Analyses of the recent violence, in particular by the Independent Board of Inquiry into Informal Repression in South Africa, conclude that the explanation for the current violence can only be found in the combination of political conflict and material conditions which overlays the issues of ethnic identity. Explaining the violence in the single-sex hostels around Sowetd, the Independent Board of Inquiry emphasizes that the appalling conditions in the hostels and the squatter camps lend themselves to the potential outbreak of violence. In the words of the Board of Inquiry, "The hostels have become the flash-point of bloody confrontations. Isolated and often prison-like, they are the breeding ground for an aggressive machismo culture unrestrained by the civilizing presence of families. JSM/fc A/44/PV.97 21 (Mr. Gzunbari, Chairman, Special Committee against; Apgirth^id) Living in a hostel helps foster a group identity, firstly because hostels have historically been run along ethnic lines. Secondly, for the hostel residents there is a shared daily experience, all of which makes it extremely amenable to being organized. As a result, particular hostels often become strongholds of particular organizations. This helps to explain some of the organized nature of the current violence centred around the hostels. The violence we are witnessing is not a spontaneous outbreak of ethnic conflict." Stating our concern about the current violence, as we have done, should not, however, distract us from acknowledging that important progress has indeed been made towards removing some of the obstacles to a process of negotiation. I am referring to the contacts that have been made between the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) and the South African Government. The Pretoria Minutes of Understanding of 6 August 1990 is important for two reasons. First, they approved the recommendations of the bipartisan group concerning the release of prisoners and the granting of indemnity. It is possible 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the recent violence in South Africa, specifically in the single-sex hostels in Soweto, and attributes it to a combination of political conflict, material conditions, and ethnic identity. It highlights the importance of understanding the context in which the violence occurs, including the appalling living conditions in the hostels and the role of ethnic identity in shaping group dynamics. The text also mentions the progress made in negotiations between the African National Congress and the South African Government. Given the focus on social and political issues, it is likely that the text falls under categories related to human society and governance.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education