Themes

  • Prof C Rautenbach: Modern Day Impact of Cultural Diversity in South Africa

The aim of this research is to analyse contemporary cultural diversity issues in a legal context. Typical issues include the meaning and scope of culture in a legal context, cultural governance, cultural sustainability and cultural (and religious) legal systems in a legal pluralistic context. It includes themes dealing with legal pluralism, mixed legal systems, customary law and religious legal systems. A number of publications and conference proceedings have emanated from this research.

  • Prof C Rautenbach: Re-Engineering the Health System for South African Traditional Health Care

The aim of this collaborative project between the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE) is to: determine the effectiveness of Traditional Health Practitioners and their role in primary health outcomes; conduct a review on the related legislation governing the South African traditional healthcare system; identify and engage with key stakeholders; and identify facilitators and barriers to Traditional Health Practitioners in South African primary health care. Ms Suné van Ellewee (NWU Potchefstroom) has received a two-year scholarship to pursue her master's degree on a legal framework for traditional healers from 2018 under the supervision of Prof Rautenbach and Dr Renee Street (SAMRC).

The aim of the networking initiative is to build sustainable, interdisciplinary research collaborations pertaining to the role of women in traditional governance over continents. Furthermore, the experienced members of the network will communicate information on opportunities for international cooperation to young researchers in law, social science, anthropology and politics.

In 1994, amidst South Africa's transition to a democratic state, policymakers and their advisors contemplated the "Transformation of Traditional Authorities in South Africa and their role in democratisation." This issue was, and still is, regarded as vital and urgent, as finding a proper solution is crucial for ensuring political stability, socio-economic progress, and the rule of law in post-apartheid South Africa. The comprehensive report, spanning 14 volumes, stems from collaborative research conducted between five South African universities and a Dutch university from 1994 to 1996. While much of the content holds historical significance, several issues addressed in the report persist, underscoring its ongoing relevance.

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