A crisis of faith in South Africa: ‘People have given up on the state’

Struggling even before Covid, communities are taking it upon themselves to try to fill the gaps left by the government

One evening a week, Natasha Msweswe and Zanele Madasi leave their children at home and set out to patrol the streets of Thembokwezi. They return at midnight. This is potentially very dangerous but they feel they have little choice.

It can be scary but we want to protect our community," said Madasi, 31. We want to make a difference."