Blue T-Shirts and Red Herrings

Opinion

IJR's Jan Hofmeyr suggests that 'ownership' of South Africa's liberation narrative will play a central role in 2014 when the country celebrates two decades of democracy and conducts its fifth general election.

Lackadaisical approach to security makes Africa vulnerable

Opinion

Reflecting on the golden jubilee of the AU (formerly the OAU), Webster Zambara writes that the establishment of the AU in 2002 brought renewed hope that it would be a more robust and effective organisation than the OAU. However, the sad reality is that Africa's jubilee year is marred with conflict and crises across most of the continent.

'We are past the blame game on apartheid' / Manuel het 'vout gemaak'

Debate around the legacy of apartheid

These articles examine the topical debate around the legacy of apartheid, with Dr. Fanie du Toit quoted as saying that, while we must never forget the damage caused by apartheid, we must accept one another's bona fides and concentrate on nation-building.

South African Civil Society – Quo Vadis?

Opinion

Juzaida Swain writes that CSOs should become more 'self-critical' in order to sustain themselves and their services, and remain relevant in their mission to change people's lives for the better.

SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey Report 2012

"Ticking Time Bomb or Demographic Dividend - Youth and Reconciliation in South Africa": Released in December 2012, this is the only survey in South Africa that provides a measure of progress in reconciliation since the transition to democracy in 1994.

• Crime and Violence is not all Black and White in South Africa Chandre Gould, allAfrica.com, 4 April 2013
• No forgiveness due to economic divide Itumeleng Mafisa, The New Age, 21 March 2013
• National Development Plan criticised for ‘simplified’ view of SA’s youth Colleen Goko, Business Day Live, 21 March 2013
• Youth interaction with political culture (podcast), Talk Radio 702, 20 March 2013
• Rainbow kids count Itumeleng Mafisa, The New Age, 20 March 2013
• Youths doubt party politics – survey SAPA, Cape Argus, 20 March 2013
• SA youth show little faith in political parties – poll Penwell Dlamini, SAPA, Cape Times, 20 March 2013
• IJR survey shows youth have no confidence in political parties, Daily Maverick – FIVE MINUTES
• Young blacks have little confidence in political parties Penwell Dlamini, SAPA, 19 March 2013

          ____________________________________________________________

• Daily Maverick, 28/1/13: "Getting the numbers right: Broadening SA’s intellectual and political discourse"
• City Press, 20/1/13: "SA's young and restless"
• Weekend Argus, 19/1/13: "Failure to grasp jobs nettle could hurt ANC in 2014 election"
• Daily Maverick, 16/1/13: "Analysis: Measuring racial hatred one murder at a time"

          ____________________________________________________________

• Sunday Times (Review), 23/12/12: "Parents: humanity begins at home"
• Beeld, 19/12/12: "Versoening is in harte van mense"
• Die Burger, 18/12/12: "Versoening is nie net die taak van politici nie"
• Witness, 17/12/12: "Unity in diversity: museum celebrates 100 years"
• CIty Press, 16/12/12: "Self-centred leaders derail reconciliation"
• Rapport, 16/12/12: "Armoedekloof al wyer"
• Sunday Independent, 16/12/12: "Poor leaders derail reconciliation"
• Die Burger, 8/12/12: "Politici moet jeug ernstig opneem"
• Daily Maverick, 7/12/12: "SA Reconciliation Barometer 2012: The Young and The Restless"
• Eyewitness News, 7/12/12: "50% of  youth have no confidence in politicians"
• IOL News (Cape Times), 7/12/12: "Not a good year for reconciliation"
• Business Day: 6/12/12: "Nearly 20% of SA youth took part in violent protests"
• Atlanta Black Star, 6/12/12: "Post-Apartheid South Africa Remains Racially Divided"
• The Guardian, 6/12/12: "South Africa still a chronically racially divided nation, survey finds"
• Engineering News, 6/12/12: "Doubt over local government capacity to deliver - survey"
• West Cape News, 6/12/12: "Youth have lost trust in government - IJR survey"
• Polity.org.za, 6/12/12: "Party support not fixed, Reconciliation Barometer finds"

No closure to hurtful past

Opinion

This article acknolwedges a decade since the final report of the TRC was handed over to former president Thabo Mbeki - a report which made many recommendations to guide the reparations process for victims of gross human rights violations. Dr. Fanie du Toit reflects on the penance offered by the government which fell far below the recommendations of the TRC, when timeous and generous reparations would have been the right thing to do.

Outcome of Zimbabwe referendum on the Constitution

Interview

Zimbabweans look set to endorse a new constitution curbing the presidency in a step toward elections to determine whether Robert Mugabe adds to three decades in power. While the vote on the constitution was largely free from violence, police raided an office of Mugabe's arch-rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and arrested five people.

To discuss the outcomes of this referendum are Deprose Muchena, Deputy Director of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, and Webster Zambara, Senior Project Leader for the Southern Africa Desk at the Institute for Justice & Reconciliation.

Dr. Fanie du Toit comments on the Death of Dirk Coetzee

Live Televised Interview

Tunisia prepares to confront painful past

Opinion

In the wake of the shock assassination of Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid, Fanie du Toit traveled to Tunisia to attend a conference intended to plan the country’s proposed Truth and Dignity Commission. In this piece, Du Toit shares his experiences of a nation reeling from the shock of Belaid’s death, and is reminded of South Africa’s own transition process from apartheid to democracy.

Transformation Audit 2012

Titled "The Youth Dividend: Unlocking the Potential of Young South Africans," this year's publication focuses its attention squarely on young South Africans, their challenges and views, and how they can be equipped to make this a better country for all.

