A brief history of South Africa : from earliest times to the Mandela presidency / John Pampallis and Maryke Bailey.

Includes "Appendix for Teachers: Text Engagement Activities", bibliographical references and index.

"Fanele (Zul; Xho; Tso): necessary. This is a necessary book." -- title page.

pt. A. Chronological narrative. Southern African Societies up to the Seventeenth Century -- State Formation in Southern Africa, 1760-1840 -- Colonial Expansion and African Resistance -- Diamonds, Gold and the Reshaping of South Africa -- Anglo-Boer relations to 1910: War and Union -- Early Black Political Organisations -- The Natives Land Act of 1913 -- World War 1 -- The Post-war Years, 1918-1929 -- Slump and Recovery, 1929-1939 -- World War II and After -- Apartheid Established, 1948-1960 -- Initial Resistance to Apartheid,1948-1960 -- Repression and Regrouping, 1960-1964 -- Revival of the Mass Movement, 1964-1979 -- Apartheid under Pressure, 1976-1989 -- Tentative Talks and an Escalation of Violence -- Negotiations and the Coming of Democracy -- The Mandela Presidency, 1994- 1999 -- pt. B. Themes in South African History -- The South African Economy -- South Africa's Bantustans -- The History of Schooling in South Africa -- Poverty and Inequality -- Life under Apartheid: Urban and Rural Experiences -- Women's Struggles -- The Trade Union Movement -- South Africa's Constitutions -- International Solidarity against Apartheid.

"A Brief History of South Africa is an introduction to South African history from the earliest times to the Mandela Presidency. Using both a narrative chronology and thematic chapters, the book encourages critical thinking about how history shaped South Africa. While presenting an account of colonisation and the policies of successive governments, A Brief History portrays the resistance to colonisation, segregation and apartheid, including the role of political, social and trade union movements. A Brief History does not aim to be comprehensive, but rather provides the basic facts for the general reader. The book can also act as a study guide for both formal and non-formal adult education. Equally important, A Brief History can be used to strengthen history teaching in schools. The book provides history teachers with the opportunity to expand their own knowledge, especially if they do not have a history qualification. Each chapter points readers to a range of further readings with a variety of historical interpretations, and provides questions for group discussion."-- Back cover.