A History of Inequality in South Africa 1652-2002 by Sampie Terreblanche [New]

ISBN: 9781869140229 / 1869140222 - A History of Inequality in South Africa: 1652-2002 by Sampie Terreblanche. Published by UKZN Press, 2002. New. 544 pp.

In this major study, Prof. Sampie Terreblanche, a leading Afrikaner academic, provides a systematic account of inequality in South Africa from 1652 to the present day.

In a detailed reinterpretation of South African history, he traces the exploitation of indigenous people by dominant settler groups from the advent of European colonialism to the end of apartheid in 1994. Extending his theme to contemporary South Africa, he argues that, while this country’s transition to democracy is a significant development, a parallel socio-economic transformation has not yet taken place, and that many of the deep-seated inequalities that developed under colonialism, segregation and apartheid are being perpetuated in the ‘new South Africa’.

The author points out that almost half of the South African population - mostly blacks - are living in ‘abject poverty’, and their situation has in fact worsened since 1994. He sharply criticises the ANC government for abandoning its redistributive ideals, and allowing itself to be manoeuvred into a situation where it has relinquished much of its sovereign power to make decisions about socio-economic policy. He criticises the corporate sector, for its ruthless pursuit of its own interests, to the detriment of broader South African society. He also criticises the new black elite, for its crass materialism and its apparent indifference to the plight of the poor.

The author warns that the present order is unjust and unsustainable, and that a ‘second struggle’ may result if it is perpetuated. He advocates a shift towards social democracy that will allow the state to play a more active role in creating jobs, alleviating poverty, and providing social welfare.

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