UNDERSTANDING SOUTH AFRICA

316pp., paperback, First SA Edition, Johannesburg, (2019) 2020

First published in the UK in 2019.

"This wide-ranging, topical introduction to contemporary South Africa, by two senior journalists, provides shrewd and lucid political analysis for those wishing to acquaint themselves with the country’s manifold complexities, as well as a sound reading of South African history. Recommended." Saul Dubow, Smuts Professor of Commonwealth History, University of Cambridge

"A timely book offering a window into the soul of South Africa through examining the historical, socio-political and economic issues that have shaped and continue to mould the country. Highly recommended for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa." Ndangwa Noyoo, Associate Professor and Head of the Social Development Department, University of Cape Town

Includes chapters on the ANC, corruption, the economy, land and agriculture, education, justice and the law, civil society, violence, Cyril Ramaphosa and the 2019 election.

South African journalist Carien du Plessis writes for The Huffington Post, The Mail & Guardian, and City Press.
Martin Plaut, an adviser to the Foreign Office and the US State Department, has published extensively on African affairs. Former Africa Editor for the BBC World Service, he is currently Senior Researcher at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies.