An interview schedule was used to test the applicability of the cox model of diversity management in a sample of south african companies with an attempt to apply the perspectives of metaanalysis. Attitudes of classroom teachers to cultural diversity and. For example, in south africa there is an african culture within which different groups have their own subcultures or variations from the broad african culture. One of the challenges experienced by many organisations is in successfully managing diversity. However in other cultures, giving eye contact means giving attention. The role of culture in africas development pambazuka news. Archaeological perspectives from iron age palestine coenraad l van w scheepers u nisa abstract ethnic and cultural intolerance is still alive and well in postapartheid south africa.
They are of the opinion that education has entrenched and propagated ethnic and racial consciousness, thus increasing tensions and divisions in south african society. It is now almost two and a half decades since the fall of apartheid, but south african society is still faced with the legacy of apartheid. Their african eve conclusion may be supported by linguistic. South africa history, capital, flag, map, population. Governing cultural diversity in south african media policy taylor. When we talk about cultural differences in the workplace, people tend to mostly think about racial differences. The diversity within cultures probably exceeds the differences between cultures. South africa is a country where creative expression flourishes and its cultural diversity are embodied in its arts and culture. Department of sociology and social anthropology, university of stellenbosch abstract after providing a brief background as to why issues of diversity management within armed forces have become important internationally, this article outlines the diversity challenges facing the. The culture of south africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Is education playing a role in acculturating different cultures in south africa.
Managing diversity is a key component of effective people management in the workplace black enterprise 2001. This qualitative study explored diversity management strategies used by south african financial institutions. South africa, the southernmost country on the african continent, renowned for its varied topography, great natural beauty, and cultural diversity, all of which have made the country a favored destination for travelers since the legal ending of apartheid afrikaans. With cultural diversity comes sensitive issues that. Mashau department of curriculum studies and education management school of education university of venda pbag x5050, thohoyandou, 0950 abstract in african alone there are around 2000 ethnic groups in the 53 states. Human rights, cultural diversity and customary law in south africa article pdf available in journal of african law 5001. University of kwazulunatal the impact of cultural diversity. Equally important, country new south wales is home to a significant minority aboriginal presence comprising five per cent of the population, rising to a third or more in some districts. Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to cultural decay.
It is also about the way in which people communicate, based on their culture differences. South africa is a nation with a wonderful and varied culture. Contextualizing the practice of ukuthwala within south africa. Strydom, graduate school of management, university of pretoria, south africa. South africa, called by some people the rainbow nation, a title that captures its diversity and 11 official languages. Introduction the outcome document of the 2010 mdg summit,1 published ten years after the millennium declaration, emphasized the importance of culture for development and its.
Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. Diversity challenges in south africa by marius meyer sabpp. Culture and diversity dynamics in groups and organisations 9 3. Africans or south africans and bantuspeaking people form the major part of the population approximately 35 million. Pdf handling cultural diversity in education in south africa. It is acknowledged that south africa is rich in both its private and public health sector. Cge also helps participants explore the ethnic, racial, economic and cultural diversity that makes namibia and south africa so unique. Cultural diversity is about how two or more people communicate. The south african majority still has a substantial number of rural inhabitants who lead largely impoverished lives.
Human rights and cultural diversity in africa prof. Pdf the impact of cultural diversity on work team performance. Cultural differences are defined as the variety of experiences and perspectives. Challenges of cultural diversity in organisations leader. The words braaivleis, rugby, sunshine and chevrolet come from a song in a radio and television advertisement that became very popular amongst south africans, especially the. Cultural differences between blacks and whites michael o. This country has been called the rainbow nation, a name that reflects the diversity of such amazing place.
Pdf in a culturally diverse environment, such as that found in south africa it is imperative that one understands the dynamic elements that. In the corporate world, companies have embarked on diversity programmes to. P o box 392, unisa, 0003, johannesburg, south africa 29 july 2010. Norms and etiquette can vary between different ethnicities, linguistic groups and religions. We engage conceptually with the understanding of diversity in education in south africa, followed by the presentation of a framework critical diversity literacy cdl and a series of curricular questions emerging from this framework that might be pedagogically useful when engaging issues of power, privilege and difference in teacher. September is since 1994 officially heritage month, when the histories and cultural practices of all its peoples are celebrated and due recognition given to the men and women who have contributed to the heritage and culture of the nation. In this paper, we try to show the relevance of african culture and values to the contemporary society but maintain that these values be critically assessed, and those found to be inimical to the wellbeing and holistic development of the society, be discarded. Rather than see this as an impediment to development, the continent should take advantage of this rich cultural diversity in its quest for economic development and should change the attitudes of its people. This has brought together a very culturally diverse workforce thats expected to work together to achieve one goal. Pdf human rights, cultural diversity and customary law.
The best loved diversity training program in southern africa. In recent years, the diversity of african culture and creativity has received more attention world over. Congregations in africa and the united states take different ways to reach out to unchurched, inactive, and unbelievers. In this way, african culture and values can be revaluated. At accenture in south africa, we are a diverse, multiracial, multicultural and multigenerational team of highly talented individuals. Exploring communication challenges due to language and. Diversity management in south african companies jacques b. Diversity in the workplace has different meanings to different people. In these mostly white landscapes, the attitudes of teachers towards cultural diversity and multicultural education are likely to be highly relevant to local. The phrase cultural diversity is also sometimes used to mean the variety of human societies or cultures in a. Sep 21, 2018 south africa has a population of approximately 55 million people comprising of diverse culture, religion, origin, and languages. This rich diversity makes us stronger, smarter and more innovative, which helps us better serve the needs of our clients, our people and our communities. Ethnicity, cultural diversity and poverty are as much part of south african so ciety as braaivleis, rugby, sunshine and chevrolet.
