This fifth edition examines South Africa's history from 1948 to the present, providing a comprehensive analysis of apartheid's rise, fall, and devastating aftermath over 30 years after its political end.

Thoroughly revised to incorporate recent academic work, the book explores how contemporary South Africa continues to struggle with the deep scars of racial discrimination despite the inspirational power of popular protest that ended the regime. The new edition features an enhanced focus on heroes of the anti-apartheid struggle and expands the assessment of apartheid's afterlife through an examination of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings, newly migrated police records from the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, and the government's failure to pursue justice for over 7 000 political deaths. It analyzes key cases, while exploring the economic impact of the 'Washington Consensus' policies that continued after apartheid. By developing an analysis of recent economic and political issues rooted in the apartheid regime, particularly the divide between rich and poor along racial lines and the impact of public corruption, South Africa provides a current, clear, and succinct introduction to the ideology, practice, and legacy of apartheid.

Illustrated with updated photographs, maps, and figures, as well as expanded Who's Who, Chronology, Glossary, and Further Reading sections, this book is an essential resource for those studying South African politics, African history, human rights and post-colonial societies.

Nancy L. Clark is Dean and Professor of History Emeritus at Louisiana State University, USA. Her publications include Manufacturing Apartheid: State Corporations in South Africa (1994) and Voices of Sharpeville: The Long History of Racial Injustice (2024).

William H. Worger is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA. His publications include South Africa’s City of Diamonds: Mine Workers and Monopoly Capitalism in Kimberley, 1867–1895 (1987), Africa and The West: A Documentary History, volume 1, From the Slave Trade to Conquest, 1441–1905, and volume 2, From Colonialism to Independence, 1875 to the Present (2010).