Contemporary South Africa - Paperback

by Anthony Butler (Author)

This highly-regarded text provides a wide-ranging introduction to the social, political, cultural and economic life of South Africa. Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition takes account of recent key developments, including the impact of the economic crisis, the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic, and increasing tensions within South Africa's politics and government.

Back Jacket

South Africa has undergone tumultuous change since the fall of apartheid. After more than two decades of democratic government, the country faces a variety of serious challenges: the economy has stagnated since the onset of global economic uncertainty; unemployment, crime and HIV/AIDS threaten to undermine social cohesion; the governing African National Congress is wracked by internal crises; and racial division continues to plague national social life.

This accessible, lively and readable book looks behind the headlines to provide a broad-ranging and thought-provoking introduction to South Africa in the twenty-first century. Set in the context of South Africa's history and character as a troubled 'rainbow nation', it illuminates the country's social, political, cultural and economic life and its changing role in the world. Now in its third edition, it has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of recent key developments, including the impact of t

Anthony Butler is Professor of Political Studies at the University of Cape Town.

Author Biography

ANTHONY BUTLER is Professor of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He is a former fellow of Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge and a past Director of the Politics and Administration programme at Birkbeck College, University of London.
ANTHONY BUTLER is Professor of Political Studies, University of Cape Town, South Africa. He is a former fellow of Emmanuel College at the University of Cambridge and a past Director of the Politics and Administration programme at Birkbeck College, University of London.