The Voice of the Landless or Counter-Revolutionary Activism of Abahlali baseMjondolo in Cato Manor: A Conflict Theory Perspective

Despite various land reform efforts by the democratic government in South Africa, landlessness—including a lack of adequate housing—persists, leading to illegal land occupations by grassroots movements. One such movement, Abahlali baseMjondolo (shack dwellers), has supported landless people in building informal settlements, including in Cato Manor. This article analyses the divergent stakeholder perceptions around Abahlali baseMjondolo land occupation in the context of landlessness and poor housing provision in Cato Manor. The study adopted a qualitative research method, sampling 33 participants, and used conflict theory as a theoretical lens to interpret the findings. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings established that divergent views regarding Abahlali baseMjondolo exist in Cato Manor. The residents view Abahlali baseMjondolo as a vital force of empowerment, while municipal officials see the movement as a disruptive influence. Through conflict theory, the article argues that these opposing views emanate from positions of power (municipal officials) and marginalisation (residents). In advancing the debate on Abahlali baseMjondolo, it contends that the politics of naming settlement in Cato Manor construct advocates a counter-narrative to state authority by problematising the simplistic dualism of the state versus people experiencing poverty, using classical conflict theory.