ABSTRACT
The experience of political participation since the advent of democracy in South Africa is examined from the perspective of the urban African community of Kwazakele in the Eastern Cape. Through this detailed case study it is argued that democracy is healthy in that although there is little support for political parties other than the African National Congress, other forms of opposition are taking place within the Tripartite Alliance. In conclusion, it is argued that a false dichotomy has been posed between political and civil society.
