Von Kotze, AstridWalters, ShirleyLuckett, Thembi2017-06-012017-06-012016von Kotze, A. et al. (2016). Navigating our way: A compass for popular educators. Studies in the education of adults, 48 (1): 96 - 1140266-0830http://hdl.handle.net/10566/2905This article addresses the tensions and contradictions of applying a popular education approach in the current context of South Africa. It draws upon data from an 18-month research project exploring the traditions of popular education. It presents an extended discussion on the meanings of popular education, and their varied implications for practice. It presents a heuristic device in the form of a ‘compass’, to assist popular educators locate themselves in their work at different historical moments.enPublisher retains copyright. Authors may archive the published version in their Institutional Repository.Popular educatorsTensions and contradictions of popular educationTraditions of popular education in South AfricaApartheid educationSoweto uprisingArticle