      Print and Online:

• The Herald, 04/03/13: Govt's vision of future fuzzy
• Business Day, 01/03/13:Gordhan's budget and SA's leadership challenge
• Financial Mail, 01/03/13: "First do the spadework"  / Youth unemployment - Is entreprenuership the answer?
• Cape Argus, 26/02/13: "Gordhan has more to do and far less to do it with"
• Bizcommunity.com, 25/02/13: "Young South Africans face major obstacles"
• Business Day, 22/02/13: "Political parties ignore young voters at their peril"
• The New Age, 21/02/13: "No 'silver bullet' for youth unemployment, says audit"
• Cape Times, 21/02/13: "SA needs 'third party' to solve social inequality"
• The Sowetan, 21/02/13: "SA youth 'more vulnerable than peers elsewhere'"
• Polity.org.za, 21/02/13: "South African youth are ready to face the future with hope"
• Eye Witness News, 21/02/13: "Agang is breaking the mould of traditional politics"
• Polity.org.za, 20/02/13: Daily Podcast
• West Cape News, 20/02/13: "No 'silver bullet' for youth unemployment, states IJR's Transformation Audit"

      Radio and Television:

• RSG, 24/02/13: "Met raad en daad"
• Radio Islam, 21/02/13: Interview with Jan Hofmeyr
• Radio Pretoria, 21/02/13: Interview with Jan Hofmeyr
• CNBC Africa, 20/02/13:"SA's Latest Transformation Audit, with Jan Hofmeyr"
• Cape Talk, 20/02/13: John Maytham Show
• Cape Talk, 20/02/13: Mention

We must never forget District Six and its former inhabitants

Opinion

In this article, Zyaan Davids looks at the emotional journey taken by District Six residents as they commemorate 47 years since the declaration of their community as a White Group Area. 

2013: The year we say NO to corruption

Opinion

Ahead of the South African State of the Nation Address, IJR's Kate Lefko-Everett explains why president Zuma will struggle to sell the National Development Plan, National Health Insurance and the notion of “unity in action towards socio-economic freedom,” while citizens increasingly demand governance free from systemic corruption and maladministration.

Zuma must define the new centre

Opinion

In this opinion piece, Jan Hofmeyr writes that the fragmentation at leadership level between labour, business and government calls for Zuma to reconstitute and consolidate the centre.

Money won't buy peace on farms

Opinion

Carolin Gomulia examines the historical issues concerning the farm protests and suggests that the focus on the minimum wage is narrow in the broader context of an export-dependent market operating in the face of global competition and increased automation. She suggests ‘social transformation’ as a way to address the complex issues associated with farm protests.

AU calls for pan-African response to Mali jihad

Insight

The recently-held African Union assembly of heads of state in Addis Ababa carried the theme "Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance,” with Mali as the most urgent item on the agenda. The summit recognised that the ongoing Mali intervention requires a much more robust presence by members of the Economic Community of West African States as well as other African countries.

SADC's peace plan faces challenges

Opinion

The region has revamped its strategy for stability but 2013 will be the ultimate test of its muscle, writes Webster Zambara.

Tap into transformative power of young people

Opinion

Eleanor Swartz explores the struggle facing the current generation of South African youths as one which may no longer entail fighting against outright oppression, but rather of overcoming the legacies of poverty, crime, social and economic inequalities.

Youth achieve amazing skills

IJR's 'Shades of Belonging: Follow the Beat' project works to empower youth in Vryheid

Youth in Vryheid learn how to make and play indigenous musical instruments as part of the IJR initiative to help empower and inspire youth to engage in the arts as a consturctive tool for expression and nation-building.

Meeting with Desmond Tutu

Danish support for The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

Preceding IJR's Reconciliation Awards event held in Cape Town on 21 November, tThe Danish ambassador René Dinesen met with IJR patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Head of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), Dr Fanie du Toit.

IJR Reconciliation Awards 2011-2012

IJR honoured Ms Olga Macingwane with the Reconciliation Award for 2011. For the first time this year, the Institute also awarded talented young South African artists with Youth Reconciliation Arts Awards.

• Cape Times, 22/11/12: "Shining light on road to forgiveness"
• The New Age, 22/11/12: "Tutu presents Reconciliation Award"
• SABC TV News, 22/11/12: "Worcester bomb blast survivor honoured"
• Cape Times, 22/11/12: "Tutu thanks victim for forgiving bombers"
• Die Burger, 22/11/12: "Vrou vereer vir haar bydrae tot versoening"
• Cape Times, 21/11/12: "Worcester victim forgives bomber"
• The Star, 21/11/12: "Blast victim to receive award"
• SABC TV News, 21/11/12: "Gaza, Syria conflicts concern Tutu"
• Daily Maverick, 20/12/12: "Meet the youngest Worcester bomber - now a poster boy for reconciliation"

Dialogue is the only way forward

Commentary

IJR interns express their support for the agreement reached between the ANC, AfriForum and TAU SA in the hate speech trial, over the song “Dubul’ iBhunu”.

Governance in the BRICS: South Africa

Riding Out The Storm

Head of IJR's Policy and Analysis Programme and FutureChallenges blogger Jan Hofmeyr analyses South Africa's education crisis and argues that skills development is vital for the country’s sustainable governance.

Great cities need to embrace their past

Friederike Bubenzer shares her experiences from her recent trip to Berlin.

This article reflects how South Africa, and particularly Cape Town, should follow in Berlin's lead when it comes to memorialising and making our past accessible - not just by teaching it in classrooms, but by visualising it - to ensure that our errors are never again repeated.

Variety show for Salt River

Launch of the Cape Cultural Collective Choir

The Cape Cultural Collective in partnership with the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) launched their first choir in Heritage Month 2012.

Youth seen as key in building united SA

The annual Ashley Kriel Youth Memorial Lecture

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) says young people have a key role to play in building a united South Africa. This emerged during the annual Ashley Kriel Youth Memorial Lecture at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

IJR on Morning Live

Heritage Day edition

IJR produced five short documentaries in the second season of its "African Identities: Shades of Belonging" film project. Here, project leader Nosindiso Mtimkulu and project participant Kabelo Gildenhuys talk about this groundbreaking initiative on the South African National Broadcaster's morning show.

Political finger-pointing ignores increasing desperation of unemployed

Debates on the youth wage subsidy proposal and speculations about the job-seekers' grant highlight the fragmented unemployment policy landscape in SA.

