Social Cohesion After Looting and Violence: Restoring the Spirit of Ubuntu in the Informal Settlements of Bhambayi, South Africa

The looting and violence that swept through South Africa in July 2021 presented a significant challenge to the values of Ubuntu, deeply rooted in African humanistic principles of interconnectedness and communal harmony. Through lengthy interviews with six community workers and volunteers from Bhambayi, a mixed formal and informal settlement, this qualitative study uncovers the complex interplay of political manipulation, economic disparities, social inequalities, and the provocative influence of social media on the July 2021 unrest and its aftermath. The study adopts the method of thick description to uncover the nuances of inter-community relations from the perspectives of selected community workers and volunteers who have good contact with the residents.|Frustrations arising from economic hardship drove some to participate in looting, reflecting the challenges faced in realising the principles of Ubuntu. Social media's rapid and widespread communication channels played a dual role in organising community efforts and inciting violence and misinformation. Provocative groups and the spread of false narratives eroded social cohesion and communal harmony, undermining Ubuntu's core values of empathy, compassion, and inclusiveness. The study recommends the urgent need to address fundamental issues, including fair distribution of resources and opportunities, responsible social media usage, and measures to combat misinformation and divisive content.