DOCSLIB.ORG

Nkandlagate: Only Partial Evidence of Urban African Inequality Ruvimbo Moyo

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nkandlagate: Only Partial Evidence of Urban African Inequality Ruvimbo Moyo Nkandlagate: Only Partial Evidence of Urban African Inequality Ruvimbo Moyo 160 Moyo Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/thld_a_00065 by guest on 26 September 2021 Nkandlagate: Only Partial nce of Evide Were we really shocked by the R246 million (US$24 million) upgrade to South African Pres- ident Jacob Zuma's Nkandla residence? It was not a new concept. It was not a new architec- African ture. In the “Secure in Comfort” Report by the Public Protector of the Republic of South Afri- Urban ca, Thuli Madonsela investigated the impropri- ety in the implementation of security measures on President Zuma’s private home. 1 Madonse- la found ethical violations on the president’s part with respect to the project: his fam- quality ily benefited from the visitor center, cattle Ine kraal, chicken run, amphitheatre and swim- ming pool among others, built in the name of security. The president also violated the Ex- ecutive Ethics Code after failing to contain the cost when the media first reported the 2 1 then R65 million project in 2009. So-called Madonsela, T N. 2014. Secure In Com- “Nkandlagate” did not move from the Afri- fort: A Report of The Public Protector. can political norm that says loud and clear: Investigation Report 25 of 2013/14, Pub- lic Protector South Africa. 2 Rossouw, M. 2009. "Zuma's R65m Nkandla splurge." Mail & Guardian. December 04. Accessed 12 29, 2014. http://mg.co.za/article/2009-12- 04-zumas-r65m-nkandla-splurge. Moyo 161 Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/thld_a_00065 by guest on 26 September 2021 Opulence is an acceptable perk for our leaders, a craving, an urge, a right. This duality of extreme wealth against extreme poverty has existed since colonial Africa, a discrepancy that is only increas- ing. Nkandla itself, where Zuma’s residence is located, has a population of 114,416, an unem- ployment rate of 43.9% with only 16.7% of the households having piped water and 8.1% with flush toilets. 3 Considering the claims of corrup- tion, exploitation of public funds and a required relocation of neighbouring households at the states expense, the presence of this spectacle in Nkandla is a clear representation of the differ- ence in rights offered to members of the popu- lation based on wealth and power. The built environment provides a canvas to portray the tragic relationship between pow- er and the dying promises of the leaders of the continent. In his book Architecture and Power in Africa, architectural historian Nnamdi Elleh poses the following question: Is it possible to evaluate the urban as- pirations of Africa’s postcolonial leaders employing the same paradigms and stan- dards with which we evaluate the urban aspirations of colonialist conquistadors? 4 Urban planning and design was a vital tool in colonial political and social control, seen in apartheid urban planning. Today, it is the same tool still being used by neo-African leaders. Social housing typologies from the period of imperialism are re-used by our gov- ernments. These “clones” are usually located 3 in townships away from the city center, at Statistics South Africa. 2011. Nkand- the periphery, reducing access to economic la Municipality. Accessed 07 08, 2014. http://beta2.statssa.gov.za/?page_ id=993&id=nkandla-municipality. 4 Elleh, N. 2002. Architecture and Power in Africa. Westport: Prae- ger Publishers. 162 Moyo Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/thld_a_00065 by guest on 26 September 2021 opportunity because of the distant location paired with public transport systems that are ineffi- cient, expensive and sometimes non-existent. 5 This disempowers a proportion of the popula- tion and yet it is still the quickest solution for the state. 