Unit name | The Politics of Post Apartheid South Africa |
---|---|
Unit code | POLI31381 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Flint |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit addresses political developments in South Africa following the collapse of Apartheid. It offers an overview of the Apartheid regime before assessing the circumstances that led to 'majority rule' in 1994. Having secured a peaceful transfer of power, the new government was faced with rectifying the inequities of Apartheid. The unit will offer an insight into the ideological struggles that beset Mandela's African National Congress (ANC) as the party attempted to implement promises of wealth redistribution, job creation and reconciliation between former warring factions. The ideological construct of the Rainbow nation will be interrogated. The ANC's period in office will be evaluated critically. A variety of cases will be examined to assess the political efficacy of the ANC. These cases will include the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the leadership of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki's policy on AIDS, policy towards Zimbabwe, the controversial leadership of Jacob Zuma, and Cyril Ramaphosa's ascent to the Presidency.
Aims:
Upon completing the unit the student will have developed the following:
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Assessment:
Essay 1: 2,000 words (25%)
Essay 2: 3,000 words (75%)