Knowledge in the Blood: Confronting Race and the Apartheid Past

by Jonathan Jansen

This book tells the story of white South African students―how they remember and enact an Apartheid past they were never part of. How is it that young Afrikaners, born at the time of Mandela's release from prison, hold firm views about a past they never lived, rigid ideas about black people, and fatalistic thoughts about the future? Jonathan Jansen, the first black dean of education at the historically white University of Pretoria, was dogged by this question during his tenure, and Knowledge in the Blood seeks to answer it. Jansen offers an intimate look at the effects of social and political change after Apartheid as white students first experience learning and living alongside black students. He reveals the novel role pedagogical interventions played in confronting the past, as well as critical theory's limits in dealing with conflict in a world where formerly clear-cut notions of victims and perpetrators are blurred. While Jansen originally set out simply to convey a story of how white students changed under the leadership of a diverse group of senior academics, Knowledge in the Blood ultimately became an unexpected account of how these students in turn changed him. The impact of this book's unique, wide-ranging insights in dealing with racial and ethnic divisions will be felt far beyond the borders of South Africa.

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

358 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

Professor Jonathan Jansen is the Vice Chancellor of the University of the Free State, South Africa, where he has earned a formidable reputation for transformation and for a deep commitment to reconciliation in communities living with the heritage of apartheid. He is an educationalist, a former Dean of Education at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, who holds an impressive collection of degrees and awards, including the position as President of the South African Institute of Race Relations. He was born in the Western Cape, South Africa, and has lived in various parts of South Africa and in the United States. He is married with two children.

Reviews

[Kerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ready to only give this 4 stars and then I got to chapter 9. This felt like one of the most honest and vulnerable explanations of a path forward in a society riddled with deeply ingrained -isms. It's not the most accessible book, but it is well worth the work as Jansen thoughtfully and artfully examines roots, symptoms and treatments for racial divides. I feel like my country could use a strong dose of his wisdom right about now. A resonant and refreshing read.

[Christa Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling journey / art of sense making not only as the writer but also for me as the reader.

[Megan Doney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prof Jansen is an administrator at the uni where I'm currently researching and writing, and this book recalls his days at integrating the all-white, virtually all-Afrikaner University of Pretoria. It is a fascinating look at histories and stories, what people cling to in their myths about who they are and where they come from, and why. It's given me a lot to think about with regard to both South Africa and the U.S. Highly recommended if you'd like to learn more about higher ed here in SA.

[Kimi]

I love this writer.

[Hugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Rieta Ganas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for every South African - we need to be responsible with the knowledge we pass on because we shape the thoughts, beliefs and actions of the next generation.