IsiZulu Democracy Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was the importance of 'iningi' in the struggle for and against the protection of 'minority rights'?

Reinforced

Who does the Zulu language watchdog blame for promoting an incorrect translation or interpretation of democracy into isiZulu?

Political and societal leaders

How was democracy commonly understood by the interview participants in discussions related to protest or the meaning in isiZulu?

As freedom

What did Karlström find the words used to mean democracy most closely translated as in Uganda?

Freedom or liberty Signup and view all the answers

In what context is the centrality of freedom to popular understandings of democracy argued to be unique?

South Africa Signup and view all the answers

Why is the notion of democracy as 'freedom' contentious in the history of South Africa?

Its connotations with a liberal tradition of democratic thought Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the article discussed in the text?

Conceptualisation of democracy by ordinary people in isiZulu and grassroots democracy practices. Signup and view all the answers

Where are popular understandings and expectations of democracy rooted?

In traditions of popular organisation that emerged in the struggle against apartheid and in the experiences of citizens post-1994. Signup and view all the answers

What tensions are highlighted in the article regarding democracy?

Tensions between grassroots understandings of democracy and the visions articulated by the ANC. Signup and view all the answers

How does the article contribute to democratic theory?

By providing lessons on how citizens and popular organisations articulate the crisis of democracy and its alternatives, re-imagining normative democratic thought based on ideas from below. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the corresponding author of the article?

Heidi Brooks Signup and view all the answers

Where is the Political and International Studies Programme mentioned in the text located?

Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, IIE MSA, Roodepoort, South Africa Signup and view all the answers

What does Ngwane argue that amakomiti represent?

'Democracy on the margins' Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the functions of amakomiti mentioned in the text?

Mediating disputes, organizing for state services, dividing space between households Signup and view all the answers

How do amakomiti tend to make decisions?

In consensus-seeking ways Signup and view all the answers

What is an accepted practice in amakomiti alongside consensus-seeking?

Majority rule Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger associated with consensus as discussed in the text?

Perpetuating common interests of those in power or suppressing differences Signup and view all the answers

What is important to recognize about the power dynamics within amakomiti?

They reflect often gendered power dynamics Signup and view all the answers

How does Baba Sibiya view democracy?

Baba Sibiya views democracy as a collective way of life. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when all the people in one area decide to live a certain way according to the text?

It means that they would all live that way. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the majority in collective decision making according to the text?

The will of the majority emerged because if they decide on a way of life, everyone would follow it. Signup and view all the answers

How does Baba Sibiya describe taking a well-thought-out decision?

Baba Sibiya describes it as helpful to many people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key idea underlying the practice of collective decision making?

The understanding that the outcome is consensual. Signup and view all the answers

What is at the core of community grievances, as mentioned in the text?

Government's failure to consult and engage in collective decision making. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miraftab argue formal citizenship brings?

Selective material inclusion Signup and view all the answers

According to Sandercock, what motivates contemporary practices of insurgent citizenship?

Disjunction between formal and substantive inclusion Signup and view all the answers

Why did Claude Ake argue that ordinary citizens in Africa do not separate political democracy from economic democracy?

Achievement of political freedom should entail social betterment and democratization of economic opportunities Signup and view all the answers

How do the Zulu respondents characterize democracy?

An ongoing struggle for a better life Signup and view all the answers

What is an important indicator of the state and quality of democracy, aside from the institutional sphere?

Forums for interaction with the state created by citizens themselves Signup and view all the answers

In South Africa, what has become a visible component of civil society activism for some of the electorate?

Protest Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Concept of Democracy in South Africa

In South Africa, the concept of democracy is closely related to freedom, collective decision making, and socioeconomic freedoms.
The understanding of democracy is influenced by the country's history of colonial settlement and majority dispossession.

Democracy as Freedom

Democracy is understood as a practice of freedom, not only in civil and political rights but also in socioeconomic freedoms.
This concept of freedom is not unique to South Africa, but the context is.

Amakomiti and Local Democracy

Amakomiti are community-based organizations that provide a space for democracy to be practiced and given meaning.
They respond to everyday challenges in informal settlements and make decisions through collective decision making and consensus.
Amakomiti reflect power dynamics, and leaders often have wide scope to make decisions on behalf of the community.

Institutional and Conceptual Democracy

The gap between formal and substantive inclusion motivates the practices of insurgent citizenship.
Citizens' forums and interactions with the state are important indicators of the state and quality of democracy.

Popular Understandings of Democracy

Ordinary citizens in Africa do not separate political democracy from economic democracy.
Democracy is seen as a collective way of life, and the will of the majority emerges in the context of collective decision making.
The understanding of democracy is rooted in traditions of popular organization that emerged in the struggle against apartheid.

Tensions between Grassroots and ANC Visions of Democracy

There are tensions between grassroots understandings and visions of democracy and those articulated by the governing African National Congress (ANC).
The article highlights the need to re-imagine normative democratic thought based on ideas of democracy from below.

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Explore how ordinary people perceive democracy through the lens of isiZulu language and grassroots activism in South Africa. Learn about the connection between popular understandings of democracy, traditions of popular organization, and experiences in the fight against apartheid.

Democracy and isiZulu

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