Lessons of Struggle South African Internal Opposition, 1960-1990 [Paperback]

Providing an in-depth analysis of thirty years of South African opposition, this work focuses on the development of the Black Consciousness movement founded by Steve Biko, the ANC-aligned United Democratic Front, and the burgeoning trade unions, and examines how each group's ideology, in regards to racial assertiveness, national unity, and class organization, influenced each other's and shaped popular activism. Presenting the South African conflict in the context of general theoretical debates on the role of ideas in shaping social change and theories of race, nation, class, and revolution, Marx assesses the lessons learned in the process of the South African struggle and not only explains recent events in South Africa, but also suggests the likely implications of these past patterns of conflict on future developments. Based on unique interviews and previously undisclosed or undigested internal organizational documents,Lessons of Strugglewill be invaluable to all those interested in the South African conflict.

1. Introduction: The Vicissitudes of Struggle
Ideological Conceptions of Recent Opposition
The Interplay of Structure and Ideas
Looking Ahead
2. Racial Assertiveness and Black Unrest: The Black Consciousness Movement Through 1976
The Parents' Movements
The Emergence of Black Consciousness
The Development of the BC Movement
Anger and Explosion
3. After the Uprising; Division and Realignment, 1977-1979
Debates and Transitions With Black Consciousness
Realignment Outside the Black Consciousness Framework
4. Toward a National Front, 1980-1983
Economic Recovery, Reform, and the Local Response
Ideological Consolidation
Building a National Opposition
5. National Revolt, Repression, and Discord, 1984-1988
Organized Revolt and Repression
Chartist Predominance and Rising Disillusionment
6. Toward a Black Working-Class Movement and the Watershed of 1989-1990
The Emergence of the Modern Black Unlƒ$