ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the ways in which mistrust and despondency have emerged and exist amongst residents in the low-income, high-density area of Glenview in Harare, when it comes to the fractured relationship between local councillors (viewed as corrupt) and the residents. The lives of residents in such areas are marked by massive deficiencies in service delivery. These deficiencies act to exclude and impoverish Glenview and condition the everyday lives of residents. Further, the overall relationship between the central government and opposition-controlled Harare city council is deeply problematic, with the Ministry responsible for urban government often undermining the autonomy of the council. As well, there exists a disengaged citizenry in terms of participation in formal governance processes such as elections. The everyday lives of Glenview residents contribute to configuring patterns of local activism, similar to the party-political contestations which are embedded in their lives. However, despite the mistrust, despondency and fear, residents are not devoid of agency, as they seek ways of bettering their lives, including through some form of civic activism.