This op-ed underscores the increasing pressure from the unemployed as a warning to South African policy-makers to overcome political fragmentation and propose unemployment policies that will produce results.

We've done it before and can do it again, or the future is Marikana writ large

The Marikana massacre occurred on the day after the National Planning Commission presented its final blueprint plan in Parliament.

Amidst the influx of commentary and analyses around the Marikana massacre, this piece draws significant links from the tragic event following so close on the heels of the National Planning Commission presenting its final blueprint plan in Parliament – noting “this confluence of national events as the worst-timed twist of fate possible”.

"Economic Justice for the Next generation"

This national one-day conference, hosted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, received the following media coverage:

'Youth can't fight old battles' (SAPA, 16 August)

'Youth must not fight old battles' (Sowetan, 16 August)

Only growth can achieve economic justice and reconciliation (DA website - newsroom)

The Promotion of National Cohesion and Reconciliation in Kenya

The mid-August launch of a two-year tri-partite project designed to train key Kenyan stakeholders in reconciliation theory and practice generated the following media coverage during August:

An overview of media coverage of the mid-August launch of a two-year tri-partite project designed to train key Kenyan stakeholders in reconciliation theory and practice. This project is being jointly implemented by the IJR (South Africa), the NCIC (Kenya) and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (Sweden) and consists of policy interventions and training sessions with crucial Kenyan leaders, driven by the belief that Kenyans gain a common understanding of reconciliation and its specific application to Kenya.

Sweden, South Africa join peace efforts ahead of polls (Standard Media, Kenya)

Kibunjia to clear the air on Jamleck hate charges (CapitalFM TV)

Will the truth set Kenya free, or open old wounds? (Times Live)

The need for Reconciliation in Kenya (SABC News)

Morning Talk

Finding Ways to Walk Together

IJR's Executive Director Dr Fanie du Toit discusses South Africans' urgent desire for meaningful and sustained dialogue, resulting in practical outcomes, as reflected in the recent culmination of the "Finding Ways to Walk Together" series of youth dialogues.

Praat Saam

Met Lynette Francis

Hierdie onderhoud met Stanley Henkeman vra as ons genoeg met mekaar praat. Suid-Afrikaners het die afgelope week by 'n nasionale konferensie gesels oor hoe ons saam die pad kan stap.

Booming Rwanda disguises latest division and rising autocracy

The author traveled to Kigali for the closing of the Gacaca court system - a traditional form of justice, formalised by the Rwandan government in 2002 to address the overwhelming scale of genocide cases that a depleted judiciary could not handle.

At the closing ceremony, the country's president Paul Kagame credited the system for restoring the social cohesion that underpins the stability of present-day Rwanda. In this article, author, Jan Hofmeyr challenges this notion and suggests that its validation is being complicated by the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of Kagame's RPF regime, which suppresses any view that contradicts its version of the country's post-genocide narrative. It raises the question whether internal stability has been the result of a national consensus that has evolved organically over the past 18 years, or whether it remains the product of brute force that puts a lid on latent social tensions. If it is indeed the latter, Rwanda's success story may rest on more tenuous grounds than many would like to admit.

Deep Read: Trust in Rwanda's future

Now that Rwanda's Gacaca courts has completed its mandate, the fear that has so far kept the peace must give way to trust, writes Jan Hofmeyr.

An extended online version of the published article 'Booming Rwanda disguises latent division and rising autocracy'.

Bridges with Africa

Radio Netherlands Radio Show

Concluding a fierce battle at the African Union headquarters, Dr Tim Murithi comments on the pan-African political organisation's selection of its chairperson of the African Union Commission - South African Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Murdered activist remembered

Twenty-five years after Ashley Kriel was shot dead by security police, the Bonteheuwel activist and Umkhonto weSizwe member continues to be remembered and to inspire young people.

About 400 of Ashley Kriel's relatives, friends, acquaintances and community members met at the Bonteheuwel Civic Centre on the evening of 9 July, to mark the anniversary of the 20-year-old's death in 1987, at an event organised by youth activist and documentary filmmaker, Nadine Cloete, with support from the IJR.

BIS plan focuses on dialogue

Public launch of the Building an Inclusive Society Programme's five-year work plan

An overview of the Building an Inclusive Society Programme's five-year work plan, which was introduced to the public at a launch event, held at the District Six Museum on Thursday, 28 June 2012.

The South African Defence Review: a contrarian perspective

SAFPI Policy Brief No 4

Through an initiative of the Minister for Defence and Military Veterans, South Africa embarked on a Defence Review in 2011. The Defence Review Committee held its inaugural meeting on 14 July 2011 during which the Minister outlined the Committee’s Mandate and Terms of Reference. The Mandate of the Committee was, above all, to independently articulate ‘a defence policy that is supportive of the Government’s priorities and strategic intent’.

In early 2012, the Committee issued its Consultative Draft report for wider public engagement and comment. Even though the Committee was mandated to assess ‘the Defence contribution to South Africa’s international agenda and the promotion of regional and continental peace and stability’ the Review seemed to revert to a classical and orthodox reading of the national defence requirements for states, with a predominant focus on national domestic security.

This article adopts a contrarian perspective towards the Review and argues that a threat assessment based on insecurity trends in the region, and across the continent, over the next five years would suggest that South Africa needs to articulate and adopt a more pronounced Pan-African Defence and Security Posture (PDSP).

Finding Ways to Walk Together dialogue initiative in South Africa

Free State Youth Dialogue

Ayanda Nyoka writes about the last of the four dialogues, held in the Free State on 31 May and 1 June, 

Unsustainable Growth: Lessons from South Africa

New podcast episode

Jan Hofmeyr's presentation at the Shared Societies International Workshop, held in Maastricht, in May 2012.

Our past is haunting us and our youth

Shortly after the closing of the TRC Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. If you don't know about your country, you don't know the history; then you don't know very much that is important in your life."

