Description
Delve into the intricate history of economic inequality in South Africa with "History of Inequality in South Africa 1652-2002" by Sampie Terreblanche. This comprehensive analysis spans over three centuries, focusing on how indigenous populations have been systematically exploited by settler groups. Terreblanche critiques the post-apartheid economic landscape, arguing that the transition to democracy has not led to the promised improvements for the majority of black South Africans; instead, inequality has persisted or even worsened. The book reveals the behind-the-scenes negotiations between the ANC and the corporate sector, leading to a shift from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to GEAR, which favored capitalist interests over social equity. With 527 pages of in-depth research, Terreblanche's work provides a compelling case for a shift towards social democracy that prioritizes poverty alleviation and wealth redistribution. Perfect for historians, political scientists, and anyone interested in South Africa's socio-economic dynamics, this thought-provoking text calls for a reevaluation of the current "neo-liberal democratic capitalism" model in the context of developing nations. Grab your copy and explore the critical issues that continue to shape South African society.
This work is an anlaysis of economic relations in South Africa. It analyses the work of numerous historians on inequality and exploitation in South Africa around a single theme: the systematic and progressive economic exploitation of indigenous people by settler groups. Second, the author argues that, despite South Africa's transition to democracy, its society is as unequal - if not more so - than before. He claims that in the early 1990s, parallel to the constitutional negotations, a series of informal negotations and interchanges took place behind the scenes during which the local corporate sector, backed by powerful international financial institutions, made a concerted effort to "sell" unfettered capitalism to ANC leaders. This attempt succeeded, resulting in the ANC replacing the RDP with GEAR. The situation of the vast majority of blacks has in fact worsened since the transition to democracy. For this reason, he considers that South Africa's transformation is incomplete. Sampie Terreblanche criticizes the corporate sector for its ruthless pursuit and protection of its own interests, to the detriment of broader South African society. He also criticizes the "new black elite" for its materialism and apparent indifference to the plight of the poor. In a final chapter, he argues that the current system of "neo-liberal democratic capitalism" is inappropriate to a developing country such as South Africa. He calls for a policy shift towards social democracy in which the state should play a more active role in alleviating poverty, redistributing wealth, and attending to social welfare.
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