Authors : OS. Obadire, M. Mwale, TJ. Mudau and CCA. Hagenmeier
Abstract: The escalation of internal feud and conflicts between individuals or communities based on ethnicity or social prejudices could result in maiming, arson or destruction of lives and properties. These have been witnessed at several communities in South Africa in recent times. Local ownership has become increasingly central to peacebuilding, since, it recognises that policies imposed from the outside may at best be accepted superficially and that peace has to be built by those who live with it. This study investigates the role of higher education institutions in creating sustainable community-based peacebuilding using a participatory approach. Semi-structured pre-tested key informant interview guide was used as data gathering instrument. The sample size of the study comprised of 20 respondents from two villages and the University of Venda participating as key informants. A purposive sampling was used to select these respondents from various stakeholders including traditional leaders, students and academics. Data analysis was done by qualitative methods using the analysis of qualitative textual, graphical, audio and video data recorded and transcribed to ensure accuracy on ATLAS.ti Version 7.5.10. The study show areas of possible involvement of the university including academic research, awareness creation, skills development programmes and job creation for people in the rural communities and eventually improve peacebuilding efforts in the area. The study recommends that the university should join hands with the government and the community in entrenching the sustainable peacebuilding efforts in the community.
OS. Obadire, M. Mwale, TJ. Mudau and CCA. Hagenmeier, 2018. The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Community based Peacebuilding in South Africa. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 15: 19-26.