Education and Skills Developments

The debate raging on the topic of democracy and democratization in Africa is as contentious as it is important. Questions of authority versus power, citizens versus subjects, and individual versus communal rights inform a range of positions held on the issue not only by scholars, but also by policymakers, community activists, and the international donor community. The debate is particularly vexed with regard to the appropriate role of traditional leaders - chiefs and kings - in democratizing Africa.

This report was contracted by Mr. Matome Modipa, Managing Director of the Royal Bafokeng Economic Board in July of 2005. The approximately 500 households that were randomly sampled for this survey provide insight into demographic, eco- nomic, human and social capital, and opinion and well-being factors shaping the lives of Bafokeng today. The interviews took place in late August and early September of 2005. A team of 16 Bafokeng youth conducted the interviews, supported by Holiness Thebyane as the field coordinator, and 4 data entry assistants.