A clear and detailed, up-to-date examination of South African government and politics.
"In a lively, clear, and encyclopedic narrative, Lodge (Witwatersrand Univ., Johannesburg) describes and analyzes just about every major theme in the contemporary politics of South Africa. For a relatively short book (expanding an even shorter 1999 version), the range is astounding: from policy issues—economic development, anticorruption measures, local government, and land reforms—through governance, regional and municipal, to matters of who governs—via parties and civic movements and, of course, leadership. The essays addressing the last-named topic compare the country's secular saint, Mandela, with the current technocratic President Mbeki. Lodge is supportive but skeptical of democracy's development to date, with patrimonialims, corruption, and airy official rhetoric still to be dealt with. Of particular value is his chapter review of the practices and consequences of the famous Truth and Reconciliation Commission, expatiating the thought that comparative international experience suggests that the South African TRC embodied a more ambitious form of official acknowledgement of wrongdoing than has been attempted elsewhere. With all that, the TRC has made a major contribution to legitimating the present government and established an international standard for accountability. Copious notes, bibliography, and comprehensive index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." —H. Glickman, emeritus, Haverford College , 2003oct CHOICE
"A must read for anyone interested in the last ten years of South African politics. Lodge offers a comprehensive analysis that contains illustrative examples, a complete bibliography, and an analysis of important conceptual issues such as democratic consolidation, civil society, and political legitimacy.—H—Net Reviews," —South Africa, June 2003
With its focus on the presidencies of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, Politics in South Africa presents a critical balance sheet of the achievements and shortcomings of South Africa’s new democractic governments. Tom Lodge, one of South Africa’s most notable political commentators, sifts though media sources, reports, polls, and surveys to provide readers with an extensive record of contemporary history and politics in South Africa. Lodge examines the government’s successes and failures with instituting land reform, integrating local governments into national politics, countering corruption, and bringing democracy and civic culture to a nation facing significant challenges. Important material on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the 2000 municipal elections, the leadership capability of the ANC, and South Africa’s international and regional roles is included. Politics in South Africa provides a detailed and authoritative guide to South Africa’s complex political landscape.
Tom Lodge is Professor in the Department of Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. A noted commentator on contemporary politics in Africa and South Africa, he is the author of many books, including Black Politics in South Africa since 1945.
Distribution: Sales territory is limited to North America
Publication date: 10/14/2009
