Published by Penguin Random House South Africa, 2008, hardcover, illustrates, index, 364 pages, previous owner's name to title page, otherwise condition: as new.
In 2006, almost a hundred years after the founding of the National Party, the unthinkable happened: the once mighty party of apartheid collapsed into the African National Congress, its sworn enemy for almost a century. While a string of blunders saw party support plummeting, such a humiliating end was wholly unexpected. Is it true that the NPs leaders had betrayed their supporters? What role did the NP play during the negotiations to ensure increased wealth among the black and white South African elite? And is greater material welfare enough to keep Afrikaners satisfied, or are we seeing a resurgence of Afrikaner nationalism in the De la Rey phenomenon? These and other issues are addressed in White Power & the Rise and Fall of the National Party.
Vast in scope and details, this book provides an overview of South African politics and society from 1900 to the present, with particular focus on the last 15 years. It covers contemporary debates on apartheid abuses, the leaders betrayal, collaboration with the ANC and the De la Rey phenomenon. It will be of interest to all readers wanting to understand current politics, whether they supported or opposed the NP.
CHRISTI VAN DER WESTHUIZEN has a masters degree in South African Politics and Political Economy. She started her career at Vrye Weekblad, was a political correspondent for Beeld and deputy editorial page editor at ThisDay. She is currently an editor with Inter Press Service and is honorary research fellow with the School of Politics, University of KwaZulu-Natal. She received the Mondi award for her political columns and the Sam Mabe Sunday Times Award for environmental reporting.
