Voluntary associations, democracy and citizenship in the cities of Bulawayo and Cape Town.

Abstract

This study sits at the intersection of two promises: that of cities providing fertile ground for democratic politics and voluntary associations having positive effects on democratisation. It examines voluntary associations’ contribution to citizenship and democracy in two global south cities of Bulawayo and Cape Town, drawing lessons from two case studies of voluntary associations, one from each city. The study critically engages existing theories on associations’ role as “schools of democracy”, their contribution to political participation, improving the representation of citizens’ interests and deepening accountability in their respective contexts.