NCJ Number
138195
Journal
Journal of Southern African Studies Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 190-231
Date Published
1991
Length
42 pages
Annotation
Political violence spiraled in South African townships in the latter half of 1990, and hostel dwellers were victims of this violence.
Abstract
Although the paper does not focus on structural aspects of hostel violence, the author stresses that violence is endemic to the hostel system. Structural elements such as the migrant labor system, single accommodation, and poor living conditions contribute to and actively promote violence. To investigate political violence associated with hostels, data were obtained by conducting interviews at a factory where hostel dwellers worked. Hostel dwellers were suspicious of the research project. Generational issues were also an important consideration during the interviews; most hostel dwellers were elderly men, deeply rooted in rural traditions and ideology. Four main areas were explored: community relations, hostel dweller associations, rural connections, and age determinants. It was found that hostels are generally isolated, hostel dwellers view themselves as members of the township community, the predominant form of association involves burial societies, and migrants have a decidedly rural orientation. Age divisions within the hostel community play a noticeable role in the violence. Hostel dwellers believe they cannot trust others and indicate violence has shattered their lives. Sociopolitical and economic processes that have shaped the existence of hostel dwellers are discussed, particularly deeply rooted antagonisms between townships and hostels that are caused by and/or lead to political violence. Ethnicity is examined as a controversial aspect of the violence. While the small interview sample precludes any generalizations about violence causes, the interviews provide useful starting points for additional research. 65 footnotes