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Polarization in South Africa: Toward Democratic Deepening or Democratic Decay?

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  • Roger Southall

Abstract

Under apartheid, white oppression of the black majority was extreme, and South Africa became one of the most highly polarized countries in the world. Confronted by a counter-movement headed by the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling National Party (NP) was eventually pressured into a negotiation process that resulted in the adoption of a democratic constitution. This article outlines how democratization defused polarization, but was to be hollowed out by the ANC’s construction of a “party-state,†politicizing democratic institutions and widening social inequalities. This is stoking political tensions, which, despite societal interdependence, are provoking fears of renewed polarization along class and racial lines.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger Southall, 2019. "Polarization in South Africa: Toward Democratic Deepening or Democratic Decay?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 681(1), pages 194-208, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:681:y:2019:i:1:p:194-208
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716218806913
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Alexander, 2010. "Rebellion of the poor: South Africa's service delivery protests -- a preliminary analysis," Review of African Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(123), pages 25-40, March.
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