In 2006, almost a hundred years after the founding of the National Party, the unthinkable happened: the once mighty party of apartheid collapsed into the African National Congress, its sworn enemy for almost a century. While a string of blunders saw party support plummeting, such a humiliating end was wholly unexpected. Is it true that the NP's leaders had betrayed their supporters? What role did the NP play during the negotiations to ensure increased wealth among the black and white South African elite? And is greater material welfare enough to keep Afrikaners satisfied, or are we seeing a resurgence of Afrikaner nationalism in the 'De la Rey' phenomenon? These and other issues are addressed in White Power & the Rise and Fall of the National Party.
Vast in scope and details, this book provides an overview of South African politics and society from 1900 to the present, with particular focus on the last 15 years. It covers contemporary debates on apartheid abuses, the 'leaders' betrayal', collaboration with the ANC and the 'De la Rey' phenomenon. It will be of interest to all readers wanting to understand current politics, whether they supported or opposed the NP.
