Issue 10
June 2010
Letter from the editors
Dear reader, yes, in the June
issue of Joint MAG, we have
followed the general trend and
have
decided
to
focus
the
contributions in this issue on
South
Africa
and
the
FIFA
World Cup. Next to two pieces
from Go Africa - Go Germany
alumnae
currently
South
Africa
the
based
in
German
researcher Dr. Sebald gives a
brief
sociological
the
context
nationalism
sight that is only surprising at second glance: while there is globalization and global
culture all around us, while national borders and symbols seem to be more and more
outdated (this definitely doesn't hold true for the borders of conglomerations of nation
states, like for example the European Union, which are especially seen from Africa,
nearly insurmountable), there is an excessive waving of flags, singing of hymns, use
of national colours and symbols in these weeks of football frenzy.
teams gathered from all over the world. In their daily lives,
globalization and the crossing of national borders can be
experienced as a real phenomenon, real in the team's daily
this issue is the Go Africa Go
Germany
peer
that
took
teaching
place
in
Germany in early June. Next to
an interview with one of the
participants
Eugene
Pacelli Okello two alumni have
prepared a report summarizing
key elements of the meeting.
Last but certainly not least, the
editing
team
announces
a
Alexander
of those people who try to analyze and understand societies), an aspect appears in
working in foreign countries, playing football in international
and
A second focus of
African
Looking at a global event like the FIFA World Cup 2010 as a sociologist (yes, I am one
into these selected eleven players running after a ball, mostly
of
globalisation.
meeting
by Dr. Gerd Sebald, Germany
It is remarkable how many hopes and national pride is projected
analysis of football
in
The FIFA World Cup as a self-veneration of nations
new
Schwartz,
proudly
member:
currently
based in Hamburg, Germany,
will be part of the core editorial
team from now on - it's a
pleasure to have him on board!
Enjoy reading Joint MAG 10!
With best regards,
Dennis Kumetat & Linda Poppe
communication, real in their own experiences of migration. But for some days during
the year and especially for those weeks before and during a World Cup they come
together as representatives of a nation, aspiring to be the best players available with
a given passport and not necessarily with a particular ethnic background. So even the
national teams experience globalization today.
Thus, on the one hand, nations seem to be - even and especially for sports like
football - an outdated model of the last two centuries, losing their significance in
those streams of goods, information and people crossing borders permanently all over
the world. On the other hand, in the light of global events like the World Cup, where
nations, nationality and national symbols are used excessively, each new World Cup
seems to produce more of these practices.
In trying to understand this paradoxical phenomenon, Emile Durkheim's theory of
religion comes to mind. According to Durkheim, religion is used in society to worship
society itself. In other words: The reality, which is expressed and represented in
religious practices, is society. The function of the religious rites and of religion as a
whole is to integrate society.
But what is society today? Is there one world society or is there a conglomeration of
strictly delimited national societies? The answer is: it's on the move. While national
borders begin to vanish for the streams of capital, information and commodities, the
imagined borders between the nations as imagined communities (a notion coined by
Benedict Anderson) are still valid.
"Football is used for
those ritual practices,
that aim at the reconstitution and affirmation of national
communities."
So is football the religion of our days? There are certainly religious aspects in the
way in which we practice football, and nationalism is one of them, too. Football, at
least the international matches, are used for those ritual practices, that aim at the
re-constitution and -affirmation of national communities. During an event such as
the World Cup, these communities are present through their national symbols, and
when people gather in stadiums or before screens, this community is not only there
through its symbols, but in its actual audiovisual, emotional, thus: physical
presence.
That does not mean that the game itself contains or triggers national categories. On the contrary, the game could be
seen as a globalized and globalizing phenomenon. But we have learned to perceive the matches in national categories,
think of e.g. those “Brasilians dancing samba", or the "athletic africans" (there is not really a difference between certain
nations or nation states in european talk about Africa). Also, it seems that despite (or because of) the processes of
globalization those practices of localization in a national(istic) way receive more importance. Our way of perceiving
football is based on these national categories. Thus, in the national symbols and in the rites practised in viewing the
games the imagined national community is actualized, the nation comes to itself. Consequently, the World Cup is a (one
of the last?) resort of nationalism, of the self-veneration of nations.
