Politieke transformasie: ’n konseptuele oriëntering en Suid- Afrikaanse toepassing

Abstract

In this article the concept of political transformation, as it has occurred since 1994, is analysed and then empirically applied in the South African context. Political transformation in reaction to an unacceptable political past is presented as a reactive, progressive, planned, fundamental and rapid change. The phenomenon of political transformation — as an extremely dynamic societal process — is explained against the background of the political hegemony of the ANC; the restructuring of opposition politics; political and economic capacity; political conflict and patterns of violence, as well as the impact of South Africa’s transformation initiatives on the Southern African
community. The article places in perspective the influence of the previous (apartheid) government’s evolutionary change on the ANC’s revolutionary strategy, as well as the implications for South African society and politics.