Patronage Politics Divides Us is the culmination of a research project that forms part of MISTRA's first suite of eight priority research projects. The research explores the relationship between patronage, poverty, and inequality with a particular focus on its impact on the conduct of local politics. The report is a profile of socioeconomic life in South Africa's various communities as experienced not only by locals but also by foreign-born residents. The findings provide a window on relationships between councillors, business interests, and local party organisations.