Dr. Gerd Sebald is a researcher at the Institute for Sociology in Erlangen/Germany. Currently he teaches a course on
"Football and Society".
Africa's Cup of Hope
Fifa’s somewhat authoritarian governance structures and
the corruption that plagues soccer globally manifested
themselves.
by Lerato Tsebe, South Africa
Parliamentary
hearings
from
opposition
parties, over the somewhat obscure processes involved
I was lying in
in awarding contracts to building stadiums, the press
my bed, bored, Saturday afternoon, feeling like a loser,
accusations of mass corruption in the allocation of
decided to watch a bit of television. I tuned in just in
resources, the alleged abuse of workers constructing the
time to watch, Sepp Blatter, teasingly pull out the name
stadiums and the under the table multi million dollar
of the host country from that cream white envelope he
deals that occurred. All of this happened.
I remember it. I remember it very well.
was holding.
And still a nation hoped. The construction of our first
A rapture of excitement overcame the room that a frail
high
speed
railway
system,
the
enlargement
of
Mandela, an elated Tutu and overjoyed Dr. Jordaan were
highways, construction of new bus transport systems,
all sitting in. The entire room was suddenly filled with
the in fighting in Parliament, the uncertainty and doubt
the sounds of Vuvuzela’s blasting, people hugging,
of media and citizens over our ability and readiness to
cheering, and me screaming teary eyed, alone in my
host the World Cup continued. Then,
room.
xenophobic attacks were committed, rumors of South
in July 2008,
Africa’s rampant violent crime personified in the form of
The euphoria and pride of being the first African country
a man burnt alive spread across the world, confirmation
in history to be nominated to host the world's largest
that South Africa, Africa, was not ready, safe or capable
sporting event was felt by every South African and
to host the World Cup. All of these things happened in
Africans alike. Then, the euphoria settled, then the
my country within the past six years. I witnessed every
daunting task of planning, preparing and hosting a World
one of them. But still, a nation hoped.
Cup began. And so with preparations and anxiety in toe,
we began to hope.
The responsibility of hosting the Fifa World Cup has been
second
only
to
that
of
building
a
democratic
No one really informs you of the enormous task of
dispensation. And in true African fashion, my country
building stadiums, bidding for sponsorships, applying for
has endured. We have endured a global doubtful press,
broadcasting rights that surely follows a nomination.
scathing criticism, and been rubber stamped again as an
Then, the tasks ensued. The difficulties of understanding
illustration of how Africa continues to fail.
Go Nümbrecht-Bierenbachtal!
In spite of this, a skeptical nation continued
to hope. Then, suddenly, in the midst of
corruption,
in
fighting,
strikes,
by Dambe Baboki and Kai Striebinger
anxious
press reporting doubtfully, June 11th 2010
The secludedness of the meeting location did not prevent far-reaching
arrives
long
discussions. On the contrary, the first inter-generational meeting of
awaited hopes of a burdened nation, finally
and
it
all
evaporates.
all participants of the GoAfrica…GoGermany programs brought a little
illuminate,
through
a
The
painted
international flair to the small village in rural North Rhine-Westphalia.
stadium. South African’s proudly and loudly
yellow
At least the powerfully singing men's choir was impressed – and
singing their national anthem, as though
impressive. It made us forget - only for a moment - that most of us
everyone was finally exhaling a deep breath
were not able to attend.
of air they had been holding in for six years.