In this op-ed, Carolin Gomulia uses the opportune celebration of Youth Day in South to examine why "South Africa's past, which has haunted us, is now beginning to catch up to us and our younger generation, not only in the sobering socio-economic picture of inequality, but also in our lack of ability to talk to each other" and also introduces the IJR Youth Reconciliation Awards, highlighting its value for facilitating youth engagement with the concept of reconciliation. 

aiding reconciliation

In many ways, Jan Hofmeyr's job is not unlike that of a medical specialist.

In this profile article, inspired by the Policy and Analysis Programme's recent tour based on the findings of the 2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer survey, read why Jan Hofmeyr's job is likened to that of a medical specialist, with the South African nation as his primary patient.

Born free to be driven by issues

Results of a survey of over 3600 people under 35 on social media platform Mxit seem to back what commentators have long hinted at: a break by the younger generation from the sentiments and loyalties of their parents and grandparents...

IJR's Policy and Analysis head, Jan Hofmeyr, says young people "are not unconditionally attached to parties and are often issue-driven.   

Income inequality greater division than race in SA

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation has found that income inequality now surpasses race as the greatest division in South African society.

One of the conclusions from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation's 2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer, which indicates that income inequality now surpasses race as a dividing factor in South African society, is highlighted in this article.

Inequality causes immorality

Earlier in May, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation's 2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer was released. One of the main conclusions of the research was that income inequality now surpasses race as a dividing factor in South African society.

Sakhisizwe - Building the Nation - Bou die Nasie

IJR calls for Reconciliation Award nominations

This blog feature recaps an interview on Bush Radio which discussed the IJR's call for nominations for its annual Reconciliation Award.

Call for Nominations invited for IJR Reconciliation Award

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation announces nomination for the 2011 IJR Reconciliation Award.

Dalun-Lana displeased with poor road network in his area

Dalun Lana Amidu Mahama, Chief of Dalun in the Northern Region, has expressed displeasure about the poor road network in the area, which he said had resulted in slow pace of development.

The Dagbon Peace Project - an initiative undertaken by the IJR's Webster Zambara and Dr Fanie du Toit - is mentioned in this article.

South Africa remains a nation divided, with low confidence - survey

SA Reconciliation Barometer survey findings

This article draws on some of the findings of the SA Reconciliation Barometer survey, which were presented at a briefing held at the University of the Free State on 28 May 2012. 

Unintended consequences no excuse for lack of mindfulness

"The extent of the rage has astonished me and upset me very much." Liza Essers, Goodman Gallery owner

As commentary on the controversy surrounding 'The Spear' painting, this opinion piece also highlights the importance of respecting the responsibility that accompanies our right to freedom of expression.

Most South Africans write off local government

2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey findings - Durban briefing

"Most South Africans have moderate trust in government institutions such as the judiciary, the public protector and parliament, but little confidence in local government."

Income divides SA - survey

2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey findings

According to the SA Reconciliation Barometer, income inequality keeps South Africans more divided than race.

Income inequality divides SA

2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey findings - Durban briefing

"Economic liberation or the lack thereof is the most divisive issue in the country, according to a survey released on Wednesday."

Income inequality more divisive than race in SA - survey

2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey findings

"Economic liberation or the lack thereof is the most divisive issue in the country, according to a survey."

Terre'Blanche trial's end belies prophecies of doom

The white supremacist's 2010 murder threatened to spark a race war, but the trial of two black farmworkers has failed to ignite it

Findings from the 2011 SA Reconciliation Barometer Survey are referenced in this article, saying that "inequality remains deeply entrenched: the per capita income of black people is only 15% that of white people, according to the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation." 

Rwanda: new survey on national reconciliation underway

Sixteen years after the genocide, the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) conducted a research titled; 'Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer' whose results were released in October last year.

The research was done in partnership with UNDP, Institute for Research and Dialogue for Peace and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

Speculation over Zim invitation to UN

A highly anticipated visit by the human rights commissioner could have welcomed consequences

Kenya's ongoing battle with complementarity at the ICC

There has been a fair amount of jostling around by the government of Kenya in the international community since the naming by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor in December 2010 of six Kenyans as being most responsible for the violence...

From subject to citizens through social cohesion

A commentary piece in response to the recent racial Twitter incident and resultant race debate, referencing Mamphela Ramphele's launch of the Citizen Movement for Social Change (CMfSC).

Students discuss Kony 2012 video

A report on the participatory discussion on the Kony 2012 video, hosted by the Political Science Department at Stellenbosch University on 20 April. IJR's Friederike Bubenzer served as the main speaker at the event.

Onnies gehelp om verlede beter te 'vertel'

Mondelinge geskiedenisprojek vir skole

The launch of the final book in the series Building Blocks for Democracy, titled "Potchefstroom: Changing of place and street names" 

The South African Comment

Two cheers for the Arab spring

In this article, Professor Charles Villa-Vicencio, Senior Research Fellow and co-founder of the IJR, writes that while there is no blueprint for the healing of nations, the most SA "can offer other countries is the story of what this particular country did in dealing with its past, in the hope that others will be able to learn from and improve on the South African model in its own situations." 

Unsustainable Growth: Lessons from South Africa

New podcast episode

Transformation Audit

SA's rainbow economy shows its real colours

Drawing from key findings of the IJR's latest Transformation Audit and South African Reconciliation Barometer Survey, this article highlights the South African economy's need for major structural reform if the country is to achieve its most basic developmental targets.

UN appoints rapporteur for justice

On March 23, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) appointed Pablo de Greiff as the first-ever special rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

Finding Ways to Walk Together dialogue on Education held in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa - East London

"If I had this kind of dialogue in my youth, I would have been a Mandela by now."

This dialogue initiative, which started last year, aims to build a critical analysis of the quality and impact of current dialogue efforts in South Africa. It is a partnership between the Shared Societies Project of the Club de Madrid; IJR and Idasa as local partners, and a core group comprising the Letsema Circle; Dynamic Stability; The Harold Wolpe Memorial Trust, and the Africa centre for Dispute Resolution of the Stellenbosch University School of Business.  

