The Politics of Transition: The Hidden History of South Africa's Negotiated Settlement

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

During the early 1990s, South Africans kept a close eye on the media coverage of South Africa's negotiated transition to democracy. Likened to a soap opera by some, the negotiations featured violent interlopers, dramatic walkouts, alliances and, somehow, a fortunate conclusion in the form of the Interim Constitution and Bill of Rights. The importance of the negotiating process and the Interim Constitution itself should not be underestimated, however, in relation to their longer-term influence over the form of democracy currently enjoyed in South Africa. In this publication, the authors examine the politics behind the Kempton Park negotiations and the Interim Constitution, and the influence that these have had on the subsequent consolidation of a South African democracy.

Reviews

...provides a highly detailed account of the process leading to the Interim Constitution's enactment. Making extensive use of primary sources and in-depth interviews with some of the leading players in the negotiation and drafting processes, the authors painstakingly describe the procedures, debates, machinations and horse-trading involved. -- Donald Nicolson * International and Comparative Law Quarterly *
...fascinating read. The text is always clear and well informed and makes balanced judgements about the points of controversy. The constitutional principle and the low politics of the constitutional negotiations are blended in insightful and valuable ways. This book will be essential reading for those wanting to understand South African constitutional developments. -- Christopher Forsyth * Cambridge Law Journal *
A welcome addition, well written -- John Thornton * International Journal of African Historical Studies *

Author Bio

Richard Spitz is a solicitor in London