How will land redistribution without compensation impact our economy?
In order to address the historic wrongs caused by arbitrary dispossession of land in South Africa, land redistribution has largely received universal acceptance as a means of reparations. But the concept of ‘compensation’ in land reform is something of a contentious issue, and the conversation is both principled and economic. Implementing it even calls for a change to the country’s constitution.
While the policy of redistribution without compensation has been given the green light, critics warn against the heavy impact it will have on an economic level. However, optimists believe that this process can occur without adverse economic effects. Is land redistribution without compensation a viable option, and what needs to happen to ensure that it’s successful? Absa · Tshimong
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42:20
Can a merger of communism and capitalism create economic utopia?
Ideologies like communism and socialism have seen a massive decline in popularity over the years. Countries such as Venezuela are seen as the final nail in the coffin for the economic systems.
On the other hand, global capitalism has taken a drastic knock, particularly after the 2008 global financial crisis left many people financially destitute. Ordinary citizens around the world continue to band together to fight corruption and grotesque abuse of funds either by the private sector or by governments.
So, given the above, can we take the best of communism and capitalism and create a socio-economic utopia?
The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong. Absa · Tshimong
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48:01
Should legislation that affects women be drafted by women?
Legislation in its best form is designed to be progressive and all encompassing – serving the needs of all. Yet, while a legal system should be unprejudiced; law enforcement and even law-making is sometimes vulnerable to bias.
In South Africa specifically, women often seem to be the victims of this bias with gender-based violence and workplace inequalities still rife. If legislation impacting women was to be drafted exclusively by women, and justice enforced by women where women were the victims, would this bring about a desired equality in our legal system and balance the scales of justice?
The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong. Absa · Tshimong
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44:45
Can basic income help fight job loss caused by technology?
The rise of technology has in many ways made everyday life easier and convenient. But, for all its great uses there are also repercussions.
The blue collar workforce are losing jobs because technology is replacing them. Tasks that were done by low-level professionals are now performed by inventions such as automated toll boots, supermarket tills and assembly lines in factories. Highly qualified jobs in law and finance are also being threatened by digitisation, robots and other innovations.
With the advent of job losses in the 4th Industrial Revolution, would a universal basic income help mitigate the challenge?
The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong. Absa · Tshimong
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44:20
Should the government regulate traditional practices?
In an ever-changing modern landscape, traditional practices are constantly being questioned and challenged. Many of these controversial cultural practices such as genital mutilation and forced marriages, are rooted in beliefs that have been passed down through generations - making their relevance a contentious issue.
In a world where traditions can be treated as fleetingly as a social media hashtag, what role do these old ways still have to play?
Should the state have the right to ban or regulate certain cultural practices, especially where human rights are at stake? What must happen when these practices infringe on human rights?
The Interchange is made possible by Absa and Tshimong. Absa · Tshimong
CliffCentral has partnered with Absa and Tshimong to create a debate podcast called The Interchange. The podcast calls on some of the best university debaters to debate critical and controversial issues in South Africa, and Africa as a whole.
The debaters use an existing debate format called British Parliamentary Debating, which consists of two debaters per team, speaking on opposing sides. This style of debating is very powerful for shaping discourse in society. The conversations on the show are highly intellectual and introduce an incredible amount of nuance on issues that often seem black or white.
If you’re a critical thinker, then The Interchange is the show for you!
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