Book presentation
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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!!