitfalls of 'classical' Utopias. This needs to begin by recognising that the chief flaw in earlier Utopias is that they aspired to a world in which contention and conflict were banished. If Utopia is imagined as a state in which contest persists but in which all can contest equally without violence, it becomes a state in which democratic difference is not abolished - as in earlier Utopias - but in which it reaches its fulfillment. By conceptualising democracy as an 'openended' Utopia we can reconstruct the vision of an alternative which will legitimise neither violence nor the suppression of difference. Utopia is, in the mainstream of social and political thought, no longer seen as a subject for serious discussion. It is necessary that it become one again.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Friedman, Steven
- Date: 2012-03
- Subjects: Contention , Democracy , Revolution , Violence , Utopian thought
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5837 , ISSN 1558-5816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7867
- Description: Utopian thought has been discredited because attempts to re-engineer society using Utopian formulae have invariably produced violence and despotism. But the apparent eclipse of Utopia has left a yawning gap, for economic and social conditions across the globe suggest a need for alternatives to the reigning social order - and thus for Utopian thinking which avoids the pitfalls of 'classical' Utopias. This needs to begin by recognising that the chief flaw in earlier Utopias is that they aspired to a world in which contention and conflict were banished. If Utopia is imagined as a state in which contest persists but in which all can contest equally without violence, it becomes a state in which democratic difference is not abolished - as in earlier Utopias - but in which it reaches its fulfillment. By conceptualising democracy as an 'openended' Utopia we can reconstruct the vision of an alternative which will legitimise neither violence nor the suppression of difference. Utopia is, in the mainstream of social and political thought, no longer seen as a subject for serious discussion. It is necessary that it become one again.
- Full Text:
Demokrasie en die reg op vryheid van uitdrukking
- Authors: Venter, Roxan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Freedom of expression , Democracy
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124454 , uj:20919
- Description: Abstract: The importance of the concepts “democracy” and “freedom of expression” for modern states cannot easily be overemphasised. However, usually not much attention is paid to the interrelationship between these two concepts. This study therefore attempts to illustrate that the relationship between these concepts is much deeper and wider than is generally accepted. In essence the study submits that the concepts of democracy and freedom of expression are interwoven to such an extent that, in reality, no democracy can function effectively without freedom of expression. The study therefore undertakes to prove this hypothesis by, firstly, tracing the parallel origins and development of democracy and freedom of expression, from the ancient Athenian direct democracy up until the democratic institutions of the twenty first century. This historical discussion forms the basis of the study’s main hypothesis and sketches the background against which the rest of the study should be understood. The study then attempts to investigate the theoretical foundations of the democracy and freedom of expression, which leads to the identification of various elements of democracy. These elements of democracy are later used to illustrate the role freedom of expression plays with regard to each of the elements within the different branches of government in various jurisdictions. Before freedom of expression is applied to the elements of democracy, the study attempts to discuss this right comparatively with reference to the conduct protected by the right, the bearers of the right, those bound by the right and their duties, and the lawful limitation of the right. The succeeding investigation into the role and application of freedom expression with regard to the various elements of democracy within the legislative, executive and judicial government organs of various jurisdictions, acts as proof of the main hypothesis of the study, namely that democracy is dependent on this special right for its effectiveness and its very existence. If societies had a better understanding of the relationship between democracy and freedom of expression, it could lead to better protection and recognition of the right to freedom of expression (and other fundamental rights) which could ultimately strengthen and enhance democracy itself. It is therefore submitted that it is each society’s duty and responsibility to consider this important connection between democracy and freedom of expression and to recognise and develop this relationship not only to ensure stability within states, but also to promote stability in the international community. , LL.D.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Venter, Roxan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Freedom of expression , Democracy
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124454 , uj:20919
- Description: Abstract: The importance of the concepts “democracy” and “freedom of expression” for modern states cannot easily be overemphasised. However, usually not much attention is paid to the interrelationship between these two concepts. This study therefore attempts to illustrate that the relationship between these concepts is much deeper and wider than is generally accepted. In essence the study submits that the concepts of democracy and freedom of expression are interwoven to such an extent that, in reality, no democracy can function effectively without freedom of expression. The study therefore undertakes to prove this hypothesis by, firstly, tracing the parallel origins and development of democracy and freedom of expression, from the ancient Athenian direct democracy up until the democratic institutions of the twenty first century. This historical discussion forms the basis of the study’s main hypothesis and sketches the background against which the rest of the study should be understood. The study then attempts to investigate the theoretical foundations of the democracy and freedom of expression, which leads to the identification of various elements of democracy. These elements of democracy are later used to illustrate the role freedom of expression plays with regard to each of the elements within the different branches of government in various jurisdictions. Before freedom of expression is applied to the elements of democracy, the study attempts to discuss this right comparatively with reference to the conduct protected by the right, the bearers of the right, those bound by the right and their duties, and the lawful limitation of the right. The succeeding investigation into the role and application of freedom expression with regard to the various elements of democracy within the legislative, executive and judicial government organs of various jurisdictions, acts as proof of the main hypothesis of the study, namely that democracy is dependent on this special right for its effectiveness and its very existence. If societies had a better understanding of the relationship between democracy and freedom of expression, it could lead to better protection and recognition of the right to freedom of expression (and other fundamental rights) which could ultimately strengthen and enhance democracy itself. It is therefore submitted that it is each society’s duty and responsibility to consider this important connection between democracy and freedom of expression and to recognise and develop this relationship not only to ensure stability within states, but also to promote stability in the international community. , LL.D.
