The main output of the project will be an edited peer-reviewed volume (co-edited by Na’eem Jeenah, Professor Busani Ngcaweni and Dr Sithembile Mbete), which will address the research questions and cover the themes in the Concept Note. The book will draw on various disciplinary perspectives to offer an evaluation of democracy in South Africa and the rest of the world. We are issuing a targeted call for abstracts from authors who want to contribute to this volume. Abstracts can be either sole-authored or co-authored, and are welcome from both established and emerging scholars. Each contribution to the volume must be original work and should expand our understanding of the topic. We invite contributions covering various themes drawn from the Concept Note. Download the Concept Note here.
Abstract submissions should not exceed 350 words and must include the following:
- Title of the paper (reflecting a clear description of the topic and its importance or relevance);
- Names of the contributing author(s), institutional affiliation(s), and contact email address(es);
- The research methodology and the source(s) of data; and
- Confirmation of the originality of the chapter.
The deadline for submission is 13 February 2026.
Should an abstract be accepted, contributors will need to adhere to strict timelines for submission. We ask prospective authors to consider this when submitting an abstract. A first full draft of the chapter would need to be submitted by 15 April 2026, followed by a second draft by 31 May 2026, and a final version submitted by 31 August 2026. MISTRA pays an honorarium for published chapters.
For any queries about the volume or abstract topics, you are welcome to contact Njabulo Zwane: njabuloz@mistra.org.za.
Editors:
- Na’eem Jeenah
- Professor Busani Ngcaweni
- Dr Sithembile Mbete
