Localised Protests in South Africa: A Rebellion or a Fight for a Relationship with the Government?

Abstract

Localised protests are a key feature of South African townships. Protests have been considered insurrectionary, prompting scholars to consider the protests as a rebellion of the poor. However, the question is: Do these protests ensue from revolutionary politics? Based on the findings of this study, I argue that although these protests are sometimes dramatic and militant, some of these protests may be regarded as a struggle for a relationship with the government.