It is relevant to this study and to other research studies of black youth in South Africa first to have a basic understanding of the role townships have played in the country's political and social history.

Among the many repressive laws of segregation enacted over the years the Group Areas Act of 1950 saw enforced racial separation along lines of colour come into brutal effect. The short- and long-term impact of the uprooting of thousands of families and their relocation into less than hospitable areas, where basic services and amenities were negligible, has been documented in many forms, but the deep disadvantage that came with overcrowded townships and informal settlements was one result.

As the grip of apartheid took hold, many townships in South Africa were the epicentre of the struggle against the oppressive regime. Young and old, people in the townships fought against the regime in a variety of ways: joining liberation movements and organisations and participating in their activities; forming civic organisations; organising protests against local authorities; boycotting municipal services; recruiting young people to go into exile and join the military wings of the different liberation movements; and fighting street battles with the state security forces. Consequently, various other forms of violence also increased in the townships, including violent crimes. This created fear and anxiety, especially with the rise of youth gangs (bo-tsotsi), as documented by Clive Glaser in his book Bo-tsotsi. Researchers such as Steve Mokwena drew attention to the rise of the ‘jackrolling’ phenomenon, whereby gang members committed violent crimes that included harassing, kidnapping and raping young women. Some of these incidents led to clashes between comrades and bo-tsotsi.

Being a comrade under apartheid meant distinguishing oneself from other members of the community by demonstrating adherence to discipline and respect for community members. Comrades in this context thus saw their role as defenders of ‘morality’ in the townships, holding to the position that youth leaders needed to behave in a ‘disciplined’ manner, both when engaged as members of organisations and as members of the community. Comrades were thus accorded the responsibility of punishing suspected criminals (tsotsis), gang members, informers/spies or ill-disciplined members of their organisations. Some punishments involved ‘necklacing’ – putting a tyre around a person's neck, pouring petrol on it and setting the person alight.