part of no part

Social Contract theory has long been at the core of philosophical endeavours to understand and propose a theory of social collectivism and the power structures that result from our efforts to formalise communal existence. Socrates uses something quite like a social contract argument to explain to Crito why he must remain in prison and accept the death penalty  (Friend, 2015) , but social contract theory as we understand it today, is a modern expression of a philosophic concept which was first fully explored by 17 th century English philosopher, Thomas Hobbes.  Some have argued that modern political discussions of social contract may even originate before Hobbes and can be traced back to the Italian Marsilius of Padua (1270-1343) who fought against the supremacy of the church in other than spiritual matters. He developed the idea that the people are the source of all political power and government is by mandate of the people, and with their consent.  (FRIEDMANN, 1...

South Africa emerged from the moral morass of Apartheid as the ethical and moral beacon of a new world order. South Africa, and its progressive constitution and moral leadership of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and the millions of women and men who sacrificed their lives  and were contributing to the realisation of a dream held by millions across the globe, was held up as a shining example for the world to emulate. Much has been said about the decline of moral leadership in government, but few have dared to divert their gaze to the lack of ethical and moral integrity of the business world.  Business plays an important role in society. While the State is tasked with ensuring the general public good, business is generally considered to be the vehicle through which society is able to create the wealth and by which the state is able to ensure the general good. As the key driver of wealth creation and growth in society, business is afforded a special place in government ...

Once again the Minister of Mineral Resources has been hopping from conference to conference to sell the myth of a Mining sector that cares for and includes all its stakeholders.  Conference after conference and meeting after meeting both the Minister and business leaders extoll the virtues of including communities in the solutions faced by the sector.  In this they would be correct, as no sustainable solutions to the problems facing the mining industry will be found without the authentic engagement of all the stakeholders. Lonmin Platinum Chief Executive Officer Ben Magara, speaking at the gathering of business plutocrats in Cape Town, The World Economic Forum, is reported to have said that “ trust between communities and mining houses is important to ensure that the mining industry on the continent is sustainable.”   At the same time, while addressing the NUM congress, the Minister in turn is reported to have claimed that the Mining Industry Growth Develo...