Racial Tensions in South Africa: Toward a Social Justice-Based Understanding of the Racial Polarization in South Africa

Lloyd T. Chigowe

《Taiwan Journal of Democracy》 18卷1期 (2022/07) Pp. 107-125

摘要

South Africa's transition from apartheid to a democratic dispensation has been viewed with admiration the world over, while the 1996 Constitution has been hailed as one of the most progressive and has served as a model for many other constitutions. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, intended to heal the divisions of the past and bring an end to racial tensions, has set an example for other transitional countries. Yet nearly three decades after the advent of democracy, racial tensions continue to dominate the society and are, in fact, deteriorating. This essay asks why this is the case. It first argues that the creation of a just and equal society is central to eliminating racial polarization. It then examines the efficacy of judicial and legislative efforts to address the issue of racial polarization. It concludes that, although judicial measures are necessary to address specific incidences of racial tension and transgression, social justice education is a more effective solution to address polarization in South Africa.

關鍵字

Racial polarization ； racial tensions ； social justice education ； South Africa ； Truth and Reconciliation Commission

參考文獻

“Nelson Mandela’s Inauguration Speech as President of SA,” Thursday, May 10, 1994, https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/read-nelson-mandelas-inauguration-speech-president-sa

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Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994

Henk J. Kloppers and Gerrit J. Pienaar, “The Historical Context of Land Reform in South Africa and Early Policies,” PER 17, no. 2 (2014): 677-706.