- Full Text:
Egypt and the 2011 Arab Spring : the youth and democratic leadership
- Authors: Toko, Laurette
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership - Management , Political leadership , Arab Spring, 2010- , Democracy , Democracy - Egypt , Youth movements
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246419 , uj:25546
- Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: The Arab Spring which can be defined as the manifestation of anger of the population in the Arab region started so peacefully. The youth organised the revolution because they wanted to let the government know about their worries, their disappointment, their suffering; because for years they felt neglected by that regime. Since his accession to power 30 years earlier, Mubarak never took care of the youth like his predecessors did. Under his reign they felt neglected and mistreated. The emergency law that was in place made things worse between the youth and the regime; deepening the gap that was already there. The fraudulent elections of the main political party pushed the youth to be apolitical, disinterested in the political state of their country. Before the revolution of January 2011, there had been many demonstrations, marches and strikes, by the youth who only wanted to be noticed by the regime but instead they were beaten, brutalised, and repressed. The only thing the regime cared about was the economy and their business partners. In Egypt rights were abolished, like the right to free expression and free association. Since the youth could not express themselves or associate physically, the only opportunity they had was the internet and social media. They started using the internet in 2004, a space that was not controlled by the vicious regime. On line, they found a space where they were free to express their feelings and associate with anyone; and that is what they did. They started creating groups that grew and became movements. Those movements were the ones fighting for their rights and demands. So those movements planned and organised the January revolution using the internet and social media, after they saw the success of the revolution in Tunisia. The dissertation argues that the effect of failed leadership and lack of democracy created a revolution that impacted a whole region and saw the fall of dictators. In order to properly carry this research, because of the lack of resources to go to the studied country, a desktop literature study will be used. To conduct this research the researcher will use secondary sources. The findings are about the effective and efficient use of the internet, social media and youth movements, to plan and put in place a successful revolution that saw a dictator toppled.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Toko, Laurette
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership - Management , Political leadership , Arab Spring, 2010- , Democracy , Democracy - Egypt , Youth movements
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246419 , uj:25546
- Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: The Arab Spring which can be defined as the manifestation of anger of the population in the Arab region started so peacefully. The youth organised the revolution because they wanted to let the government know about their worries, their disappointment, their suffering; because for years they felt neglected by that regime. Since his accession to power 30 years earlier, Mubarak never took care of the youth like his predecessors did. Under his reign they felt neglected and mistreated. The emergency law that was in place made things worse between the youth and the regime; deepening the gap that was already there. The fraudulent elections of the main political party pushed the youth to be apolitical, disinterested in the political state of their country. Before the revolution of January 2011, there had been many demonstrations, marches and strikes, by the youth who only wanted to be noticed by the regime but instead they were beaten, brutalised, and repressed. The only thing the regime cared about was the economy and their business partners. In Egypt rights were abolished, like the right to free expression and free association. Since the youth could not express themselves or associate physically, the only opportunity they had was the internet and social media. They started using the internet in 2004, a space that was not controlled by the vicious regime. On line, they found a space where they were free to express their feelings and associate with anyone; and that is what they did. They started creating groups that grew and became movements. Those movements were the ones fighting for their rights and demands. So those movements planned and organised the January revolution using the internet and social media, after they saw the success of the revolution in Tunisia. The dissertation argues that the effect of failed leadership and lack of democracy created a revolution that impacted a whole region and saw the fall of dictators. In order to properly carry this research, because of the lack of resources to go to the studied country, a desktop literature study will be used. To conduct this research the researcher will use secondary sources. The findings are about the effective and efficient use of the internet, social media and youth movements, to plan and put in place a successful revolution that saw a dictator toppled.
