A brutally honest exposé, After Mandela provides a sobering portrait of a country caught between a democratic future and a political meltdown. Recent works have focused primarily on Nelson Mandela's transcendent story. But Douglas Foster, a leading South Africa authority with early, unprecedented access to President Zuma and to the next generation in the Mandela family, traces the nation's entire post-apartheid arc, from its celebrated beginnings under "Madiba" to Thabo Mbeki's tumultuous rule to the ferocious battle between Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Foster tells this story not only from the point of view of the emerging black elite but also, drawing on hundreds of rare interviews over a six-year period, from the perspectives of ordinary citizens, including an HIV-infected teenager living outside Johannesburg and a homeless orphan in Cape Town. This is the long-awaited, revisionist account of a country whose recent history has been not just neglected but largely ignored by the West.
I had the opportunity to hear Douglas Foster give a particularly fascinating multimedia talk about "After Mandela…", so I'm not entirely sure how well the book's unorthodox structure - part high-level political reportage, part youth ethnography, part part personal reflection -- would hold together without that kind of forewarning.
What Foster does that's remarkable is two-fold: 1) He gets access to Jacob Zuma in a way that to date no one else really has, and 2) he reaches out to a younger generation of political families and gets ten on the record in a way that will certainly be fascinating to look back upon. Arguably the third thing he does that's remarkable is telling stories of ordinary South Africans in conjunction with these other two pieces, and there's certainly an importance to that.
I'd say this one is great for those who have a solid understanding of the modern South African history already and can then really appreciate the nuance and these additional layers that Foster brings into the discussion.
After Mandela: The Struggle for Freedom in Post-Apartheid South Africa explores whether the new South Africa, the so-called “rainbow nation,” has been able to live up to its original dreams of a nonracial, nonsexist, and egalitarian nation.
The degree of enthusiasm with which renowned journalist and academic Prof. Douglas Foster grapples with the question from the grassroots level both enlivens the text and motivates the reader to probe the complexities of such a diverse and complex society.
Prof. Foster seeks to replace the international mood of general angst about South Africa with some hope that the strengths of its leadership and the resilience of its people will outpace potentially growing instability. He believes this will help ensure that it continues to thrive as both a major economic and political role player on the African continent in the 21st century.
Prof. Foster’s viewpoint is extremely well balanced. A journalist with foreign roots and a solid reputation in his profession, he has a salient and insightful perspective relatively untarnished by the degree of propaganda permeating the country’s official media channels, which, in some cases, appear as warped and distorted in their reportage now as they ever were under the preceding apartheid regime.
The sense of immediacy of Prof. Foster’s work makes reading the fluent text riveting. His writing is so clear that even those who know little of the climate and layout of the country, topographically or politically, can quickly master the ebb and flow of this trouble laden yet promising country that has only within the last two decades started to emerge from its turbulent past.
Prof. Foster’s familiarity with the colloquial languages of South Africa allows him to use expressions in a lively and informative way. For example, his introduction to the book, rather musically referred to as the “Overture,” is titled “Baleka Uzohaqwa!” meaning “Escape Before You Are Injured!” He is clearly at ease and confident in his writing, a reflection of many years spent as both an academic and a journalist.
With After Mandela: The Struggle for Freedom in Post-Apartheid South Africa, Prof. Foster aims to offer fresh insights into both the staying power and the weaknesses that characterize the Jacob Zuma government—especially in light of other key leaders also directly responsible for the evolution of the country as a democratic state.
I was introduced to After Mandela book as part of my class; at first I thought it was too long to read and remember all that it was about. As I continued reading I discovered how interesting it became; I absolutely love this book. It covers all the issues that South Africa has struggled with starting from apartheid, HIV/AIDS, economy, education, race, corruption, unemployment and rape; it also covers the restrictions imposed by the ANC government on the media; and Foster did not leave out an important event in Africa. He covers all beginning with the bid then the preparations and finally the aftermath of hosting the first Soccer World Cup in South Africa. I believe that Foster did an impressive job in researching and incorporating such important information in this book. I totally recommend this book to everyone. It is a wonderful writing and a good teaching instrument about South Africa.