Despite this serious shortcoming, the meeting presented at least a
That’s the thing about nations, at the end of
good starting point for further discussions. The participants discussed
perseverance,
three main issues: What is the deal with the GAGG association and
reminded
struggle
with
the
and
we
a
the German-African Foundation for Youth Education (GAFYE)? How do
the alumni fit into this structure? And: what are the next steps? First
makes us great what makes us so resilient.
a little reassurance: Concerns were raised that following the shock
And that is my country’s story, it is Africa’s
resignation of President Köhler, the programme could be left in the
story. A continent plagued by every calamity
cold and eventually dwindle out. Be that as it may, such concerns
and
were immediately diffused with the revelation that all activities will
scenario,
singing
are
national anthem, what it is about us that
disastrous
unison
toil,
of
where
hope
dwindles, the audacity of a people’s hope
most likely remain sustainable both structurally and financially.
boldly manifests itself, and unity prevails.
And second a little disclaimer: the panel discussion with experts
"South African’s proudly and loudly
singing their national anthem, as
though everyone was finally
exhaling a deep breath of air they
had been holding in for six years."
sharing their understandings of a German-African partnership can be
listened to online: Part 1 and Part 2.
So, what about the GAFYE? Compared to the GAGG-program, the
Foundation plans to expand its horizon in terms of target groups and
fields of activity. To that end, 5 pillars of the foundation were
identified being:
It has been a long and tolling six years,
great sacrifices and terrible mistakes have
1. Exchange/study weeks
been made. But hosting the World Cup has
2. Network and “peer“ teaching work
replenished an indispensable truth. It has
3. Multiplier training (“snowball system“)
given us a value that anxious press, tales of
4. Promotion of employability and entrepreneurship
corruption
5. Development and adaptation of civic education
and
rampant
crime
cannot
provide.
It
has
methods and researching of cooperative approaches.
replenished
of
Relating to the fourth pillar concerns were raised that these ventures
attaining the goals of its democracy, and
of high economic interest could lead to the foundation losing its
illuminated the road for a continent to
focus. However, the Foundation remains committed to civic education
continue
and raising awareness and would incorporate it into all the 5 pillars.
striving
to
a
nation’s
work
hope
towards
the
prosperity it can one day achieve.
Moreover, the discussions centred on the role that the alumni had to
play in order to render the Foundation a success. It is the alumni that
I wish you all knew how unbelievably proud
will mainly be responsible for initiating projects and the foundation
we are of our small nation at the tip of
would assist were finance permits. In order to do that, alumni will be
Africa, and how through it all, we shall
trained to become “peers”, i.e. to be in the position to plan,
continue to hope, and continue to deposit
implement
into Africa’s Cup of Hope.
partnership.
and
evaluate
projects
fostering
German-African
This evoked the question if the alumni need some sort of
(legal) structure themselves. If they want to communicate,
plan and develop projects with the GAFYE, then a proper
association of alumni might be helpful.
These three big questions about the Foundation, about
alumni self-organisation and about the future work-plan
will be explained in more detail in an upcoming report of
the meeting. Then discussions should start through online
fora (links follow) and in smaller working groups (mails
follow).
Since the soccer world cup is running, let us turn to a soccer truism: “Nach dem Spiel ist vor dem Spiel” (After the
game, is right before the next one). In this sense: after this productive start of the first peer-teaching meeting, it is
now up to the alumni to make more out of it.
Alumni Profile
Interview with Eugene Pacelli Okello, Uganda
by Julian Bergmann, Germany
Julian: Hello Eugene! Please tell us about yourself.
Eugene: I am 27 years old and was born in a remote village in northern Uganda, called Kalongo in Pader District. After
graduating from the Faculty of Law of Makerere University, I’m currently working as a lawyer by profession with the
Ugandan Law Reform Commission. In 2008/2009, I was part of the
second generation of the “Go Africa…Go Germany” exchange programme.
Julian: Eugene, what are your impressions of the Peer Teaching Meeting
in Nümbrecht-Bierenbach last weekend?
Eugene: I believe that the Peer Teaching Meeting was very successful. We
have exchanged and discussed very fruitfully ideas and opinions that are
relevant to the founding process of the German-African Foundation for
Youth Education and the future alumni association. Thus, it was very
worthwhile for me to come to this meeting, since there were also
important issues concerning the Lukodi association to be discussed. I have also had the great opportunity to meet the
other scholarship holders of the first and third generation of “Go Africa…Go Germany”.
