Aba-Ntu governance and the people’s sovereignty theory as a futuristic imperative : towards restorative action in regional policy (SADC)

Abstract

This transformative thesis investigates and examines Aba-Ntu Governance constitutive rules within indigenous people’s dignity can be contextualized through intellectual endeavour towards regional public policy as a futuristic imperative. This study is premised on how the affirmation of indigenous knowledge can enhance the imperatives of peace, ecology, inclusive development and indigenous leadership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region at policy level. Overall research study methodology is meta-synthesis, supported by philosophic, geographic and data sources triangulation through a combination of conceptual frameworks and methodologies including rethinking thinking, transdisciplinarity, cognitive justice and restorative action. Meta-synthesis is used here to bring out a systemic review of UNESCO qualitative studies of Africa in the prehistoric, historic and contemporary epochs, with a focus on the dignity of indigenous people. The dignity of indigenous people comprises a new form of indigenous democracy with a transformation model, anchored in ethical leadership, ecological ethics, and sacred covenant with nature and creator. The study provides systemic review findings on the colonial and apartheid tools for the systemic negation of indigenous knowledge that went deeper than the current policies could encompass. These were: the divide and rule strategy, exclusive and undemocratic policies, poverty consciousness and patriarchy. This study proposes the Aba-Ntu Governance Theory as futuristic imperative for restorative action for indigenous dignity and sovereignty within regional policy (SADC). The research thesis further proposes the Abantu ESwatini Dignity Institute for implementation.