Search results for ""Author Xolela Mangcu""

A look at the mass forces that swept Jacob Zuma to power in 2009—and put an end to the elite politics of the Thabo Mbeki era—this trenchant and provocative study defines the new configuration of power in South Africa. Illuminating such topics as the new black elite, the role of Julius Malema, the cartoons of Zapiro, and the fortunes of COPE, the discussion stimulates ideas, provokes discussion, creates controversy, and helps to define a new democracy.

Read more less

Why does it matter that nations should care for their archives, and that they should develop a sense of shared identity? And why should these processes take place in the public domain? How can nations possibly speak about a shared sense of identity in pluralistic societies where individuals and groups have multiple identities? And how can such conversations be given relevance in public discussions of reconciliation and development in South Africa? These are the issues that the Public Conversations lecture series - an initiative of the Constitution of Public Intellectual Life Project at Wits University - proceeded from in 2006. Five years later, cross currents in contemporary South Africa have made the resumption of a public debate to clarify the meanings of identity and citizenship even more imperative, and an understanding of 'archive' even more urgent. The 2006 lectures were subsequently collected, resulting in this volume which takes its title from Weber's point, elaborated on in the chapter by Benedict Anderson that the future asks us to be worthy ancestors to the yet unborn. The title, as did the lecture series, aims to reach a broad and informed reading public because the topic is still of pressing interest in contemporary public discourse. In a changed (and, some might say, degraded) environment of public dialogue, the editor hopes to inspire a re-thinking of the very essence of what it means to be a citizen of South Africa. Becoming worthy ancestors aims to make accessible the theoretically informed, sometimes highly academic work of its various contributors. With chapters from high profile international and local contributors, it will be of interest to South African and international audiences. Editing for publication has further enhanced the accessibility of each speaker's thinking without forfeiting any of its complexity, and the addition of an introductory chapter by the editor contributes to the coherence of the volume. While the target audience is the broad public, the book is based on a core of academic thinking and research.

Read more less

This book explores how political democracy, economic mobility (and lack thereof), cultural and demographic shifts have affected the making of racial identities in South Africa over the past two decades of freedom. To what extent do South Africans hold on to inherited racial identities; are they embracing newer identities; do they move back and forth without making clear-cut choices about one racial identity or the other? The binary division between colour consciousness and colour blindness does not capture the contradictions of multiple belonging and association that a freer society brings about. The contributors in this volume discuss how identity shifts or lack thereof play themselves out in institutions of government, the economy, civil society; and the extent to which public policy has facilitated or impeded the emergence of a more integrated, equitable society.

Read more less

From high profile figures such as Cyril Ramaphosa, Albie Sachs, and Wendy Luhabe to analysts such as Wendy Lucas-Bull, Vuyo Jack, and Itumeleng Mahabane; to practitioners such as Lot Ndlovu, Eric Mafuna, Nolitha Fakude, this title brings together leading South African analysts and practitioners in the most comprehensive analysis of black economic empowerment (BEE) to date. The volume situates black economic empowerment within the longer trajectory of black business history; critically analyses the constitutional and political imperatives for empowerment; and provides policy recommendations for legislative and regulatory clarity. Visions of Black economic empowerment achieves what the debates on empowerment have thus far failed to do, which is to examine the sociological foundations of BEE. Its appeal, however, goes beyond technical discussions of BEE to an examination of the political ecomony of BEE, and the raging debates about capital concentration in a land still characterised by mass poverty and inequality. Read the views of the leading contenders in this debate - from Blade Mzimande of the South African Communist Party to fellow African National Congress heavyweight, Saki Macozoma - and examine potential policy innovations to bridge this divide. Essential for the academic and research community, business practitioners and analysts, and for a public that is hungry for the analytical tools to evaluate the most talked about economic policy of the post-apartheid transition. This rich collection of essays reflect the broad analytical range of tis editors - former cabinet minister and former Reserve Bank Deputy Governor; Professor Gill Marcus has been selected by the Absa Board to be the new chair of Absa Group LImited and Absa Bank Limited, business analysts Khehla Shubane, political commentator and scholar Xolela Mangcu, and former poltical editor and researher, Adrian Hadland.

Read more less