A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA, from the earliest times to the Mandela Presidency

360pp., illus., maps, paperback, Johannesburg, 2021

An introduction to South African history for the general reader, divided into two sections. Part A is a narrative history. Part B focuses on nine themes: the economy, the bantustans, the history of schooling, poverty and inequality, life under apartheid, women's struggles, the trade union movement, South Africa's successive constitutions, and the international solidarity movement against apartheid.

"This is valuable and comprehensive history of South Africa. It is an accessible resource for scholars, teachers and activists alike, and is a must-read for a new generation of South Africans who need to be reminded of our rich tradition of struggle." Luli Callinicos, historian and author of Gold and workers and Oliver Tambo: beyond the Engeli mountains

"Many South African adults and youth today ... find themselves with a very superficial knowledge of the country's history or awareness that its interpretation and meaning are up for debate. This book plays an important role in developing that awareness." from the foreword by Kgalema Motlanthe, Former President of South Africa

John Pampallis is special advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and a former Director of the Centre for Education Policy Development, Evaluation and Management. He has taught in South Africa, Botswana, Canada and Tanzania. He is the author of Foundations of the New South Africa.

Maryke Bailey is a history teacher with experience in teacher training and in developing history resources.