The Mind Of South Africa

by Allister Sparks

A historical overview of racial conflict in South Africa traces the history of the Black African tribes, the colonial invasion of the Dutch and English, the impact of the discovery of gold and diamonds, and the evaluation of apartheid

Genres: South Africa, Africa, History, Nonfiction, Politics

424 pages, Hardcover

First published April 21, 1990

About the author

Allister Haddon Sparks was a South African writer, journalist and political commentator. He was the editor of The Rand Daily Mail when it broke Muldergate, the story of how the apartheid government secretly funded information projects.

Sparks later wrote a number of critically-acclaimed books on South Africa's transition from apartheid, including Tomorrow is Another Country (1996), The Mind of South Africa (1991) and more recently Beyond the Miracle: Inside the New South Africa (University of Chicago Press 2006). Sparks founded the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in South Africa and was its executive director from 1992 to 1997.

Reviews

[Sam Rennick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some years ago, I had the privilege to travel with a group to South Africa. We were given a reading list prior to the trip. I chose Allister Sparks' "The Mind of South Africa." It's a big book for a big subject, and I doubt anybody has written a better, one-volume account of a country than this one. South Africa's history, if you date if from the time the Dutch landed at the Cape of Good Hope in 1652, is unbelievably tormented. This is a nation with multiple ethnic groups, and nobody's been spared. Mahatma Gandhi, as a young lawyer, arrived at Durban on the Indian Ocean, and boarding a train, he was promptly told he'd be travelling in the third class coaches. The Afrikaners, who were the farmers, embarked upon the grueling Great Trek to escape persecution. Later, they found themselves fighting the English in what has come to be known as the Boer War, 1899-1902. The English prevailed, but their victory was a Pyrrhic one. The Afrikaners imposed the brutal, apartheid regime from 1948 until 1990. I particularly remember, while visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the formidable military vehicle the Afrikaners employed against the Blacks. This was a vehicle of war, nothing less, being used against a hopelessly overmatched populace. There was the Soweto exhibit, in which the photograph of a Black man carrying a child who has been shot and killed, is displayed. His expression is profoundly moving, as is that of the woman beside him. I have never forgotten them. (You can't.) We also toured the prison off the coast at Cape Town, in which Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Here was a leader who, upon release, uttered not a word of revenge, rather, forgave his enemies. When I returned home, I got my hands on "Cry, the Beloved Country." I read Alan Paton's two other novels, as well, and one by J.M. Coetzee, the title of which I regrettably can't recall at this moment. It's puzzling, though, how the years from 1652 until 1948 are often overlooked. This would be like teaching American history not from 1620, when the Pilgrims reached Plymouth Rock, but starting 296 years later, in 1916. Well, in any case, Allister Sparks doesn't miss a thing. Five stars.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of history of S. Africa from before colonization to after the TRC. Allister is an ex-journalist so this book is readable! Great perspective on what led to apartheid and what has happened since.

[Marni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating history of South Africa. Maybe most fascinating, is that it was written in 1990. South Africa was on the cusp of a historic boiling point, and Sparks writes from inside the pot.

[Malavika · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most meticulously researched and well written books I have ever read. Thought provoking and an absolute must-read for all interested in the recent history of South Africa.

[Melhim Bou Alwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly rich and extremely well researched work. The historical value of this book is immense and it offers deep insights into South Africa’s past and present.

[Dingaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book details the rough history of south Africa. if you need to understand the mindset of an oppressor, this is a book to read. it is well written...

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical exploration of the development of apartheid.

[Eric Oelschlager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent picture of South Africa from the first Dutch settlers to the end of apartheid.

[Connor Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly well-researched, considered, and engaging analysis of the origins and downfall of the apartheid regime.

[Wouter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelden een boek gelezen dat zo'n goed inzicht geeft in de geschiedenis en cultuur van een land. Fantastisch geschreven vol waardevolle lessen en inzichten.

[Wilhelm Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good, informative and helpful read - and interesting not only because it was still written before the peaceful transition to democracy came about in South Africa. Allister Sparks has written an insightful and powerful expose on our long history. I like his admission on his wrong evaluation on F.W.de Klerk, who surprise friends and foes with his "leap of faith" in 1990 at the "blockbuster speech opening Parliament on February 2".

[X · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in bits and parts through several years.

Having been to SA and bought this book from there, and kept going back there for few years, it made it nice to read about it's history.

A bit too scholarly written than I usually fancy, but it was informative nevertheless.

If I hadn't been to SA would not be very sure if I would have picked it from a library, bit dull.

[Siggeir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Er sirka hálfnaður með þessa. Komst fyrst í tæri við hana þegar ég skrifaði ritgerð um aðskilnaðarstefnuna vorið 2007 í heimssögu e. 1815. Mæli með þessari bók fyrir alla sem hafa áhuga á sögu Suður-Afríku, og í raun fyrir alla sem hafa áhuga á mannlegu eðli.

[Esmeralda Plangesis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Mind of South Africa explores "the story of the rise & fall of Apartheid". Suggested reading for anyone researching the History of South Africa...

[Ann Hardman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend if you want to understand South Africa. Ends around 1990, but still relevant.

[Stephen Darori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important book for understanding how apartheid could have happened.

[Mike Smit]

great read. to think i was mostly oblivious to what was going on during my high school years.