5 The inefficiencies stated include Juxtaposed with the clones of apartheid-era that of congestion due to an in- architecture, a new typology has emerged in crease in private car usage, high contrast: the African “eco-city.” 6 The third world accident rates, high cost of trans- port due to traveling distances that has become a playground for developers with disempower the marginalized com- the creation of utopian eco-cites: Eko Atlantic munities (both rural and urban), City (Lagos, Nigeria); Konza Technology City, poor safety and security that de- ters people from using the public billed as “Africa’s Silicon Valley” (Kenya); and Ki- transport, limited access for per- gali City Masterplan, by OZ Architects and Sur- sons with special needs, increas- bana Urban Planning Group (Kigali, Rwanda), ing backlog in infrastructural main- tenance and the lack of formalized to only name a few. These developments are institutional arrangements to as- usually located in the urban periphery of Afri- sist in coordination and delivery ca and promise functional, technologically rel- on an integrated transport man- date. Western Cape Government. evant cities. Kigali Conceptual Master Plan was 2011. “Increasing Access to Safe and pitched by strategic planner Thomas E. Wheel- Efficient Transport.” Western Cape er as “an exemplary master plan that truly ad- Government Public Information. dresses the vision and development needs of 6 an emerging city such as Kigali.” 7 “Eko Atlan- This term targets the new urban tic,” according to the city’s sales office, “will master plans in Africa. These plans are often created by global proper- enhance the status of Lagos and create a new ty developers and called “eco-cities” and stronger financial hub for the whole of or “smart-cities” to target a rapidly West Africa.” 8 Even city masterplanners are growing middle class emerging from Africa's economic growth. Watson, V. explicit about strategies to separate the new 2013. “African Cities: The new Post- cities from the existing. Referring to Amboseli colonialisation. Lecture at the Bart- New Town in Kenya deputy director of Metro- lett Development Planning Unit at Uni- versity College London (Recorded by politan Planning and Environment, Dan Kiara, Bell, J).” Future Cape Town. 03 06. Ac- stated: “The idea is to disperse the current cessed 09 12, 2014. http://futurecape population from the current city of Nairobi. town.com/2013/04/future-african-cit ies-the-new-post-colonialisation/. With fewer people in the city, it will be easi- er to provide services for those who remain in 7 the capital while establishing new economic OZ Architecture. 2013. Kigali Master Plan. Accessed 12 29, 2014. http://ozar ch.com/portfolio/kigali-master-plan/. 8 Eko Atlantic Sales Office. 2012. Eko Atlantic. Accessed 07 08, 2014. http://www.ekoatlantic.com/. Moyo 163 Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/thld_a_00065 by guest on 26 September 2021 zones with specific themes.” 9 Yet while these cities may represent the dreams and ideals of the growing African middle class and reflect economic activity on the con- tinent, they ignore their context. These eco or “smart-cities” promote, sponsor and urge the in- equality gap in Africa, with many still living in poverty and informal settlements. The new de- velopments set an urban aspiration of exclu- sion reminiscent of colonial jurisdiction. Like Zuma’s Nkandla residence, they in fact reveal the skewed distribution of resources in which opulent architectural products can only be en- joyed by an elite few. Nkandlagate, which caught the attention of the media and public, in fact represented how urbanism in post-democratic Africa expos- es the impact of government strategies. These strategies promote economic growth favoring a private sector while disregarding increasing poverty and inequality. Two examples expand on this condition. First, marginalized housing conditions that do not improve on historical injustices are outlined and compared to South African apartheid era housing policies that de- nied a “non-European” population the right to democracy. Second, the recently constructed Nova Cidade de Kilamba, a housing develop- ment in Angola, will be explored to represent trending idealistic developments that disre- gard the complexities of the continent includ- ing urban layout, informal settlements and economic realities. These developments are a deterrent to solving the housing issues in Africa as they promote microeconomies that once again exclude the poor. The peripheries 9 Muiruri, P. 2014. "Coming soon: Kenya’s world class metropolis." Standard Digital News. 10 23. Accessed 12 29, 2014. http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/evewoman/m/?arti cleID=2000139159&story_title=coming-soon-kenya-s-world-class-me tropolis&pageNo=3. 164 Moyo Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/thld_a_00065 by guest on 26 September 2021 of old and new African cities become an omni- present, regenerating restrictive zone that deny many rights to the city. I. South Africa's Housing Policies Consider the realm of social housing in South Africa for the evolution of housing policies and schemes to illustrate the current urban prob- lems within the region. Today, a growing pop- ulation, increasing urbanization rate and low housing delivery rates have attributed to a housing backlog in South Africa that reached 2.1 million units in 2013, a deficit that affected 8 million people. 