Postcolonial African Anthropologies

Mobility has become a prominent feature in African societies: populations all over Africa are both mobile and politically and economically marginal. Yet these populations are actively engaged in maintaining social networks across localities. Mobilities, ICTs and marginality in Africa looks at the dramatic changes brought about in socially marginal populations by new ICTs in general and mobile phones in particular.

The four case studies highlighted in this book deal with the issue of traditional leaders in post-independence governance. Contributing to the local government debate in South Africa, this book investigates, compares and analyses the role of traditional leaders in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

• How do citizens in poor communities benefit from and perceive state interventions?
• How do citizens in poor communities interact with others in the community to promote the well-being of themselves and their families?
• What are the implications of the above for community based research, policy and practice?

Development, Social Policy and Community Action: Lessons from Below addresses these questions based on rigorous and multi-faceted research conducted in the poor, urban area of Doornkop, Soweto, using a range of different methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives that all broaden our understanding of citizen-community-state interactions in disadvantaged, urban communities in South Africa.

Solutions to poverty and inequality are often designed, implemented and evaluated in a top-down manner, thereby disregarding the views and agency of the poor citizens themselves. Addressing this gap, the authors explore how government assistance, through social grants and services, as well as community support mechanisms provide solutions to citizens in poor communities and the ways that the citizens perceive and make use of such interventions.

This research study points to the need for more nuanced policy strategies and interventions pertinent to local challenges which also resonate with the global search for solutions in similar contexts. With a fresh perspective that addresses the interconnections between state interventions, community and citizens in sustainable social development, this book provides a case for the importance of conducting community-based research that effectively encourages research findings to support communities to effect positive change.

About the book

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 is ambitious. It advocates for, among others,

• equitable and people-centred growth and development;

• eradication of poverty;

• development of human capital;

• creation of infrastructure and provision of public goods and services;

• empowerment of women and youth;

• promotion of peace and security, and the strengthening of democratic states, and

• creating participatory and accountable governance institutions.



New African Thinkers: Agenda Africa, 2063 presents the thinking of emerging scholars on these critical issues – those on whose shoulders the responsibility rests for taking this agenda forward. The book will be an essential reference for researchers and educators who are interested in Africa’s developmental path as designed in the Agenda 2063.