Political violence as a form of communication: understanding marginalised voices in South Africa through content analysis

Mavuso, Sibonelo

Political violence as a form of communication: understanding marginalised voices in South Africa through content analysis

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

Universiy of Cape Town

Department

Centre for Film and Media Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Violence elicits profound emotional responses and serves as a potent medium of communication in societies grappling with systemic inequities and historical grievances. In South Africa, political violence has persisted as a troubling legacy, complicating the nation's democratic transition. While much of the existing research has focused on the manifestations of violence—such as interpersonal, criminal, and public unrest—this study explores violence as a form of communication within the South African socio-political landscape. Grounded in an interpretivist framework, this research investigates how marginalized communities employ violence to express grievances, assert political demands, and navigate systemic exclusions. By employing qualitative content analysis of media reports, the study reveals the symbolic and strategic dimensions of violence. Key findings highlight the role of media in amplifying violent narratives, the intersection of socio-economic inequalities with identity-based violence, and the limitations of traditional communication channels in addressing grievances. This study contributes to the broader discourse on political violence by framing it as a communicative act that reflects and perpetuates power dynamics and systemic inequalities. It offers practical recommendations for fostering non-violent political dialogue through inclusive policymaking, community engagement, and media reform. By situating South Africa's experience within a global context, the research underscores the need for nuanced, context-specific interventions that address the root causes of violence and promote sustainable social cohesion.