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Issues 51 - 60
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This edition of Focus continues with the theme of ‘Making South Africa Work’, first explored in the previous edition where issues surrounding Human Capital Development were addressed. This edition surveys aspects of regulation and their impact on the economy and society.
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We take our lead in this edition from Daniel de Kadt’s challenging exposition of why human capital matters. de Kadt goes beyond the usual rhetoric of the importance of human capital and contextualises it politically and socially. All who are interested in South Africa’s developmental trajectory should spend time reflecting on his observations and conclusion.
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The previous edition of Focus, dedicated to commemorating 100 years of Statehood, had as its theme, Change and Continuity. This theme of change and continuity could also characterise this edition of Focus, which is dedicated to South Africa and the Changing World.
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This edition of Focus is dedicated to a series of reflections about 100 years of statehood in South Africa. In my invitation to contributors, I pointed out that the political events which led to Union are well documented and widely known; so was the deliberate marginalisation of the majority of South Africans during the deliberations that led to the establishment of Union in 1910. Indeed, it was this marginalisation which led to the formation of the ANC in 1912, and it was only after some 84 years after the foundation of the state, that a constitutional and political ‘normalisation’ and legitimacy were achieved.
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In keeping with the Foundation’s stated policy of seeking to offer a platform for both seasoned commentators and new and marginalised voices, we present this edition of Focus on Learning and Teaching. The Foundation works from the premise that education is not only an important developmental issue, but is also a human rights issue. Beyond the central concern of personal growth, our social development and, crucially, our long-term economic development is dependent on the acquisition and availability of suitable and appropriate skills. Arguably the major constraint confronting South Africa’s growth trajectory has always been its poor human capital base.
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‘Justice’ is a protean concept. ‘Law and order’ are maintained by governments and ruling elites in its name. Revolutions and popular insurrections are conducted under its legitimating aegis.
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South Africa’s vibrancy as a democracy is attested to by the fact that not a single edition of FOCUS goes by without a considerable number of significant political events occurring within the scope of a quarter – every single quarter! This past quarter is no different.
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This edition of FOCUS marks a solemn and sad event – the passing of our beloved Patron-in-Chief Helen Suzman. It is a moment of bereavement we wish to mark by publishing a special Helen Suzman Tribute edition as a fitting honour to a life well-lived with a sound moral compass.
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South Africa is rapidly approaching its fourth democratic poll and there is a tangible and undeniable Obama-esque sense of change in the air. Voters registered in record numbers during the Independent Electoral Commission’s first bout of voter registration in November. One could almost hear the silent chants of ‘Yes we can!’ echo through the very firmament of our democracy as younger generations of voters lined up, free of the demons of the past.
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In 1999, Mr Global Reconciliation Statesman handed the reins of power and policy formulation to Mr Delivery. What we will see in 2009 is a handover from Mr Delivery to Mr Complexity. For if the degree of delivery accomplished in the past ten years is arguable, there can be no doubt about the degree of complexity the new administration will face.
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Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday is both a poignant moment in history and a time to reflect on current political trends in South Africa We celebrate Mandela’s crowning achievements, but simultaneously have to ask ourselves as a country what we intend to do with his legacy. Mandela himself in recent months has asked tough questions of the new leadership group and, in the wake of the spate of violent attacks on foreigners and South Africans alike, called for a renewed commitment to unity on Youth Day.
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