Julian: You mentioned the Lukodi association. Could you tell us a bit about the idea of the association?
Eugene: The basic idea of the Lukodi association is to assist the people of the village Lukodi near Gulu in Northern
Uganda in rebuilding their community. The first contact with the community was made in 2009 when we, the second
generation of “Go Africa…Go Germany”, visited Lukodi and talked to the members of the community, many of whom
were returnees, abducted children and orphans that had suffered a lot from the twenty-year armed conflict in northern
Uganda. At this meeting, we gave them our promise that we would think about how to assist them in their efforts.
Some months later, my fellow scholarship holder Mathias Kamp and me visited Lukodi again on different occasions and
talked to the Lukodi people about what kind of assistance they need most. It turned out that a good start would be to
buy them ox plows which would enable them to restart farming and help them
Call for Contributions
economically. Furthermore, they could hire the ox plows to other people in order to
generate some money. We agreed on that this would be more sustainable than
In
paying school fees. I hope that the Lukodi association will be established soon.
2010,
states
many
celebrate
anniversary
Julian: In your opinion, how could the German-African Foundation for Youth
African
the
50th
of
their
independence - a good time
Education possibly contribute to a true German-African partnership? What might be
to
potential obstacles?
assess
original
aspirations, today's realities,
and new challenges of the
Eugene: First, the working together as African-German former scholarship holders is
21st century. Joint MAG 11
already a sign of partnership. Secondly, the GAFYE has several pillars – exchange
will
programmes, business, research, multipliers, etc. In all these pillars, strategies and
feature
analyses,
principles of partnership have been discussed which will be all implemented after the
country
interviews
and
opinion pieces - please feel
founding of the foundation. A potential obstacle might be a lack of communication
free to join in and contribute
between the alumni and the bpb staff as well as among the alumni. If the alumni are
to the next issue! Deadline
not aware of what is going on, we would risk to call into question the idea of the Peer
for contributions is July 15,
Teaching meeting we just have had.
2010. Please email one of
the
Julian: Thank you very much for the interview! I wish you a pleasant flight back
editors
or
to
goafrica
(at) bpb.de to express your
home to Uganda!
interest in a contribution.
The fight against human trafficking
in South Africa
Africa
makes
poor
people
vulnerable
to
human
trafficking. Trafficking agents target poor people seeking
employment and take advantage of their vulnerability.
The government in addressing poverty does provide
by Ophilia Karumuna, South Africa
social grants to elderly citizens, disabled people and
South Africa is a beautiful country endowed with a wide
children below the age of 15.
landscape covered with a variety of vegetation ranging
With a population of approximately 48 million people,
from an expanse of deep forests and well watered
South Africa struggles to meet the employment needs of
valleys. It is also known for having deep reserves of
its citizens. Many people lack formal education therefore
mineral deposits including gold, diamonds, platinum,
a large proportion of the population either form part of
manganese, chrome and coal. The country’s developed
unskilled labor earning insufficient income or is not
infrastructure
malls,
employed at all. The high earning inequalities make it
hospitals and schools are a striking feature for those
difficult for most people to cope with costs of living and
who visit the country for the first time.
end up becoming victims of trafficking.
Despite it being a leading economy on the continent,
Due to the high level of development in South Africa
South Africa is unfortunate for being the source, transit
compared to other African countries, major cities of SA
and destination country for human trafficking. Young
such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban
boys and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation,
attract migrants from other countries in search for
cheap labor, for the sale of illegal goods and criminal
employment, better standards of living and seeking
activity. The lucrative business of human trafficking
asylum and refugee status. Traffickers lure such people
generates billions of dollars annually for traffickers who
with promises of well-paying jobs in these cities, offers
use
that desperate people cannot refuse.
their
including
influence
roads,
to
bribe
buildings,
immigration
and
government officials, medical doctors and lawyers thus
making it very difficult to combat. Several reports
The high HIV/AIDS rate in the country has led to
reveal that in South Africa women are being trafficked
breakdown of families resulting in single parent headed
from Thailand, China, Taiwan and Mozambique.
families with minimal supervision of children. This has
further led to an increase in child labor and sexual
The large gap between rich and poor people in South
exploitation.
