The (mis)characterization and (de)legitimizing of apolitical protests in South Africa from the perspective of labeling theory
10th November 2026
The article “The (mis)characterization and (de)legitimizing of apolitical protests in South Africa from the perspective of labeling theory”, published in Frontiers in Political Science (2026) by Nsizwazonke Ephraim Yende, Takunda Joseph Mathathu and Thanyani Madzivhandila, examines how political and media representations contribute to the delegitimization of social protests in South Africa.
Through qualitative research based on secondary sources and labeling theory, the authors analyze four protest movements, including protests demanding access to essential services, the #FeesMustFall student movement and the #ZumaMustFall mobilization. The findings highlight how protests involving marginalized communities are often associated with violence, irrationality and disorder, while other forms of mobilization receive more favorable coverage. The authors further emphasize that these representations do not merely influence public opinion but also contribute to defining which forms of dissent are considered legitimate and which are perceived as threats to security, thereby helping to justify repressive institutional responses.
For more information about the book, click here.