The Morning Cruise

In Studio : Cecyl Esau

Cecyl Esau speaks to Bush Radio's 'The Morning Cruise' show about the IJR and its work.

Geld nie ras is SA se pyn

Suid-Afrikaners ervaar verdeelheid al hoe meer op grond van rykdom, eerder as ras.

In my view

Eastern Cape in turmoil

Race & Identity - Who are we?

The Cape Times, in collaboration with IJR, publishes the Race & Identity series

'Fair discrimination is a thorny issue' is an adaption of an article published in late 2011, in which Kate Lefko-Everett explores just how contentious issues of economic transformation remain in South Africa today.  

'White and black 'victims' are in denial' writes Helen Zille in her article on the 06 February 2012 emphasising the importance of 'real opportunities and access to resources directed towards equalising opportunities'.

'We'll never become an integrated country if we continue to hurt each other' by Yazeed Kamaldien is a challenge to all South Africans to acknowledge that racial discrimination is still very much prevalent in our society.

'The Healing power of the rainbow' by Antje Krog published on the 23 December 2011 elaborates on South Africa as a 'Rainbow nation'. 'The rainbow is not something like Father Christmas or the tooth fairy. It is a scientific fact. It enables us to see ourselves as a constitutional nation, as real as the land we walk in. At the same time, if one sees a rainbow – whether sitting in the traffic, or walking in the veld – it always has, with its uncontaminated splendour, something other-worldly. The rainbow therefore opens up the possibility of trying to attain another, better world.'

Dennis Davis discusses the topic of  'Being Jewish in the New South Africa' on 09 November 2011.

 In ‘We can’t break the cursed circle of colour,’ Bryan Rostron writes: “The one thing you’d think we would have learned from our fraught past is not to hector people about who they are; or who we think they should be. Even so, stubbornly, many still do”. Rostron’s article is the fifth article in the Race and Identity series and was published on 28^th of July 2011.

'The era of white domination is over' writes Joseph Edozien on 13th of June 2011. He elaborates on the richness of the African continent in all its aspects and elaborates on the challenges that the continent still faces in order to be and become the 'mother continent'.

On 29th of May 2011, Oliver Meth writes about the experience of young South Africans in the debate of race and identity in his article 'Still blinded by the colour barriers'.

Prof. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela article with the title 'We need to learn how it is for others' was published on the 18th of April 2011.

"The series over the next coming weeks will allow voices from different perspectives to explore the continuing impact of race on identity formation, politics and social transformation in our country - and hopefully spur us on to work more concertedly to align what we do and think, with what we say we believe," writes Dr. Fanie du Toit in the opening article to the series.

Race is skin deep, humanity is not writes Neville Alexander as the first author sharing his opinion.

A reader's response to Dr Neville Alexander's article 'Race is skin deep, humanity is not', published in the Cape Times on April 18

SONA 2012

Big plans from the man at the top

While Capetonians moaned about the blue light motorcade and bemoaned the expenditure on outfits and pricey dinners for this year's opening of parliament, people from across the country logged on to tell President Jacob Zuma what they desperately need, or to offer him advice on how to make South Africa a better-run nation. Kate Lefko-Everett, senior project leader for the Reconciliation Barometer project at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, trawled through the State of the Nation Address feedback and found the people are hankering for a lot more than big ideas and empty promises. 

Lack of commitment dooms Africa's human rights court

An earlier version of this article was first published in the SA Reconciliation Barometer newsletter.

In October last year the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights held a "sensitisation" seminar in Johannesburg. It aimed to make South Africans, institutions and organisations aware of the court, its role, mandate and track record.

SA Inequality Widening: Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

Social inequality has grown with most South Africans perceiving the gap between rich and poor.

Inequality in South Africa has worsened to the extent that the country is now among the most unequal societies in the developing world, according to the annual South African Reconciliation Barometer survey which has been published by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR).

Special Assignment

Lockdown

Featuring commentary and insight from Stanley Henkeman, Head: Building an Inclusive Society (IJR)

SA needs to see the bigger economic picture

An extraordinary national effort is required to reorientate the economy, but to mobilise South Africans’ energies, the bigger picture needs to be clarified

SA’s economy is failing most of its citizens. And for as long as we remain trapped in this complex of low employment, underdeveloped human resources, insufficient savings and consumption-led growth, SA will never achieve its developmental targets, let alone within the required time frames. >> read more

Leaders blamed for growing inequality

Transformation Audit launch

More than half of South Africans believe that political leaders are not concerned about them, according to an audit by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR).

The IJR has also warned in its latest transformation audit that unless there is “major structural reform” in the economy, SA is unlikely to meet its developmental needs. >> read more

New forms of debate are needed

Farm attacks

Debating farm attacks in South Africa

Reconciliation Barometer 2011 data released

South Africans want a united nation

On the 07 December 2011, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation released its annual Reconciliation Barometer data.
Several media houses reported:

The Big Issue: SA Society divided on how to unite - 06/01/12 - 27/01/12 Kate Lefko-Everett summarises the results of the recent SA Reconciliation Barometer survey, and notes that while South Africans want to forge ahead with reconciliation, they can’t quite agree on how to do it.

IOL: Now income dividing us not race - 08/12/2011 Yazeed Kamaldien

SABC News: Survey finds local government is not delivering - 08/12/2011 Christel Orderson

Soweatn: Survey shows discord - 08/12/2011 Moses Mackay

Politicsweb: South Africans want united nation - 08/12/2011 Kate Lefko-Everett

Eyewitness News: Most South Africans want unity - 07/12/2011 Malungelo Booi

Eyewitness News: Public needs to participate in info bill - 08/12/2011 Chantall Presence and Malungelo Booi

Moneyweb: Economic freedom retards reconciliation - 08/12/2011 Sasha Planting

I am an apartheid beneficiary

I am not proud of it

"I am an apartheid beneficiary. I am not proud of it. I am ashamed of the fact that gross human-rights violations were perpetrated in the name of my volk..." 

