This Diploma is meant for persons already in possession of an undergraduate degree. It is offered on a part time basis over a period of two years, and depending on demand. For more information on this programme please contact the Administrator in the School of Humanities and Education on: 011 380 9057 or the Assistant Registrar (Postgraduate) on: 011 380 9011.

To complete an application form please click here to download one.

Syllabus for the Postgraduate Diploma in Political Leadership

DIPA405 CIVIL SOCIETY AND SOCIAL CAPITAL
The module sets out to examine the origins and development of civil society, with a view to reaching a definition of civil society. Particular reference will be made to the growth of civil society in South Africa since the 1980s. Within this framework an attempt will be made to examine the importance of social capital and its strength as a sign of the nation’s political health.

DIPA401 DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE
This course seeks to get to what is meant by democracy as ‘rule by the people’, a notion that poses numerous questions, (like: who are ‘the people’?; what kind of popular rule do we imagine?; what kinds of democracy are (a) possible, (b) desirable?). In this overview, these questions will be examined as well as topics such as alternatives to democracy (Fascism, Communism, Authoritarianism, Feudalism etc), the idea of political leadership (styles of leadership, responsibilities, etc), conflict and negotiation as part of democracy (conflict resolution, mediation, etc) , and the question of accountability to the people.

DIPA402 GLOBALISATION AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
This module examines the nature of international relations and South Africa’s position within both Africa and the world system. The notion of the world as a ‘global village’ is examined as is the question of whether there is today a ‘clash of civilizations’. The problem of globalisation and anti-globalisation is considered from economic, political and cultural angles. Finally, the issue of developing a creative South African response to globalisation is raised.

DIPA406 JUSTICE FOR ALL? THE RULE OF LAW IN SOUTH AFRICA
The relationship of Right, of Law and of Justice in South Africa shall be examined. Conflicting notions of what is meant by ‘law’ (positivist, idealist, pragmatist) shall be examined. There shall be a critical enquiry as to what is meant by the ‘rule of law’. The issue of accountability of all under the law, in particular the principle of judicial neutrality and the right of all to access to legal representation shall be considered.

DIPA407 NATION-BUILDING AND THE RENEWAL OF POLITICAL CULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The tensions between utopian visions (African Renaissance) and political realism (globalisation, social end economic crises) when dealing with the question of nation-building shall be examined, with emphasis on what is possible for South Africa within the contemporary world order.

The course will include discussions and debates on the notions of race, class and culture, as well as the future of various African cultures in the creation of the new South Africa. Part of this course will encourage learners to speak from their own experiences in small groups.

DIPA408 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICS
Closely related to the above module (but structurally independent of it), this module examines the nature and functioning of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), both nationally and internationally. Having considered the political role of NGOs in South Africa (past and present), the different forms and functions of NGOs will be examined, particularly those engaged in political, economic and legal reform. Learners will consider how constructive and creative relations might be built up between government, political parties and the NGO sector.

DIPA403 PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY
To understand our democracy we must first understand its historical development – from pre-colonial modes of governance to the post-1994 democratic system. Having traced the emergence of SA democracy, we shall consider the South African Parliamentary structure, Provincial structures, the Constitution, the Constitutional Court, the notion of checks and balances, public service and the electoral process. We shall examine critical alternatives to the system (Westminster ‘first past the post’, Irish electoral model, etc) and debate their merits.

DIPA409 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION AND THE POLITICS OF MEDIA
This module shall stress the importance of free media for democracy and the value of media skills for democratic parties. Such issues as political propaganda and the need for accuracy in communicating one’s position shall be examined. Practical skills such as preparing speeches, communiqués and participating in public debate shall be taught. Once again the learner’s experience shall be drawn on, built upon and developed.

DIPA404 POWER, CORRUPTION AND POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY
Having examined political structures, this module will consider some of the ethical considerations that democracy raises. It will consider the notions of power and corruption as ethical challenges to democratic governance, on local, regional and national levels as well as within party structures. It will examine how corruption erodes the democratic values of society and the legislative and creative strategies that might be used to defeat corruption. There shall be an emphasis on the cultivation of political virtues (based on the virtues of justice, moderation, courage and prudence) and the sense of public responsibility.

DIPA410 THE POLITICS OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
“All politics is local” it is sometimes argued. This module shall consider the practical politics of local community organization and action. The module will draw on historical case studies of community organization and on the experiences of the learners/activists themselves; this will be informed by theories of community organization. Learners shall critically reflect upon how democratic values may be used to strengthen and develop communities, while avoiding pitfalls that undermine community spirit or lead to undemocratic structures and values.

DIPA412 RESEARCH METHODS AND RESEARCH REPORT
Students will become familiar with the research process and gain the necessary skills to engage in research at an appropriate level, together with an ability to critique current research and scholarship in the field. A student must complete a Research Report of 10 000 words on a topic of his or her choice which has been approved by the Head of Department.

DIPA411 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN RIGHTS TODAY: CONTEXTUALISING THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
Starting with an examination of the notion of human rights (first, second and third generation human rights), the Bill of Rights of the South African Constitution shall be closely examined. The module will show how the Bill emerged historically and culturally, its philosophical assumptions and how it might be practically applied to promote a culture of human rights in South African society. Learners will be encouraged to critically engage with the document and consider how the Bill might be amended or developed in the future.