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Implementing Multicultural Education to Foster Peace in Schools
Francina Lethiwe Mazibuko and Lucia Zithobile Ngidi
DOI: 10.15604/ejss.2024.12.01.001
Abstract
The nation has witnessed an increasing migration in post-apartheid South Africa, significantly diversifying its societal fabric. This evolving multicultural landscape has noticeable instances of violence and necessitates a deeper awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the various cultures now present within communities. The rise in immigrant populations has underscored multicultural education’s importance in fostering a peaceful, inclusive society. This study offers a unique and innovative exploration of whether multicultural education can contribute to peacebuilding and promote a worldview that embraces diversity within schools. The research delves into the critical need for multicultural education in South Africa’s schools by utilizing focus groups and interviews conducted at an independent school in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. Pinetown has notable instances of school violence. The study further adopted action research to model the peacebuilding lessons that address the challenges posed by the country’s diverse demographic landscape and the associated issues of violence, xenophobia, and tribalism. The findings of this study underscore the potential of multicultural education to drive a paradigm shift, empower learners, and positively influence social dynamics. By fostering cultural competence, encouraging parental and community involvement, and creating safe, inclusive spaces, this research provides valuable insights for educational authorities and schools. Ultimately, the study lays a foundation for the following researchers to explore various transformative roles of multicultural education in shaping a harmonious and diverse society.
Keywords: Multicultural Education, Education for Peace, Cultural Diversity, Integrative Theory of Peace
Contemporary Issues in Local Government “Coexistence Strategy” and “Provincial Government Monitoring of Local Government”: an Overview of Selected Case Studies in Kwazulu-Natal
Muzi Shoba
DOI: 10.15604/ejss.2024.12.01.002
Abstract
This article describes the coexistence strategy employed by the opposition parties and discusses the complexities associated with provincial government supervision of local government, arising out of the alleged ‘politically’ motivated interventions. The article draws on secondary data sources and uses two local municipalities through case studies to discuss the coexistence of opposition parties and the challenges associated with the provincial government’s involvement in local government affairs. The selected case studies are the uMngeni Local Municipality and uMsunduzi Local Municipality. The two local municipalities are based in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality in South Africa. Opposition parties have adopted a coexistence strategy, forging informal and formal coalitions to challenge the African National Congress (ANC) hegemony in South Africa’s political landscape. This has prompted the ANC to use its powers overly as the ruling party to monitor and supervise municipalities, particularly those that the opposition parties, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), govern. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa enjoins the provincial government to monitor and supervise the local governments, as stated in Sections 154(1) and 155(6, 7). This implies that provincial governments have the responsibility to support the municipalities in discharging their fiduciary duties in relevant cases. However, this analysis reveals that despite ‘politically’ motivated interventions in local government, the ruling party’s electoral support will continue to shrink in South Africa. This situation will result in the formation of more coalition governments in the country. The article contributes to an improved understanding of the complexities, associated with provincial government intervention in local government, and how the opposition parties have deployed the strategy of coexistence to dethrone the ANC’s dominance in the country’s political landscape.
Keywords: Coexistence, Opposition Parties, Local Government, Provincial Government, South Africa
Lip Serviced Decentralized Governance in South African Local Government: Constraints and Prospects for Service Delivery Planning
Isaac Nkoana, Sakiel A. Monama, and Ngoako J. Mokoele
DOI: 10.15604/ejss.2024.12.01.003
Abstract
The dawn of democracy in South Africa ignited hope among the non-white population for effective service delivery and the end of separate development, a legacy of colonial administration. However, thirty years later, South Africa faces significant challenges, including service delivery backlogs, corruption, inadequate capacity, and poor monetary management, which hinder effective service delivery planning. The decentralization of governance aimed to address these issues by shifting responsibilities to local governments, yet this process has been largely ineffective due to the lack of genuine citizen participation, superficial integrated development planning, and insufficient local government capacity. Despite South Africa’s elevated level of decentralization, governance remains fragmented, with overlapping districts, unclear mandates, incomplete coordination, and contradictory implementation. This has perpetuated service delivery challenges, particularly affecting impoverished and unemployed populations. The paper argues that the superficial nature of decentralized governance has contributed to slow service delivery and planning in rural areas. It concludes that the ineffective decentralization has led to deteriorating service infrastructure, inadequate service provision, and worsening poverty. Consequently, after thirty years into democracy, the situation for many, especially in rural regions, remains precarious.
Keywords: Lip Serviced Decentralization, Governance, Local Government, Service Delivery Planning, Theory of Planned Behavior
Unveiling the Shadows: a Systematic Literature Review on Understanding Femicide in South Africa and Its Socio-cultural Determinants
Wiseman Ntlhari Mathebula Eleanor A. Hendricks, and Katekani Sibise
DOI: 10.15604/ejss.2024.12.01.004
Abstract
Femicide, the intentional killing of women based on their gender, is a pervasive and disturbing issue globally, with South Africa experiencing alarmingly high rates. This systematic literature review examines the socio-cultural determinants of femicide in South Africa. Through a comprehensive analysis of scholarly articles, reports, and studies, the review aims to enhance our understanding of the multifaceted nature of femicide in the country. Taking a socio-cultural lens, the review investigates factors contributing to femicide, such as gender norms, patriarchy, cultural beliefs, and practices. The review explores the intersections of gender, violence, and culture, analyzing the consequences of femicide on victims, families, communities, and society. Identifying gaps in knowledge, the review emphasizes the need for further research and policy development. It concludes by providing recommendations for interventions, policies, and strategies to prevent and address femicide in South Africa. This review serves as a crucial tool to promote dialogue, and guide evidence-based interventions against femicide.
Keywords: Femicide, Unveiling Shadows, Socio-Cultural Determinants, Systematic Literature Review
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