Boipatong : the politics of a massacre and the South African transition

Simpson, James G R

Boipatong : the politics of a massacre and the South African transition

Master Thesis

2009

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Historical Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

The Boipatong massacre has been widely recognised as a key moment in the South African transition, yet limited scholarly attention has been given to the details of this event. The massacre is frequently cited as an example of state complicity in the political violence that shook the country during a period of negotiation and reform. This thesis considers the underlying forensic truths of the Boipatong massacre, but more importantly it examines the ways in which the meanings of the massacre were contested by different political interest groups. Analysis of these contestations gives insight into the dynamics of the transition, shedding light on the discursive struggles that have defined it. Through the agency of certain political actors, a dominant narrative of the Boipatong massacre arose. However, the truths this narrative posited remain contested and contentious.

Description

Includes abstract.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-97).

Keywords

Historical Studies

Reference:

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Masters

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