An Ongoing Search for Kenya's Panacea

A Project of the Open Society Justice Initiative

"The adoption of the Rome Statute and the advent of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have significantly influenced democratic transitions and the rule of law in a number of African countries, but the specific intervention in Kenya by the ICC is only one tool for achieving long-term change in Kenya". Click here to read the full article

Looking beyond institutions:

The social fabric of corruption

Lucía Tiscornia writes on the need to safeguard the integrity of state institutions undermined by corrupt practices that threaten the growth and development of South Africa.

Book review

Hope, Pain and Patience

"The worn-out journalism adage, if it bleeds it leads comes to mind when you first see the cover of this book. The stories cover the traumas facing women in South Sudan (as well as other war-torn African counties) and raises ethical questions". 
Read full article here

Gobodo-Madikizela Talks Trauma

Paradox of Remorse

Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Professor of Psychology at Cape Town University, South Africa spoke at St. Mary’s Hall for her lecture “Engaging the Other: Trauma, Witnessing, and the Paradox of Remorse.” click here to read full article

Zuma reignites separation of powers debate

Politics

On the 1st of November 2011, President Jacob Zuma used the joint sitting of parliament convened to bid farewell to former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobe and welcome newly appointed Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Click here to read article

Separation of powers: Is this a slippery slope? The Sunday Independent. 17 April 2011.Jan Hofmeyr ponders the implication of the arrest of Lt. Gen Richard Mdluli on the democratic principles upon which a separation of powers is enshrined. He says a country’s developmental agenda and national security cannot be held to ransom by party interests.

Gaddafi's torture bodes ill for Libyan harmony

Disturbing visuals of Muammar Gaddafi's last moments raise important questions about the nature of conflict settlements and how they affect the potential for sustainable post-conflict peace

"Disturbing visuals of Muammar Gaddafi’s last moments raise important questions about the nature of conflict settlements and how they affect the potential for sustainable post-conflict peace". Click here to read full article.

NPC is what South Africa needs

An overview of the NPC

Kate Lefko-Everett writes on the National Planning Commission's (NPC) task for developing a long-term vision and strategic plan for South Africa which will focus on strategies on how to minimise the impact of South Africa’s key challenges. Click here to read full article.

Policy Communication

Commentary on the delay of the Dalai Lama visa to South Africa

The state must learn how to negotiate and communicate tough moral decisions in an increasingly complex world writes Jan Hofmeyr in the Business Day. Click here to read full article.

The National Question

Identity does not depend on race

WHO are we? is the question posed in a timely series presented by the Cape Times and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Really, it’s incredible. If “I am because we are” and we are not the “we” we thought we were – then who am I? If “a person is a person through other people”, and we’re not getting through to each other – then what am I? writes Helen Douglas

A Moral Imperative to Speak:

What does civic responsibility mean in our troubled times?

Tutu and others talk justice and reconciliation

Not surprisingly, the national media gravitated in their reports to the more headline-grabbing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s remarks at A Moral Imperative to Speak, a panel discussion hosted at UCT on 24 August by teh Living Reconciliation Forum, a collaborative project bewteen UCT’s Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and Professor Jaco Barnard Naudé and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

Download podcasts of the symposium

Tutu takes issue with wealth tax criticism 25th August 2011
Tutu was speaking at the Institute Justice Reconciliation's talk, "A moral imperative to speak: What does civic responsibility mean in our troubled times?", in Cape Town.

Time for real change was not just words 30th August 2011 Cape Argus. "Everybody who attended the latest Living Reconciliation Forum hosted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation at UCT last week would agree that, far from being lost or misled, young South Africans are inspired and inspiring". Dr Lutz van Dijk is the co-director of the Hokisa Children’s Home in Masiphumelele.

OM TE OFFER WAT JY VRA, SUID-AFRIKA? 

(Hierdie artikel het Saterdag 27 Augustus 2011 in DIE BURGER verskyn)

"Tutu het gepraat by die bekendstelling van ‘n boek "The Humanist Imperative" deur bekende teoloog John De Gruchy. Die tema van die boek, die herstel van menslikheid en menswaardigheid in Suid-Afrika, was uiteraard die konteks vir Tutu se omstrede herhaling van ‘n WVK voorstel: ‘n eenmalige welvaartsbelasting as versoeningsgebaar van wit Suid-Afrikaners teenoor swart Suid-Afrikaners."

Dr Fanie du Toit  is Uitvoerende Direkteur van die Instituut vir Geregtigheid en Versoening. Vir meer inligting, kontak www.ijr.org.za.

Tutu takes issue with wealth tax criticism

Wealth Tax

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu says criticism against the call for a wealth tax to be imposed on all white South Africans was missing an opportunity to heal the past. Tutu's call for a wealth tax earlier this month unleashed a huge debate, with some saying it was unconstitutional and unfair to impose a tax on white people, while others supported his call. 

Tutu was speaking at the Institute Justice Reconciliation's talk, "A moral imperative to speak: What does civic responsibility mean in our troubled times?", in Cape Town last night.       

He says he was hoping that the response would be not one of responsibility of people who feel guilty, but a response of people saying it was a gesture of generosity. But he says by recognising the past, the idea will begin to make a difference. He says: “In fact, it turned out to be a profound statement because the reaction is like of those people carrying guilt.” 

The Archbishop reminded hundreds of University of Cape Town students gathered at the campus to hear him speak, that we mislead ourselves by thinking that apartheid did not damage us all.

REPORT: From Sensitive to Sensible History Veles, Republic of Macedonia, 22-26 June 2011 (Planning and Coordination Meeting & Regional Authors and Experts Work Session)

Exploring the use of oral history as a tool for reconciliation in South Africa.

South Africa’s Institute of Justice and Reconciliation has been making an effort since 2000 to find way to deal with the past as a way forward, as Dr Esau put it; so that is lays the foundation for another society. Click here 

Service delivery seen as key measure of parties' performance

Local Government Election 2011

Political analysts say service delivery will remain a key measure of how parties will perform in their respective municipalities for a long time to come. Kate Lefko-Everett says that African National Congress has been performing poorly in the Western Cape.

