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IOL News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Managing Diversity in South Africa: Learning from the UAE experience
South Africa's rich diversity is enshrined in its progressive Constitution, yet social cohesion remains a challenge, writes Daryl Swanepoel. Image: IOL / Ron AI South Africa is a country of profound diversity, in race, ethnicity, language, culture and religion. Its Constitution, one of the most progressive in the world, recognises and protects this diversity. It provides for human dignity, equality, non-racialism and non-sexism, as well as the right to freely practice one's culture and language. Institutions such as the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) exist precisely to protect these constitutional values. Yet, despite these mechanisms, the country continues to face serious challenges in achieving genuine social cohesion, with high levels of poverty and inequality, largely still shaped along racial lines, contributing to tensions between communities. Historical divisions from apartheid continue to manifest in mistrust, exclusion and lack of cross-cultural understanding. Moreover, the lack of a comprehensive social cohesion strategy has meant that efforts to unify South Africa's people are sporadic, reactive, and often symbolic rather than systemic. Even though initiatives such as the 2012 National Cohesion Summit and government frameworks like the National Development Plan (NDP) identify social cohesion as a priority, implementation has been weak. Social cohesion remains elusive not because the constitutional architecture is flawed, but because the country lacks a focused, strategic approach to operationalise it in daily governance, education and community life. South Africa is in urgent need of a new, practical model that can guide it toward meaningful unity in diversity. For this, the experience of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers valuable lessons. The United Arab Emirates provides a striking example of how a society can consciously build mechanisms to manage diversity. With a population consisting of more than 200 nationalities and multiple religious and cultural groups, the UAE is one of the most diverse nations in the world. Unlike South Africa, the UAE did not emerge from a formalised system of racial oppression, yet, due to the diversity that comes with the range of nationalities now in the country, it faces immense challenges in integrating its multicultural population within a cohesive national framework. To respond to this challenge, the UAE government adopted a deliberate, structured approach and in 2016, it established a Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, which is dedicated to promoting harmonious relationships among the country's various cultural, religious and ethnic groups. It is not a ceremonial office; it plays an active role in policymaking, education and public engagement to foster shared values and social understanding. The UAE's approach is proactive and institutionalised. It goes beyond symbolism, embedding tolerance and intercultural respect into its national vision. One of its flagship initiatives was the Year of Tolerance in 2019, during which numerous programmes, campaigns and interfaith events were held. A key outcome was the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House, a complex in Abu Dhabi housing a mosque, church and synagogue, a powerful physical symbol of religious co-existence. Importantly, the UAE's model embraces both a unifying national identity and the preservation of individual cultural identities, rather than enforcing rigid assimilation. The state encourages diversity within a shared framework of mutual respect, which duality balances common civic values and cultural particularity. The UAE also links social cohesion to national development. It understands that diversity, if managed well, is an asset that can strengthen innovation, global engagement and social stability. Hence, tolerance is not only treated as a social imperative, but also as a contributor to economic resilience and political continuity. Recommendations for South Africa: From fragmentation to unity Drawing from the lessons of the UAE and recognising South Africa's unique history and democratic values, several strategic recommendations emerge to strengthen social cohesion domestically: Establish a dedicated social cohesion institution South Africa lacks a central agency mandated to coordinate social cohesion efforts across government, civil society and the private sector. A national structure, akin to the UAE's Ministry of Tolerance, should be established to drive strategic planning, monitor progress and champion inclusive values across all spheres of society. Develop a national social cohesion strategy The current approach is fragmented. South Africa must adopt a comprehensive, well-resourced national social cohesion strategy aligned to the Constitution. This strategy should integrate the work of existing institutions, set measurable goals and be embedded within national and provincial governance plans. It should also prioritise conflict resolution, intercultural education and multilingual communication. Reimagine civic education to promote unity in diversity Educational curricula must be transformed to teach young people the value of diversity, inclusion