Vigilantism as a feature of political decay in the post-1994 South African dispensation: a theoretical perspective

[摘要] English: The main aim of this study was to develop a more comprehensive theoretical perspective of the occurrence of vigilantism in post-1994 South Africa as available literature lack order and structure in their explanations of this phenomenon.The study started with the development of a metatheoretical framework for the investigation in which it was concluded that the development of a theory for vigilantism through this presentation will be influenced by life experience and philosophical framework, the selection of available valid and reliable information by means of a literature study as well as the selection of scientific methodology; and by the fact that the study will be undertaken within the Political Science discipline. The aim would therefore be to provide an analytical component by answering the question 'What is vigilantism?, a strategic component by answering the question 'How does vigilantism take place? and a normative component by answering the questions 'Why does vigilantism take place? and When would it most probably take place?Literature selected for the study was divided into two categories, namely contextual conceptual frameworks and specific conceptual frameworks. Contextual conceptual frameworks utilised were those of Huntington, Duvenhage, Geldenhuys, Migdal and Zartman, while the specific conceptual frameworks were those of Strange, Black, De la Roche, Abrahams, Johnston and Minnaar. A common denominator that was identified in all the contextual and specific typologies, models and theories discussed, supports the idea that vigilantism is a feature of political decay, since its manifestation is always explained on the basis of law and order lacking, a weak government, an inability of the state to provide security and social needs, social organisations (vigilantes) applying their own rules, low bureaucratic abilities and the state failing to perform all its functions.Four broad contextual criteria were identified while studying the contextual conceptual frameworks, namely a society in disequilibrium, a dysfunctional state, the existence of power vacuums and the presence of high levels of violence. The occurrence of vigilantism can be predicted on the basis of these contextual criteria and it was found that South Africa generally does comply to these criteria in the post-1994 period.Through the specific conceptual frameworks, a definition for vigilantism was developed which also provides specific criteria to determine whether the acts of a group can be classified as those of vigilantism and reads as follows: Vigilantism refers to the illegal and violent acts or threats of such acts directed at individuals threatening the community order, by self-appointed law enforcement groups consisting of private citizens, protected by a conspiracy of silence, in reaction to the absence or ineffectiveness of the formal system, aiming at reclaiming order.The contextual and specific criteria were tested against three case studies �?PAGAD, Mapogo-a-Mathamaga and people's courts. The study found that all three case studies supported both the contextual and the specific criteria but with the following two exceptions:�?PAGAD progressed to the phase of subversion as it turned into an urban terrorist group. This indicated the danger of vigilantism if left unattended by the state.�?Mapogo-a-Mathamaga charged a fee for its protection, indicating that a vigilante organisation can also be contracted and does not act on a voluntary basis.The study of people's courts indicated that incidents of vigilantism through these groups have been taking place since 1994 and are still continuing. People's courts are scattered all over the country and are mainly found in informal settlements and very poor townships.It is important to note that the phase of vigilantism is temporary by nature, since it is not the preferred phase of people.This study has shown that vigilantism is a reality in post-1994 South Africa and a real threat to the authority of the state and requires the state's attention and immediate action.

[发布机构] University of the Free State