The New Radicals: A Generational Memoir of the 1970s, Jacana Media, Auckland Park, 2014 Reviewed by Martin Plaut This book brought me up with a jolt; it was hard to read at times. Not because it is badly written, quite the reverse. It was difficult for me because it was walking into my past. Let me explain. I was born and brought up in Cape Town at the height of apartheid, going to University in 1968. That first year was dominated by one event - a student protest against the failure of the University of Cape Town to confirm the appointment of Archie Mafeje in the Department of African Law. Mafeje was well qualified for the post, but he had one fatal flaw - he was black. And when the government heard of the appointment the Minister made it clear he would not tolerate a black lecturer at a white-only University. The University caved in and we - the students - occupied the administration building to try to get the decision reversed. We held out for ten days, receiving telegrams of support from the LSE and the Sorbonne, which were in occupation themselves. It was a heady time. But unbeknown [...]
[view whole blog post
]
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
See More
Report Abuse