A list of interesting books concerning Southern Africa
The End of a Regime? An AnthologyScottish South African Writing against Apartheid edited by Brian Filling and Susan Stewart.
Foreward by Emeka Anyaoku, Commonwealth Secretary-General
Aberdeen University Press 1991
ISBN 0 08 040928 8
This is a collection of essays published by our predecessor organisation, the Scottish Anti-Apartheid Committee. It was published in the years between the unbanning of the ANC in 1990 and the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994.
The essays range from David Livingstone's magnificent denunciation of the treatment of the African peoples by the Afrikaners, through Robert Louis Stevenson's support for the independence of the Boer Republics, to Hugh McDiarmid on South African poetry and Brian Filling's account of Nelson Mandela being given the freedom of Scotland's cities. From the South African side, there are poems by Mongane Serote, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Govan Mbeki's essay on culture in the struggle for the new South Africa.
Mandela, Nelson
Long walk to Freedom
Little Brown 1994 ISBN 0 316 90965 3
This is Nelson Mandela's own account of his life. It is essential reading for anyone who has any interest in not just the politics of South Africa, but of the world.
Sampson, Anthony
Mandela : the Authorised Biography.
HarperCollins. May 1999.
ISBN 0002558297
24.99ukp
A biography of Nelson Mandela by the editor of "Drum" magazine, respected anti-apartheid campaigner, journalist and historian. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the freedom struggle in South Africa, and the pivotal role played by Nelson Mandela.
Naidoo, Beverley
Journey to Jo'burg ; A South African Story.
Collins Modern Classics. Sept. 1999
ISBN 0006754554
4.99ukp
A re-issue of the classic anti-apartheid children's story showing the love, commitment and flowering of the human spirit despite the apartheid state.
Klerk, F. W. de
The Last Trek - a New Beginning.
Macmillan. Jan 1999.
ISBN 0333732642
20.00ukp
If this man's reputation needs destroying, this is the book to do it. De Klerk emerges as petulant, petty, unrepentant about apartheid, except that it didn't work, and envious of the reputation of Nelson Mandela. All in all, a portrait that is quite unpleasant, and this is supposed to be an apologia.
Krog, Antjie
Country of My Skull.
Jonathan Cape. 1999
ISBN 022405936x
16.99ukp
A meditation by the Afrikaner poet and broadcaster on her experience of reporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This is a searing account of the atrocity that was apartheid, full of grief and sorrow. Anyone who wishes to understand the new South Africa must read this book.
Tutu, Desmond
No future without forgiveness : A personal overview of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Rider. Sept 1999
ISBN : 0712670130
14.99ukp
The sub-title says it all.
Bond, Patrick
Elite transition : Globalisation and the rise of economic fundamentalism in S. Africa.
Pluto Press. Feb 1999
ISBN : 0745310230
Patrick Bond was one of the researchers for the ANC's Macro-Economic Research Group (MERG) in 1993. Whatever he writes is challenging and needs to be given proper consideration.
Bizos, George
No One to Blame? Personal Account of Inquests into Some Deaths in Detention under Apartheid.
David Philip. 1998
ISBN : 0864863195
George Bizos was one of the most courageous lawyers who challenged apartheid through the courts. This will be without doubt an important contribution to the history of the struggle against apartheid.
Middleton, Jean
Convictions : A woman political prisoner remembers.
Ravan Press. 1998
ISBN : 0869754742
The autobiography of a fearless campaigner against apartheid.
Hamber, Brandon and Steve Kibble
From Truth to Transformation : The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
CIIR. Dec 1999
ISBN : 1852872179
2.00ukp
An account of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Workers, War and the Origins of Apartheid : Labour and Politics in South Africa, 1939-48.
James Currey. Nov 1999.
ISBN : 0852557663
40.00ukp
An examination of the South African trade union movement both during and immediately after the Second World War.
Denniston, Robin
Trevor Huddleston : a life
Macmillan. 20ukp 1999
ISBN : 0333780213
The first biography of Trevor Huddleston to appear since his death last year. Robin Denniston is an Anglican priest and a member of the Fraternity of the Resurrection, of which Trevor Huddleston was a distinguished member.
Unfortunately the book has some inaccuracies which detract from its value. For instance, it says on page 180 that Oliver Tambo addressed the rally in Hyde Park on July 18th 1988, the seventieth birthday of Nelson Mandela. The rally took place on Sunday 17th July and it was supposed to have been addressed by Oliver Tambo. Unfortunately, he was delayed for reasons that I cannot remember, and his speech was read by Mendi Msimang, the ANC Chief Representative to the UK and Ireland. Oliver Tambo spoke at the reception for the Nelson Mandela Freedom Marchers held at the Commonwealth Institute on Monday 18th July. He greeted and thanked each of the marchers personally.
Despite the inaccuracies, this is a loving portrait of a great man. The definitive biography, however, still has to be written.
Bunting, Brian
Moses Kotane : South African Revolutionary.
Mayibuye Books. Sept 1999
ISBN : 1868083799
38.95ukp
A biography of the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party by one of his comrades, and someone who knew him very well.
Alexander, Peter
Workers, War and the Origins of Apartheid : Labour and Politics in South Africa, 1939-48.
James Currey. Nov 1999.
ISBN : 0852557663
340.00ukp
An examination of the South African trade union movement both during and immediately after the Second World War.