Social justice discussed at Unizulu conference
Held in Mtubatuba, the conference featured a number of presentations and guest speakers, including Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane
YOUNG researchers from across the country’s universities and neighbouring countries gathered at the 10th Humanities Social Science (HSS) Conference recently to discuss social justice and sustainable development in Africa.
Held in Mtubatuba, the conference featured a number of presentations and guest speakers, including Public Protector, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
Land reform, indigenous knowledge systems and rural development were also among a range of topics unpacked during the three-day engagements.
‘Everybody has had something to say about land ownership, the ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, unemployment that is steadily spiralling out of control, poverty that continues to take root in our society and participation in the economy,’ said Advocate Mkhwebane.
‘I am certain you will agree with me that these issues go to the heart of social justice, which some define as equal access to things such as quality education, quality health care, property, justice and economic opportunities, among other things.’
She said the office of the Public Protector as an independent constitutional institution, is tasked with investigating, reporting on and remedying improper conduct in state affairs.
‘We see evidence of social injustice every single day.
‘The bulk of our caseload is made up of what we term ‘bread and butter’ matters.
‘These are matters such as the provision of housing, water and sanitation, social security, quality health care and so forth.
‘These issues largely affect people at grassroots level, communities in farming areas, informal settlements, rural villages and townships.’
Mkhwebane also voiced concerns with what she termed the systemic problems brought about by the structure of government.
‘You find that the local sphere of government, which is at the coalface of service delivery, is not funded and has to rely on grants and revenue collected from ratepayers, while the national and provincial administrations, which are largely about policy, are handsomely funded.
‘This creates problems in that municipalities tend to struggle to live up to communities’ expectations. People are unemployed and cannot pay for services.
‘This means little revenue is collected and that the state of affairs cripples the whole system,’ she said.
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