Call for Special Issue-Democracy in Flux

2024-11-09

Guest Editors:  Prof. Azwihangwisi H. Mavhandu-Mudzusi
                           Director, School of Social Sciences
                           University of South Africa
                           mmudza@unisa.ac.za

                           Prof. Jeanette E. Maritz
                           Department of Health Studies
                           University of South Africa
                           maritje@unisa.ac.za 

BACKGROUND 

In recent years, democracies worldwide, including in South Africa, have encountered unprecedented challenges and transformations that have significantly impacted societal health, governance, and the very essence of democratic institutions. Globally, established democracies are grappling with crises such as climate change, environmental degradation, and rising inequality, exacerbated by decades of neoliberal policies. These challenges have rendered democracies vulnerable to the emergence of toxic leadership and the erosion of democratic values (Harris & Hughes, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic has further tested the resilience of democratic systems, revealing the critical role of health promotion and the necessity for robust democratic institutions to navigate crises (Crismer, 2021). Amidst these challenges, the call for a ‘vibrant democratic ecology’ that emphasises participatory and deliberative democratic innovations has never been more urgent (Harris & Hughes, 2022).

As we approach the 30th anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections in 2024, it is imperative to reflect on the nation's journey and its role as a beacon of democracy. South Africa's transition to democracy is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for creating inclusive societies through well-designed democratic institutions (Lieberman & Lekalake, 2022). Despite facing its own challenges, including governance issues and socio-economic disparities, South Africa has demonstrated a commitment to democratic principles, offering valuable lessons on the importance of active citizenship and political participation (Graham, 2020; Suttner, 2014).

The forthcoming anniversary provides a unique opportunity to explore the theme "Democracy in Flux: Challenges and Transformations in the 21st Century" through a special issue. This theme is timely and critical for understanding the evolving landscape of democracy both globally and within South Africa. The anti-apartheid movement and post-1994 advancements have inspired a global community of democracy advocates. This special issue aims to honour that legacy by examining the resilience of democracies, the role of diversity and inclusion, and the pathways to reimagining democratic governance in the face of contemporary challenges.

Therefore, by bringing together scholarly contributions that address these themes, the special issue will contribute to the discourse on how democracies can navigate the complexities of the 21st century, ensuring the advancement of free, just, and inclusive societies. It will serve as a platform for reflecting on the lessons learned from South Africa's democratic journey and exploring innovative solutions to the challenges facing democracies worldwide. Contributions from research papers, case studies, review articles, opinions, and conceptual and theoretical perspectives are invited to enrich the discourse and explore the multifaceted dimensions of democracy in the 21st century, focusing on its resilience, challenges, and pathways to transformation. The special issue accommodates articles within the following sub-themes, among other relevant thematic-related issues.

SUB-THEMES

  • Democratic Resilience and Health
  • Evolving Democracies: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions
  • Democracy, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Rule of Law, Judicial Independence, and Accountability
  • Pluralism, Participation, and Civic Engagement
  • Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in the Digital Age
  • Socioeconomic Disparities and Political Equity
  • Democratic Education in a Polarised World
  • And others

 

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Prospective contributors are invited to submit abstracts to the guest editors at maritje@unisa.ac.za and mmudza@unisa.ac.za using the subject line “Democracy in Flux”. A prompt response will be provided within five days after the submission deadline, and if accepted, author(s) will be requested to prepare and submit their full manuscripts, and if otherwise, the authors will be notified accordingly. For submission guidelines and Article Processing Charges (APC), including formatting and referencing style, please refer to the author guidelines by visiting [https://pubs.ufs.ac.za/index.php/ijss/guidelines].

ABSTRACTS FOR PAPERS SHOULD INCLUDE

  • A concise title
  • Author/s name/s
  • Author(s) institution/affiliation
  • Contact details
  • An abstract (250 words or less)
  • Five keywords

 

TIMEFRAME (1st of November 2024 to 30th of June 2025)

  • Abstract submission begins on the 1st of November 2024 and ends on the 31st of December 2024.
  • Abstracts are accepted or rejected within five days after the deadlines, and if accepted, you will be required to submit your full article via the publishers’ online submission system, which will be provided alongside the abstract acceptance letter.
  • Submission of full articles starts immediately and ends on the 28th of February 2025
  • The Journal operates on a continuous publishing model. This means that articles are considered individually, sent for peer review, and, if accepted at any time of the year, are immediately made available online on an article-by-article basis.

PUBLICATION TIMELINES

  • Abstracts submission deadline: 31 December 2024
  • Abstracts review and notification: 5th January 2025
  • Deadlines for the full paper: 28th February 2025
  • Deadlines for review reports: 30th April 2025
  • Revised paper submission deadline: 31st May 2025
  • Publication is done on article-by-article basis and ends on the 30th of June 2025

AUTHOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

  • A similarity index of 10% or less is required for an article to be considered for review. Upon submission, all articles will undergo screening using Turnitin software.
  • The Article Processing Charge is payable by the corresponding author or affiliation(s), as applicable, upon acceptance. Authors eligible for a waiver or discount may approach the Journal before submission. For more information, see the APC waiver and discount policy at [https://pubs.ufs.ac.za/index.php/ijss/waiverpolicy]
  • Please visit the author guidelines, download, and use the submission template for your full article.
  • APA 7th Edition citation, formatting, and referencing style applies.

GUEST EDITORS’ PROFILE

  • Prof. Azwihangwisi Helen MAVHANDU-MUDZUSI is an NRF-rated researcher and the Head of Research and Graduate Studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her research niche is HIV and LGBTIQ+, particularly in rural communities. She focuses not only on academia but also on social issues and activism, which is particularly evident in her advocacy for LGBTIQ+ individuals. This is demonstrated through her publications, seminars, dialogues, awareness campaigns, and the number of students she supervises to broaden community understanding and acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community from 2011 to the present.
  • Prof. Jeanette Elizabeth MARITZ is a distinguished NRF-rated researcher and professor in the Department of Health Studies at the University of South Africa. Her innovative approach intertwines posthumanist perspectives with comprehensive support for postgraduate students. Her academic portfolio includes advanced studies from Utrecht and Oxford Universities. Prof. Maritz leverages her expertise to enhance student supervision and academic engagement. Her commitment to integrating digital humanities within mental health highlights her role as a transformative leader in her field. As the guest editor for a special journal edition, Prof. Maritz's multifaceted research interests underscore her dedication to academic excellence and her contribution to evolving discourse in health, wellness, and student success. Her work champions the development of supportive academic environments that foster the well-being of both students and supervisors, reinforcing her impact on the future of health studies and education.

References

Crismer, A. (2021). COVID-19: A challenge for democracies. Rev Med Liege, 76(4), 245–247.

Graham, V. (2020). South Africa’s democracy: The quality of political participation over 25 years. Journal of African Elections, 19(1), 28–51. https://doi.org/10.20940/JAE/2020/v19i1a2

Harris, C., & Hughes, I. M. (2022). Reimagining democracy in an era of deep transition. Irish Studies in International Affairs, 31, 71–89. https://doi.org/10.3318/isia.2020.31.7

Lieberman, E., & Lekalake, R. (2022). South Africa's resilient democracy. Journal of Democracy, 33(2), 103–117.

Suttner, R. (2014). Popular power, constitutional democracy and crisis: South Africa 1994-2014. The Strategic Review for Southern Africa, 36(2), 7–30. https://doi.org/10.35293/srsa.v36i2.166