Rebel Governance Structures and Violence in Apartheid South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT What role do rebel governance structures play in deterring rebel-on-rebel violence? I argue that variation in rebel governance is an important factor. In 1990s South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) and its armed wing, the MK, employed different governance strategies over pro-ANC militias. In the Sharpeville township, the MK imposed a hierarchical governance structure, which contributed to inter-factional ANC violence. In the Thokoza township, the ANC formed a cooperative governance structure between the ANC and the militias. As a result, Thokoza experienced less internecine conflict. Evidence for my argument comes from archival research and interviews with former pro-ANC militants.