- Full Text:
Enhancing democracy through public participation process during COVID-19 pandemic : a review
- Enwereji, P. C., Uwizeyimana, D. E.
- Authors: Enwereji, P. C. , Uwizeyimana, D. E.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Public participation , Democracy , Communication dynamics
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463929 , uj:41421 , Citation: Enwereji, P.C., Uwizeyimana, D.E. 2020. Enhancing democracy through public participation process during COVID-19 pandemic : a review
- Description: Abstract:The public participation process is deemed essential as it enhances partnerships between the government and citizens during the decision-making process. This study perused the meaning and merits of public participation, and how democracy could be enhanced through the public participation process during COVID-19 pandemic. The Democratic Decision-Making Theory and the Technological Acceptance Model underpinned the study. These theories highlighted the need to include the citizens in the decision-making process and the relevance of the South African government to support and educate the public on the usefulness of adopting information science to achieve effective governance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was applied in this study and data were collected from secondary sources such as articles, government legislation, textbooks, and the Internet. Major findings depict that public participation involves a process by which the parliament and provincial legislatures refer to the citizens, individuals, government entities, and concerned organisations in the decision-making process to achieve good governance. The public participation process establishes partnerships and relationships, promotes addressing the needs of the citizens, and enhances the collective decision-making process. It was discovered that numerous communication dynamics could be used to enhance public participation process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies from several scholars further revealed that electronic media is the most effective communication dynamics to be applied in the public participation process during the COVID-19 pandemic and these include Short Message Service (SMS), WhatsApp group messages, Facebook messages, Electronic mail (e-mail), and Zoom virtual presentations. The study recommends that the South African government should apply a mix of these electronic media options in the public participation process to enhance democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Enwereji, P. C. , Uwizeyimana, D. E.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Public participation , Democracy , Communication dynamics
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/463929 , uj:41421 , Citation: Enwereji, P.C., Uwizeyimana, D.E. 2020. Enhancing democracy through public participation process during COVID-19 pandemic : a review
- Description: Abstract:The public participation process is deemed essential as it enhances partnerships between the government and citizens during the decision-making process. This study perused the meaning and merits of public participation, and how democracy could be enhanced through the public participation process during COVID-19 pandemic. The Democratic Decision-Making Theory and the Technological Acceptance Model underpinned the study. These theories highlighted the need to include the citizens in the decision-making process and the relevance of the South African government to support and educate the public on the usefulness of adopting information science to achieve effective governance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study was applied in this study and data were collected from secondary sources such as articles, government legislation, textbooks, and the Internet. Major findings depict that public participation involves a process by which the parliament and provincial legislatures refer to the citizens, individuals, government entities, and concerned organisations in the decision-making process to achieve good governance. The public participation process establishes partnerships and relationships, promotes addressing the needs of the citizens, and enhances the collective decision-making process. It was discovered that numerous communication dynamics could be used to enhance public participation process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies from several scholars further revealed that electronic media is the most effective communication dynamics to be applied in the public participation process during the COVID-19 pandemic and these include Short Message Service (SMS), WhatsApp group messages, Facebook messages, Electronic mail (e-mail), and Zoom virtual presentations. The study recommends that the South African government should apply a mix of these electronic media options in the public participation process to enhance democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Full Text:
Enhancing good governance in South Africa through youth protest : a catalyst for social change
- Enaifoghe, Andrew, Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Authors: Enaifoghe, Andrew , Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Democracy , Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482349 , uj:43737 , Citation: Enaifoghe, A. & Abosede, D.A. 2021. Enhancing good governance in South Africa through youth protest : a catalyst for social change.
- Description: Abstract: Purpose: This study looked at youth protest as a catalyst for social change in enhancing good governance in South Africa. The aftermath of apartheid presented South Africa scouring for good governance. The successive governments constantly restructured social and economic sectors through policy implementation and ambitious programs to promote good governance. Yet, there has been numerous demonstrations and protests reminiscing the days of the anti-apartheid struggle, particularly towards the quality of service delivery provided. Methodology: The paper is a qualitative study, which employed eclectic literature in analysing the role of youth protest towards the promotion of good governance in South Africa. Findings: The study discussed the reason for the occurrence of youth protest in South Africa, as well as how it could promote good governance is strategically managed. Implication: The study emphasizes the catalytic role protests play as social change in enhancing good governance. Originality: So far, no available study has identified youth protest as a catalyst for social change in enhancing good governance in South Africa. Conclusion: It was recommended that government should include and involve more youths in integral processes like constitutionalism, rule of law and leadership roles.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Enaifoghe, Andrew , Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Democracy , Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/482349 , uj:43737 , Citation: Enaifoghe, A. & Abosede, D.A. 2021. Enhancing good governance in South Africa through youth protest : a catalyst for social change.
