During the post-apartheid transition, the country experienced a violent backlash against democratic gains. While direct political violence between opposing political parties has largely disappeared at the national level, it continues to plague South African society. In particular, physical violence is a growing norm in social contexts, mirroring structural violence, which has only marginally improved since the transition. Stratified societies are characterized by structures that harm individuals and restrict access to basic needs.
South Africa is reflecting the catalyst for a violent response
During the recent violent uprisings, South Africa is reflecting on the catalysts for the violent backlash. In the last year, the ANC’s increasing power over the country has resulted in the end of a stalemate in the eastern province. The ANC and the Natal ANC structures called for a more aggressive approach to the Inkatha warlords, whose acts of violence had been perpetrated with impunity for decades. The resulting violent gangs were a direct result of the ANC’s decision to go on the offensive against Inkatha.
Is fighting over how to exercise rights
Despite the success of the democratic transition, the South African population is still learning the skills of democracy. Most citizens only voted in 1994, and they are still grappling with how to exercise their rights. This is a complex process, as the majority of white citizens must relearn to share their rights with the other races. Moreover, South Africans continue to view violence as a form of communication and must overcome their ingrained fears of the government.
Violence threatens democracy and its progress
During the past week, South Africa has been grappling with the underlying causes of the riots and the violent aftermath. The violence is threatening democracy and its progress. Apartheid-era leaders are undergoing trial and jailed, and the National Capture Commission is investigating widespread corruption. And while the ANC has been accused of widespread graft, the president of the nation is still in prison for contempt of court.
Political assassination is a serious problem in South Africa
The authors of this report, Dunning, Thad, and Hoglund, highlight that political assassination is a serious problem in South Africa. It is not just political violence; it is also a way to undermine democracy. Those who believe in freedom and equality should not fear these challenges. They are a step in the right direction. And the government is attempting to improve conditions in South Africa.
Violence continues in the country
As the country transitions to a democratic state, violence continues to plague the country. While apartheid was systemic, and relied on physical violence, post-apartheid society was expected to be much more peaceful. However, high levels of political and criminal violence are not just the result of racism. Instead, the problem is poverty and the slow delivery of basic services.
Violence takes on new dimensions
In the 1990s, violence took on a new shape. Unbannings, or bans, had an effect on the nature of violence. The state of emergency ended in the country, while the homelands remained independent. People who were thrown off trains were often killed and robbed by SAP agents. Swanepoel claimed that the CCB paid for his assistance.
Remarks
The violence in the country has a long history of affecting post-apartheid gains. During the apartheid period, the majority of South Africans had little or no access to basic services. Today, this has changed dramatically. After the apartheid period, the government has made significant progress in democratizing the country. Nonetheless, the violence in the country is a persistent problem in the post-apartheid era.
