Endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms of the San people at Platfontein
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the endogenous conflict resolution
mechanisms and practices of the San people at Platfontein, South Africa. To this end,
data were collected from 304 interviews and 26 focus group discussions. The collected
data were analysed through Inductive Thematic Analysis. The findings show that the
San people have endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms which basically aim at
restoring peace and harmony within the community. The endogenous mechanisms were
found to be fairly participatory and supplementary to the state machineries that work for
justice, peace and harmony. However, the conflict resolution mechanisms of the San
people are currently weakening due to the impact of modernisation and the leadership
dispute among the sub-groups of the community.