This report presented an overview of South Africa's post-apartheid experience of violent
extremism and assesses the threat that violent extremism currently poses to the country. A
brief overview is also provided of government's responses to this challenge and highlights
emerging concerns for violent extremism in South Africa. This report examines the
prevention of violent extremism as it relates to South Africa as an actor in the global
community. This is one of a series of three focusing on violent extremism and South Africa

Transnational extremist groups are expanding their networks across the globe. South Africa
has been linked to al-habaab, al-Qaeda and, more recently, the Islamic State of Iraq and
Syria, with 60–100 South Africans estimated to have joined the group. The country also has
a history of violent extremism stemming from domestic grievances that remain prevalent.
Based on interviews with 40 stakeholders, this brief examines the threat that violent
extremism poses to South Africa and the government's response to this challenge.