Reassessing Mandela

Nelson Mandela's legacy and place in South African history are contested, particularly among younger black South Africans. This book reassesses his political context, beliefs, and relationships, exploring his role in the anti-apartheid political struggle and broader social processes. It provides a scholarly counterweight to uncritical celebration and simplistic attribution of post-apartheid shortcomings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Seven years after his passing in 2013, Nelson Mandela continues to hold a remarkable place in the global imagination. Internationally, his reputation remains unscathed and untouchable. However, in South Africa, his legacy and his historical significance have become subjects of contention and debate, particularly among younger black South Africans. The essays collected in this volume examine various aspects of Mandela's life within the context of South Africa's national history, making a significant contribution to the historiography of the anti-apartheid political struggle. They reassess various aspects of Mandela's youth, political beliefs, connections with the Left, role in the African National Congress (ANC), and the transition to armed struggle. By providing new perspectives, these essays explore Mandela's role as an actor in broader social processes, such as the rise of the ANC and the drafting of South Africa's post-apartheid constitution.

The detailed essays are interconnected through a substantial introduction by Colin Bundy, while current debates are addressed in a concluding essay by Elleke Boehmer. This book serves as a scholarly counterbalance to both uncritical celebration of Mandela and the simplistic attribution of post-apartheid shortcomings to his person.

Originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Southern African Studies, this book offers valuable insights into the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, shedding light on his complex and multifaceted historical persona.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367507176