- Description: Abstract: Purpose: This study looked at youth protest as a catalyst for social change in enhancing good governance in South Africa. The aftermath of apartheid presented South Africa scouring for good governance. The successive governments constantly restructured social and economic sectors through policy implementation and ambitious programs to promote good governance. Yet, there has been numerous demonstrations and protests reminiscing the days of the anti-apartheid struggle, particularly towards the quality of service delivery provided. Methodology: The paper is a qualitative study, which employed eclectic literature in analysing the role of youth protest towards the promotion of good governance in South Africa. Findings: The study discussed the reason for the occurrence of youth protest in South Africa, as well as how it could promote good governance is strategically managed. Implication: The study emphasizes the catalytic role protests play as social change in enhancing good governance. Originality: So far, no available study has identified youth protest as a catalyst for social change in enhancing good governance in South Africa. Conclusion: It was recommended that government should include and involve more youths in integral processes like constitutionalism, rule of law and leadership roles.
- Full Text:
Enhancing Good Governance in South Africa Through Youth Protest : A Catalyst for Social Change
- Enaifoghe, Andrew, Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Authors: Enaifoghe, Andrew , Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Democracy , Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/494529 , uj:44890 , Citation: Enaifoghe, A. and Abosede, D.A., 2021. Enhancing Good Governance in South Africa Through Youth Protest: A Catalyst for Social Change. Researchers World, 12(2), pp.1-11. , DOI: 10.18843/rwjasc/v12i2/01 , ISSN: 2231-4172
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Enaifoghe, Andrew , Abosede, Durokifa Anuoluwapo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Democracy , Governance
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/494529 , uj:44890 , Citation: Enaifoghe, A. and Abosede, D.A., 2021. Enhancing Good Governance in South Africa Through Youth Protest: A Catalyst for Social Change. Researchers World, 12(2), pp.1-11. , DOI: 10.18843/rwjasc/v12i2/01 , ISSN: 2231-4172
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
Governance, democracy and accountability from a network governance perspective within the city of Ekurhuleni
- Jerome J. Patience, Nel, Danielle
- Authors: Jerome J. Patience , Nel, Danielle
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Public participation , Democracy , Accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/493547 , uj:45115 , Citation: Patience, J.J. & Nel, D., 2022, ‘Governance, democracy and accountability from a network governance perspective within the city of Ekurhuleni’, Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review 10(1), a554. https://doi. org/10.4102/apsdpr. v10i1.554 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v10i1.554 , ISSN: 2310-2152
- Description: Abstract: Background: Local government as the sphere of government that directly impacts the lives of communities must create a milieu of interacting with communities in terms of planning, execution and the monitoring and evaluation of the success or failure of its programmes. Local government has a moral and a legislative duty to involve communities thereby extending and deepening democratic and accountable government processes. Aim: This study aimed to analyse how democratic and accountable governance can assist in creating sustainable processes of involvement of its communities. Local government is government’s main contributor to the socio-economic growth and development, not only of a country but more so, its people. The article emphasises improvement in the current processes of community involvement in strategic planning and the execution of such plans in general and at the city of Ekurhuleni (COE) in particular, situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa. It further aims to indicate to the city that its processes are not taking into account communities’ feelings of self-worth, humanity and identity. Methods: The study followed a qualitative approach in terms of the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and the network governance theory served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings indicate that communities and community bodies who are to serve as actors in collaboration with the city in their planning and execution processes experience alienation from council, councillors and even ward committees and their members. Community actors are of the opinion that councillors only know them during their election campaigns, and when elections have come and gone, councillors are gone as well. Conclusion: Recommendations include that when dealing with community affairs there should be no political party affiliation and that councillors must know that communication is a two-way tool that should benefit all parties. Councillors are to commit themselves to the improvement of community members’ lives and socio-economic upliftment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jerome J. Patience , Nel, Danielle
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Public participation , Democracy , Accountability
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/493547 , uj:45115 , Citation: Patience, J.J. & Nel, D., 2022, ‘Governance, democracy and accountability from a network governance perspective within the city of Ekurhuleni’, Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review 10(1), a554. https://doi. org/10.4102/apsdpr. v10i1.554 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v10i1.554 , ISSN: 2310-2152
