Forum

This theme explores how the structure of the South African economy hinders the participation of Bantu in the economy, and deprives the country of its true economic potential. The theme touches on issues such as high rate of unemployment, gate keeping in various industries, monopoly and competition, corporate inequality, economic policy and implementation failures, growth and redistribution strategies being explored, if any, the NDP, economic sabotage, and rural/township economies, among other things. The theme aims to help us point out potential issues that can improve economic growth, redistribution, efficiency and competitiveness, as well as sustainability.

This theme seeks to create a Bantu view on education as tool of expression and of course development. It explores the issue of Bantu (lack of) input in education, especially indigenous knowledge, which currently does not form part of formal education. The theme will explore the misinterpretation of science and technology as exclusively Eurocentric contribution and the lack of appreciation of Bantu contribution and indigenous knowledge as factors of science and technology from which Bantu can gain a competitive edge. In light of the above, the theme explores the possible role of Bantu in influencing the fourth industrial revolution, and generally the future of education and science as tools of development of self expression.

This theme acknowledges that in spite of the daily difficulties we experience as a people, we do take some time and humour ourselves, laugh and entertain us, and celebrate ourselves. The aim for this theme is to explore entertainment and communication as social and economic forces that both shape our view of who we are and our surroundings, as well nurture our collective consciousness through storytelling, performances, music and sports. But also, social and economic forces that can also be used by others to distort our self consciousness through negative audio visual portrayal of us and the use negative narratives about of us. The theme seeks to help us point out potential issues that can improve this aspect of Bantu existence. Flaws in this regard will be pointed out through the discussions on various topics, and so will be practical measures that can be applied to positively influence the state against them.

This theme explores the way Bantu exercise (or don’t exercise) political power as a tool, and arguably the only tool in their hands to defend and restore themselves. It explores how our politics as a country and as a people (Bantu leadership in its broader definition in political parties, civic movements etc.) affects or influences the historical war against disposition and oppression of Bantu. The theme aims to help us point out potential issues that can improve this aspect of Bantu existence. Flaws in this regard will be pointed out through the discussions on various topics, and so will be practical measures that can be applied to positively influence Bantu against them.

This theme explores the place and role of religion in Bantu life. Most importantly, it explores the very meaning of religion for Bantu given the conflict (real or perceived?) between Christianity and cultural religious practices, the value of spirituality in our lives as Bantu and how are we to understand ancestral spirits and the reality of our existence, religion and profits, etc.. Issues of ubuntu and morality in general are explored in this theme too. The theme aims to help us point out potential issues that can improve this aspect of Bantu existence. Flaws in this regard will be pointed out through the discussions on various topics, and so will be practical measures that can be applied to positively influence the state against them.

This theme explores issues pertaining to how the state dispenses services and justice to Bantu. In particular, the theme takes a view on the underlying factors behind service delivery failures to poor Bantu communities (e.g. health services), and the systemic denial of access to social justice. Lack of access to the court system, the possible role of tribal courts in extending the justice system, administrative injustice, corruption and nepotism in the public sector, and unequal distribution of state resources are some of the issues to be explored in this theme. The theme aims to help us point out potential issues that can improve this aspect of Bantu existence. Flaws in this regard will be pointed out through the discussions on various topics, and so will be practical measures that can be applied to positively influence the state against them.

This theme explores the way Bantu live and reproduce as a people. It explores our interpretation of the world around us (much of which is defined by the Eurocentric social and economic forces); how this influences our social and sexual practices, which in turn influences our physical and mental health. The role of class and its place in Bantu development, ethnicity, race, gender and sexual orientation in our daily lives are also explored under this theme. The theme aims to help Bantu point out potential issues that can improve this aspect of their existence. Flaws in this regard will be pointed out through the discussions on various topics, and so will be practical measures that can be applied to positively influence Bantu against them.