Rewriting the Metanarrative of Apartheid in the Democratic South Africa
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| Title: | Rewriting the Metanarrative of Apartheid in the Democratic South Africa |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Witness Roya, Sandiso Ngcobo |
| Source: | Research in Social Sciences and Technology. 2025 10(3):73-88. |
| Availability: | Research in Social Sciences and Technology. Yesilova Mah. Caldiran Cad. 29/11 Etimesgut Ankara, Turkey; Web site: https://ressat.org/index.php/ressat |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Racial Segregation, African Culture, Blacks, Modern History, Personal Narratives, Content Analysis, Authors, Racial Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | South Africa |
| ISSN: | 2468-6891 |
| Abstract: | In the aftermath of South Africa's attainment of political freedom in 1994, the country's history has been depicted through numerous literary works. Most of these works are distinguished by a 'master narrative' that conveys the notion of apartheid's overwhelming oppression, perpetuating the unrealistic perception of constant black misery. We sought texts that depart from this single narrative to encourage more studies that strike a balance between miserable and nostalgic experiences of apartheid in several literary texts. The researchers employed a purposive sampling approach within the theoretical framework of Apartheid Studies to carefully choose four literary works and then analysed them to represent the everyday experiences of black individuals. The analyses of the four texts were categorized into five overarching themes: identity, displacement, violence, betrayal, and writing as a weapon. The findings indicate that the authors adeptly capture the daily experiences of black individuals in Apartheid-era South Africa, employing humour to depict their quest for democracy. Any narrative of South Africa's history produced in the democratic era should encompass the country's achievements and shortcomings, and accurately represent its diverse makeup. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489454 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In the aftermath of South Africa's attainment of political freedom in 1994, the country's history has been depicted through numerous literary works. Most of these works are distinguished by a 'master narrative' that conveys the notion of apartheid's overwhelming oppression, perpetuating the unrealistic perception of constant black misery. We sought texts that depart from this single narrative to encourage more studies that strike a balance between miserable and nostalgic experiences of apartheid in several literary texts. The researchers employed a purposive sampling approach within the theoretical framework of Apartheid Studies to carefully choose four literary works and then analysed them to represent the everyday experiences of black individuals. The analyses of the four texts were categorized into five overarching themes: identity, displacement, violence, betrayal, and writing as a weapon. The findings indicate that the authors adeptly capture the daily experiences of black individuals in Apartheid-era South Africa, employing humour to depict their quest for democracy. Any narrative of South Africa's history produced in the democratic era should encompass the country's achievements and shortcomings, and accurately represent its diverse makeup. |
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| ISSN: | 2468-6891 |
