Why perceptions matter: How Africans experience democracy

We fought for freedom, not democracy

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hlengiwe Ndlovu to unpack the complex dynamics of state-society relations. We dive deep into the tension between freedom and democracy, exploring the often overlooked nuances of these concepts. Drawing from her thesis, Dr. Ndlovu shares insights from interviews with local historians in Duncan Village, who reveal that their struggle was not simply for democracy, but for something much deeper. Known for her unconventional approach, Dr. Ndlovu writes as a true labor of love, blending rigorous scholarship with heartfelt storytelling. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation. Links to articles: Dr Ndlovu’s PhD https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/items/4e6995ae-b6bb-49a9-96a2-c073f9acc021 Labor of love: Re‐membering dismembered bodies in community research https://doi.org/10.1111/gwao.13117 Forgotten Bodies or Silenced Voices? Recasting Women’s Voices at the Bantu Square Massacre of East London, 1952 https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2023.2337516 Bodies that (do not) matter? Black Sunday and narratives of the death of Sister Aidan Quinlan in Duncan Village protest, 1952 https://doi.org/10.1080/10130950.2019.1690314

Why perceptions matter: How Africans experience democracy

In this episode, the mic is turned as Keo Mbebe interviews me about my research on governance, democracy, and public perceptions in Africa. We discuss how everyday experiences shape democratic perceptions, the type of democrat emerging in Africa, and whether democracy is truly working for its people. From elections in SADC to the role of governance in shaping civic engagement, this conversation unpacks the complexities of African democracy beyond indexes and international rankings.

Beyond the TRC: Rethinking Justice, Memory, and Healing in South Africa

I speak with Keo Mbebe about her PhD research on the TRC and its colonialist historiography. We unpack the TRC’s misplaced aims, the dangers of misusing concepts like reconciliation, and the enduring psychological and political consequences of South Africa’s unresolved history. Links to articles | Why impatience was a key facet of Tutu’s life story: https://www.news24.com/news24/opinion-keolebogile-mbebe-why-impatience-was-a-key-facet-of-tutus-life-story-20211229

Migrant identities: rethinking belonging, ethnicity and citizenship

In this episode, Silindile Mlilo draws from her PhD research to shed light on unconventional forms of citizenship, the intersections of indigeneity and ethnicity, and the ways these “marginalized” groups assert agency and shape state practices. Join us as we unpack traditional notions of identity, citizenship, and nation-building.

Rewriting Narratives: Pentecostal Women and Feminist Imaginaries

In this episode we’re joined by Tumi Mampane, a lecturer and PhD candidate whose research examines the portrayal of township femininities in South African media. We discuss how TV shows like Scandal and Gomora shape the perceptions of black and the evolving portrayals and perceptions of black township women in media and church. Tune in for a conversation on womanhood, faith, media, representation, and the power of storytelling. Links | Article: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14725843.2022.2082378 Book: https://hsrcpress.ac.za/product/pentecostal-charismatic-women-constructions-of-femininity-in-alexandra-township/