On civic politics,

N-L. KUDITCHAR.

democracy and development in

africa

Harry C. Boyte (2009:3-6)• questions of meaning, purpose and justice…• of what to achieve and how to achieve it.• it’s foundational method …• Is the building of public relationships…• based on understanding and • …cultivation of habits and methods of engaging with

others• Its aim …• is not to do away with conflicts but …• rather to avoid violence, to contain conflicts, • to generate common work on common challenges and • to achieve broadly beneficial outcomes.

What is civic politics ?

civic politics is a medium through which civic

agency is given effect: societal context where people’s capacities for

self directed collective action and Capacities to work across differences are

enhanced. This leads to a responsive and receptive context

within which relationships are formed and deepened and in

which a vision of community develops along with a gradual articulation of alternative

possibilities.

As different positions and problems are

shared through practices of listening they begin to develop an increasingly relational sense of their interests and

orientations in ways that transfigure the senses with which they began…

citizens then become problem solvers… co-creators of public goods and co-producers of democratic society. people’s “public growth”

Zero sum politics and

Increasing levels of poverty and inequality

Constrains civic agency and The polity’s capacity for self directed

collective action

“Cult of expert”

Citizens are treated as passive subjects by Professionals who discount of the

knowledge of ordinary people.

spread of “ know-nothing” culture of

victimhood and grievance

A matrix OF

“Expert cults” and “Aggrieved Communities”

A Plea in lue of a conclusion

Thank you for you patience and attention