Details

The rise of the black middle class is one of the most striking

developments in post-apartheid South Africa. Yet while this new class has

been a major actor in the reshaping of the country, public attention,

especially in the media, has largely focused upon the image of 'black

diamonds' - black consumers - and 'tenderpreneurs' who use their political

connections to obtain lucrative contracts. This book provides a much-needed

corrective that considers the black middle class as a key actor in the

development of South African society. It recounts the history of the class

prior to 1994, examines its size, shape and structure, explores the role of

the ANC and education in promoting black upward social mobility, and reviews

the challenges faced by the black middle class at work and in society more

generally. It concludes with an analysis of the ambiguous role played by the

black middle class in the shaping of a democratic society.

THE AUTHOR: Roger Southall is Professor Emeritus in Sociology, University

of the Witwatersrand. A very prolific author, and former editor of the

"Journal of Contemporary African Studies," of the "South Africa: The State

of the Nation" series and "The New South African Review," his previous books

include "South Africa's Transkei: The Political Economy of an 'Independent'

Bantustan" (1983), " Labour and Unions in Asia And Africa: Contemporary

Issues" (1988), " Trade Unions and the New Industrialization of the Third

World" (1988), "Imperialism or Solidarity? International Labour and South

African Trade Unions" (1995), "An African Peace Process: Mandela, South

Africa and Burundi" (with Kristina Bentley, 2005), "Legacies of Power:

Leadership Change and Former Presidents in African Politics" (with Henning

Melber, 2006), "A New Scramble for Africa?: Imperialism, Investment and

Development" (with Henning Melber, 2009), "Kenya's Uncertain Democracy: The

Electoral Crisis of 2008" (with Peter Kagwanja , 2009), " Zunami!: The 2009

South African Elections" (with John Daniel, 2010), and "Liberation

Movements in Power: Party and State in Southern Africa" (2013).

LIMITED COMPLIMENTARY COPIES OF THE BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT.

Launch will be followed by drinks and snacks.

ALL WELCOME!!