Revisiting Ubuntu in the Midst of a Violent Conflict: Reflections on the Marikana Tragedy in South Africa
International Relations and Diplomacy, August 2015, Vol. 3, No. 8, 520-546 D doi: 10.17265/2328-2134/2015.08.003 DAVID PUBLISHING Revisiting Ubuntu in the Midst of a Violent Conflict: Reflections on the Marikana Tragedy in South Africa Tembeka Ngcebetsha, Nomazizi Jamela Freedom Park, Salvokop, Pretoria, South Africa South Africa comes from a bitter past of gross inequalities and human rights abuses suffered by the majority of Africans as a result of the colonial and apartheid legacy. When apartheid was dismantled in 1994, through the spirit of reconciliation which was spearheaded by the country’s late and former President, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the country was transformed into a democracy where citizens opted to live together on the basis of equality and mutual respect for each other. The ―New‖ South Africa immediately raised hope for change in the hearts of the majority, whose human rights were previously violated; who thought that the new dispensation would immediately bring improvements in their socioeconomic conditions. Based on the conflict perspective, this paper critically reflects on the recent case of violent conflict in South Africa known as the Marikana tragedy, to explore the efficacy of fostering meaningful reconciliation in the midst of a violent conflict. Through interviews carried out with survivors and wives of the deceased victims in October 2014, the paper demonstrates how the South African government has failed to meet the post-apartheid expectations, but instead, continues to serve the interests of capital at the expense of the majority of people whose working and living conditions have not improved 20 years into democracy.
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