Fieldwork in South Africa: Then and Now

The changing fortunes of Eskom reflect the fortunes of South Africa; while South Africa itself has undergone huge changes between the fieldwork visits, there is a certain element of ‘plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.’ 'At best, [South Africa] is going through oscillations, twists, folds and turns. At worst, it is in a stationary state, and in some areas of social and political life almost close to stasis,’ (Achille Mbembe, Mail & Guardian, 28.03.2013). While writing

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