Summary

The South African government came to power in 1994 promising radical change for ordinary South Africans, so many of whom had been oppressed and trapped in poverty and joblessness. Why, in less than half a decade, have hopes for anything radically new been dashed? Written by a leading critic of the current South African government, this book examines in detail the economic and social compromises that have been, and are being, made between the past and present powers. Basing his analysis on extensive documentation, Patrick Bond assesses whether these compromises can really lead to liberation for the mass of South Africans. He covers a range of socioeconomic factors under both the old and new South Africa, highlighting the reasons for the transition's development failure and drawing on case studies on key issues: social contracts, black economic empowerment, housing and corporate power. Bond explores the idea that progressive policymaking is being compromised by the new petty bourgeoisie and ruling elite, and assesses the view that, as change slows down, official policy is increasingly one of lower expectations.