The dynamism of political transformation in South Africa - a general assessment
Loading...
Date
2005
Authors
Duvenhage, Andre
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Communication Science, University of the Free State
Abstract
Political transformation, to rectify the injustices of Apartheid, has been elevated to the
only acceptable norm for change in South Africa and critique against transformation is
seen as racism, disloyalty to the state, treason etc. Since 1994 political transformation
became the official framework for political management and political change in South
Africa. Despite many good things that happened in South Africa after 1994 (social
upliftment, economic growth, relative political stability and international recognition),
academics and politicians have voiced their concern about the "unexpected" dynamics
related to the implementation of political transformation. The dynamism of political
transformation as political phenomenon in South Africa can be distinguished from
revolution, transition and development through criteria such as its nature, its rapidity,
its direction and its extent. This article deals with the theoretical and empirical
manifestation of transformation efforts to rid the South African society of its
unacceptable political past. The dynamism of central planning (social and political
engineering) to effect the desired transformation, the managing of the "national
project" and the ensuing conflict, are assessed. This article shows the problems of
political transformation, especially within the context of unsuccessful attempts in terms
of the implementation of the national project.
Description
Keywords
Political transformation, Injustices of Apartheid, Political dynamism, Political change, South African politics
Citation
Duvenage, A. (2005). The dynamism of political transformation in South Africa - a general assessment. Communitas, 10, 1-19.