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Papers by EGOH AZIZ

ABSTRACT This paper discusses how civil society organizations achieved socio-economic rights thro... more ABSTRACT
This paper discusses how civil society organizations achieved socio-economic rights through engaging the constitutional court of South Africa. The paper basically addresses issues on specific cases of health, housing and social security. It minimally charts other courses of socio-economic rights that have been manifested by civil society organizations and independent community mobilizers. The results states that the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) is among the most active civil society platforms through which policy advocacy on HIV/AIDS medication for treatment and prevention is lobbied in South Africa. The TAC has gained huge followership over the years because of its stance in pursuing the right to anti-retroviral drugs aimed at checking the appalling rate of HIV/AIDS related dead cases in South Africa. The research reveals that there were imposition of restrictions in government’s program as regards the availability of Nevirapine in the public health sector. The ultimate delay to implement the program by government drew the attention of public health and human rights advocates with the TAC as principal actor against the government in a law suit. The research equally reveals civil society organizations’ victory over two major cases against the government of South Africa. These are: the Grootboom case concerning Women housing rights and that of the TAC. The paper was basically informed by the examination of various case files and legislative documents (e.g., constitution, official government communique) related to the topic in question. Secondary literature also constituted a reliable base of gathering data. This was done to ensure coherence in the course of analyzing facts.

The Public Sphere From Jürgen Harbemas' historic point of view, a healthy public sphere is one th... more The Public Sphere From Jürgen Harbemas' historic point of view, a healthy public sphere is one that democratically engages people through public debates on development issues. It prioritizes public interest against private gains, and openly challenges the state's position in any given socio-political concern [1].The 18 th century public sphere depicts a separation between Monarchs and society, as well as between society, state, and private spheres. A vibrant public sphere is a [2] constitutive element of democracy. Without it, citizens would not have space in which to develop and articulate public will, and no means to influence political decision making. Further, it represents an arena of public conversation where voices of private individuals within the public realm are heard. The public sphere is a milieu for public exchange of information about various private spheres becoming public spheres. Such discussions may arise in the context of exchange on social goods and ideas, and how such issues become public discourse through the media which serves as cornerstones in anchoring such debates [3]. The public sphere is a platform for participation in public life and development urgencies constitutes one of the crucial aspects thereof. Participatory Development In view of the above explanations, one can therefore allude that a healthy public sphere incorporates a favorable environment for participatory development. This is because participatory development can effectively operate in a system that encourages political pluralism. A healthy public sphere is characterized by a collection of democratic principles realized by actors that addresses societal realities. For example, decision-making in development projects requires the direct participation of beneficiaries. That is, it is healthier for decisions concerning people's development needs to be taken by them. According to Servaes "participatory approach to development highlights the importance of integrating the concepts of emerging structure of diversified development which stresses the importance of cultural identity of local communities and of participation at all levels-international, national, local and individual." A healthy public sphere guarantees the right of people to individually and collectively air out views on development programs [4] Perceived from communication, it guarantees participatory development, if information and knowledge sharing among citizens is envisioned. As pointed out by the (International Commission for the Study of Communication Problems, "participatory development calls for new attitude in overcoming stereotyped thinking and to promote more understanding of diversity, with full respect for the dignity and equality of people living in different conditions and acting in different ways."[5] A healthy public sphere is inextricably linked to participatory development, as both of them possess reflexive, inclusive and pluralistic qualities.

Books by EGOH AZIZ

Nkafu Policy Institute Publications, 2018

Drafts by EGOH AZIZ

Abstract Contemporary notions of civil society are diverse, and debates around its fundamental r... more Abstract
Contemporary notions of civil society are diverse, and debates around its fundamental role in enhancing the process of democratization in Eastern Europe, Africa and other parts of the developing world are the basis for its existence. Increasing political instability, unaccountable economic and management systems, corruption, asymmetric development, social injustice, authoritarian regime forms amongst others, have been the key areas of anxiety in many countries. This paper begins by tracing the emergence of civil society in Eastern Europe from the 1980s extending to Africa. It subscribes to the fact that civil society existed in Africa before colonialism, and that civil society formations were mostly captured under the voluntary sector which to some extent demonstrated some form of autonomy from the state. Civil society agenda during this period was apolitical. It was only when colonialism sets in and politicized the very existence of civil society formations that a growing political sensation started gaining grounds. However, the repressive measures of colonial administration silenced any form of civil society awakening. From the colonial era to that of independence under president Ahidjo, civil society was configured under same trade associations, agricultural work parties and the voluntary sector in general, with virtually no political activism. As a point of departure and anchored within the broad paradigm of civil society and Africa’s political activism, this paper intends to critically analyze some captivating elements surrounding the civil society of Cameroon. It starts by positioning the concept within the framework of Cameroon’s political transformation process and the actual role civil society played in attaining this objective.Acknowledging both the conformist and activist roles played by Cameroon civil society, this paper focuses more on the activist dimension of the concept.This paper contends that Cameroon civil society during the early 1990s was more vibrant and willing to exert pressure on the Biya regime for a pluralistic political system. During this period, political activism was crafted in what I have captioned ‘civilian group militancy.’Unlike then, current trends of civil society shows a relatively weak capacity and unwillingness to commit and unite as one force to challenge the incumbent regime. The paper asserts that the state, on its part has used all forms of machinery to render the civil society disjointed and divided in realizing its objective for change.The researcher has employed a qualitative method in analyzing data collected from primary and secondary sources, semi-structured interview session and views from direct and personal observation pertaining to the subject in question.

Nkafu Policy Institute Publications, 2018