SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS Pol 521 Honours Essay Writing Guideline.

Introduction: 1) Identify key concepts/phrases and interpretation of the question in own words. 2) Tentative conclusion 3) Structure of the essay-listing subheadings

Body: Subheadings as reflected in the introduction 1) Definition of the main concepts 2) Theoretical underpinnings 3) Themes of the essay Conclusion: 1) Summary of the main themes of the essay 2) Conclusion 3) Recommendations. Choose ANY question from the following: 1. Discuss South African politics within the context of general theories of democratisation as stated by Moore. Support your argument with relevant case studies, reflecting challenges of democratic dispensation in the contemporary South African political setting. 2. Discuss South Africa political transition within the context of deliberative democracy and reconciliation. Your discussion should include the negotiation processes-limitations and challenges. 3. Modernising the Tribal Authorities or traditionalising democracy? Discuss in relation to the new Tribal Authority Bill tabled in Parliament by the South African government. 4. Compare and contrast the Mandela, Mbeki and Zuma regimes within the context of democratic consolidation in South Africa. 5. Discuss the challenges of demobilisation and reintegration of the ex-combatants in South Africa.

6. Explain and discuss unemployment in South Africa, paying particular attention to the nature of the countrys economy and labour force. Question3 1. Modernising the Tribal Authorities or traditionalising democracy? Discuss in relation to the new Tribal Authority Bill tabled in Parliament by the South African government. (NB. key concepts/phrases are highlighted) Introduction [Own interpretation of the question] In an effort to acknowledge the role of traditional leadership in service delivery and justice, the Tribal Authority Bill seeks to incorporate civilize tribal authorities into main stream governance arena of the South African government. {Make sure that all key concepts/phrases of the question are covered in your interpretation}. (Structure) The first section of the essay defines and describes democracy and traditional authority. This is followed by different theories of democracies, synthesis there of and their applicability to the question at hand. The third part looks challenges and limitations of democratising traditional authority, the negative or positive effects that the Tribal Authority Bill might have on civil liberties. This section also covers relevant case studies and or examples. (Tentative conclusion) Finally, the essay concludes that the Tribal Authority Bill appease traditional leadership at the expense of civil liberties. (subheadings) 1. Conceptualizing Democracy and Traditional Authority 2. Theories of Democratization. 3. The nature and scope of Traditional Authority Bill and its Applicability in South African Democracy. (NB this section also includes case studies and examples. Conclusion 1) Summary of the main themes of the essay 2) Conclusion 3) Recommendations.