Browsing by Author "Mubangizi, John Cantius."

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The African Union and its radical stance towards human rights and democracy.
(2003) Msimang, Tobias Thobani.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
Any research that attempts to tackle the issue of human rights in Africa is likely to raise emotions because of the history of perpetual human rights violations in the region. Nevertheless, the establishment of the African Union (AU) brings hope that Africa has turned the corner. The provisions of the preamble, objectives and principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union are crystal clear. Article 3 (h) of the Act makes a critical provision in terms of human and people's rights. (See appendix 1). Paradoxically, this article recognizes the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which led to innumerable inconsistencies in enforcing human rights under the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (See appendix 2). By implication, the recognition of the 'Charter' justifies its existence in the new African human rights set up. The 'Charter' historically introduced the concept of peoples' in the definition and application of human rights in the African region. This further complicated the concept of human rights, and made it difficult to enforce them. As a result, the dichotomy between human rights and peoples' rights practice in the African region became difficult to reconcile. Hence, the concepts became vulnerable to abuse by governments, who justified their violation of individual human rights for the benefit of peoples' rights. The above assertions hold true for the ailing African region that has evolved from a defunct OAU regime into the radical African Union human rights corpus. The dissolution of the OAU on 9 July 2002 during the last 38th ordinary session of the OAU Assembly in Durban, and the subsequent launching of the AU on the same occasion pioneered a new era for human and peoples' rights approach in the African region. The shift from the toothless-human-rights-system to a clear-visionary-human-rights-regime is an articulation of the desire and commitment to transform the African region. This study therefore reviews the pattern or system that the AU has employed in transforming human and peoples' rights in the African continent. Chapter two attempts to assess the prospects of the African Union to bring reforms in areas of human and peoples' rights, the rule of law, good governance and so on. A comparative analysis of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Constitutive Act of the African Union is drawn from the key clauses, objectives and intentions of the two human rights regimes. Chapter three presents an analytical comparison between the African Union and the European Union. The chapter documents the historical developments of the European Union to illustrate how far the African Union has to go to ensure long lasting peace and stability in the region. The discussion in this chapter acknowledges the differences in these two regions, but uses the European Union to draw some lessons. In so doing the study reviews the historical developments of the union of states that has advanced itself in critical areas of democracy, human rights, good governance and so on. Hence, the chapter recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of the African Union in the last five years. The parity of judges in the AU Commission, the commitment of 53 African nations to adopt and ratify the Constitutive Act of the African Union in record time, the establishment of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, the introduction of the African Peer Review Mechanism and the peace-keeping missions in Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo and so on are among the achievements of the Union in the last few years of its existence. In an attempt to justify the radical shift of the African Union from the OAU past, chapter four discusses the establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. Even though the idea of establishing a Court of justice emanated from the OAU decades after its existence, the chapter acknowledges the radical stance of the African Union to put in place a 'Court' from the beginning. The chapter further looks at the structure of the 'Court' in terms of its composition and election of judges, court procedure, court judgments and their execution and its relationship with the African Commission. In making recommendations and drawing conclusions, chapter five makes a strong point that the pre-requisite for stability and prosperity in the African region is through transforming and consolidating national institutions into democracy. The chapter also acknowledges the continued existence of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, but raises a concern that its existence is subject to abuse by non-democratic governments. The chapter concludes the study by drawing an inference that indeed the African Union represents a radical shift from the OAU in terms of promoting and protecting human and peoples' rights. However, the study acknowledges that the African Union will take some time to fully bear the benefits, but its efforts so far are worth the accolades.
The contribution of the African Charter on human and people's rights to the realisation of democratic governance in Africa.
(2006) Ngwenya, Mpumelelo Thamsanqa.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
No abstract available.
Cultural practices and reproductive health rights of women : a comparative study of South Africa and Nigeria.
