The Other Side of History
An anecdotal reflection on political transition in South Africa
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
| Author: | Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert | ISBN: | 9781868426614 |
| Publisher: | Jonathan Ball Publishers | Publication: | November 14, 2014 |
| Imprint: | Jonathan Ball | Language: | English |
| Author: | Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert |
| ISBN: | 9781868426614 |
| Publisher: | Jonathan Ball Publishers |
| Publication: | November 14, 2014 |
| Imprint: | Jonathan Ball |
| Language: | English |
One thing the 'old' and 'new' South Africa have in common is a passion for inventing history. History is not seen as a dispassionate inquiry into what happened, but rather as part of political mobilisation promoting some form of collective self-interest. Not for one second do I pretend to know the 'whole' or 'real' story of what happened in the old South Africa, or what is happening in the 'new'. I know that significant parts of what has been, or is being invented, are not the way I experienced them. This is a personal reflection on a fascinating period in my life which coincided with fundamental shifts in the political life of South Africa. I was fortunate to be in a position where I knew and had access to persons of influence across the political spectrum. This is my account of their interaction with each other and mine with them. - Frederick van Zyl Slabbert
One thing the 'old' and 'new' South Africa have in common is a passion for inventing history. History is not seen as a dispassionate inquiry into what happened, but rather as part of political mobilisation promoting some form of collective self-interest. Not for one second do I pretend to know the 'whole' or 'real' story of what happened in the old South Africa, or what is happening in the 'new'. I know that significant parts of what has been, or is being invented, are not the way I experienced them. This is a personal reflection on a fascinating period in my life which coincided with fundamental shifts in the political life of South Africa. I was fortunate to be in a position where I knew and had access to persons of influence across the political spectrum. This is my account of their interaction with each other and mine with them. - Frederick van Zyl Slabbert