Ethnicity, cultural diversity and poverty in south africa scielo. As the workplace in south africa continues to grow and attract people from diverse backgrounds, tolerance and sensitivity towards each others cultures becomes more of an issue. Ethnicity, cultural diversity and poverty in south africa. In an attempt to recognize the cultural diversity of south africa, the government gave official recognition to 11 languages. And ronel erwee department of human resource management, university of southern queensland, australia. One of the main challenges for worldclass firms in the early twentyfirst century is managing diversity effectively. These aspects play a fundamental role in ensuring effective communication. Public and private metropolitan clinical settings experience. Dec 31, 2016 at accenture in south africa, we are a diverse, multiracial, multicultural and multigenerational team of highly talented individuals. Zulu, xhosa, afrikaans, english, sotho, venda, tswana, tsona, pedi, shangaan, and ndebele. In the corporate world, companies have embarked on diversity programmes to address diversity issues. An introduction to culture and diversity in the workplace 4 2.
Addressing diversity in southern africa the center for global education seeks to introduce participants to a diverse crosssection of people and groups while in namibia and south africa. Industrial psychology 224 harsheen patel 17539196 topic 3. Booysen and others published managing cultural diversity. South africas diverse culture artistic and linguistic. Various forms of discrimination and racism are still prevalent in south africa. The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultures respect each others differences. In some cultures people may communicate by avoiding eye contact as it is seen as a sign of respect. The national baptist convention is the largest black denomination in the.
In south africa, with its culturally diverse society, desegregation and the changes in educational systems and educational. Television news and sports are broadcast in the four main language groups, english, nguni zulu and xhosa, afrikaans, and sotho. If unsure of the correct etiquette in certain circumstances, do not hesitate to ask your south african counterpart or at least observe the people around you for guidance. Pdf handling cultural diversity in education in south. The role of a chaplain by thabo joseph mofamere submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree doctor of literature and philosophy in the subject religious studies at the university of south africa promoter. These peculiar traits go on to include the peoples language, dressing, music, work, arts, religion, dancing and so on. So just knowing one persons cultural identity doesnt provide complete or reliable information about that person.
Dani wadada nabudere paper written for the association of law reform agencies of eastern and southern africaalraesa conference on the fusion of legal systems and concepts in africa, september 48th 2005, at. A critical analysis of multicultural education with special reference to the values issue in the south african context extract of 150 words 1 the dissertation is concerned with the values issue in the south african context, a multicultural education situation. Kasongo division of behavioral and social sciences. We can learn from one another, but first we must have a level of understanding about each other in order to facilitate collaboration and cooperation. Gender equality and cultural diversity in south africa professor of law, school of law, university of the witwatersrand. The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace wednesday, september 21, 2016 11. If diversity is effectively managed it can propel the organisation into a successful and competitive future, but if not, the growth and competitive advantage of the organisation can be severely hampered banutugomez, 2002. Diversity and transformation in the south african police service introduction clearly, the force has to be transformed from being an instrument of white domination, and regarded as such, into a protector of the peace and security of all south africans, accepted as such. Pdf managing diversity in south africa harsheen patel. Benefits, challenges, and the required managerial tools 2 advantages. No longer can we have a racial caste in command of the force.
With 11 official languages and 8 other recognised languages, the rich culture of each of these groups brings its own vibrancy to our diversity. Some ethnic groups are unique to south africa while others like basotho crossed the border into. South africas diverse culture artistic and linguistic heritage. Many young and even old emerging african gogetters are carving their names on the books of history through their works. South africas culture is one of the most diverse in the world and has given rise to the term rainbow nation. The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace. It is important to be aware of the diversity of traditions and practices regarding etiquette in south africa. South africas rich cultural diversity is acknowledged and considered in sections 30 and 31 of the constitution of 1996 with certain provisions postulating that customary law should be accommodated in south african law, providing that the specific rules or provisions are not in conflict with the constitution. Population the black population of south africa is separated into four major ethnic groups. Working paper, later published in a revised and updated format.
Cultural intolerance in the south african workplace. It impinges negatively on the countrys fight against poverty. The population of south africa is one of the most complex and diverse in the world. Stephen butler, cochair of the businesshigher education forum, believes diversity is an invaluable competitive asset robinson 2002. Ethnicity, cultural diversity and poverty are as much part of south african society as braaivleis, rugby, sunshine and chevrolet. Acknowledging and promoting respect for cultural diversity within a human right based approach, moreover, can facilitate intercultural dialogue, prevent conflicts and. Diversity and transformation in the south african police service executive summary the transformation of the south african police service saps by the countrys first democratically elected government started over a decade ago, in 1994. These variations are brought on by differences in race, culture, age, gender, religion, abilities, sexual orientation, heritage and different identities. Culture, as it is usually understood, entails a totality of traits and. The different ethnic and cultural groups of the south africa do, however, appreciate their own beliefs and customs. Benefits of diversity the benefits of workforce and cultural diversity in organisations include improved organisational performance. Public school a primary grade r grade 7 or secondary grade 8 grade 12 school in south africa which is supported by public funds and provides education to the children of a community. A south african perspective find, read and cite all the research.
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