Bridges with Africa

Evidence of war crimes stack up against Gaddafi

You will hear three news clips with Dr. Tim Murithi, IJR's Head of Africa Programme, on Radio Netherlands Worldwide in the news-round up report on Bridges With Africa

Tafelsig protests highlight that democracy is more than just voting

This week's running battles between police and backyard dwellers in Tafelsig highlights the extent to which democratic legitimacy in South Africa remains inextricably tied to individual perceptions of economic security.

click here to read full article

Rwanda genocide: former army head Augustin Bizimungu jailed

Bizimungu, who prepared lists of Tutsis to be 'exterminated' in 1994 mass slaughter, sentenced to 30 years in prison

click here to read full article

Confidence low in local government

More than half of all South Africans lack confidence in local government, the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation has found...

click here to read full article

Alliance receives a fillip

4th annual forum of the UNAOC

Regardless of the immediate agenda of civil society organisations (CSOs) around the world, the common thread of helping others is gaining momentum and helping put the concept of alliance of civilisations higher on the global agenda, participants said on the second day of pre-forum for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC) yesterday. Read more here...

Dr. Fanie du Toit interview, Doha pre forum 2011

Any relation between CSOs and UNAOC should be based on accountability

Dr Fanie du Toit, executive Director of the IJR and representative of the South Africa-based Education for Reconciliation project said any relation between CSOs and UNAOC should be based on accountability. “Relationships that are not accountable will not last. They are simply promiscuous. For that reason, accountability between UNAOC and CSOs is fundamental," du Toit said.

Filth, squalor reality for far too many

Basic services are needed for 500 000 people

Speak out for women

The evil of sexism lurks beneath the surface and is not supported by the same social disapproval as racism

Implicit barriers to entry are the hardest to overcome

Nonracialism

Inferior and unequal education stops here

New generation determined to bring about change

Between polls and promises, come the reality

Clashes over service delivery will continue unless the government is able to make good its promises

Has SA missed the moment for unity?

The meaning of Reconciliation

SA not yet predatory state - audit report

SOUTH Africa is not yet a predator state where an elite in charge kills and maims people who disagree with them.

External issues 'impede SA's long-term planning'

"Political planning in SA is more complex compared with a few years ago," said Fanie du Toit, director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR).

Govt urged to act against wasteful expenditure

The South African government must place more emphasis on fighting wasteful expenditure in government departments. That is according to the findings of the sixth Transformation Audit conducted by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

Political parties warned against using race card

Institute for Justice and Reconciliation has cautioned political parties against using the race card in their election campaigns.

IJR Pre-election commentary

SA should isolate dictators - Pandor

SCIENCE and Technology Minister NalediPandor says the government should consider cutting off relations with world leaders who cling to power for decades.

The Re-education of South Africa

Non-racialism in SA

Dr. Tim Murithi elaborates on the topic of inter-race-relations and the notion of 'non-racialism' in South Africa

South Africa: The Re-education of the Nation

We all need to be re-educated

The statement by Afrikaner author, Anneli Botes, that one group that she still does not like are "black people", reveals a deeper malaise that continues to permeate the post-apartheid psyche among certain sectors of South African society,' writes Tim Murithi.

Tutu's a 'mensch'

Letter of support to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

Alex Boraine, Mary Burton, John de Gruchy, Fanie du Toit, Matt Esau, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Lionel Louw, Essa Moosa, Dumisa Ntsebeza, Peter-John Pearson, Courtney Sampson, Charles Villa-Vicencio, Michael Weeder, Spiwo Xapile sign letter of support for D. Tutu

Rural Children just need a chance to be world beaters'

World Innovation Summit for Education

Trying to build a nation on second languages will destroy developmental goals and South Africa should move with greater urgency to make mother tongues the mediums of instruction in all primary and secondary schools.
So argued Fanie du Toit, executive director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, who spoke to the Mail & Guardian during the second World Innovation Summit for Education (Wise) in Doha,Qatar in December 2010.

read more

Many South Africans believe employment prospects have worsened

2010 Reconciliation Barometer

Racial division lives on in South Africa, survey shows

2010 Reconciliation Barometer

Reconciliation Day is a time to contemplate how we put the past to rest

2010 Reconciliation Barometer

THE STAR SPEAKERS

WISE conference Doha

Dr. Fanie du Toit speaks at the international WISE conference in Doha >> read more

THE INSTITUTE FOR AFRICAN TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

"Where Law Meets Reality"

The inaugural Institute for African Transitional Justice (IATJ), an initiative of the Refugee Law Project (RLP), the African Transitional Justice Research Network (ATJRN), and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) was successful launched in the form of a week-long residential course held in Kampala, Uganda, from 22-26 November 2010. >>read more

Pact Sudan: Three Areas Stakeholder Networking Event 2010

24th -26th November 2010, Damazine, Blue Nile State, Sudan.

Between 24th - 26th November, 2010 Pact Sudan’s Three Areas Peace Fund Project (TAPF), with support from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Humanity United, held its second Three Areas Stakeholder Networking Event, themed along Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding in Sudan. >> read more

Living Reconciliation

Thought Leader

Associate Professor Jaco Barnard-Naude reflects on Professor Pumla-Gobodo's inauguration speech at UCT

Presidential pardon list sparks outrage

Department of Justice published presidential pardon list

Past traumas are a present problem

Facing memories: Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela tackled trauma, the heart of transformation, in her inaugural lecture.

Working through trauma by facing the past is at the heart of transformation, said Professor Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, in her much anticipated inaugural lecture, titled 'The Face of the Other’:Human dialogue at Solms Delta and the meaning of moral imagination, delivered at UCT on 11November.

'Ekonomiese bevryding is nodig vir afname in misdaad'

Jan Hofmeyr speaks in Pretoria

Zuma urged not to pardon 'serial killers'

A COALITION of seven human rights organisations has slammed President Jacob Zuma's bid to set "serial killers" free.

