"South Africa: A Democratic Success?": Africana Studies Black History Month Lecture
Featuring Dr. Kristina Bishop
It has been 15 years since South Africa peacefully transitioned to democracy. At the time of transition many South Africans, and in fact many around the world, had great hopes for the future of the country. Over the past 15 years South Africa has become a clear leader in Africa and globally is an emerging power. Yet the post-apartheid period has not been without serious problems. HIV/AIDS is ravaging the country, the crime rate is one of the world’s highest, corruption is high, and recent power struggles within the ruling African National Congress show a concerning trend away from tolerance of opinions. This lecture will give an overview of the history of South Africa starting with its colonial roots and the system of apartheid which structured all aspects of life in the country until 1990. We will then examine contemporary South Africa, a country full of promise and possibility, yet still rife with problems, and then will envision the possible future of this fascinating country.
Dr. Kristina Bishop is a Lecturer in the School of Geography and Development and Affiliated Faculty in Africana Studies at the University of Arizona.
Lecture Sponsored by the School of International Languages, Literatures and Cultures (SILLC) and the Africana Studies Program