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A history of inequality in South Africa 1652-2002

A history of inequality in South Africa 1652-2002

by Sampie Terreblanche
Paperback
Publication Date: 31/07/2003

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This work is an anlaysis of economic relations in South Africa. It analyses the work of numerous historians on inequality and exploitation in South Africa around a single theme: the systematic and progressive economic exploitation of indigenous people by settler groups. Second, the author argues that, despite South Africa's transition to democracy, its society is as unequal - if not more so - than before. He claims that in the early 1990s, parallel to the constitutional negotations, a series of informal negotations and interchanges took place behind the scenes during which the local corporate sector, backed by powerful international financial institutions, made a concerted effort to ""sell"" unfettered capitalism to ANC leaders. This attempt succeeded, resulting in the ANC replacing the RDP with GEAR. The situation of the vast majority of blacks has in fact worsened since the transition to democracy. For this reason, he considers that South Africa's transformation is incomplete. Sampie Terreblanche criticizes the corporate sector for its ruthless pursuit and protection of its own interests, to the detriment of broader South African society. He also criticizes the ""new black elite"" for its materialism and apparent indifference to the plight of the poor. In a final chapter, he argues that the current system of ""neo-liberal democratic capitalism"" is inappropriate to a developing country such as South Africa. He calls for a policy shift towards social democracy in which the state should play a more active role in alleviating poverty, redistributing wealth, and attending to social welfare.
ISBN:
9781869140229
9781869140229
Category:
Regional studies
Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
31-07-2003
Publisher:
University of KwaZulu-Natal Press
Country of origin:
South Africa
Pages:
544
Dimensions (mm):
230x150x30mm
Weight:
785kg

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