Among the more unfortunate aspects of this book is the way that it demonstrates the sad fact that we do not write history, or current events for that matter, as they are, but as we are. Had the author been a better man, or at least a less morally corrupt one, than he happens to be, he could have written a better account. The best thing that can be said for this work is that the author is conscientious about getting things write as far as they relate to other people, and that the author seeks to be somewhat broad in wanting to understand the opportunity and the danger in the period of the 2000's as it related to the history of South Africa. A major disappointed that cannot be blamed on the author is that, at least in the copy of the book I read, the last 30 pages or so of the book were missing because pages 503-534 were simply copied twice, and the remaining pages not included in the binding at all. It is a shame that the printing of this work was not as conscientious and as focused on getting things write as the author professes himself to be.
This book is more than 500 pages long and covers the period from 2004 to 2012. Beginning with a sense of unease at the complexity of contemporary South Africa, the author spends the first seven chapters of the book discussing the optimism that existed in the country in 2004 as Mbeki's presidency is at its midpoint. Here the author introduces the people who will be central to his story and sees them at this point. After that the author discusses the stalled revolution from 2005-2006, discussing the AIDS problems, the political and rape trials of Zuma, and the way that it seemed as if things should have progressed but instead were regressing (II). After that the author examines the pivotal year of 2007 in seven chapters that look at various people in diverse parts of South Africa, showing the divide between cultured urban areas and more traditional rural areas and people who were able to move back and forth and the populist appeal of Zuma that won control over the ANC (III). After that the author discusses the end of magical thinking from 2008-2012, showing Zuma's presidency and the way that life had treated various people in the narrative over the course of a period of unease and hope for a better future and increasing frustration over the way things were and the lack of progress made for ordinary South Africans.
When you strip away the author's unfortunate obsession with issues of AIDS and sexuality and the power politics of the ANC, all of which reflect the author's privileged liberalism and moral decadence and his dislike of moralistic appeals to abstinence and sexual restraint--even if he solemnly paints the negative repercussions of that lack of restraint in the lives of South African president Zuma and many others, what you get is a work that casts some serious doubts on the ability of South Africa to educate its youth and prepare them for a better future. The author gives the sense that the elites, white and black, that are able to utilize their contacts as well as tap into the advantages of their background, are able to find a better place in contemporary South Africa if they want it. The author's prognosis for others is grim, as the affects of sexual trauma and economic exploitation and the lack of education as well as good family models of working and being educated appear to be creating general patterns of failure that are taking place within an atmosphere of rising fear, tension, and violence. If the author seems strangely indifferent to the fate of minority whites, except for those progressives who are a part of the political opposition, he does convey the sense that South Africa is on top of a time bomb and seems to lack the ability to disarm it before generations go to waste.
This is a wonderful and beautifully told story of the history of South Africa in the 2000s. Foster weaves together his own interviews with leaders in the country with conversations with young people. Fascinating read.
**Disclaimer: I am a seasoned, well over the age of your typical student in college, non-typical life-long student. This book was an assigned book for Intercultural Communications class.**
The author, Douglas Foster, does a decent job of reporting the complex problems facing this emerging, post-apartheid, nation: disease; political corruption; government vs private operation; how the media is run and who controls it; education and how/who gets to be educated and the level of education; the scarcity of healthcare for the poor; and bridging cultural differences between city-dwellers and the "tribal" mindset of rural Africa (polygamy, and women’s rights). However, for me, it sometimes was tedious, distracting, lost in a wash of minutiae bogged down in superfluous details. Over and over, I found myself asking, “Is this a memoir; a textbook; a journalistic report; an accounting of South Africa; of post-apartheid, socialism, communism in South Africa; a travelogue; a lecture; an exposé on whom – Mandela, Zuma, Mbeki, or the black population of South Africa, or South African politics; or, how South Africa handled/handles their HIV/AIDS epidemic? What is the real purpose of this massive book? I thought that the book could really have been broken into two books: one on the political aspects of the new nation and how it has managed to continue the hopes and dreams of not only Mandela but the original founders of ANC; and, the infighting of ANC; and another book, a story about the trials and tribulations of several young black Africans, some living with AIDS, as they navigate their places in this new world as free-borns, in a post-apartheid South Africa. Their stories were the most captivating, and even endearing and heart-rending at times. Don’t misunderstand here – what Professor Foster has done is an important body of work contrasting the beauty of a country with lush hills, valleys, mountains, and coastlines with the starkness of poverty within those same landscapes; contrasting the rich whites, the newly-rich black elites and the overwhelming majority of poor, unemployed/under-employed blacks; and, contrasting those who are educated with those who are not; however, Foster writes from a highly emotional perspective revealing some of his own personal struggles when it comes to HIV/AIDS (gay friends who had succumbed to the disease years earlier) in the telling of this story. But, again, it was a struggle for most of it; and, it didn’t start coming together until the last few hundred pages for me.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. In After Mandela, Foster has unprecedented access to important figures in contemporary South Africa history, including current president Jacob Zuma and two of his daughters; Ndaba Mandela, grandson for former president Nelson Mandela; prominent figures in South African news and print media; and community organizers and HIV/AID workers. Foster also tells the stories of several young "informants" who represent blacks and whites, wealthy and poor, from South Africa's post-apartheid generation (born in 1994 or later). The scope and breadth of the book is remarkable, and the book will serve as an excellent primer for those interested in the social and political dynamics of contemporary South Africa.
However, the book's length will also make it inaccessible to all but the most dedicated South Africa enthusiast. At 525 pages, reading Foster's magnum opus feels more like a tedious chore than an entertaining lesson. In wanting to fully tell everyone's story, and in wanting to chronicle every event, interaction, and activity of his 6 years in the country, Foster sells all his "characters" short by writing a book that's just too long and too repetitive to hold the interest of lay readers. Even students in a course on African or South African politics cannot pay attention that long, and casually interested readers of travelogues (those who want to learn more about South Africa but simply don't care about the exhaustive documenting of 5 years of ANC infighting) will get turned off. Foster would have benefited from a stronger editor, who would have eliminated about 150 pages and who would have imposed a tighter structure and thematic framing to the book. The book loses power and steam, and it becomes bogged down in minutiae, and that's an unfortunate outcome for an important story.
This is the first book I’ve read about Nelson Mandela. At first, it was very difficult to understand because of the structure of the book. However, once you’re mid-way through the book, you’ll begin to have a better understanding of the book.
Douglas Foster did a remarkable job telling us the story of a vibrant nation, full of contrasts and contradictions of wealth and poverty, and the diversity. To tell this story, Foster provided documents and narratives of three different groups of people: disadvantaged youth (street kids); political leaders and their family; and civil-society activists. Foster also talked about the epidemic of AIDS/HIV, his views on politics, and the economy. Although the book is very interesting, there were some parts that didn’t interest me. Overall, this book is a must read.
I really enjoyed this book. I had to read it for school, and I went into it expecting it to be a dry and boring history book. However, Mr. Foster does an excellent job of explaining the events of post-apartheid South Africa through the eyes of very real people. These people's stories were beautiful, tragic, uplifting, and heartbreaking, and they bring modern South Africa to life. This is a great read, especially now. Many of the problems experienced in South Africa I feel parallel a lot of the issues we're struggling with today in America, particularly the idea that full liberation isn't just about "freedom," but also includes food, health, and security. I recommend it for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of world history, African history, and other cultures.
This is a well-written work that strives to present the situation in post-apartheid South Africa in a brutally honest manner. Foster does this from various levels, connecting with individuals and weaving their narratives into a tale that encompasses all levels of society in South Africa. From the poorest street kid to the privileged children of political leaders, Foster manages to ingratiate himself with the local populace and present the unique and varied perceptions of the state of South Africa. Coming to a conclusion that symbolizes the spirit of South Africa and progress, this book continuously forces you to stop and reassess your thoughts and opinions. Although I had to read this book as part of an assignment for school, I would definitely recommend this book to others.
A fantastic book that serves as an honest and thorough analysis of modern South Africa and is complemented by beautifully crafted that stunningly describes both the people and the land that makes South Africa both special and at risk. Foster comprehensively describes the social problems that face ZA and delves deeper than the stats, interviewing both political superstars, such as President Jacob Zuma and people like Jonathon Persens, a street child who has struggled to transform his life from that of street crime to one that can take advantage of Black Empowerment laws. A must read for anyone who cares about South Africa or the world on general
The level of insight into South African struggles is unmatched. Foster captures so much reality, it is difficult to put it down once you start. The commentary and dialogue is all based on or quoted from first hand experiences. There is rich description of the landscape, the people, the events. By the time I was done, it was hard to believe that Foster spent so few years in South Africa, and was still able to create such an intense journal. I have certainly changed my entrie perspective of South Africa based on the accounts in this book. Nice to see uncensored journalism about a politically skewed country.
This was the first time I read something apart from fiction and non-fiction. I found this book very interesting. Foster give us a portrait of a vibrant nation, full of contrast and contradictions. Although I will say that for someone like me, who had no idea about African politics and culture, was very fast paced and bit confusing. Foster did mention things about the past but those were very brief and unclear. No doubt Foster showed a great dedication towards the idea he had to show to the world. I must commend his honesty and hard work. He talked about racism, politics, media, poverty, HIV etc so easily that It got hard for me grasp. All in all it was a very interesting book.
After Mandela expanded my thoughts about cultures and ethnicities more than ever before. I’ve recently been battling with my own cultural identity that I’ve failed to recognize other cultures along with their diversity and hardships. Although intercultural communication competence is hard to come by, one thing holds all cultures together by one commonality, which is the struggle to overcome life’s many adversities. Foster’s book has grasped my curiosities about South Africa. I hope that the citizens of the country can one day prosper the way our society has, regardless of their color or culture
Disappointing - the book is written by a journalist (with Mother Jones) - after reading Mandela's excellent autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, I wanted to read about the politics of South Africa in the post-Mandela era (really, to figure out how the excitement and promise of self-rule have resulted in a society of tremendous inequality, sexual violence, etc.) I didn't find the author's approach very interesting or explanatory - vignettes of individuals, so that much information is repeated in a variety of contexts. I abandoned the book half way through. Still looking for a good contemporary South Africa book, if there are any recommendations.
Dr. Foster did an extremely good job or imparting to us in his writing the life of the South African people. He lived with the people for a period of 8 years on and off. He interviewed people from all walks of life, from children living on the streets, to people battling HIV/AID's and political leaders including President Mbeki & President Zuma.
Dr. Foster in his years in the country teaches us about the political atmosphere, the living conditions of the citizens, and the economy of the country. He shows us their struggles and their heartbreak.
I read this while traveling in South Africa for the first time. Getting under the surface of this complicated, often disturbing country helped me enjoy it more and stress less. Following several young people from different strata of South African life (class, economics, racial backgrounds) kept the history and political learning fresh and the stories moving along at a good pace. I recommend this book to anyone interested in South Africa.
Disclaimer: I am one of Professor Foster's former students, but I'm not getting anything out of doing the review. It's entirely sincere. I actually read this book in manuscript form in order to prepare for my own journalism internship in Cape Town, South Africa. This book offers incredible insight on the current state of South Africans, especially the youth. And it showcases Foster's incredible talent as a journalist. It's worth a read for anyone interested in the country.
A very down-to-earth look at Africa in the late noughts. Cleary written, with an easy, narrative style. The author manages to weave interviews, personal experiences, history and statistics into an engaging, informative read. A definite must for anyone with an interest in the state of South Africa. Especially interesting with the background knowledge gained from Naomi Klein's "Shock Doctrine."
Foster provides a solid overview of the social, political, and economic forces that have been at play in South Africa the past fifteen years. He inserts himself into the book a little too often and buys into certain narratives too quickly, but he does an excellent job of using interviews to illuminate and personalize larger societal trends.
I just wanted to thank you for doing the giveaway and that I am very happy and excited that I won this book. As soon as I receive and read the book I will be more then happy to write a book for you. Thank you again.
This was a bit too in-depth for me. I need more of a beginners book. But if you already know a lot about S. African politics you will love this book. Maybe I'll try and read the whole thing another time.
A naked telling of politics in South Africa that probably doesn't tell much different than any political story of any country. Foster tells the human saga of concern, corruption, and self interest that we see in all acts of humanity.
This book is a thoughtful analysis of the situation in South Africa and the next generations (bleak) prospects for success in the Rainbow Nation. After Mandela is well written, but there is still some work to be done in the readability department.
Finally finished the book while on holiday. I am researching youth unemployment in Gauteng province and this book gave insight through various characters.