(2017) Eniola, Bolanle Oluwakemi.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
This study involved a critical comparison of cultural practices and the reproductive health rights of women in South Africa and Nigeria. The two countries are characterised by cultural diversity. They have assented to some international instruments on the protection of the reproductive health rights of women, but have different frameworks aimed at the protection of the reproductive health rights of women. The notable difference in the approach of the two countries to the promotion and protection of the reproductive health rights of women is that South Africa has a more developed constitutional approach channelled towards the protection of women‟s reproductive autonomy. Apart from being signatories to international treaties on the protection of women‟s reproductive health, South Africa and Nigeria have different frameworks for the protection of women‟s reproductive autonomy. While South Africa has muster political will to domesticate these treaties, the case is different in Nigeria as it finds it difficult to domesticate these international instruments. However, despite South Africa‟s domestication of the international instruments and Nigeria‟s ratification of the instruments, coupled with their legal and legislative frameworks on women‟s reproductive health rights of women, women in these countries are constrained by various cultural norms from realising these rights. Desktop research was conducted to gain a robust understanding of cultural practices and the reproductive health rights of women in South Africa and Nigeria. The study relied on primary and secondary sources of information. It reviewed the existing literatures on cultural practices and the reproductive health rights of women in both countries. As well as the various international and regional instruments on the promotion and protection of women‟s reproductive health right. The information gathered from these sources was subjected to content analysis. The study revealed that that despite the frameworks adopted by the two countries on the protection of the reproductive health rights of women, reproductive health rights of women in both countries are still violated through some cultural practices. The cultural practices are so entrenched in the various communities in both South Africa and Nigeria that it is difficult to adopt laws to protect the reproductive health rights of women. According to the study, women themselves contribute to the furtherance of the cultural practices. This is because most of the instruments protecting these rights are ineffective. The study further revealed that the laws of some countries do not promote the enforcement of international instruments in their domestic courts – unless such instruments are domesticated. According to the study, while South Africa has demonstrated political will to protect women‟s reproductive health rights, Nigeria lacks the political will to domesticate the international instruments. Furthermore, in Nigeria, the pluralist legal system also affects the realisation of the reproductive health rights of women as the system creates geographical disparities in the realisation of these rights. It is recommended that the Nigerian government demonstrate commitment to domesticating the various treaties on women‟s reproductive health rights to which the country has assented. Furthermore, both countries should provide human rights education to enlighten both men and women on the need to protect these rights. Finally, to fully enjoy these rights, where there is a conflict between the various cultural practices and women‟s reproductive health rights, in line with international norms and standards on the protection of women‟s rights, women‟s reproductive health rights should take precedence.
Judicial independence in South Africa : a constitutional perspective.
(2012) Siyo, Lunga Khanya.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
This dissertation seeks to explore the judiciary as an independent and separate arm of government. In doing so, this dissertation attempts to provide a holistic analysis of the constitutional and legislative framework that has been established to protect both individual and institutional independence of the judiciary in South Africa. The question that will be asked is whether such mechanisms are consistent with the section 165 of the Constitution. Central to this analysis is whether the system of court administration that was inherited from apartheid is appropriate for the purposes that courts now have to perform under South Africa‟s constitutional democracy. Chapter one lays the foundation by providing an introduction to the topic under discussion. In doing so, this chapter also provides the research question, literature review, and an explanation of the research methodology. Lastly, this chapter attempts to trace the historical foundation of the principle of judicial independence. It is concluded that judicial independence is linked with the development of the rule of law and seeks to counter unfettered power. In an attempt to provide a conceptual definition for judicial independence, chapter two draws from international law instruments. This definition focuses on the distinction between independence and impartiality; individual and institutional independence. It is then concluded that judicial independence is vital for good governance, administration, accountability and the protection of the public from the arbitrary and abusive exercise of power by the state. Chapter three focuses on the independence of judges in South Africa, in other words, individual independence. This chapter contains an analysis of legislative mechanisms adopted in South Africa to protect the judges from improper influence in their adjudicatory tasks. Further, this chapter also analyses jurisprudence relating to impartiality and bias. It is concluded that the constitutional and legislative framework adopted in South Africa sufficiently insulates judges from improper influence. As far as impartiality is concerned, it is concluded that in terms of South African jurisprudence, the presumption is that judges are impartial. The burden of proof falls on the party alleging bias. Chapter four focuses on court administration. This chapter gives an overview of the structure of courts and the current system of court administration in South Africa. Further, this section discusses how the doctrine of separation of powers relates to court administration. This section also discusses reforms to the current system of court administration that have been proposed by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. It is concluded that the current system of court administration is inconsistent with the Constitution and the doctrine of separation of powers as it permits the executive to encroach upon the independent functioning of the courts. Chapter five seeks to discuss some of the challenges that threaten judicial independence in South Africa. This chapter begins by providing a cursory overview of some of the main incidents which have threatened the independence of South Africa‟s judiciary. The main focus of this chapter is the alleged attempt by the Cape Judge President Hlophe to improperly influence judges of the Constitutional court in their adjudicatory tasks. Moreover, this chapter discusses the manner in which the complaint against Judge Hlophe was dealt with by the Judicial Service Commission. It is concluded that in dismissing the complaint against Judge Hlophe without a thorough examination, the Judicial Service Commission abdicated its constitutional duty. It is also concluded that the unresolved complaint against Judge Hlophe casts a shadow of doubt over the impartiality and independent functioning of the judiciary in South Africa. The main conclusion in chapter six is that the protection of independence in South Africa suffers from contradictory elements which leave the judiciary under executive control, which constitutes an insidious erosion of the doctrine of separation of powers. Therefore the status of the judiciary as an equal arm of government in South Africa is weak. Thus, while South Africa's judiciary is impartial and contains strong elements of individual independence, it is not independent. The essence of the recommendations relate to the functioning of the Judicial Service Commission, the application of section 175 (2) of the Constitution, the tenure of judges, the administration of courts, the complaint against Judge Hlophe and the Superior Courts Bill.