- Description: Abstract: Background: Local government as the sphere of government that directly impacts the lives of communities must create a milieu of interacting with communities in terms of planning, execution and the monitoring and evaluation of the success or failure of its programmes. Local government has a moral and a legislative duty to involve communities thereby extending and deepening democratic and accountable government processes. Aim: This study aimed to analyse how democratic and accountable governance can assist in creating sustainable processes of involvement of its communities. Local government is government’s main contributor to the socio-economic growth and development, not only of a country but more so, its people. The article emphasises improvement in the current processes of community involvement in strategic planning and the execution of such plans in general and at the city of Ekurhuleni (COE) in particular, situated in the Gauteng province of South Africa. It further aims to indicate to the city that its processes are not taking into account communities’ feelings of self-worth, humanity and identity. Methods: The study followed a qualitative approach in terms of the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and the network governance theory served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings indicate that communities and community bodies who are to serve as actors in collaboration with the city in their planning and execution processes experience alienation from council, councillors and even ward committees and their members. Community actors are of the opinion that councillors only know them during their election campaigns, and when elections have come and gone, councillors are gone as well. Conclusion: Recommendations include that when dealing with community affairs there should be no political party affiliation and that councillors must know that communication is a two-way tool that should benefit all parties. Councillors are to commit themselves to the improvement of community members’ lives and socio-economic upliftment.
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How can a society make its citizens just?
- Authors: Lötter, H.P.P. (Hennie)
- Date: 2009-04-01T06:47:41Z
- Subjects: Social justice , Democracy , Moral development
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2415
- Description: South African journal of philosophy, 20(1), 2001 , How can citizens be made just? I focus on how modem constitutional democracies can entice, convince, and guide their citizens to become just. I rely chiefly on Rawls's theory of justice (1971), as well as the work of sociologist Derek L. Phillips. I argue that internal control by citizens themselves is the best option. This view is attractive because every citizen can play a part in establishing and maintaining the public conception of justice by being role models, engaging in dialogue with fellow citizens, or by simply doing their part in maintaining just institutions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lötter, H.P.P. (Hennie)
- Date: 2009-04-01T06:47:41Z
- Subjects: Social justice , Democracy , Moral development
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2415
- Description: South African journal of philosophy, 20(1), 2001 , How can citizens be made just? I focus on how modem constitutional democracies can entice, convince, and guide their citizens to become just. I rely chiefly on Rawls's theory of justice (1971), as well as the work of sociologist Derek L. Phillips. I argue that internal control by citizens themselves is the best option. This view is attractive because every citizen can play a part in establishing and maintaining the public conception of justice by being role models, engaging in dialogue with fellow citizens, or by simply doing their part in maintaining just institutions.
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Personal identity in multicultural constitutional democracies
- Authors: Lotter, H.P.P.
- Date: 2009-04-01T06:22:21Z
- Subjects: Identity , Democracy , Multiculturalism
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5633 , ISSN 02580136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2412
- Description: South African Journal of Philosophy, 17(3), 1998 , Examines an approach for accommodating varying kinds of identity within a multicultural constitutional democracy, showing how people define, construct and change their personal identities in order to become unique individuals. Examination of a definition of personal identity; Assessment of the components of personal identity; Effect which personal identity has on one's life and how it changes.
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- Authors: Lotter, H.P.P.
- Date: 2009-04-01T06:22:21Z
- Subjects: Identity , Democracy , Multiculturalism
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5633 , ISSN 02580136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2412
- Description: South African Journal of Philosophy, 17(3), 1998 , Examines an approach for accommodating varying kinds of identity within a multicultural constitutional democracy, showing how people define, construct and change their personal identities in order to become unique individuals. Examination of a definition of personal identity; Assessment of the components of personal identity; Effect which personal identity has on one's life and how it changes.