1 0 To make up for this backlog, housing structures for fast, easy and inexpen- 10 sive construction have been constructed by the SAPA. 2013. “Housing Backlog Stands state with the former Minister of Human Set- at 2.1 million – Sexwale.” City Press. tlements, Mosima Gabriel “Tokyo” Sexwale, ac- 06 07. Accessed 12 29, 2014. http:// www.citypress.co.za/news/hous- knowledging, “We should admit we started on ing-backlog-stands-at-2-1-million-sex a wrong foot. These Reconstruction and Devel- wale/. opment Programme (RDP) houses that people 11 are saying are falling [down], not a good job SAPA. 2010. “SA in ‘Haiti-like’ Situa- was done there.” 1 1 tion.” News24.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • CCS Anti-Xenophobia Research and Community Outreach
    CCS Anti-Xenophobia research and community outreach Documentation, 2010 CCS anti-xenophobia research workshop, 27 February 2010 ANTI-XENOPHOBIA RESEARCH/ACTION WORKSHOP CENTRE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY, STRATEGY&TACTICS and DURBAN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS DATE: 27 FEBRUARY 2010 TIME: 9AM-3:30PM VENUE: MEMORIAL TOWER BUILDING L2 (in tallest building at Howard College) Research papers Xenophobia in Bottlebrush: An investigation into the reasons behind the attacks on African immigrants in an informal settlement in Durban. Xenophobia and Civil Society: Durban’s Structured Social Divisions Agenda 9:00-09:30 Tea with muffin + film screening 9:30-09:45 Welcome: Patrick Bond, Introduction to Durban Case Study: Baruti Amisi, Faith ka Manzi, Sheperd Zvavanhu, Orlean Naidoo, Nokuthula Cele, Trevor Ngwane 9:40-10:30 Presentation of Durban Case Study (1) Patrick Bond: Overview of Durban Case Study (2) Trevor Ngwane: Bottlebrush (3) Baruti Amisi: Migrant Voices 10:30-11:00 Presentation by Nobi Dube, Ramaphosa Case study and Summary of recommendations from national case studies by Jenny Parsley 11:00-12:00 Discussion 12:00-12:15 Presentation of themes from research and ways forward, with Trevor 12:15-13:00 Breakaway Groups (geographic areas and interests) with Amisi and Trevor 13:00-14:00 Lunch 14:00-14:30 Presentations by Breakaway Groups 14:30-15:00 Discussion and anti-xenophobia strategies facilitated by Amisi and Trevor 15:00-15:15 Concluding Remarks: Patrick Bond 15:15 Vote of thanks: Baruti Amisi Workshop Themes: 1) Civil society, social movements,
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa: Economic Progress and Failures Since 1994
    Università degli Studi di Padova Dipartimento di Studi Linguistici e Letterari Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Lingue Moderne per la Comunicazione e la Cooperazione Internazionale Classe LM-38 Tesi di Laurea South Africa: economic progress and failures since 1994 Laureando Relatore Monica Capuzzo Prof. Antonio Covi n° matr.1061228 / LMLCC Anno Accademico 2014 / 2015 South Africa: economic progress and failures since 1994 1 INTRODUCTION….…………………………………………………….. p. 1 2 SOUTH AFRICA: A GENERAL OVERVIEW..………………………... p. 3 2.1 A brief geographical description ………………………………………… p. 3 2.2 Historical background……………………………………………………. p. 5 2.2.1 The colonial age………………………………………………….. p. 6 2.2.2 The rise of Apartheid…………………………………………….. p. 7 2.2.3 The end of Apartheid and the birth of democracy……………….. p. 8 2.3 Political institutions and their historical development…………………... p. 9 2.3.1 Government structure during Apartheid…………………………. p. 9 2.3.2 South Africa’s Constitution………………………………………. p. 10 2.3.3 Institutions supporting democracy………………………………… p. 13 2.4 Social and economic consequences of Apartheid………………………… p. 15 2.4.1 Demography and racial discrimination……………………………. p. 16 2.4.2 GDP per capita and poverty rate…………………………………... p. 22 2.4.3 Income inequality and the gap between the rich and the poor…….. p. 28 2.4.4 Life expectancy and health care…………………………………… p. 30 2.4.5 Primary education…………………………………………………. p. 37 2.4.6 Employment……………………………………………………….. p. 40 2.4.7 The Human Development Index (HDI)…………………………… p. 44 3 SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY SINCE THE END OF APARTHEID… p. 51 3.1 Economic structure today………………………………………………… p. 51 3.2 Economic reforms………………………………………………………… p. 60 3.2.1 Land and agrarian reform………………………………………….
