Can people who live in shantytowns, shacks and favelas teach us
anything about democracy? About how to govern society in a way that
is inclusive, participatory and addresses popular needs? This book
argues that they can. In a study conducted in dozens of South
Africa's shack settlements, where more than 9 million people live,
Trevor Ngwane finds thriving shack dwellers' committees that govern
local life, are responsive to popular needs and provide a voice for
the community. These committees, called 'amakomiti' in the Zulu
language, organise the provision of basic services such as water,
sanitation, public works and crime prevention especially during
settlement establishment. Amakomiti argues that, contrary to common
perception, slum dwellers are in fact an essential part of the
urban population, whose political agency must be recognised and
respected. In a world searching for democratic alternatives that
serve the many and not the few, it is to the shantytowns, rather
than the seats of political power, that we should turn.
General
Imprint: |
Pluto Press
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Series: |
Wildcat |
Release date: |
February 2021 |
Authors: |
Trevor Ngwane
|
Dimensions: |
215 x 135 x 22mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
240 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-7453-4200-9 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-7453-4200-0 |
Barcode: |
9780745342009 |
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