UBUNTU: GLOBALIZATION, ACCOMMODATION, AND CONTESTATION IN SOUTH AFRICA By Mvuselelo Ngcoya Submitted to the Faculty of the School oflntemational Service of American University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy In International Relati Glenn Adler ~ (A) (9,trVlv-- Dean of the School of International Service 2009 American University Washington, D.C. 20016 AMER!GAN UN!VERS!TY UBF~ARY UMI Number: 3357498 Copyright 2009 by Ngcoya, Mvuselelo All rights reserved. INFORMATION TO USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleed-through, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ® UMI UMI Microform 3357498 Copyright 2009 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 E. Eisenhower Parkway PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 481 06-1346 ©COPYRIGHT by Mvuselelo Ngcoya 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ABSTRACT Following the end of constitutional apartheid, indigenous perspectives and practices have gained prominence in South Africa. This dissertation examines the promise of the indigenous philosophy of ubuntu and asks how and why this worldview has emerged as one of the most important keywords in the new postcolony. It outlines the role of ubuntu in the transition from apartheid and explores what it may reveal about the shifting power relations in the shadow of neoliberal globalization conditions. While there is a growing body of literature on the philosophical aspects of ubuntu, there is a dearth of detailed empirical research that connects its multiple uses to the social, political, and economic relations in the country. In exploring the potential of ubuntu in shaping the future of a democratic South Africa, the dissertation brings to the fore the voices of community organizations and individual activists. A combination of qualitative methods was used; primarily ethnographic field research in Clermont, a township on the outskirts of Durban. In addition to participating in the activities of community groups, the research benefited from unstructured interviews of leaders and representatives of 23 community organizations and non-governmental organizations in the township. Interviews of ubuntu-oriented international actors underscored a key point: the resurgence of ubuntu in South Africa is not an isolated local phenomenon and it has ii significance for understanding similar global phenomena. The research findings reveal that despite decades of subjugation under colonial rule, indigenous knowledges and practices thrived and continue to be relevant in the new postcolony. While it is important to pose the question, "What is ubuntu?" the dissertation follows a more sociological approach that asks: "Who speaks of ubuntu? And to what end?" To answer these questions, the study borrows conceptual tools from indigenous knowledge literature, globalization studies, and Karl Polanyi's notion of the double­ movement theorem. The sociological approach adopted here demonstrates that the resurgence of ubuntu does not represent mere postmodern articulations of identity politics (or so-called "invented traditions"). Rather, it marks the production of new forms of consciousness and the expression of discontent with (post)modemity. 111 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS In a skit on the late-night comedy show, MADtv, Keegan-Michael Key's character, Eugene Struthers is an ecstatic delivery man who accosts celebrities and urges them to take things to a "hole nother level". That phrase deftly captures how I felt about the contributions of my dissertation committee members. James Mittelman helped turn a dour graduate research paper into this final product. Not only did he introduce me to the works of Karl Polanyi, he was always enthusiastic and demonstrated great faith in my own work and meticulously commented on the chapters. He has been a solid pillar of support throughout the process -- his demand for intellectual rigor was only matched by his meticulous attention to detail, demonstrated by his extensive remarks on my footnotes. I am also grateful to members of my committee Peter M. Lewis and Glenn Adler, both wonderful mentors whose tutelage has colored the fabric of this text. I especially thank the individuals and representatives of organizations in Clermont who, in the spirit of ubuntu, took time from their busy schedules to share their knowledge and respond to my questions and requests during the time I spent in that township in 2005-2006. Officials at the Clermont local government offices provided excellent information and documents on the history of Clermont and useful statistics. The dissertation journey is often marked by more grueling lows than highs. At the School of International Service (SIS), the faculty and administration provided invaluable IV support, particularly John Richardson and Steve Silvia (former and current Director of Doctoral Studies respectively). Mary Barton (graduate advisor) often went out of her way to help me navigate the complex university bureaucracy. I owe special debt to Naren Kumarakulasingam and Aparna Devare, exceptional fellow travelers who critically engaged my work and provided timely encouragement. Other SIS doctoral students gave insightful feedback to various drafts of this work. Naren Ramzi Nemo, Jamie Frueh and members of my cohort, Dan Chong, Beth Dahl, Johnny Holloway, Ilana Zamonski, and Lori Ellis were all very supportive. This dissertation would not have seen the light of day without financial support from these organizations: the International Institute of Education (Fulbright fellowship), the School of International Services (Hurst Fellowship and Dissertation Fellowship), and the Office and Professional Employees International Union (Local 2 Education Fund). I also received generous support from Centre for Civil Society at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Like many doctoral students, I have had to work full-time during the course of my studies. I am grateful for the understanding and interest shown by my employers in my scholarly pursuits. Particularly, I thank my colleagues at the Service Employees International Union, Africa Action, and the Center for Economic Justice. Many friends in Washington D.C. cheered me on. I'm particularly indebted to Kabo Botlhole, Catherine Benedict, Maricela Donahue, Salil Joshi, and Basav Sen. Many v young girls and boys in the DC Stoddert Soccer club provided me the stage to really let off steam as their soccer coach. I especially thank members of the Red Metros and their parents for their enormous support. My close friend Justice Cele, his wife Ivy, and their children Lawrence and Vero, provided invaluable support and companionship when I stayed with them while doing fieldwork. In the process they saved me thousands of dollars in housing, food, and transportation expenses. All I can say is Ndosi! Throughout the two decades I have known him, Lindinkosi Mchunu has been a true brother and amazing companion. Phakad' ongagugiyo! I owe an incredible debt to various mentors in South Africa. At the University of South Africa (UNISA), Phil Hugo saw brilliant sparks in what I thought were mere ashes of writing. I will always be grateful for his unflagging support and for opening so many doors for me. Kjell Olsen took an interest in me as a wild-eyed high school student and encouraged me to climb higher than I thought was possible. Esther Bornman, Alpheus Mdlalose, Dorothy Newlands, Michael Ngubane, and Thembinkosi Radebe were inspirational guides at Domino Servite School. I also want to thank Breanna F omi who came into my life as a bright ray of moonlight during a particularly dark period. I always envied her library and her ability to make brilliant observations with disturbing frequency. vi Although my parents, Mephi MaDlamini Ngcoya and Tholizwe Ngcoya were not "booked" (as my mother would say), they ignited and sustained a passion for learning in me from an early age. As I take pride in completing this dissertation, I am amazed by their intelligence and knowledge acquired with very minimal formal education. I cannot thank my siblings and their families for all their immense support throughout the years. To Nkululeko, Thembile, Lindi, Thobi, Phindi, Thulile, Thandile, Anele, and Ronnie, I say Nime njalo! Vll TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT.......................................................................................... .ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................... .iv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .....................................................................viii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................xii Chapter 1. UBUNTU, INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND GLOBALIZATION ............ .1 2. TOWARD A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO UBUNTU ...................... 32 3. UBUNTU AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL. ...........................................63 4. THE STATE OF UBUNTU: NATION BUILDING................................. .106 5. UBUNTU AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. ................................... 147 6. UBUNTU AND THE SEARCH FOR ALTERNATIVES .......................... 187