PublicationsResearchPre Democracy, Torture and State ViolenceThe State of Torture ReportTorture in South Africa has a complex and troubling history rooted in colonial and apartheid practices, where torture was used frequently by state security forces to suppress dissent and control Black and marginalised communities. Despite legal reforms during the post-apartheid dispensation, concerns about torture and ill-treatment persist, often associated with law enforcement practices and conditions in detention centres. Challenges therefore… Read More Sinqobile Makhathini, Amina Mwaikambo and Cathy-Ann PotgieterNovember 28, 2024
PublicationsResearchPolitical Violence, Pre DemocracyPolitical Violence: 1990This paper analyses political violence in 1990, touching on its definition, costs, role of youth and 'third force' arguments. Read More Graeme Simpson, Steve Mokwena and Lauren SegalFebruary 3, 1992
PublicationsResearchPolicing, Pre DemocracyFor the Sake of Our Lives: Guidelines for the Creation of People's Self-Defence UnitsThis paper seeks to introduce the idea of forming alternative defence structures in the wake of the violence unleashed against citizens by security forces, vigilante groups and hit squads in the 1990s. Read More Jeremy CroninApril 24, 1991
PublicationsResearchPre Democracy, Torture and State ViolenceThe Role of Violence in State Security Strategies 1984-88The focus of this paper is state violence. It is argued that South African state security strategy in the period 1984-1988 was characterised by an increasing violence which was sanctioned by law. This violence was either inscribed in the law or unrestrained by the law. It is mainly directed against anti-apartheid activists both within and without South Africa's borders. Read More Jacklyn CockMarch 21, 1989
PublicationsResearchArmaments, Pre DemocracyThe Politics and Economics of the Armaments Industry in South AfricaIn August 1986, JGJ van Vuuren, chief executive of Armscor, when interviewed about his upbringing and the background to his involvement in the armaments industry in South Africa, commented: My childhood was one of clay-pellet fights with the coloured boys and growing up with my parents' interests' (Finansies en Tegniek, 12.9.1986). This quotation provides an apt introduction to this chapter, which attempts to map out briefly the integration of the political and economic features of the developing armaments industry in South Africa. Read More Graeme SimpsonMarch 1, 1989
