Democracy@30: community voices from Matsulu township in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Abstract

This chapter takes a deep dive into the community of Matsulu, a township in Mbombela in Mpumalanga province. It examines people’s stories of their experiences pre- and post-1994, and whether a ‘better life for all’, promised upon the attainment of independence, has indeed been achieved and is worth celebrating. South Africa’s constitutional democracy guarantees social, economic, cultural and political rights. As the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, examining citizens’ actual experiences and perspectives is crucial to evaluate both achievements and ongoing challenges in a system centred on the Batho Pele (people first) principles.