Restorative Justice and Knowledge Management in Africa: A Multidimensional Approach

Abstract

The article seeks to demonstrate the applicability of the Trans-dimensional Knowledge Management Model (TDKM-M) to restorative justice in Africa. The TDKM-M contradicts existing models of conflict control, management and resolution in Africa. The TDKM-M demonstrate that knowledge can be managed in such a way that it can activate intervention such as ‘restorative justice' to resolve conflicts and disputes. These interventions aim to ‘restore’ a lost balance in society as an alternative to legal prosecution. Restoration requires replacing a culture of class-consciousness, racism, tribalism and criminal impunity with the norms of humaneness, respect, connective justice and reconciliation. These norms are associated with the philosophy of ubuntu and the ancient African-Egyptian philosophy of Ma’at. However, this practical application of ubuntu would require a holistic and transdimensional perspective and intra-action to revive and innovate African society. Case studies of Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia and Uganda showed that the involvement of all knowledge-holders in a spirit of ubuntu, should ultimately culminate in the restoring of human relations. Restorative justice would require acceptance that true healing takes time, holistic knowledge, humane decisions, strong leadership and combined action. These actions should effectively restore relations among people and national reconciliation, with people refraining from inciting and perpetrating violence against each other.

Keywords: Restorative justice, knowledge management, ubuntu.