Abstract

The current study sought to explore the effectiveness of conflict resolution initiatives adopted by key actors to curb student violent protests in Central Johannesburg College-Alexandra Campus. South Africa remains in a volatile form with peace remaining highly elusive and one such indicator is the rising level of plunder and vandalism, shootings, stabbings, and other violent crimes within the education system. Deprivation theory which believes that when people are deprived of things considered to be valued in their society, they tend to join social movements with the expectation of getting their grievances rectified. The second theory which was used is the Frustration and Aggression theory which believes that aggression is the consequence of hindering, or frustrating, somebody’s attempts to achieve a certain goal. The research focused on 60 students and 10 student union leaders. Convenience sampling was used to select 5 college administrators. The research used focus group discussions and structured interview guide as data collection instruments. Findings have shown that various initiatives had been employed by the key players in managing violent protests at Central Johannesburg College and these included dialogues and engagements, safe space concept, promotion of student participation in college governance as well as intimidation and arrest

Keywords

Conflict, conflict management, peace, peacebuilding, violence