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07 October 2024

HSRC study explores local voices in 30 years of South African democracy

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

The HSRC, in partnership with the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa campus, unveiled the findings of Democracy@30, a groundbreaking study marking 30 years of democracy in South Africa. The findings were shared at a two-day public dialogue event on 27 and 28 September, at the University of the Free State’s QwaQwa Campus.

Commissioned by the HSRC and conducted in partnership with the University of the Free State, the study sought to forge connections between historical and contemporary memories, marking 30 years of democracy in South Africa. Titled Democracy@30, the survey aimed to explore and investigate local voices in celebration of South Africa’s democracy at 30 years in 2024.

The objectives of this research initiative were:

1. To celebrate and reflect on the 30 years of South African democracy with a particular focus on local communities.

2. To explore and document how the lives of ordinary people have changed (for better or worse) in the last 30 years.

3. To provide a platform for local communities to take stock of the progress made and reflect on what the next 30 years need to look like to achieve the promised “better life for all”.

The study was conducted from November 2023 to March 2024. Download the report here.

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

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