About the author
Glenn Moss was a student leader at Wits University in the 1970s. Detained and charged under security legislation
in the mid-1970s, he was acquitted after a year-long trial. He went on to edit Work In Progress and the South African Review, head Ravan Press, and then work as a consultant to South Africa’s first post-apartheid government.
Glenn Moss was a student leader at Wits University in the 1970s. Detained and charged under security legislation
in the mid-1970s, he was acquitted after a year-long trial. He went on to edit Work In Progress and the South African Review, head Ravan Press, and then work as a consultant to South Africa’s first post-apartheid government.
By the end of the 1960s, opposition to apartheid was in disarray. Yet in the space of a few short years, major and radical challenges developed that would set the country on a new path.
This lively and original book tells the story of a generation of actors who embraced new forms of opposition politics that would have profound consequences. In the process it rescues the early 1970s from previous neglect and shows just how crucial these years were in the struggle to transform society. It explores the influence of Black Consciousness, the new trade unionism, radicalisation of students on both black and white campuses, the Durban strikes, and Soweto 1976, and concludes that these developments were largely the result of home-grown initiatives, with little influence exercised by the banned and exiled movements for national liberation. |
'Fascinating and important insight into the emergence of a brave young radicalism of the early 1970s embracing white campuses, black consciousness and trade unionism which raised questions and challenges for not only for the apartheid-capitalist nexus but also for the mainstream liberation movement.'
Those in exile and in prison strove then to discern what was new and possible. Whilst hope for change was reinforced by these developments, there was also a degree of concern and prejudice. This was compounded by lack of clarity from afar, as to whether such emergent forces would be loyal to the ANC-SACP alliance and how to provide leadership to them.
Looking back there is much need for honest reflection and the author does us a service with his well worked research and writing. It leaves one with tantalising thoughts as to whether the incipient democratic left challenges from civil society and trade union circles in South Africa today might fundamentally change our political landscape.’
Ronnie Kasrils, chief of intelligence for Umkhonto we Sizwe and a government minister from 1994-2008.
Those in exile and in prison strove then to discern what was new and possible. Whilst hope for change was reinforced by these developments, there was also a degree of concern and prejudice. This was compounded by lack of clarity from afar, as to whether such emergent forces would be loyal to the ANC-SACP alliance and how to provide leadership to them.
Looking back there is much need for honest reflection and the author does us a service with his well worked research and writing. It leaves one with tantalising thoughts as to whether the incipient democratic left challenges from civil society and trade union circles in South Africa today might fundamentally change our political landscape.’
Ronnie Kasrils, chief of intelligence for Umkhonto we Sizwe and a government minister from 1994-2008.
‘In the dark days of the early seventies, when the news filtered through to Robben Island of a campaign to release political prisoners, waged by a small group of left-leaning, white students, it buoyed our spirits immensely. This book provides invaluable and illuminating insights into how the next generation of activists took up the struggle against apartheid under very difficult conditions, a story that has not often been told.
Ahmed ‘Kathy’ Kathrada, Rivonia trialist and Robben Island prisoner
Ahmed ‘Kathy’ Kathrada, Rivonia trialist and Robben Island prisoner
'A much-needed and engrossing personal account of the embryonic student and black trade union movements of the early seventies, and how this younger generation of activists, both black and white, battled to wage struggle at a time when apartheid was at its height , and the liberation movements at their weakest. Through their actions, the radicalism of this generation defined a new politics of opposition.’
Barbara Hogan, former Minister of Health and Minister of Public Enterprises, and a political prisoner.
Barbara Hogan, former Minister of Health and Minister of Public Enterprises, and a political prisoner.
978-1-4314-0971-6 * Trade Paperback * 235x155mm * 296pp * R225.00 * May 2014 * World Rights
Jacana Media
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Tel: +27 021 918 8810
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For productioninformation & sales queries:
[email protected]
Tel: +27 011 628 3200
Fax: +27 011 482 7280
Sales Fax: +27 011 482 7282
On the Dot
[email protected]
Tel: +27 021 918 8810
Fax: +27 021 918 8815
Also available as an ebook
978-1-4314-0972-3 d-PDF
978-1-4314-0973-0 ePUB
978-1-4314-0974-7 mobi file
978-1-4314-0972-3 d-PDF
978-1-4314-0973-0 ePUB
978-1-4314-0974-7 mobi file