    [Show full text]
  • Speech by Human Settlements Minister, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, on The
    Speech by Human Settlements Minister, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, on the occasion of the establishment of the Chair for Education in Human Settlements Development Management at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - 19 March 2013. Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen. It is edifying on this very special occasion, taking place at this institution of higher learning, to be with you all today. This school, the Nelson 1 Mandela Metropolitan University, now no longer carries the name of Elizabeth but that of Nelson, who is none other than the iconic founding father of our nation and democracy - Rolihlahla Mandela. Many universities across the globe have recognized Madiba in one way or another and awarded him with more than a 120 Honorary Degrees, fellowships and diplomas. They have also named lecture theatres and halls after him including beautiful varsity botanical gardens. However, thus far, there is only one university which carries his name – this is it! We from the Ministry and the Department of Human Settlements are truly happy to be here today at Mandela’s University as your partners. 2 This partnership is a tri-partite affair. It includes the Ministry and Department of Higher Education and Training, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and the Ministry and Department of Human Settlements. Today’s occasion marks the culmination of efforts by several players for the realization and establishment of a special chair – the Chair for Education in Human Settlements Development Management. This varsity is currently already endowed with several research chairs, however, this is important. The Human Settlements Education Chair introduces a new scholastic and academic dimension to this institution.
    [Show full text]
  • The Church As a Peace Broker: the Case of the Natal Church Leaders' Group and Political Violence in Kwazulu-Natal (1990-1994)1
    The Church as a peace broker: the case of the Natal Church Leaders’ Group and political violence in KwaZulu-Natal (1990-1994)1 Michael Mbona 2 School of Religion and Theology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Abstract Moves by the state to reform the political landscape in South Africa at the beginning of 1990 led to increased tension between the Inkatha Freedom Party and the African National Congress in the province of Natal and the KwaZulu homeland. Earlier efforts by the Natal Church Leaders’ Group to end hostilities through mediation had yielded minimal results. Hopes of holding the first general democratic election in April 1994 were almost dashed due to Inkatha’s standoff position until the eleventh hour. This article traces the role played by church leaders in seeking to end the bloody clashes taking place at that time by engaging with the state and the rival political parties between 1990 and 1994. Despite the adoption of new strategies, challenges such as internal divisions, blunders at mediation, and the fact that the church leaders were also “political sympathisers”, hampered progress in achieving peace. While paying tribute to the contribution of other team players, this article argues that an ecumenical initiative was responsible for ending the politically motivated brutal killings in KwaZulu-Natal in the early years of 1990. Introduction The announcement in 1990 by State President FW de Klerk about the release of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, and the unbanning of all political parties was a crucial milestone on the journey towards reforming the South African political landscape.3 While these reforms were acclaimed by progressive thinkers within and outside South Africa, tension between 1 This article follows on, as part two, from a previous article by the same author.
    [Show full text]
  • Who Is Governing the ''New'' South Africa?
    Who is Governing the ”New” South Africa? Marianne Séverin, Pierre Aycard To cite this version: Marianne Séverin, Pierre Aycard. Who is Governing the ”New” South Africa?: Elites, Networks and Governing Styles (1985-2003). IFAS Working Paper Series / Les Cahiers de l’ IFAS, 2006, 8, p. 13-37. hal-00799193 HAL Id: hal-00799193 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00799193 Submitted on 11 Mar 2013 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Ten Years of Democratic South Africa transition Accomplished? by Aurelia WA KABWE-SEGATTI, Nicolas PEJOUT and Philippe GUILLAUME Les Nouveaux Cahiers de l’IFAS / IFAS Working Paper Series is a series of occasional working papers, dedicated to disseminating research in the social and human sciences on Southern Africa. Under the supervision of appointed editors, each issue covers a specifi c theme; papers originate from researchers, experts or post-graduate students from France, Europe or Southern Africa with an interest in the region. The views and opinions expressed here remain the sole responsibility of the authors. Any query regarding this publication should be directed to the chief editor. Chief editor: Aurelia WA KABWE – SEGATTI, IFAS-Research director.
