Conference 2016

THE AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR RHETORIC (AAR)

6TH CONFERENCE, 4-6 JULY 2016

CALL FOR PAPERS

THEME:

RHETORIC FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA

The influence rhetoric has on socio-political reality is unquestionable. The question of virtue and vice arises in Africa in a quest to explore the role rhetoric plays in the process of enhancing responsible leadership and good governance on a continent riddled with a plethora of governance related problems. On virtue and vice, Aristotle argues that the forms of virtue on which praise and blame find their basis are justice, courage, temperance, magnanimity, liberality, gentleness, prudence and wisdom. These values resonate with a number of principles of good governance and democracy that have been prescribed, for instance, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Commission, the Independent Commission on Good Governance and Lord Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life. The underlining question for this Conference is: What role should rhetoric play in fostering good governance in Africa?

This Conference seeks to bring together rhetoricians, eminent intellectuals, researchers, government operatives, diplomats and industry professionals to contribute to the conversation on the proposed conference theme. Submissions should address but not be limited to the sub-themes listed below. Each paper will be considered on its own merit. Refereed papers from the conference will be considered for publication in the Association’s scholarly journal: African Journal of Rhetoric (AJR).

The organising committee would like to emphasise that the Conference of the African Association for Rhetoric is a multidisciplinary, multisectoral event. We seek participation from individuals and scholars representing all disciplines and sectors, all who seek to contribute to engagements in and around rhetoric, public communication, Development, leadership and transformation in society.

Sub-themes:

Rhetoric for governance in public and private spheres
Rhetorical presidency and good governance
Parliamentary discourses/debates as a factor of good governance
Rhetoric and good governance for sustainable development in Africa
Opposition rhetoric and good governance in Africa
Rhetoric in advertising and marketing
Rhetoric, Social Media and E-government
Rhetoric in the healthcare systems in Africa
Rhetoric and traditions forms of good governance in Africa
Governing systems – democracy, communism, socialism, autocracy
Rhetoric and the media and its role in fostering good governance
Rhetoric, climate change, hospitality and tourism in Africa
Diplomacy, African conflict resolution mechanisms and rhetoric
Religion, rhetoric and good governance
The rhetoric of spin doctors and good governance

Venue and accommodation

Kalahari Sands Hotel, Independence Street, Windhoek Namibia

Kalahari Sands Hotel is right in the Central Business District of Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia.

Delegates should arrange their accommodation with the Hotel. The Hotel can also organize shuttles from Hosea Kutako International Airport which is 40 kilometres from Windhoek.

Date

4-6 July 2016

Registration Fees:

Faculty: R3000

Students: R1500

[Includes conference package, teas and lunches]

Abstracts

Abstracts of between 250 and 300 words should be addressed to: babeukes@unam.na.

Ms Bronwen Beukes will receive them and forward them to conference organisers for review.

Deadline of Abstracts:

28 August 2015

Organisers