This paper draws from secondary data and grounded theory to explore the historical evolution of political clientelism in South Africa from the colonial era to post-1994 governance systems in order to develop a pertinent theoretical argument and make policy recommendations for developmental democracy. The relationship between armed struggle, as the culture of hope, and entrusting revolutionary leaders with political responsibilities in postliberal states, is evident in most sub-Saharan African countries. The use of armed struggle in most African countries pursuant to political liberation from colonial powers created hope in the lives of affected indigenous communities. But liberation "wars" were protracted in countries such as Namibia and South Africa, while countries such as Mozambique and Zimbabwe were characterised by early successes that consolidated the trust of oppressed indigenous people in revolutionary movements. Gi