    [Show full text]
  • From Apartheid to Neoliberalism
    From Apartheid to Neoliberalism - A study of the Economic Development in Post-Apartheid South Africa By Thomas Bakken Abstract This thesis describes the social and economic development in Post-Apartheid South Africa and the role of neoliberal advocates in the shaping of the country‘s broader developmental path after 1994. South Africa‘s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), inherited a two folded legacy. On the one hand it took over the most developed economy on the African continent. On the other, a legacy of massive inequality and racial segregation. This thesis describes why a neoliberal trajectory was triumphant in the crossroad where the ANC had the choice between following a progressive developmental path or a neoliberal one, and its impact on South Africa‘s social and economic system. i ii Acknowledgements - I thank Professor Moses for his patience, comments and insights in helping this thesis to completion. - I also thank my one and only: Nina iii iv Content 1.1 - Background and motivation ........................................................................................... 1 1.2 - My argument .................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 - Problem statement ......................................................................................................... 3 1.4 - Research aims ................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 - Research design and methodology
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa: the Next Republic
    Briefing Note 0802 October 2008 South Africa: The Next Republic The resignation of former president Thabo Mbeki can be seen as the ending of a “First Republic” in democratic South Africa. The liberal left tradition of the governing African National Congress is fading, and the “Second Republic” will be shaped by more competition for political power both inside and outside the ANC. These notes consider Mbeki’s legacy, the challenges facing President Kgalema Motlanthe, and the prospects for a “Second Republic” under presidential aspirant Jacob Zuma. • ANC deeply divided as Mbeki loyalists contemplate breakaway party. • SA Communist Party and Trades Unions gain influence in ANC structures. • New leadership pledges to maintain market-friendly economic policies. • Cabinet re-shuffle recognises failures in health, education and crime. • Democratic institutions damaged by fall-out from controversial arms deal. • Zuma’s authority rooted in ANC security and intelligence network. The “Zuma Tsunami” On September 20th 2008, the national executive of the African political influence” in the prosecution of Zuma on charges of National Congress agreed to “recall” Mbeki from the national corruption and tax evasion, related to a R50 billion presidency. His resignation follows a turbulent shift in the (£4 billion) government defence contract sanctioned by balance of power within the party leadership – dubbed the Mbeki in the late 1990s. “Zuma Tsunami” by supporters of ANC president Jacob Zuma. Zuma is widely expected to assume the national presidency “The
    [Show full text]
  • Custodians of the Cape Peninsula: a Historical and Contemporary Ethnography of Urban Conservation in Cape Town
    Custodians of the Cape Peninsula: A historical and contemporary ethnography of urban conservation in Cape Town by Janie Swanepoel Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Anthropology in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Prof Steven L. Robins December 2013 Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za Declaration By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. December 2013 Copyright © 2013 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved II Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za ABSTRACT The official custodian of the Cape Peninsula mountain chain, located at the centre of Cape Town, is the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). This park is South Africa’s only urban open-access park and has been declared a World Heritage Site. This thesis is an anthropological and historical examination of the past and present conservation of the Cape Peninsula . I provide an overview of the relationship between the urban environment and the Cape Peninsula aiming to illustrate the produced character of the mountains and its mediation in power relations. This study of custodianship reveals that protecting and conserving the Cape Peninsula is shaped by the politics of the urban and natural environment as well as by the experience of living in the city.
    [Show full text]
  • The Constitution of South Africa of 1996 (Bill of Rights /Chapter Two)
    University of Oran 2 Faculty of Foreign Languages THESIS In Candidacy for the Degree of Doctorate in Science, English Language. THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IN TRANSITION: FROM A RESISTANCE MOVEMENT TO A GOVERNING PARTY (1961-1999) Publicly Presented by: Mrs DEHMOUNE AMEL Before a Jury Composed of: Benhattab Abdelkader Professor University of Oran 2 President Moulfi Leila Professor University of Oran 2 Supervisor Meberbeche Faiza Professor University of Tlemcen Examiner Dani Fatiha MCA University of Oran 1 Examiner Academic Year 2018/2019 University of Oran 2 Faculty of Foreign Languages THESIS In Candidacy for the Degree of Doctorate in Science, English Language. THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IN TRANSITION: FROM A RESISTANCE MOVEMENT TO A GOVERNING PARTY (1961-1999) Publicly Presented by: Mrs DEHMOUNE AMEL Before a Jury Composed of: Benhattab Abdelkader Professor University of Oran 2 President Moulfi Leila Professor University of Oran 2 Supervisor Meberbeche Faiza Professor University of Tlemcen Examiner Dani Fatiha MCA University of Oran 1 Examiner Academic Year 2018/2019 I DECLARATION I hereby declare that this dissertation is the result of my original research. References to other people’s research have been duty cited and acknowledged in this research work accordingly. Amel DEHMOUNE II Dedication “No one in this world can love a girl more than her father “ Michael Ratnadeepak To my everlasting love, my beloved father, Mr. DEHMOUNE Mohammed III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all, I shall thank Almighty Allah for all His blessings. I would like to express my deepest gratefulness to my supervisor Prof. Leila Moulfi for the continuous support, patience and motivation throughout the writing of this thesis.