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The development of deliberative democracy in the foundation phase
- Authors: Makhubo, Monica Ntombincane
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Early childhood education , Democracy
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/64097 , uj:17147
- Description: Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the development of democracy in the Foundation Phase. Foundation Phase is the first phase of the General Education and Training Band (GET) which comprises Grades R, 1, 2 and 3 (DoE, 2003: 19). According to DoE (2003: 19), this phase focuses on the primary skills, knowledge and values which “la[y the foundation for learners’ further learning”. According to the National Education Policy Act (Act No. 27 of 1996), these learners are between 5 and 10 years of age (DoE, 2003: 19). This study explores the development of democracy, focusing on teachers’ understanding of democracy in terms of ‘deliberative democracy’, and attempts to determine the extent to which they practice this understanding in the classroom. Deliberative democracy is understood in terms of knowledge, values, virtues and skills. This study was undertaken twenty years after the advent of democracy in South Africa, which brought about many changes to the education system of the country. These included major curriculum changes by the Department of Education that emphasised the development of essential values, virtues and skills necessary for democracy, which in turn led to the research question that underpins this study. Different conceptions of democracy are clarified in this research to provide a better understanding of the concept of deliberative democracy. From the literature study, the researcher identifies essential elements of deliberative democracy in relation to the values, virtues and skills that need to be developed in the Foundation Phase. Deliberative democracy is contrasted with liberal or representative democracy and communicative democracy. This study argues that the future citizens of South Africa are more likely to embrace democratic values, virtues and skills in their daily lives if they are developed early in the Foundation Phase. The research strategy for this study is grounded within an interpretive research paradigm using qualitative research methods, in order to explore what the participants understand about the concept of democracy and how they make sense of this concept in their practices in the classroom. The qualitative study employed focus group interviews and observations as data collection methods. The research sample was drawn from two primary schools and consisted of teachers who teach in the Foundation Phase. , M.Ed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhubo, Monica Ntombincane
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Early childhood education , Democracy
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/64097 , uj:17147
- Description: Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore the development of democracy in the Foundation Phase. Foundation Phase is the first phase of the General Education and Training Band (GET) which comprises Grades R, 1, 2 and 3 (DoE, 2003: 19). According to DoE (2003: 19), this phase focuses on the primary skills, knowledge and values which “la[y the foundation for learners’ further learning”. According to the National Education Policy Act (Act No. 27 of 1996), these learners are between 5 and 10 years of age (DoE, 2003: 19). This study explores the development of democracy, focusing on teachers’ understanding of democracy in terms of ‘deliberative democracy’, and attempts to determine the extent to which they practice this understanding in the classroom. Deliberative democracy is understood in terms of knowledge, values, virtues and skills. This study was undertaken twenty years after the advent of democracy in South Africa, which brought about many changes to the education system of the country. These included major curriculum changes by the Department of Education that emphasised the development of essential values, virtues and skills necessary for democracy, which in turn led to the research question that underpins this study. Different conceptions of democracy are clarified in this research to provide a better understanding of the concept of deliberative democracy. From the literature study, the researcher identifies essential elements of deliberative democracy in relation to the values, virtues and skills that need to be developed in the Foundation Phase. Deliberative democracy is contrasted with liberal or representative democracy and communicative democracy. This study argues that the future citizens of South Africa are more likely to embrace democratic values, virtues and skills in their daily lives if they are developed early in the Foundation Phase. The research strategy for this study is grounded within an interpretive research paradigm using qualitative research methods, in order to explore what the participants understand about the concept of democracy and how they make sense of this concept in their practices in the classroom. The qualitative study employed focus group interviews and observations as data collection methods. The research sample was drawn from two primary schools and consisted of teachers who teach in the Foundation Phase. , M.Ed.
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The impact on democracy of the state's failure to fulfil its duties in South Africa
- Authors: Van Eck, Michele M.
- Date: 2010-04-08T08:32:28Z
- Subjects: Government liability , Constitutional law , Democracy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3156
- Description: LL.M. , This study seeks to investigate the extent to which the state fails to comply with its constitutional and legal duties, and the impact of this failure on democracy. The study determines the effect of such failure and assesses the effectiveness of existing compliance mechanisms in ensuring the state fulfills its constitutional and legal duties. The duties imposed on the state must be complied with to ensure the legitimacy of the Constitution remains intact. State compliance with these duties forms an essential foundation of the Constitution. It is accepted in this study that the manner in and extent to which the state fails to comply with its duties impacts the status of the Constitution and the development of democracy in South Africa. There are two ways in which the state may fail to comply with its duties: 1. The first instance is where the state bona fide misinterprets legislation. 2. The second instance is where the state negligently ignores its duties or wilfully disregards its duties or takes on “imagined powers”. This study concerns itself with this second instance of non-compliance. The question not only concerns the extent of state non-compliance with its duties. The question also becomes, what are the ramifications if the state does not comply with its duties? What would be the consequences if the state wilfully, with mala fide intent or by the use of “imagined powers” neglects or ignores its duties? What would be the effect on the development and sustainability of democracy in South Africa? What are the existing compliance mechanisms and are they effective enough to ensure state compliance with its duties? The study endeavours to explore these questions. The study looks at a series of court cases illustrating the extent to which the state has so far failed to act in compliance with its duties. The study attempts to determine whether such non-compliance was merely a mistake or whether the state acted with some form of wilfulness or neglect. The study looks at the existing mechanisms and watchdogs that ensure state compliance with the Constitution and briefly examines whether they are effective. Other possible mechanisms that may strengthen control over state compliance are also considered. The study first looks at the duties of the state and the existing control mechanisms. Then a selection of cases are analysed to determine in what manner and to what extent the state is failing to comply with its constitutional duties. The study then assesses the current control mechanisms to determine whether they are effective in enforcing state compliance with its duties. Lastly, the study examines other possibilities and alternative mechanisms that may be introduced to secure state compliance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Eck, Michele M.