and active citizenship. Cultural literacy, empathy and human rights should be key components of schooling, alongside fostering pride in South Africa's rich cultural tapestry. As the UAE does, this education must not just reside in theory but be reinforced through national campaigns and visible leadership. Institutionalise public symbols and dialogue platforms South Africa should follow the UAE's example by introducing national dialogue platforms and visible public initiatives to promote cross-cultural understanding. For example, hosting an annual National Year of Social Cohesion could mobilise schools, faith institutions and media around a shared theme of unity. Public art, festivals and symbols must reflect the country's collective history and future aspirations. Strengthen the role of the CRL Rights Commission The CRL Rights Commission already exists to support cultural, religious and linguistic communities. However, its potential is underutilised. It should be capacitated further to lead local dialogue initiatives, mediate cultural disputes and advise government on inclusive policies. As with the UAE's tolerance ministry, the CRL must be a visible champion for unity. Promote equitable access to services and opportunity At the root of many social tensions is economic exclusion. The state must accelerate efforts to redress inequalities in housing, education and employment. Spatial integration, equitable service delivery and inclusive urban design are essential to break historical divides and build shared spaces where cohesion can flourish. Partner with religious and cultural leaders Faith-based and cultural institutions remain powerful influencers in South African society. A formal partnership model should be developed where government and these groups co-develop community programmes, especially in areas prone to conflict or marginalisation. The UAE's success is partly built on engaging religious leaders to promote peace and coexistence. Similarly, cultural leaders from across all groups should be consulted, engaged and involved in promoting social cohesion. Conclusion: A Cohesion compact for a shared future Social cohesion is not a luxury. It is the foundation of democratic stability, national development and collective dignity. South Africa has the legal frameworks, the civil society energy and the multicultural richness to become a global model of inclusion. What it lacks is coordination, leadership and strategic vision. The UAE has shown that it is possible to intentionally build unity amidst diversity, not by flattening difference, but by nurturing respect and belonging. South Africa should not replicate its political system, but it must replicate the deliberateness of its social cohesion agenda. By embedding inclusion into our institutions, education, public symbols and development priorities, we can transform our diversity from a source of tension into a wellspring of strength. The Constitution lights the path; it is now time to walk it, together. * Daryl Swanepoel is a research fellow at the School for Public Leadership Stellenbosch University and the Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society Institute. This article draws its inspiration the Institute's recently published report 'Managing Social Cohesion in diverse communities: Can South Africa draw lessons from United Arab Emirates'. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Call for vetting of pastors, healers as ritual crimes against children shock SA
IOL spent time with chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva at her offices in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL South African communities have experienced various heinous crimes committed by perpetrators, including leaders of faith-based organisations—particularly sangomas and pastors. Earlier this week, IOL reported that a 50-year-old sangoma, Sebokoana Khounyana, appeared before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court in Gauteng facing charges of premeditated murder and human trafficking of two-year-old baby, Kutlwano Shalaba. Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana said a charge of premeditated murder was also added against the baby's mother Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba. Kutlwano Shalaba was murdered allegedly by her mother and a sangoma. Image: Facebook Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The 32-year-old mother was previously facing charges of human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery and making a false statement to the police. On Wednesday morning, IOL reported that the specialised occult unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been roped in to probe the brutal murder of Roodepoort teenager Likhona Fose, whose mutilated body was discovered on Sunday. The 14-year-old Grade 8 learner at Ikusasalethu Secondary School in Braamfischerville, Joburg apparently lived with her grandmother, who could not find her on Saturday. Her butchered body was found in an open field, covered with vegetation around Durban Deep, in Roodepoort, Gauteng. Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo has confirmed that the genitalia of a young girl was removed by her killers. As crime experts suggest the possibility of an occult-related murder in the case of Likhona, IOL spoke with Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission), at her offices in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. 