SOCIAL JUSTICE AND “THE KUKHENDLA” IN THE AFRICAN TRADITION: REFLECTIONS IN THE LIGHT OF RAWLS’ PRINCIPLES

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of social justice in the traditional practice known as Kukhendla. Its objective is to establish the relationship of this well-known phenomenon with the principles of justice in John Rawls' theory of social justice. The argument being put forward is as follows: cultural practices may be legitimized by communities because they have been practiced within these cultures for many generations. However, they may, at the same time, be in conflict with certain principles of justice and may cause imbalance in social relations, with a special focus on the family sphere. The discussion is based on the two Principles of Justice from John Rawls' "A Theory of Justice": the Principle of Equal Liberty and the Difference Principle. The methodology used for the study consisted of analyzing concepts and philosophical reflection, aiming to relate the practice of Kukhendla to social justice and resource distribution. From this discussion, the conclusion is drawn that the practice of Kukhendla can negatively impact civil liberties, as well as be a driver of social inequalities rooted in conditions often related to corruption.