- Date: 2010-04-08T08:32:28Z
- Subjects: Government liability , Constitutional law , Democracy
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3156
- Description: LL.M. , This study seeks to investigate the extent to which the state fails to comply with its constitutional and legal duties, and the impact of this failure on democracy. The study determines the effect of such failure and assesses the effectiveness of existing compliance mechanisms in ensuring the state fulfills its constitutional and legal duties. The duties imposed on the state must be complied with to ensure the legitimacy of the Constitution remains intact. State compliance with these duties forms an essential foundation of the Constitution. It is accepted in this study that the manner in and extent to which the state fails to comply with its duties impacts the status of the Constitution and the development of democracy in South Africa. There are two ways in which the state may fail to comply with its duties: 1. The first instance is where the state bona fide misinterprets legislation. 2. The second instance is where the state negligently ignores its duties or wilfully disregards its duties or takes on “imagined powers”. This study concerns itself with this second instance of non-compliance. The question not only concerns the extent of state non-compliance with its duties. The question also becomes, what are the ramifications if the state does not comply with its duties? What would be the consequences if the state wilfully, with mala fide intent or by the use of “imagined powers” neglects or ignores its duties? What would be the effect on the development and sustainability of democracy in South Africa? What are the existing compliance mechanisms and are they effective enough to ensure state compliance with its duties? The study endeavours to explore these questions. The study looks at a series of court cases illustrating the extent to which the state has so far failed to act in compliance with its duties. The study attempts to determine whether such non-compliance was merely a mistake or whether the state acted with some form of wilfulness or neglect. The study looks at the existing mechanisms and watchdogs that ensure state compliance with the Constitution and briefly examines whether they are effective. Other possible mechanisms that may strengthen control over state compliance are also considered. The study first looks at the duties of the state and the existing control mechanisms. Then a selection of cases are analysed to determine in what manner and to what extent the state is failing to comply with its constitutional duties. The study then assesses the current control mechanisms to determine whether they are effective in enforcing state compliance with its duties. Lastly, the study examines other possibilities and alternative mechanisms that may be introduced to secure state compliance.
- Full Text:
Variables influencing civil society participation in selected African countries
- Ndiaye, Joe Malph Severin Divassa
- Authors: Ndiaye, Joe Malph Severin Divassa
- Date: 2012-11-12
- Subjects: Political participation , Civil society , Social participation , Democracy , Africa - Politics and government
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8171
- Description: M.A. (Public Management and Governance) , This dissertation focused on the variables that influence civil society participation in selected African countries. This dissertation dealt inter alia with the conceptual and contextual variables of civil society participation in general and civil society organisations’ participation in particular. The aim was to determine what should be included in this process to make it efficient within a Third World context or a new developing democracy. A general descriptive, qualitative and interpretive approach was followed in terms of civil participation in Africa. Specific case studies – Burkina-Faso, Tanzania and Zimbabwe – were identified to highlight the observations. The main study objectives entailed a conceptual description and an explanation of the participation related concepts, phenomena, and processes that influence civil society participation in Africa. Notably, this was done by undertaking a detailed literature study. The dissertation also provided a specific level of understanding of the nature of the variables that influence civil society participation in selected African countries. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the nature and problems of participative democratic governance in African states. The study focused on the nature and forms of civil society participation on a local level and communal structures in African countries in general. Specific focus was placed on Burkina-Faso, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. From this perspective this study addressed the question of civil society, forms of political participation, as well as the social processes developing in Africa. The study perceived the notions of ‘civil society’ and ‘political participation’ with an empirical approach and used the term ‘civil society’ in the positive sense. Thus, civil society included the associated movements and the individual entities that participate in exercising social control over the political class, without formally or exclusively belonging to it. It was found that exercising social control in Africa is a cultural phenomenon, which is varied and dynamic with regard to its content and forms. Criticism, allocating prestige or shame, coercion or the use of violence, free expression and explicit manifestations of approval or disapproval are equal modalities in exercising this social control in Africa as a form of political participation. Notably, this corresponds to the ‘national’ and the ‘local’ levels of governance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndiaye, Joe Malph Severin Divassa
- Date: 2012-11-12
- Subjects: Political participation , Civil society , Social participation , Democracy , Africa - Politics and government
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8171
