Social cohesion trends are on a downward trajectory in South Africa. The Inclusive Society Institute has therefore embarked on a study into managing diverse communities. The research entails three case studies, namely Singapore, Finland and the United Arab Emirates, all diverse communities with specific mechanisms to manage the diversity in their countries.
Singapore has for example a Presidential Commission for Minority Rights and a Presidential Council for Religious Harmony, amongst other measures. Finland an Ombudsman for non-discrimination; and the UAE a Ministry of Tolerance and Co-Existence.
Can South Africa draw lessons from these models? That is the motivation for the study.
The first case study visit was to Singapore from 18 – 20 March 2024, which was undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Daryl Swanepoel, who is also the lead researcher on this project.
During the visit Mr Swanepoel met with, amongst others:
S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nan Yang Technological University
Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore
Yayasan Mendaki, that is the Council for the Development of the Singapore Malay/Muslim Community
Roses of Peace, who foster interfaith appreciation
A member of the Presidential Council for Minority Rights.
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