The Contested Idea of South Africa

This book explores the idea of South Africa, covering identity formation, modernity, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, autochthony, land, gender, intellectual traditions, poetry of South Africanness, language, popular culture, truth and reconciliation, and national development planning. It reflects on the complex and contested idea of South Africa, drawing on a wide range of disciplinary perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

South Africa, a complex and multifaceted nation, has been a subject of intense debate and exploration from various disciplinary perspectives. Since its establishment, the diverse population within its borders has grappled with the task of forging a collective identity that goes beyond mere geographical boundaries. In the present day, the ongoing struggles for South Africa and the quest to become South African are intricately intertwined with formidable challenges such as transformation, xenophobia, allegations of reverse racism, social justice, economic equity, service delivery, and the resurgence of decolonization struggles within universities. This comprehensive book delves into the genealogy of the idea of South Africa, examining how it has been conceived and interpreted by a diverse range of actors, including the British, Afrikaners, various African nationalist traditions, and new formations such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Black First Land First (BLF), and student movements (Rhodes Must Fall & Fees Must Fall). Throughout its pages, a wide array of themes are explored, including identity formation, modernity, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, autochthony, land, gender, intellectual traditions, the poetics of South Africanness, language, popular culture, truth and reconciliation, and national development planning. In conclusion, this book offers valuable insights into the complexities of South Africa's past, present, and future. It serves as a crucial resource for Africanist researchers across the humanities and social sciences, providing a comprehensive examination of the nation's history, culture, and societal challenges. By challenging the colonial imaginary and advocating for a free and inclusive postcolonial nation-state, this work contributes to our understanding of South Africa and its role in the global landscape.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032134321