The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has noted that many of South Africa's poor communities were using violent protest action to hold the national and provincial governments to task after last month's polls.

The observation was made by the HSRC as service delivery demonstrations escalated in recent weeks across the country.

In the Western Cape there have been at least five violent protests since the elections while the most recent occurred in Doornbach earlier this week where residents blocked off Koeberg Road and clashed with police.

"People are expecting results after the election as soon as possible. In previous administrations there's been a honeymoon period in which people have digested the changes and given the leadership some time," said the council's David Hemson.