- Description: M.A. (Public Management and Governance) , This dissertation focused on the variables that influence civil society participation in selected African countries. This dissertation dealt inter alia with the conceptual and contextual variables of civil society participation in general and civil society organisations’ participation in particular. The aim was to determine what should be included in this process to make it efficient within a Third World context or a new developing democracy. A general descriptive, qualitative and interpretive approach was followed in terms of civil participation in Africa. Specific case studies – Burkina-Faso, Tanzania and Zimbabwe – were identified to highlight the observations. The main study objectives entailed a conceptual description and an explanation of the participation related concepts, phenomena, and processes that influence civil society participation in Africa. Notably, this was done by undertaking a detailed literature study. The dissertation also provided a specific level of understanding of the nature of the variables that influence civil society participation in selected African countries. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the nature and problems of participative democratic governance in African states. The study focused on the nature and forms of civil society participation on a local level and communal structures in African countries in general. Specific focus was placed on Burkina-Faso, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. From this perspective this study addressed the question of civil society, forms of political participation, as well as the social processes developing in Africa. The study perceived the notions of ‘civil society’ and ‘political participation’ with an empirical approach and used the term ‘civil society’ in the positive sense. Thus, civil society included the associated movements and the individual entities that participate in exercising social control over the political class, without formally or exclusively belonging to it. It was found that exercising social control in Africa is a cultural phenomenon, which is varied and dynamic with regard to its content and forms. Criticism, allocating prestige or shame, coercion or the use of violence, free expression and explicit manifestations of approval or disapproval are equal modalities in exercising this social control in Africa as a form of political participation. Notably, this corresponds to the ‘national’ and the ‘local’ levels of governance.
- Full Text:
Visual graphics for human rights, social justice, democracy and the public good
- Nanackchand, Vedant, Berman, Kim
- Authors: Nanackchand, Vedant , Berman, Kim
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Democracy , Human rights , Social justice , Visual graphics
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6006 , ISSN 2076-3433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8826
- Description: The value of human rights in a democratic South Africa is constantly threatened and often waived for nefarious reasons. We contend that the use of visual graphics among incoming university visual art students provides a mode of engagement that helps to inculcate awareness of human rights, social responsibility, and the public good in South African higher education. Visual graphics, the subject of the research project which forms a key component of a Masters dissertation by one of the authors, provides an opportunity to counter a noticeable decline in the students’ response and sensitivity to the freedoms entrenched in the South African Bill of Rights. The article presents a study using an action research approach in the classroom between 2005–2010, in order to inculcate awareness of human rights among participating students and deepen their understanding of social responsibility. The method used involved an introduction to specific visual art curricular intervention projects which required incoming first-year students to develop visual responses to address selected human rights violations and, in their second year, to develop their visual voice in order to promote human rights advocacy through civic engagement. The critical outcomes impact positively on the use of graphic images in the curriculum as a visual methodology to re-insert the discourse of human rights as a basic tenet of constitutional democracy in higher education.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nanackchand, Vedant , Berman, Kim
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Democracy , Human rights , Social justice , Visual graphics
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6006 , ISSN 2076-3433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8826
- Description: The value of human rights in a democratic South Africa is constantly threatened and often waived for nefarious reasons. We contend that the use of visual graphics among incoming university visual art students provides a mode of engagement that helps to inculcate awareness of human rights, social responsibility, and the public good in South African higher education. Visual graphics, the subject of the research project which forms a key component of a Masters dissertation by one of the authors, provides an opportunity to counter a noticeable decline in the students’ response and sensitivity to the freedoms entrenched in the South African Bill of Rights. The article presents a study using an action research approach in the classroom between 2005–2010, in order to inculcate awareness of human rights among participating students and deepen their understanding of social responsibility. The method used involved an introduction to specific visual art curricular intervention projects which required incoming first-year students to develop visual responses to address selected human rights violations and, in their second year, to develop their visual voice in order to promote human rights advocacy through civic engagement. The critical outcomes impact positively on the use of graphic images in the curriculum as a visual methodology to re-insert the discourse of human rights as a basic tenet of constitutional democracy in higher education.
- Full Text:
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