The Republic of South Africa continues to hold a pivotal position today. Dr. Thula Simpson, a faculty member in the History Department at the University of Pretoria, sheds light on the country’s history spanning over a century. His previous publication, Umkhonto We Sizwe: The ANC’s Armed Struggle in 2016, focused on the longest-standing armed uprising in the history of South Africa, examining the rebellion that began in the 1950s under the leadership of Nelson Mandela and culminated in his presidency in 1994. This new book explores the global solidarity networks mobilized by the rebellion and draws from previously unpublished writings and testimonies of individuals engaged in armed struggle. The narrative includes accounts of prominent figures such as Oliver Tambo, Joe Slovo, and Chris Hani.
The book charts over 100 years of the history of Southern Africa, its cover strikingly depicts the apartheid period with a photograph of a signpost used to denote “white area” on a beach. The work details the birth of South Africa, which started with war, the political crises in the country, armed conflicts, the fractures on the way to independence, important figures in South African history, epidemics, uprisings, and strikes.
History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present, is a work that appeals not only to academics and students but also to readers interested in gaining insights into the history, politics, economy, and culture of the Republic of South Africa. Simpson employs clear and comprehensible language in his work. Beyond the main narrative, the book provides essential data through its references and foot-notes, catering to those who wish to delve deeper into the subject matter. These data consist of current academic articles, oral narratives, diplomatic correspondence, newspaper reports, writings, and memoirs.
Another notable aspect of Simpson’s historical narrative is his choice to discuss even using a contemporary timeframe. This narrative style reduces the distance between the reader and the work in the extensive volume of over 600 pages, facilitating an easier reading experience.
The book includes archival photographs depicting significant events and personalities in the country’s history. Starting with a photo of the church ceremony held on June 8, 1902, at Pretoria Church Square to mark the end of the Second Boer War, the images conclude with a picture of the looting of a depot belonging to the Game store chain in Durban on July 13, 2021.
Simpson delves into the steps colonial powers took to establish dominance in the region and the alliances they formed. He also narrates local struggles against colonial powers. Through this work, Simpson provides information to readers on topics such as colonization, wars, political polarization, discrimination against black individuals, apartheid regime, epidemic diseases, uprisings, massacres, development, and democratization, using the example of a country in Africa. The book explores key turning points in the Republic of South Africa, including its transition from apartheid to democracy, the 1922 Rand Rebellion, and the 2012 Marikana massacre.
Highlighting the significance of influential figures in South African history, Simpson discusses the impact of individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Mohandas Gandhi, and Winston Churchill. The book underlines that the Republic of South Africa was born through war, grew amid crises and profound upheavals, and currently stands on the brink of a precipice. In doing so, Simpson not only presents a comprehensive narrative of the country’s history and pivotal moments but also draws attention to the contemporary issues faced by the Republic of South Africa.
Simpson dedicates substantial sections of the book to global events such as World Wars, border conflicts like Angola-Namibia, and internal turmoil. Examining South Africa’s position and experiences during the power struggles of the Second World War, which led to the transition to the apartheid regime, Simpson devotes significant attention to the political history of the country, particularly the ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), which has maintained its power for over a century. The author also explores the impact of sports on societal events and examines economic crises in the country, concluding with the pages dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The book offers a holistic and comprehensive perspective on the history of the Republic of South Africa, spanning approximately 120 years, making it a valuable reference book for researchers interested in the country’s history. Moreover, incorporating current issues and discussions in the book, intertwined with historical perspectives, allows for examining contemporary problems and topics from a historical standpoint.
The historical events narrated in the book are not limited to developments within the country but also include their connections to Africa and even the international arena. One prominent example is the pivotal period in South African history from the establishment to the dismantling of the apartheid regime. Throughout the apartheid era, Simpson not only discusses domestic political developments, actions, or demonstrations but also presents events that occurred in organizations like the United Nations and how countries like India became involved in the process. In conclusion, Thula Simpson’s History of South Africa: From 1902 to the Present is a masterful contribution to understanding South African history. Simpson has contributed to the academic understanding of the history, politics, and economics of the Republic of South Africa, one of Africa’s most important countries. With its meticulous research, accessible language, and thoughtful analysis, the book is an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone seeking a comprehensive and insightful exploration of South Africa’s past and present. Simpson’s ability to provide a broad historical perspective while addressing contemporary challenges makes this work valuable to the study of African history.
The book, while possessing many positive aspects that are beneficial to the reader, also has aspects that warrant criticism. Indeed, the book commences with a series of photographs, which continues for approximately 50 pages. It could have been more advantageous for the reader to have these photographs presented in relevant sections rather than collectively in the introduction, facilitating a better understanding of the subject. Despite its extensive volume, the book only briefly covers South Africa’s pre-1902 history in a few pages. A more detailed account of the country’s pre-1902 period could be provided by allocating more space to the section under the title “Historical Note.” The book includes numerous historical data and names, with a potential need for corrections, particularly concerning historical information, in the second edition. Finally, the information in the book is presented chronologically and divided into sections. Adding general evaluation sections at the end of each chapter could contribute to a better understanding of the subject.
