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IOL News
6 days ago
- 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
02-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Clash of Cultures: The Controversy Over Virginity Testing in KwaZulu-Natal
KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga (left) and RCL chairperson Thoko Mkwanazi-Xaluva discussed virginity testing in their recent meeting. Image: Supplied A NEW decree on virginity testing is shaping to be an almighty clash between between culture and the Constitution. The opponents will be Zulu culturists who are set to challenge the government's prescription, via the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL), that now prevents virginity testing of young girls in KwaZulu-Natal the practice below age 16. With the annual Reed Dance ceremony months away, a massive and long standing tradition in the province, the new directive has added to the angst of cultural heads. The commission's chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva met Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga last week and directed that the testing of maidens below 16 was illegal and should be stopped. But culturists have dug in their heels and vowed to defy the directive. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, the founder of Nombukhubulwane Institute, a cultural body advocating for the preservation of African cultural practice was adamant that the practice will continue and will not be stopped. Ngobese said the practice has helped to reduce sexual violence against children as the organisation conducts tests randomly. She said even perpetrators were scared to rape girl children who were being tested because they realised that testers would become aware that a child had been abused, and that the practice had helped to reduce cases where young girls had been repeatedly raped and could not report this due to fear. 'We will not stop our practice and no one will dictate to us how we raise our kids. We are doing this in the best interest of our kids, the same interest the government claims to uphold. Where is the harm in the practice? A rapist knows no age,' said Ngobese. Furthermore, she accused the government of promoting sexual grooming of children by supplying condoms to schools. She also questioned the government's decision in allowing 12-year-olds to conduct an abortion of a pregnancy if those girls are too young for virginity testing. In the meeting between Mkhwanazi-Xaluva and Shinga, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva raised specific concerns about child protection gaps in religious settings and cultural practices, such as virginity testing. She said unlike schools, where staff were thoroughly vetted and screened, many religious spaces lack such safeguards, thus leaving children vulnerable. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said her commission's constitutional mandate was to protect and promote the rights of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities while strengthening democracy and called on the provincial government to work together to ensure that children were protected from abuse and exploitation in all environments. 'Legislation clearly states that virginity testing may only be conducted on girls over the age of 16 who have provided informed consent. Test results must remain confidential, and marking girls on their foreheads is illegal," said Mkhwanazi-Xaluva Shinga also acknowledged the growing concern around gender-based violence, religious exploitation, and lack of accountability in certain faith-based institutions. She noted that partnerships such as these were essential for crafting effective, long-term strategies to protect vulnerable communities. 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rights of children and promoting their safety, as enshrined in our Constitution,' she concluded. The commission's visit to the province came at time when mass virginity testing is set to start in preparation for the annual Reed Dance ceremony which is presided over by Zulu King Misizulu kaZwelithini. All maidens who attend the ceremony have to be tested before they are allowed to present their reeds to the king. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
01-06-2025
- IOL News
Government directive on virginity testing sparks controversy in KwaZulu-Natal
KZN Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga (left) and RCL chairperson Thoko Mkwanazi-Xaluva discussed virginity testing in their recent meeting. Image: Supplied A cultural clash is looming again between government and Zulu culturists over the virginity testing of young girls in KwaZulu-Natal following the directive of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) which prevents the practice on girls below 16 years of age. The commission's chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva met Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga last week and directed that the testing of maidens below 16 years of age was illegal and should be stopped, however, culturists have vowed to defy this. Dr Nomagugu Ngobese, the founder of Nombukhubulwane Institute, a cultural body advocating for the preservation of African cultural practice said the practice will continue and will not be stoped. Ngobese said the practice has helped to reduce sexual violence against children as the organisation conducts tests randomly. She said even perpetrators are scared to rape girl children who are being tested because they know testers will uncover if a child has been abused and that the practice has helped to reduce cases where young girls had been repeatedly raped and could not report this due to fear. 'We will not stop our practice and no one will dictate to us how we raise our kids. We are doing this in the best interest of our kids, the same interest the government claims to uphold. Where is the harm in the practice? A rapists knows no age,' said Ngobese. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Furthermore, she accused the government of promoting sexual grooming of children by supplying condoms to schools. She also questioned the government's decision in allowing 12-year-olds to conduct an abortion of a pregnancy if those girls are too young for virginity testing. In the meeting between Mkhwanazi-Xaluva and Shinga, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva raised specific concerns about child protection gaps in religious settings and cultural practices, such as virginity testing. She said unlike schools, where staff are thoroughly vetted and screened, many religious spaces lack such safeguards, thus leaving children vulnerable. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said her commission's constitutional mandate is to protect and promote the rights of cultural, religious, and linguistic communities while strengthening democracy and called on the provincial government to work together to ensure that children are protected from abuse and exploitation in all environments. 'Legislation clearly states that virginity testing may only be conducted on girls over the age of 16 who have provided informed consent. Test results must remain confidential, and marking girls on their foreheads is illegal," said Mkhwanazi-Xaluva Shinga also acknowledged the growing concern around gender-based violence, religious exploitation, and lack of accountability in certain faith-based institutions. She noted that partnerships such as these are essential for crafting effective, long-term strategies to protect vulnerable communities. 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rights of children and promoting their safety, as enshrined in our Constitution,' she concluded. The commission's visit to the province came at time when mass virginity testing is set to start in preparation for the annual Reed Dance ceremony which is presided over by Zulu King Misizulu kaZwelithini. All maidens who attend the ceremony have to be tested before they are allowed to present their reeds to the king.
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng man arrested for illegal initiation school and taking in children
The man was arrested in Soshanguve and allegedly initiated children as young as four. The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities is welcoming the arrest of the owner of an allegedly illegal initiation school in Gauteng taking in underage children. A 39-year-old man, who operated his initiation school in Soshanguve in Tshwane, was reportedly arrested yesterday and the school closed. Children as young as four The man, who made headlines after community members claimed he had initiated a four-year-old baby and an 11-year-old, was arrested on Tuesday and is expected to appear in court soon. 'What he did was wrong. There is no culture allowing the initiation of underage children,' said George Mahlangu, deputy chair of the commission. Commission praises swift arrest and closure 'We commend the authorities for attending to the matter. To make things worse this man did not have a permit to operate such a school and he is also underage because to be a principal you need to be at least 40 years old or above, while he is only 39.' Mahlangu urged initiation school owners to respect the law to preserve the good reputation of African culture. ALSO READ: Boy runs away to join initiation school, family given list of items to secure his return Department warns of legal consequences Gauteng department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs spokesperson Mary Martins said: 'The safety of our children is our priority and focus. Any underage child or minor found on the premises will be taken for health screening before being handed over to their parents or legal guardians. We believe this may be an isolated incident.' Martins said the department's provincial initiation coordinating committee (PICC) monitors initiation schools in the province to ensure they comply with the law. She said those who transgress the Customary Initiation Act, 2021, would be dealt with according to legislative provisions. Community urged to report violations Martins said the department, supported by a team of police officers, the department of health and social development, responds to alerts from community members and other community-based forums where unregistered initiation schools, abuse of initiates and abductions have been identified. 'The department would like to urge community members to inform the department of any unregistered or abuse within initiation schools. 'Members of the community or any affected person may report cases to the department via e-mail at Initiation@ za or, via phone, Mluleki Ngomane at 079 874 3680 or Lebogang Bogopane at 079 524 0736.' PICC spokesperson Kiba Kekana said the committee and the department had strengthened the rules and no school could register teens under the age of 16. NOW READ: Calls for 'stronger crime preventions' amid Soshanguve killings
