The Afrocentricity Trajectories of Looting in South Africa

Looting has become a popular concept in South Africa as an unsophisticated interpretation of ownership by "force" of property during periods of mayhem. However, looting is a complex concept whose origin spans a long history that cuts across time and space. This volume provides a critical analysis of looting from a multi-disciplinary approach that focuses on a combination of themes to show that looting is deeply rooted in property "ownership" and spiraling poverty and inequality that is structural in nature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Looting has emerged as a pervasive phenomenon in South Africa, often perceived as a crude manifestation of individuals asserting their ownership of property through the use of force during chaotic periods. However, the concept of looting is far more intricate and multifaceted, with its roots spanning a long and complex history that transcends both time and space. In the book titled "The Afrocentricity Trajectories of Looting in South Africa," edited by Mfundo Masuku, Dalifa Ngobese, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, and Sifiso Ndlovu, a collection of contributors offer a sophisticated analysis of the concept of looting, delving into its various nuances and exploring the intricate connections to issues such as spiraling inequality, poverty, racialization of property ownership, and unequal access to economic policies.

As evidenced by this collection, looting has assumed diverse political connotations, serving as a challenge to the violence inherent in racial capitalism, an alternative avenue for seeking justice, and a means of drawing attention to the often overlooked reality of racial violence in the media. Within this volume, a critical examination of looting is undertaken from a multi-disciplinary perspective, emphasizing a comprehensive exploration of themes to demonstrate that looting is intricately linked to property ownership and the structural perpetuation of poverty and inequality.

The contributors to this book employ a diverse range of analytical approaches, drawing from fields such as history, sociology, economics, and political science, to shed light on the complex dynamics surrounding looting. They examine the historical roots of looting, exploring how it has evolved over time and in different contexts. They also analyze the social and economic factors that contribute to looting, including factors such as poverty, inequality, and political instability.

Furthermore, the contributors explore the racialized nature of property ownership in South Africa, examining how it has shaped the experiences and outcomes of looting. They analyze the ways in which racial discrimination and segregation have created disparities in access to resources and opportunities, leading to increased vulnerability to looting during times of crisis.

The book also examines the role of economic policies in perpetuating looting and inequality. It highlights the ways in which government interventions, such as land reform and redistribution, have failed to address the underlying structural issues contributing to poverty and inequality, leading to the perpetuation of looting and the marginalization of certain communities.

In addition to its analytical insights, the book also offers practical recommendations for addressing the issue of looting. It advocates for a more comprehensive and equitable approach to economic development, one that prioritizes social justice, sustainable resource management, and inclusive governance.

Overall, "The Afrocentricity Trajectories of Looting in South Africa" provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of looting as a complex phenomenon that is deeply rooted in South African history, society, and politics. By offering a multi-disciplinary analysis and practical recommendations, the book contributes to the ongoing efforts to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and racial violence in the country.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666919905