Sidla abantwana bethu. Youth political imaginary in Khutsong, South Africa

Abstract

This dissertation takes as its point of departure the instances of youth political involvement and political action in the antidemarcation protests in Khutsong, South Africa, from 20052009. The premise of this dissertation is to consider the ways in which political action by young people in South Africa has shifted in response to democratic systems, economic changes and historical political formulations. Through ethnography the lives of young people and their daily experiences are explored to provide cognisance of the everyday challenges of poor black youths today, and to discuss how their political imaginaries have come to respond to contemporary circumstances. The main intent of this research is provide a platform for youth political imaginary in order to contribute to a more nuanced understanding and perhaps afford better responses to youth realities.