By Roger Southall
South Africa has produced two globally recognised leaders from different eras – Jan Christiaan Smuts and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Smuts served as Prime Minister from 1919 to 1924 and again from 1939 to 1948. Mandela served as President from 1994 to 1999.
Smuts was celebrated for shaping international architecture after both world wars. Meanwhile, Mandela is admired for leading South Africa to democracy and averting racial war. Consequently, both leaders have inspired multiple biographies.
However, today their reputations differ significantly. Mandela remains a globally admired icon. In contrast, Smuts’ legacy has diminished due to his racism and role in laying apartheid’s foundations.
Roles played in founding a new South Africa
In this controversial book, Roger Southall re-evaluates Smuts’ contradictory career, drawing fascinating parallels with Mandela’s life and trajectory.
Both leaders matured as freedom fighters – Smuts against British rule and Mandela against the apartheid regime. Both played leading roles in founding new South Africas – Smuts for whites at Union in 1910, Mandela for all in 1994.
While both aspired to build nations, their visions differed. Smuts envisioned a white South African nation, while Mandela sought unity for all people. Both achieved international prominence, though their paths and purposes varied significantly.
Smuts’ career ended in failure, marked by his ejection from office. Conversely, Mandela retired gracefully and earned continued global admiration. However, South Africa’s current struggles highlight Mandela’s unfulfilled hopes and policies.
This book argues that understanding Mandela requires first understanding Smuts. It explores how South Africa still grapples with Smuts’ enduring legacy.
About the author
Roger Southall has taught in Uganda, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa during his academic career.
From 1990 to 2001, he was a Professor of Political Studies in South Africa. He then served as Executive Director and Distinguished Research Fellow at the Human Sciences Research Council from 2001 to 2007.
Later, he became a Professor of Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand, holding the position from 2007 to 2013.
Now based in Cape Town, Southall continues to write and enjoys walking dogs in his spare time.
- DISTRIBUTOR | Jacana Media |
- ISBN | 978-1-4314-3530-2 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R380.00 |
- Classification | History, Current Affairs |