'The issue of Child Protection Week is very critical in a country like ours. Our children are not safe—even in their homes, they are not safe. Even in their communities, they are not safe. We are one of those countries which are not fit for children,' she said. 'We are a country that, if we had choices, we wouldn't have children in this country. We are a country that does not pay as much attention as it should, where children are concerned.' 'On basic things like access to education, some children still walk long distances when the transport system fails. Some schools still do not have toilets. So, even before we get to the alarmingly high levels of child abuse in this country, there are already many things that need urgent attention,' said Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. She said Child Protection Week was an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on their individual contributions to creating safer environments for children. 'As the CRL Rights Commission, we asked: How can we use the Children's Act to protect children? How do we ensure that the Act is implemented? It's an established law that can protect children. We are looking at spaces of worship and sacred spaces,' she told IOL. 'The law says anyone working with children must be vetted—not just teachers.' She emphasised that the law requires anyone working with children to be vetted, yet many religious leaders operate closely with children in their ministries without undergoing the necessary checks. 'Part of what we're asking is: in the religious sector, who is vetting pastors? If I start a church, who vets me? I'll have access to children. Suddenly, I love Sunday School and I'm always with the kids - and parents are thrilled that this nice pastor enjoys spending time with them. But has he been vetted? 'To ensure that pastors, bishops, and archbishops are properly vetted, what systems should be in place?' she said. 'Paedophilia is not something that easily leaves your system. People who prey on children deliberately seek out spaces where they can access them. If I'm a religious leader, I have access. Yet, in this country, we worry about teachers - some of whom are vetted, others not - but we ignore these unregulated spaces.' Mkhwanazi-Xaluva emphasised that the CRL Rights Commission will be tabling the issue of vetting and monitoring of religious leaders across South Africa. 'We are looking at vetting of traditional healers, because they have access to children as well. We are looking at vetting of people who do virginity testing. It is amazing that we have people who are working in a very delicate space in our children's lives and no one is monitoring them,' she said. 'When you have people who say, I want to test children below 16, and I insist on doing that, but I have not been vetted, there is a crisis there, looming. We think it is only men who can do certain things. Anyone can do whatever. This is a gender-free kind of space.' She said South Africa needs to go back to basics in terms of protecting its children. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva emphasised that not anyone with money for a tent and chairs should be allowed to open a church in South Africa. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said in order to protect children, a regulator should receive applications from religious leaders and do proper vetting including taking fingerprints and identity documents of the applicants. 'We are not talking about new laws. These are laws that exist, implement those laws and the laws that exist take us straight to the Children's Act. So traditional healers, virginity testers, pastors, religious leaders of all kinds whether it is Islam, Jewish, or whatever - who is vetting them? It is the responsibility of the state to protect people. We are saying the state must do its job and its job is to make sure we are all safe, even if we do not see danger, we must be protected,' she said. Earlier this week, IOL spoke to renowned criminologist, Prof Kholofelo Rakubu who is the Head of Department at Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Law, Safety and Security Management, regarding the graphic nature of crime in South Africa, which often targets children. 'There are signs of an occult crime, which the occult crime investigations unit looks for. When they arrive at the scene, there are projects which tell them that this is an occult case. A body part must be missing, a particular body part is taken by the perpetrators and normally the perpetrators are not seen. 'You have not heard of a situation where perpetrators of an occult crime were seen doing it, we hear about it afterwards. That is because they are very professional. They are rational thinkers, they take time to pounce on their unsuspecting victims,' she said. 'To lure them, they take the victims to a designated place, they just do not do the killing at a tavern. They can dump the body somewhere, where it was not killed.' Rakubu, however, warned that the crime of occultic killers might get confused with psychotic killers. 'Sometimes a mentally disturbed person would do the crime in the same manner. They can kill their girlfriend, cut the body into pieces and keep them in a freezer because they are hearing voices and having psychological issues.'
