Urban safety is recognised globally as an essential ingredient of urban development. In South Africa, uneven spatial distribution of safety affects the overall inclusivity, efficiency and functioning of cities. Find out more in this introduction.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a profound and widespread problem in South Africa, impacting on almost every aspect of life. This introduction examines GBV in South Africa and explores what different actors are doing as a response.

This page provides a brief historical overview of the peacebuilding sector in South Africa,  which originated predominantly from two distinct religious/philosophical strands, namely that of the Quaker movement and the philosophy of Satyagraha or ‘‘truth force’‘.

In post-Apartheid South Africa, xenophobic attitudes have permeated the society and fuelled countless xenophobic attacks on non-nationals. Thousands of foreign nationals or those considered ‘outsiders’ have been harassed, attacked or killed, as a result of this violence.

Poor prison conditions elicit little concern in most societies, with some people even regarding prison rape and violence as “part of the punishment”. This is a vindictive and reactionary response to crime and negates legitimate and dignified forms of punishment. Many people do not realize that what happens in prison can affect them - both directly and indirectly.

The importance of ward councillors is constantly overlooked, yet they are highly influential in promoting social cohesion within communities. The personality and leadership of the ward councillor is often integral to the peace/violence present in a community.  The role of the councillor is wrought with a duality that often goes unacknowledged. They are responsible to their communities and also to the municipal council: a situation that often seems impossible to navigate. Yet, when the community/council balance is not in place, communities suffer.