South
Africa
has
one
of
the
highest
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. The Nelson
trafficking and prostitutes. As a result, victims of sex
Mandela Human Sciences Research Council research
trafficking are either charged with prostitution or
shows that young women between the ages of 15-24
deported as illegal immigrants.
are up to four times more likely to be HIV positive
than young men in the same group in the country.
South Africa has been privileged to be the first country
on the continent to host the FIFA world cup in 2010.
Certain traditional practices in SA are said to promote
The world cup is being viewed as a single unifying
an
of
factor amongst different people from all over the
traditional medicine known as ‘muti’ to cure diseases
increase
world. The media has raised concerns about the
has led to a high demand of human body parts to
impact of the world cup on the possible increase in
create
human
potions.
addition,
bride
in
The
use
In
payment
price
trafficking.
of
known
"South Africa has been privileged to be the first
country on the continent to host the FIFA world
cup in 2010...specific legislation addressing
human trafficking, however, is still missing."
as
‘lobola’ in certain cases
forces young girls into
crime
particularly
human
trafficking.
Inter-governmental
organizations
such
as the UNODC and
early marriages to old
the
IOM
have
men. Tensions in such
maintained
that
marriages sometimes results in young women fleeing
these
from marriage and ultimately ending up being victims
experience of the 2006 world cup which was hosted by
of human trafficking.
Germany. According to an article on Trafficking in
concerns
are
unfounded
considering
the
human beings and the 2006 world cup in Germany,
South Africa ratified the United Nations Protocol to
40,000 victims were expected to be trafficked during
Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,
the world cup which took place from 24 June to 9 July
Especially Women and Children on 24 February 2004.
2006.
The
significant increase of victims of human trafficking.
Protocol
obliges
states
to
take
necessary
The
article
revealed
that
there
was
no
measures in order to address human trafficking by
punishing
offenders
and
protecting
victims.
The
The South African government and nongovernmental
country is thus obligated to at least adopt legislation
organizations despite the views of the UNODC and the
addressing human trafficking.
IOM remain on high alert regarding the possibility of
an increase in human trafficking activities due to the
To
date,
South
Africa
national
world cup. In doing so, the a Human Trafficking Desk
legislation that comprehensively addresses human
was established within the Organized Crime Unit of the
trafficking. Currently, South Africa is using its existing
South African Police Service to deal with cases of
national
human
legislation
to
does
not
prosecute
have
traffickers
by
trafficking.
The
government
through
its
charging them with offences that are associated with
National Prosecuting Authority initiated a programme
human
rape,
known as ‘Tsireledzani’ meaning ‘Protect’ (in one of
assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
the 11 South Africa official languages) which is funded
attempted murder, murder and/or kidnapping. The
by the European Commission. The programme, which
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters)
involves
Amendment
trafficking
Act
such
and
as
the
sexual
assault,
Children’s
Act
government
departments,
international
contain
organizations and civil society partners, is aimed at
transitional provisions relating to human trafficking
combating human trafficking in the country. Lastly, the
pending the adoption of the Human Trafficking Bill.
Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill
was tabled before Parliament on 16 March 2010. The
The lack of specific legislation addressing human
bill,
trafficking as a crime and the criminalization of sex
trafficking as a crime is expected to be in force next
work in South Africa impedes protection of victims.
year. South Africans deserve full protection of their
Most law enforcement officers lack understanding and
human
capacity to differentiate between victims of human
trafficking will be curbed.
which
rights
comprehensively
and
hopefully,
addresses
the
evil
Editors: Alexander Schwartz, Dennis Kumetat, Linda Poppe // Editorial Team: J. Bergmann, M. Gatobu, L. Tsebe, B. Zasche
Available online: www.bpb.de // Contact: goafrica (at) bpb.de
of
human
human