To the Brink : the state of democracy in South Africa / Xolela Mangcu.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Mangcu, Xolela, 1966-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Democracy--South Africa.

Democracy.

South Africa.

South Africa--Politics and government--1994-.

Politics and government.

Physical Description:

xv, 208 pages ; 22 cm

Other Title:

State of democracy in South Africa

Place of Publication:

Scotsville, South Africa : University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, 2008.

Summary:

Xolela Mangcu is well known for the incisive social commentary that characterises his regular newspaper columns. In To the Brink Mangcu turns his focus to the state of South Africa's evolving democracy. From policy controversies surrounding HIV/AIDS, Zimbabwe, corruption and the constant labelling of black critics as 'foot lickers' of the white man, no relevant issues escape his analysis of the racial insider/outsider dynamic that has evolved under Thabo Mbeki's rule.

Drawing on the intellectual history of the Eastern Cape as well as his own life experiences, Mangcu contrasts damaging racial exclusivity with the adaptation, renewal and tolerance that has characterised the best traditions of South Africa's liberation movements. He discusses how black and white people could build a joint culture and, finally, examines the ANC's election of Jacob Zuma as president and its implications for the future of democracy in South Africa.

Contents:

Introduction: The Argument in Brief 1

Chapter 1 Bearing Witness: Political and Personal Heritage 7

Chapter 2 The Enemy Within: Mbeki's Assault on Black Intellectuals 33

Chapter 3 The Unkindest Cut of All: How HIV/AIDS Became Mbeki's Achilles Heel 49

Chapter 4 Liberation Handcuffs: Zimbabwe and the Zanufication of South African Politics 65

Chapter 5 The Chickens Come Home to Roost: Corruption Undermines Democracy 83

Chapter 6 Nationalism of a Different Kind: White Denial and Barriers to Non-Racialism 101

Chapter 7 In Search of Goodness: Rebuilding State-Society Relations 117

Chapter 8 The Lone Warrior: Limits to Mbeki's Leadership Model 131

Chapter 9 Will he Pull us back or Push us over the Brink?: Jacob Zuma and the Prospects for Democracy 153

Epilogue: Open Letter to Nelson Mandela 183.

Notes:

Includes index.

Bibliography: pages 197-200.

ISBN:

9781869141370

1869141377

OCLC:

178197334