PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL CULTURE
“Ohne Sozialismus keine Demokratie und ohne Demokratie kein Sozialismus.
["There is no socialism without democracy and there is no democracy without socialism".]
Rosa Luxemburg
“The People shall govern.” Building a just and inclusive society involves establishing a political system that empowers the people to partake in decision-making. Such a participatory democracy comprises a non-governmental sphere or civil society where people meet, network and contribute towards the decision-making process through community-based organisations and NGOs.
A precursor to participatory democracy is political culture – a culture characterised by peaceful, meaningful and transparent communication between citizens and governments and in which decision-makers are receptive, responsive and accountable.
Through its own programmes and those of its partner organisations that focus on research, dialogue and education, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Southern Africa:
- promotes an acceptance and appreciation of democratic principles by civil society as well as the importance of ensuring that, without action to restrict an uneven distribution of political power, democracy is ultimately corroded
- supports interaction with, and participation by, particularly grassroots communities in democratic movements
- encourages vigilance and analysis of democratic institutions and legislation
For further information, please contact Rose Khumalo, Project Officer at: rose@rosalux.co.za