"Fratelli Tutti" and a Better Kind of Politics: A Southern African Perspective
Abstract
Using the metaphors of “new bottles for new wine” or “new wine into fresh wineskins,” this article argues that it is time for a new kind of politics in Southern Africa, “at the service of the common good” but alas, we are still pouring new wine into old wineskins or sewing pieces of unshrunk cloth on old cloaks and we are surprised it’s not working. It must sound like a good definition of political insanity. This is particularly the case in the craft of party and tribal politics in which unelected cadres are left to rule the roost. A better kind of politics in Southern Africa will need to disavow ochlocracy or mob rule, the rule of government by a mass of unruly, uncouth and unelected imps who intimidate the citizenry. These largely illiterate party cadres do it at the behest of the head of state who is effectively the Cadre-in-Chief. His minions are left to break the law with impunity and as a reward are promoted to another office in a banana republic’s version of musical chairs. This article applies the wisdom of FT to Southern African state craft and concludes that much work needs to be done in making politics work for the common good.
Key Words
Fratelli Tutti; solidarity; social friendship; art of encounter; Covid-19; brave new world; Utopia
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Fratelli Tutti and a Better Kind of Politics in Southern Africa
- Global Reception of Fratelli Tutti
- Fratelli Tutti and Southern Africa's Most Urgent Task
- Not Surprisingly Fratelli Tutti is not Everyone's Cup of Tea
- By Way of a Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This article examines Pope Francis's encyclical Fratelli Tutti, specifically focusing on the concept of a "better kind of politics" as it applies to Southern Africa. It argues that the region needs a renewed commitment to universal brotherhood, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence, particularly in light of political and social challenges. The article analyzes the global reception of Fratelli Tutti and its relevance to the Southern African context, while also highlighting the need for a more inclusive and just form of politics in the region.
- The concept of a "better kind of politics" as outlined in Fratelli Tutti.
- The need for a renewed commitment to universal brotherhood and solidarity in Southern Africa.
- The role of the Church in promoting a more just and inclusive political system.
- The challenges of political instability, corruption, and inequality in the region.
- The potential of Fratelli Tutti to inspire a transformative approach to politics in Southern Africa.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of "Fratelli Tutti" and its relevance to the contemporary political landscape. It highlights the need for a new kind of politics that is truly at the service of the common good.
- Fratelli Tutti and a Better Kind of Politics in Southern Africa: This chapter examines the specific challenges facing Southern Africa and how the principles outlined in Fratelli Tutti can be applied to address them. It explores the need for political sanity, economic prosperity, and social justice in the region.
- Global Reception of Fratelli Tutti: This chapter provides an overview of the global reception of Fratelli Tutti, drawing on perspectives from theologians, cardinals, and other key figures. It analyzes how the encyclical has been interpreted and applied in different contexts.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this text include: Fratelli Tutti, Southern Africa, better kind of politics, universal brotherhood, solidarity, peaceful coexistence, political instability, corruption, inequality, Church, social justice, Ubuntu.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Tarcisius Mukuka (Author), 2020, The expression "Fratelli Tutti" from a Southern African Perspective, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/949035
