Protest, performance and politics: the use of ‘nano-media’ in social movement activism in South Africa

Considering the lack of coverage in the mass media of certain kinds of social movement activity, many movements make use of smaller scale, independent media to publicise their struggles. From the vantage point of social movements in South Africa, this paper addresses what Mojca Pajnik and John Downing call ‘nano-media’. Based on interviews with social movement activists and observation of social movement activities, the paper considers demonstrations, dress, slogans, murals, songs, radio, dance, poetry and political theatre as forms of nano-media used by community-based movements in the process of mobilisation and claim-making. In its focus on performance, the paper borrows from Goffman's dramaturgical approach and highlights the importance of backstage interaction for social movements. Finally, the paper shows the significance of ‘hidden transcripts’ and offers some insights into the framing process within social movements in South Africa.