On Monday, the government published the names of 149 people set to get political pardons. Their victims' families have just 30 days to tell government whether they object to the pardons or not.

The South African Coalition for Transitional Justice urges further efforts to engage victims of pardon applicants.

Presidential Pardons

The Department of Justice yesterday published the names of149 convicted persons who have been recommended for a presidential pardon in terms of the Special Dispensation created by former President Mbeki in 2007.  The crimes for which the offenders sought pardon were also disclosed. It was a requirement of the Special Dispensation for the applicants to demonstrate a political motive.  In the notice issued yesterday, the government invites victims to make written representations on whether or not a pardon ought to be granted to a particular applicant.  >>read more

Challenges faced by south Sudan more than anecdotal as referendum looms

South Sudan

Friederike Bubenzer writes about the upcoming Sudan referendum in January 2011 and the realities on the ground >> read more

Bemiddelingsproses 'is nie 'n politieke spel'

Houtbaai

>> read full article

Hangberg housing debacle needs concrete solutions - IJR

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation has said the Hangberg housing debacle will only be resolved if all parties work together.

>>read full article

Residents lament plan to evict them

Hangberg notices served

>> read full article

City ask Cosatu to stay out of Hangberg issue

IJR calls upon the different levels of government to get involved in the solution.

>> read full article

Cosatu wants govt. to weigh in on 'Hangberg debacle'

Cosatu has called on the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation to act as facilitator to unite affected role-players.

>> read full article

Pupils ask the hard questions on schools

Kriel Memorial Lecture

Learners from 5 different provinces asked the Deputy-Director General in the Education Department, Palesa Tyobeka, questions about their challenges in education during the 7th Ashley Kriel Memorial Lecture at UWC on Sunday 03 October 2010. >> read more

Don't fix what ain't broke

Poor publis already benefit from quality education at former whites-only schools

'Each learner learns to get along with those who are "not like me and grow up to appreciate  and respect diversity.' - the principal of Wynberg Girls' High School and the chairperson of the SGB speak out.

Jan Hofmeyr, IJR, quoted on SARB data.

Voetspore van die Cradockvier

Dit is 25 jaar sedert die apartheidsvegters Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto en Sicelo Mhlauli die hoogste prys denkbaar vir hul ideaal van ’n gelyke samelewing betaal het

View full article

Cradock se mondelinge geskiedenis in spesiale bronnegids

Cradockgaanvan24 tot 28Oktober die 25ste herdenking van die Cradock-4 vier.

’n Bronnegids vir geskiedenisonderwysers is deur 35 leerders en hul onderwysers
van vier Cradock-hoërskole opgestel. By die bekendstelling Donderdagaand was van links me. Yolisa Nciza, provinsiale koördineerder van geskiedenis by die Oos-Kaapse departement van geskiedenis, Sesethu Matsila en Andiswa Mangesana van die Hoërskool Matthew Goniwe en mnr. Cecyl Esau van die Instituut vir Geregtigheid en Versoening (IJR). (read full article)

The battle of Hangberg

Views of Cape Town mayor Dan Plato & Cosatu provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich

Residents of Hout Bay's Hangberg community clashed with police this week in protests over the city's demolition of shacks built on the firebreak on the slopes of the Sentinel. Protesters claimed they were compelled to meet their own housing needs because the authorities had failed to deliver on promises to accommodate them...<click to read full article>

Ehrenreich "There was a process facilitated by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation two years ago that identified land and opportunities for the needs of people living in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg. The city participated in this, yet has disregarded the findings, which represent the solutions that are supported."

New constitution gives Kenya new hope

Home-grown solution

Dr. Tim Murithi, Head of the Transitional Justice in Africa Programme at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, elaborates on Kenya's newly launched constitution. read more

Book of the week

In the balance: South Africans debate reconciliation

Click to read article about the Book of the week 'In the balance: South Africans debate reconciliation' edited by Fanie du Toit and Erik Doxtader, Jacana, reviewed by Sunday Times on 05 September 2010

It's lekker to be appreciated, Sachs says on getting award

IJR Reconciliation Award

Albie Sach received the IJR Reconciliation Award on the night of the 11th of August 2010, handed over by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. >> read more

We can make poverty history

But that is only if we stop refusing mediocrity, learn from others, and use the World Cup achievements as platform

Vusi Gumede, associate professor in Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg, writes about the current state of justice and reconciliation in South Africa after the World Cup and 16years into democracy. >> read more

Gebreke in debat oor versoening blyk

Book In the Balance

Apartheid victims and survivors challenge McBride ruling

Surviving relatives of apartheid victims have filed an application to intervene in the Constitutional Court case of The Citizen v. McBride as amici curiae

Surviving relatives of apartheid victims have filed an application to intervene in the Constitutional Court case of The Citizen v. McBride as amici curiae (friend of the court) in a bid to challenge the ruling that calling people who received amnesty murderers would constitute defamation. >> read more

Ms. Mbizana and Mr. Mxenge’ are supported by an alliance of South African civil society organizations comprised of Khulumani Support Group; International Center for Transitional Justice; Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation; South African History Archives; Human Rights Media Centre; and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

IJR in The Economist

Special focus on South Africa

The price of freedom

Since embracing full democracy 16 years ago, South Africa has made huge strides. But, says Diana Geddes (interviewed here), not everything has changed for the better   - (go to The Economist on the web)

Several of IJR's staff were interviewed in April 2010 by Diana Geddes from The Economist – the edition with a special focus on SA has been released in June 2010, and several IJR publications have been cited. Please find below the headings of the various articles 

• The price of freedom
• The monolithic ANC
• Colour me South African
• Jobless growth
• A new kind of inequality
• Corruption in South Africa
• South Africa's great scourges
• Last in class
• Don't get ill
• Still everything to play for
• Sources and acknowledgments
• Offer to readers

Also read comments on our SARBblog

We still have need of Reconciliation and Justice

'We need to keep talking more, instead of keeping the divisions of the past alive'

South Africa shuts door on Lubowski murder probe

Family to 'pressurise' Namibia