The Intersectionality Between Violence and Poverty in Africa: Sketching the Prevalence of Various Forms of Violence in South Africa

Violence in South Africa dates back to the apartheid era when oppression, human rights violations, and violent killings were the order of the day. The spate of various forms of violence seems to be a crisis beyond control. Sometimes the law enforcement agents become victims of violence in the process of preventing violent crimes. This chapter surveys the different forms of violence, discussing their causes, nature and effects. The chapter maintains that the central cause and effect of violence in South Africa is poverty. Violence is used as a survival tool, attacking those who are presumed to have access to economic means or defend the rights and opportunities against those regarded as competitors. Towards the end of the chapter recommendations to mitigate against all forms of violence that affect the social, political, and economic life are presented. The chapter is based on reviews of scholarly articles and documents on violence in South Africa. It also contributes to the ongoing discourse on violence in Africa.