ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some of the major and ongoing manifestations of conflict in South Africa. These include the various manifestations of ‘grand’ and ‘petty’ apartheid based on race discrimination and the government’s attempts to control and defuse the issue of political rights for the coloured, Indian, and African population groups. All the manifestations of conflict arise from the government’s refusal to grant Africans full political rights and its attempts to control their movements within South Africa or, in an indirect way, in their homelands. Political repression is one form of institutional violence and its significance can only be fully understood when seen in conjunction with the unequal and plural nature of South African society. The chapter discusses the escalation of overt violence, including political repression and militarization, political protest, and township violence. It highlights certain areas of protest and confrontation: the revolt in education, consumer protests and boycotts, labour relations, and the clash between church and state.
