The School of Government Studies at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of urban conflict in South Africa, featuring conflict resolution expert Andre Vlok. Dr Seshupo Mosala, a lecturer in the School of Government Studies, and Katlego Mbali Sekwele, part-time lecturer at Vuselela TVET College, were the discussants.
The discussion was officially opened by Prof Kedibone Phago, director of the School of Government Studies, who welcomed attendees both in person and online. In his statement, he stressed the need to addressing urban conflict, emphasising the role of academic institutions in fostering critical debates on governance and societal challenges.
Andre Vlok: understanding conflict
Andre Vlok highlighted the importance of conflict management as a societal skill rather than merely an academic exercise. He argued that a well-informed public, which is equipped with the ability to understand and navigate conflict, is crucial in achieving long-term stability.
If we were better at conflict, we would understand what happened, what solutions we have, and what responses we should be having, Vlok stated, alluding that leadership needs to put more effort into resolving conflict rather than pursuing political gains.
He criticised the way politicians are managing situations, saying that they often seek immediate calm rather than addressing underlying issues. He further noted that conflict resolution should be a fundamental aspect of leadership, requiring bold and skilled individuals who are willing to engage with deep-seated problems such as land disputes and service delivery failures.
Discussants offered critical perspectives
Dr Seshupo Mosala provided an academic perspective on urban conflict, linking it to structural governance issues. Dr Mosala challenged conventional narratives that isolate township economies, arguing that economic activity should be understood holistically. He was critical of the perception of township economy, stating that economic activity is universal and should not be classified on the basis of geographical or racial lines. “Economy is economy, whether it happens in a township, on a farm, or in a city,” he declared.
Adding to the conversation, Katlego Mbali Sekwele explored the lived realities of marginalised communities, emphasising that the lack of service delivery and governance incompetence fuel urban conflict. She emphasised how social frustrations often manifest as protests, with communities resorting to direct action to demand accountability. Sekwele also stated that grassroots activism is essential, and it must be accompanied by real policy changes.
A request for practical methods to resolve urban conflicts marked the end of the discussion. Vlok reinforced that conflict management skills and knowledge should be applied in daily life rather than being limited to academia.
“Conflict resolution is not an elite product; it is human nature. Every individual and community must develop an increased level of understanding of conflict,” he stated.
Dr Mosala and Sekwele supported this view, and in turn advocated for policies that prioritise systematic change over political rhetoric. They urged the government to focus on sustainable solutions that address deep-rooted socio-economic imbalances.
At the end of the seminar, there was a networking opportunity for attendees to continue the discussion informally.
