Abstract
This article examines the complex space between the commodification and
decommodification of water, showing how civil society leaves these ‘fictitious’
boxes behind in water and sanitation struggles. Drawing on Polanyi (1944), it
looks at how the balance between what is commodified and what is not, can –
and is – affected by the engagement between government and civil society in all
its forms. In response to the local municipality implementing policy or
introducing innovations, civil society in all its forms responds, and acts as a
catalyst for significant policy shifts. Important changes in people’s lives can
result from civil society engagement with the municipality through dialogue and
negotiation alongside protest. It examines this engagement in four critical areas
of water and sanitation in Durban, South Africa, namely connections and
disconnections; water pricing, affordability and free basic water; dry sanitation
and urine diversion toilets; and participation and citizen voice. Although
constrained by structural realities, there is evidence that civil society agency can
‘make a difference’ in people’s every day lives, spurring us on to more extensive
policy challenges to widen this space, while contributing to the development of
counter hegemonic alternatives.