The Right to Self-Determination of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities in South Africa

Authors

  • JD van der Vyver University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2011/v14i4a2594

Abstract

The South African nation comprises perhaps the most diverse plural composition in the entire world and is furthermore known for the polarization of factions of the population.[1] This raises the question how to bring about and to maintain the peaceful co-existence of the cultural, religious and linguistic varieties within its fold. Several models to cope with group-related tensions within a political community have been put to the test in different countries of our troublesome times. Nepal is a most recent case in point.


*       JD van der Vyver. BComm, LLB, Honns BA (PU for CHE) LLD (Pret). IT Cohen Professor of International Law and Human Rights, Emory University School of Law; Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Private Law, University of Pretoria (JVAND02@emory.edu).

[1]      See S v Makwanyane 1995 3 SA 391 (CC) para 308 (Mokgoro J referring to South Africans having "a history of deep division characterised by strife and conflict"); Du Toit v Minister for Safety and Security 2009 6 SA 128 (CC) para 17 (Lange CJ stating: "The South African nation was for decades a deeply divided society characterised by gross violations of fundamental human rights").

    

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Published

08-06-2017

Issue

Section

Orationes

How to Cite

van der Vyver, J. (2017). The Right to Self-Determination of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities in South Africa. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 14(4), 2-28. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2011/v14i4a2594