A comparative analysis of the causes of the protests in Southern Africa

Abstract

Social protests can be devastating since they can cause economic setbacks and the loss of life. However, despite their detrimental effects, they are commonplace in Southern Africa. From 2020 to 2021, Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa experienced protests. As such, this study relies on content analysis and primary and secondary data to investigate their root causes. It builds on the frustration-aggression theory to reason that it is the primary explanatory factor for protests in the Southern African countries. This study found that protesters manifested their frustrations through aggression which was revealed when they torched stores, burned property and looted. The unemployment and poverty levels in the countries mentioned above brewed frustrations which culminated in aggressive behaviour that adversely affected businesses. The protests aggravated the already ailing economies when disrupting business transactions in Eswatini and South Africa in particular. Therefore, this study recommends ways of avoiding social protests and their consequences.