This insightful study, now completely revised and in its second edition, examines the pattern of politics that has emerged in South Africa under the Mandela and Mbeki administrations. In considering the changes brought about in power relations in the country since 1994, the book looks at, among other things, the shape of regional and local politics; land reform; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and the extent of political corruption. Further chapters consider the future prospects of South African democracy and provide assessments of both Nelson Mandela and his successor as President, Thabo Mbeki. This well-informed and crisply written introduction will appeal to both students of contemporary politics and general readers interested in the new democracy. North America: Indiana U Press; South Africa: David Philip(NAB)
Tom Lodge is Emeritus Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Limerick. He is the author of several books on African history including Mandela: A Critical Biography (2006) and Sharpeville: An Apartheid Massacre and its Consequences (2011). He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy.
Title: Politics in South Africa: From Mandela to Mbeki
Author: Lodge, Tom
ISBN: 9780852558706
Binding:
Publisher: James Currey
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Number of Pages: 320
Weight: 0.4583 kg
The combination of detail and analysis makes this account a pleasure to read...it is an invaluable handbook to South African politics since 1994 - -- Richard Bourne * THE ROUND TABLE *
Since 1994 South Africa has undergone a period of rapid, profound and often bewildering change. Yet the thinking about South Africa has tended to change far more slowly, with writers reluctant to let go for the familiar old narratives, preconceptions and sympathies. This book is a valuable introduction to recent developments in South African politics and the debates, such as they are, around them...fair-minded and generally thorough account of recent political developments within South Africa. -- James Myburgh * AFRICAN AFFAIRS *
Lodge provides a more critical scrutiny of the implementation problems that may dog many of the ambitious new schemes. ...informative and well-written. * INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS *
Review of the First Edition: '... an exciting text... the only up-to-date, general survey of South African politics... Given Lodge's empirical thoroughness, ability to integrate, analytical keeness and clear style there is no better candidate for the task [of introducing the country's politics]. -- Professor Laurence Piper, University of Natal
