This year commemorates the 31st anniversary of the establishment of democratic governance in South Africa which is ‘based on the will of the people’. South Africa exemplifies a democracy distinguished by a progressive constitution. Since then, it has made major strides in fostering a unified and inclusive nation, while safeguarding democratic values such as equality, respect for human rights, and a government that prioritizes the interests of its people. In the May 2024 general elections, no party achieved a majority for the first time. Consequently, in June 2024, a Government of National Unity (GNU) was established marking a collaborative effort aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and public participation in governance. Thus far, the GNU has performed admirably, with the exception of the recent stalemate regarding the budget. According to the Commission for Human Rights (2002) some of the essential components of democracy include free and fair elections, a commitment to human rights, and adherence to the rule of law, the separation of powers, a diverse political party system, judicial independence, and a free and independent media. As articulated by former President Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inauguration speech: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination”.
While these achievements are notable, there remain challenges and issues that continue to threaten the status quo. Amiss all these accomplishments, a question begets to be asked: where does South Africa stand after thirty-one years of democracy? One might further inquire: has this democratic commitment been fulfilled? What lessons can be gleaned from the experiences of other countries concerning the functioning of coalition governments? The emergence of GNU and voter turnout during the 2024 general elections signals that there are certain challenges that continue to require attention. They include voter education, a high poverty rate, inequality, elevated unemployment levels, corruption, as well as violence and insecurity.
Call for Papers
Based on the above backdrop, it becomes essential to not only foster scholarly attention to these issues or challenges and but also provide a broad platform for scholarly engagement and discourse regarding the scrutiny of South Africa’s 31 years of democracy. The contributions will focus on improving ways for ensuring government accountability in tackling these challenges, and find innovative ways towards strengthening constitutional democracy.
The Centre for Human Rights of the University of Pretoria, and the UNESCO ‘Oliver Tambo’ Chair of Human Rights of the University of Fort Hare, invite contributions from scholars, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives to the discourse including the following sub-themes:
- Contemporary challenges and approaches in the formation of coalition governments in post-colonial democracies in Africa;
- Upholding the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in their entirety while fostering a united South Africa;
- Ensuring peace, stability, and secure communities, particularly for women and children in government;
- Women and youth representation in political participation/government
- Advocating for accountability, transparency, and community involvement in governance;
- Improving voter turnout in elections;
- Upholding integrity, good governance, and accountable leadership;
- Extracting lessons from other similarly young and growing democracies in Africa;
- Future of coalition governments in Africa;
- Exploring ways to use artificial intelligence to improve voter turnout;
- Managing elections in the digital era;
- Enforceability of coalition agreements;
- The role of chapter 9 institutions in upholding democracy;
- Comparative approach and drawing lessons from other jurisdictions in ensuring democratic tenets;
- The role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability in a democratic government;
- Civil society and the realisation of democratic rule;
- Access to justice as a pathway to achieving democratic rule.
Submission of abstracts
Abstracts of no more than 500 words should be sent to: Ms Bonolo Magkale at bonolo.makgale@up.ac.za; and copy Professor Ebenezer Durojaye at ebenezer.durojaye@up.ac.za; and Professor Retselisitsoe Phooko at mphooko@ufh.ac.za
Important Timelines
- Abstracts of no more than 300 words are due by 15 July 2025.
- Full chapters (6, 000–10,000 words, Times New Roman, 12pt) due by 30 October 2025.
- Estimated time of publication is 2026.
Targeted Publishers
- Pretoria University Law Press
- De Jure Law Journal
- Juta Company
- LexisNexis
For more information, please contact:
+27 (0) 12 420 4199
bonolo.makgale@up.ac.za