The promotion and protection of public health in South Africa through environmental legislation with specific reference to air pollution.
(2001) Nepfumbada, Mbulungeni.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
The Constitution of South Africa I, (the Constitution) envisages in the Bill of Rights that: Everyone has the right -(a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and (b) to have the environment protected. for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; II. promote conservation; and III. secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promolingjuslifiable economic and social development.3 There are other statutes that support the Constitution. for example, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).4 This Act states in its preamble that : " Whereas many inhabitants of South Africa live in an environment that is not harmful to their health and well being everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well being; and everyone has the right to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and futu re generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation ... Both the Constitution and NEMA are not only concerned with the environment but also with the health and well·being of South Africans. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health, as ' more than the absence of disease and infirmity, it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.' Environmental health in broad term is concerned with factors in the environment associated with health, well-being and disease, including physical, chemical and biological conditions.
The right of access to health care services and the quality of care afforded to rural communities in South Africa within the confines of the state's resources.
(2001) Khumalo, Nondumiso Beatrice.; Nadasen, Sundrasagaran.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
No abstract available.
The right to gender equality in the Zulu community : compatibility with the international law relating to cultural rights.
(2005) Mtshali, Gladness Ncamisile.; Mubangizi, John Cantius.
No abstract available.
The rights of prisoners under the South African constitution : compatibility with international norms and standards.
(2001) Mubangizi, John Cantius.; Nadasen, Sundrasagaran.; Devenish, George Edwin.
Prisoners' rights are human rights first. Any investigation of such rights has to have regard to that fact. In order to clearly understand the context within which prisoners' rights are provided for and protected or abused, a holistic approach is necessary. Accordingly, chapter one deals with introductory and histor ical perspectives. The magnitude of the problem under investigation is highlighted, the objectives of the study are outlined and the hypothesis is stated in these terms: The rights of prisoners under the South African Constitution are protected, observed and compare well with international norms and standards. A brief indication of the methodology of research is given and a literature survey undertaken. The chapter also deals with definitions and classifications wherein prisons and prisoners are defined and classified. An overview of the various justifications (purposes) of imprisonment is given and the chapter concludes with a survey of the origins and history of prisons and prisoners ' rights. As with all other human rights, the protection of prisoners' rights takes place at two levels: the domestic and the international level. A study of prisoners' constitutional rights necessitates a basic understanding of certain aspects of international human rights law. Chapter two begins with an overview of international protection of human rights and proceeds to explain how international human rights norms can be enforced in domestic law. The larger part of the chapter is dedicated to the law governing international human rights protection for prisoners . The instruments providing for such protection are outlined and discussed. The application and interpretation of such instruments are also examined. It is then concluded that, in spite of the problems inherent in the enforcement of human rights standards through international mechanisms, international law plays an important role in the protection of prisoners' rights. Chapter three provides a detailed discussion of the rights of prisoners as provided for under section 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). The discussion is enhanced and reinforced with case law illustrating the approach taken by the courts in interpreting and applying the said rights. Other constitutional rights relevant to prisoners are also discussed together with the pertinent case law. It is then concluded that the introduction of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution has brought a new dimension and challenge to the protection and realisation of prisoners' rights in South Africa. It is also concluded that the courts, especially the Constitutional Court, have risen to the challenge in attempting to give some effect and meaning to the rights of prisoners brought about by the new constitutional order. In an effort to place South Africa in a regional context, chapter four adopts a comparative approach. The rights of prisoners in various African countries are discussed. The countries include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Uganda. Prisoners' rights under the constitutions of each country are first outlined. This is followed by a discussion of the approaches taken by the courts in interpreting those rights and then the views of observers regarding the protection of prisoners' rights in those countries are outlined. The conclusion is that at least on paper and in terms of judicial practice, the rights of prisoners in South Africa enjoy more constitutional protection than in other African countries. The focus of chapter five is on the investigation regarding the extent to which prisoners' rights in South Africa are implemented and protected in actual practice. The chapter contains an analysis of the statistical data obtained through field study based on prisoners' perceptions of the realization of their constitutional rights. In analysing the data, statistical illustrations are used. Statistical methods are also used in testing the hypothesis. The main conclusion of the study is that the constitutional rights of prisoners in South Africa are not sufficiently protected and implemented. This and other conclusions and recommendations are set out in chapter six. The thrust of the conclusions and recommendations is that something has to be done regarding police brutality, prison conditions and overcrowding, juvenile offenders, mentally ill prisoners , ratification and incorporation of relevant international human rights instruments and access to courts. Suggestions on how to address these issues are made. Other recommendations include abolishing the privilege system in prisons, increasing the role of NGO's, provision of education and public awareness, privatization of prisons and legislative intervention .