Abstract

South Africa provides ethnographic models for managing diversity and conflict via the management of meaning within spheres of socio-political upheaval. This analysis presents a transnational ethnographic account of South Africa’s momentous transition from 300 years of apartheid rule to a state of democracy. The peaceful transition amidst political tensions, threats of violence, ethnic divisions, political competition, religious differentiation, and a history of systemic marginalization presents a historic alternative/model for the peaceful management of conflict. This ethnographic analysis addresses some of the specific and general aspects of conflict negotiation amongst highly diverse and differentially represented or invested populations.