media releases - The Road to Democracy

THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY , Vol 2 1970-1980

Those who actively participated in the struggle for liberation - on either side - are growing older. Memory, as we know, is fickle. Here activists relate their experiences to trained historians, sociologists and political scientists, many of whom were themselves involved in the resistance movement. The South African Democracy Education Trust (SADET) has compiled and coordinated this remarkable book that weaves together the complex history of The Road to Democracy in South Africa.

The second volume in the series, like the first, is an history, a reference work and a vibrant, emotive and highly personalised story about the players of struggle, as well as other role-players, in the decade 1970-1980. Some of these are now famous, others are ordinary people whose voices have not been heard until now.

Volume 2 includes, among other highlights, the growing influence of Black Consciousness ideology in the interplay between oppression and resistance; the widespread workers' strikes in Durban in 1973; the events of Soweto 1976; and the subsequent intensification of the armed struggle and strengthening of underground structures.

The project of mapping the Road to Democracy in South Africa is building up a chronological analysis of our history, from the 1960s to the present day. It will result in five volumes of research and investigate the following themes for each decade:

· Political context: the political dynamics of each decade
· Key organisations and prominent individuals
· Strategy and tactics of important liberation organisations, including the debates and the impact of these debates on revolutionary developments
· The response of the apartheid regime to the activities of the liberation movements
· The role of the international community in the liberation of South Africa and international events and processes that impacted on the liberation struggle.
· Regional events and processes that impacted on the liberation struggle
· The major outcomes at the end of each decade

Core funding for the SADET research project was provided by MTN and the Nedbank Group, as well as other sponsors.

The Road to democracy in South Africa, volume 2 was published by Unisa Press. ISBN 1 86888 406 6, 1000 pages, hardcover, price R390.00.