IOL News
24-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
The dilemma of celebrating graduations: balancing joy and respect
Graduations have "become more about loud celebrations than dignified events". Image: Ranquist ACCORDING to educational expert Hendrick Makane graduation ceremonies have "become more about loud celebrations than dignified events". 'As an education activist, I believe these ceremonies should maintain a level of respect and decorum, allowing all graduates to feel celebrated and honoured. 'Excessive noise and disruptions can overshadow other graduates' achievements. Graduation ceremonies are a time to acknowledge individual accomplishments, and loud outbursts can detract from this,' said Makaneta. He said loud noise could also detract from the dignity of the ceremony. Hendrick Makane Image: Supplied 'Graduation is a significant milestone, and maintaining a respectful atmosphere ensures the event's gravity is preserved. To maintain dignity, graduates and families should respect the stage by being mindful of noise levels. 'But equally they must avoid excessive noise that might disrupt the ceremony by respecting the proceedings. It is important to follow the ceremony's structure and timing. The other thing is to consider others, including fellow graduates and guests, ensuring they too can also celebrate their achievements." He said some celebrations, which could make others feel uncomfortable, should be left for home. 'It's advisable for graduates and families to reserve their most exuberant celebrations for after the formal ceremony or at home. This allows the graduation ceremony to maintain its dignity, while still permitting joyful expressions of achievement,' he said. Professor Jonathan Jansen, from the Stellenbosch University, said he enjoyed the celebration spectacle at graduation ceremonies but agreed that over celebrating could take away from other graduates. Professor Jonathan Jansen Image: Supplied 'I like the excitement and enthusiasm of attendees at graduation ceremonies when celebrating the achievements of family members. We have broken the stiffness of European rituals and rigidities and given an African flavour to these events. 'However, there has to be some restraint on what is sometimes excessive celebration that drowns out the announcement of the names of graduates, especially ones following after a particularly loud and sustained outburst by a previous candidate crossing the stage,' said Jansen. Dr Rajendran Thangavelu Govender, the Commissioner of the CRL Rights Commission (Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities), said everyone's culture was different and deserved its own time to shine. Dr Rajendran Thangavelu Govender. Image: Supplied 'It is a big moment when you graduate, and gone are the days of outdated colonial times when one sits quietly at a graduation ceremony. Families and the graduates work hard to graduate, so how they behave is not an issue. The notion of sitting quietly, like it is a solemn occasion, is old fashioned. 'Everyone should have the freedom to scream to acknowledge and celebrate in their own ways. It is all in excitement. We need to understand that we live in a diverse South Africa. Graduations are now colourful and exciting. 'I remember when I graduated with my PhD. I did my dissertation on different cultures and all the different cultures present at my graduation ceremony were screaming and ululating for me. It's a primitive mentality to be offended by one's excitement,' said Govender. The Durban University of Technology said there were rules and guidelines that should be followed during a graduation ceremony. 'The university has formalised and recently approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the reading of graduates' names, which is being implemented at the 2025 Autumn graduation ceremonies. This SOP outlines clear expectations during the reading of names, including the importance of maintaining decorum and respect throughout the proceedings. Graduands and their families are expected to remain seated, refrain from excessive noise or disruptive behaviour, and allow each graduate their moment of recognition without interruption. 'We do not condone disruptive behaviour during graduation ceremonies. Interrupting another graduate's moment whether through loud celebration or other forms of disturbance undermines the dignity of the ceremony and is considered disrespectful. Programme directors and name readers actively encourage respectful conduct from all attendees to ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved,' said Simangele Zuma, DUT media officer. 'Where audience noise becomes excessive, readers are instructed to pause and wait until order is restored before continuing. This helps ensure that each graduate's name is heard and their moment is honoured appropriately. However, names are typically not repeated unless absolutely necessary. 'The university has previously received feedback and complaints regarding noise levels at graduation ceremonies. These concerns informed the development of the newly-implemented SOP, which includes measures to manage and reduce disruptions during the proceedings. The goal is to preserve the decorum and celebratory spirit of the occasion while ensuring fairness and respect for every graduand,' she added. THE POST
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
JUST IN: National Prosecuting Authority considers appeal in Timothy Omotoso case
"This team is studying the transcript, and the three other relevant decisions that were handed down in the course of this trial and will provide a memorandum of advice and opinion on the appeal ability of the judgment," said Mhaga. "The NPA will announce its decision, taking into account the memorandum of advice from the NPA team, and the opinion from Senior Counsel." NPA national spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said the decision to consider appealing the Omotoso case is based on the gravity and complexity of the case, as well as the fact that the state can only appeal an acquittal under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it has appointed a Senior Counsel to evaluate and advise on the possibility of appealing the Timothy Omotoso judgement. The 66-year-old Nigerian national was acquitted after spending eight years in jail. He was acquitted alongside his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani, and Zikiswa Sitho. Mhaga went on to say that the recent judgement has harmed efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) and eroded trust in the criminal justice system. This has serious consequences for the victims, he said. The Commission for the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) is one of several groups who condemned the NPA following the Nigerian televangelist's acquittal by the High Court in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. "All we can say is, the NPA let us down. The NPA let these witnesses (the victims) down. There are hundreds, if not thousands of victims out there who were waiting to see how this case goes. If it was not a matter of not cross-examining the accused appropriately, as the judge said, then we are leaving it at the door of the NPA," said chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva. The NPA added that it is considering all avenues to ensure justice is served within the law. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