    [Show full text]
  • The Social and Economic Impact of Land Titling in Selected Settlements in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Area
    Appendix B: South Africa case study report The social and economic impact of land titling in selected settlements in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan area February 2008 Synthesis report Authors Colin Marx and Margot Rubin Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 7730 Reference group Sarah Charlton, Marie Huchzermeyer, Alan Mabin, Mark Napier, Lauren Royston, Mirjam van Donk, Stuart Wilson Service providers Sarah Meny-Gibert (Social Surveys Africa) Michael Kihato (Stephen Berrisford Consulting) Dirk Taljaard (Progressus Research and Development) Sarah Charlton Executive summary The provision of land title to low income households as a mechanism of poverty alleviation and social and economic betterment is highly contested. Many countries and international organizations have promoted home and land ownership as one of their key poverty reduction strategies. The logic rests on the understanding that it is through well-defined property ownership regimes that national economies function of wealthier countries and households flourish. The general assumption is that if developing countries and emerging economies are able to replicate this model then economic development cannot be far off. Researchers, academics, economists and government officials have all taken positions on these arguments and it is a hotly debated and deeply contested area of development. In South Africa titling and the provision of ownership to historically disadvantaged individuals who were not able to own property under the Apartheid regime has been a key principle underlying much of South African housing and land reform policy since 1994. There is an expectation that it is through titling that economic and social inequity and past wrongs will be redressed in order to create a more equitable and integrated society.
    [Show full text]
  • 2012 Annual Report
    ANNUAL REPORT March 2011- February 2012 2002 NEw OFFIcEs 1999 NELsON maNDELa 1994 FOUNDaTION ELEcTED pREsIDENT EsTaBLIsHED 1990 RELEASED OUR EVOLUTION OUR VIsION A society which remembers its pasts, listens to all its voices, and pursues 1990 social justice. Mr Nelson Mandela is released after 27 years in prison. 1994 OUR mIssION Mr Mandela becomes South Africa’s first democratically elected president. To contribute to the making of a just society by keeping alive the legacy of 1999 Nelson Mandela, providing an integrated public information resource on Mr Mandela steps down as president. his life and times, and by convening dialogue around critical social issues. The Nelson Mandela Foundation is established, houses Mr Mandela’s personal office; it implements a wide range of development projects, including OUR cORE wORk education and health infrastructure. The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory delivers to the world an integrated 2002 and dynamic information resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, The Nelson Mandela Foundation offices move to new premises. and promotes the finding of sustainable solutions to critical social problems 2004 through memory-based dialogue interventions. Mr Mandela retires and famously says, “Don’t call me, I’ll call you.” He inaugurates the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory project. Nelson Mandela Foundation begins process of consolidation from project OUR sLOgaN “Living the legacy” implementer to enabler and facilitator. 2008 Nelson Mandela says at his 90th birthday concert in London, “It is time for OUR spIRaL new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.’’ The spiral, which in many ancient societies symbolised constant 2009 renewal, simultaneously represents the centering of memory, disseminating The first Nelson Mandela Day is launched.
    [Show full text]
  • Children in Violent Spaces. Reinterpretation of the 1976 Soweto Uprising
    Children in Violent Spaces. Reinterpretation of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. by Hjalte Tin, PhD, Centre for Cultural Research, University of Aarhus. Finlandsgade 28, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark e-mail: [email protected], fax +45 86108228 Abstract This article offers a reinterpretation of the Soweto uprising based on a spatial reading of well-known facts of violence in order to uncover some of the contradictory and many-layered relations of children, parents, and state which has remained enigmatic when conceptualized in terms of class, race or political history. The central question is the children as attackers: how could they force the strong and seemingly well- entrenched apartheid state to defend itself against children? The article analyses the town and township terrain, the five forms of struggle in the uprising, the frontline children, the minors in house space, the pupils in town space, and the blacks in ethnic space. I conclude that an answer to the question of the children’s power may be found in the interlocking confrontations of the children with the state as minors in house space, pupils in town space, and blacks in ethnic space. When the parents could no longer control the children and rule in the schools suddenly broke down the state had to use gross means of rule, ultimately killing children. By doing this the state conferred adult status upon the children. This in turn gave the children enormous leverage in the family: ruling their parents the black children challenged white supremacy head on. --------------------------------------------------- Hjalte Tin is a researcher at the interdisciplinary Centre for Cultural Research at the University of Aarhus in Denmark and at the Danish Institute of International Affairs in Copenhagen.
    [Show full text]