Suid-Afrika, Maleisie en post skikkingsgeweld : konstitusionele wysigings as oplossing vir geweld?
Date
2008-03
Authors
Haasbroek, Mart-Marie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
This study undertakes to look at the relationship between peace agreements and the
violence that follows these agreements. Throughout modern history, there are
examples of peace agreements between two warring internal factions that ended in
post-conflict violence and in extreme cases, to the end of the peace agreement. It
does not necessarily lead to full out war, but can manifest in riots, like Malaysia and
criminal violence in South Africa. This study attempts to compare both South Africa
and Malaysia by looking specifically at the reasons for post conflict violence. South
Africa has faced a growing problem with violent crime after the negotiations of the
early 1990’s and its result, the new constitution of 1993, that functioned as the peace
agreement. Malaysia moved through several constitutions to arrive at their
constitution of 1957 that which viewed as their constitutional agreement. This
constitutional agreement went to great lengths to protect the sons of the soil, the
bumiputra. The uneasy peace only lasted until 1969, when race riots followed the
general elections and left hundreds dead or injured.
By studying South Africa and Malaysia and looking at the underlying factors of
violence, with special focus on ethnic factors and especially poverty, can we move
closer to the underlying causes of post conflict violence. Malaysia tried to address
these problems by making constitutional amendments, following the 1969 riots.
These amendments were implemented in 1972. Since then the problem of post
conflict violence has been addressed to some extent. There are however, still factors
of violence that have not been completely eradicated, that might lead to a flaring of
violence again one day. The question that this thesis tries to address in the end is, if
we need to consider and implement constitutional amendments, like Malaysia, to
address our growing problem of post conflict violence. I attempt here to answer this
question, comparing the histories of South Africa and Malaysia and the underlying
factors of violence to see exactly how similar these states are and if the same
solution can work for both.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Political Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Post violence agreement