A Brief History of South Africa

A Brief History of South Africa is an introduction to South African history from the earliest times to the Mandela Presidency. Using both a narrative chronology and thematic chapters, the book encourages critical thinking about how history shaped South Africa. While presenting an account of colonisation and the policies of successive governments, A Brief History portrays the resistance to colonisation, segregation and apartheid, including the role of political, social and trade union movements.A Brief History does not aim to be comprehensive, but rather provides the basic facts for the general reader. The book can also act as a study guide for both formal and non-formal adult education. Equally important, A Brief History can be used to strengthen history teaching in schools. The book provides history teachers with the opportunity to expand their own knowledge, especially if they do not have a history qualification.Each chapter points readers to a range of further readings with a variety of historical interpretations, and provides questions for group discussion.

John Pampallis has taught in South Africa, Botswana, Canada and Tanzania, including eight years at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College in Tanzania, a school for young South Africans exiles. He has written Foundations of the New South Africa, and was series editor of They Fought for Freedom, a series of biographies of Southern African political leaders.Maryke Bailey is a history teacher with experience in providing teacher training and professional development, and in developing history teaching resources. She contributes to public debates on education policy, providing analyses of South Africa’s education system from a teacher’s point of view.

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