Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics

by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh

South African politics is riddled with delusions. Many common political arguments come pre-packaged in an old and dusty box - but the self-evident truths are not, in fact, so indisputable. Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh sets out to dismantle that box. He argues that free education is far from impossible, the ANC's liberation narrative is too idyllic to swallow, land reform is not the first step to chaos, and the media is not free... In this incisive, informed book we find not only challenges to commonly held opinions, but optimism about South Africa's future, and solutions to old problems. A fresh perspective on South African politics.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2017

About the author

Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a South African author, musician and activist. Mpofu-Walsh was president of the University of Cape Town Students' Representative Council in 2010. He holds a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford. In September 2017, Mpofu-Walsh published his debut book, Democracy and Delusion: 10 Myths in South African Politics. Along with the book, he released his debut rap album, also titled Democracy and Delusion.

Reviews

[Ntombezinhle Nzama · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a well researched and provocative read...it is so interesting and educational! I learnt a lot. There are definitely areas I want to do more research on after reading this book. I found the author to be a bit biased in some of his arguments; nonetheless most books are biased towards the authors beliefs

I am interested in getting hold of the rap album that goes with the book...

[Dimitri Liountris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This book was not meant for cheerful reading."

What a true line, taken right from the book. I tend to have mixed feelings with these types of books, because they tend to confuse my mind. Can you agree with someone's argument, but disagree with their conclusion? Can you have the same conclusion about a problem, but take absolutely different routes getting to that conclusion? Can you agree with someone so aggressively on one point and disagree with them vehemently on the next?

Yes. Yes you can.

This book is not cheerful reading, but it is an interesting view on South Africa by a South African. You'll disagree with some parts, agree with others. Maybe you'll dislike the whole book, or maybe you'll nod along. But I think all South Africans should read it, if only to get a new view of the country. And, let's be clear, it is one view, and Mpofu-Walsh does (unapologetically) tell you his views. But it's a well-written and well-researched view if nothing else, and is worth your time. It made me look at certain things differently, even if it didn't change my mind about others, and that's pretty much his point. Just to give a view; to speak out as a South Africa.

If you take nothing away from this book, or this review, take the one thing I at least took away: we need to do something about our country. At least, I think that's what this book is mainly about. Is the things he wants to do right? I don't know. But that's not really the point of the book, is it?

Anyway, I'll leave it with my favourite quote from the book, which sort of goes out to people who think there is nothing to do for their country, and also encapsulates the hope he feels with the despair he writes: "Whatever the obstacles, South Africans can speak against power in ways unimaginable just a few short decades ago. For, if democracy slips from out grasp - and don't think it can't - it will be because too many of us who could have spoken didn't."

Isn't that just a cheerful sentiment?

[Mbali Tyolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was both intriguing and somehow saddening. Of course the book is written from a certain perspective of things, which most I am in agreement with. I thoroughly enjoyed how Sizwe looks into the issues that have been troubling our country in the recent years.

Myth Three and Four raised my eyebrows the most. There's so much that was written that I had no idea of, thus will be reading more about. It was also refreshing to see how he pointed out the myths, gave counterarguments and some possible solutions. I appreciate the use of footnotes used as reference, especially for further reading.

The last myth gave me a hard time to go through. It is a matter that touches the core of my heart. Marikana Massacre is a wound from this "democratic South Africa" that might never heal, at least for me it is as fresh as yesterday.
Indeed "justice delayed is justice denied, but justice delayed and denied us justice destroyed."

This book achieved it's purpose as the author intended; to leave one shocked with the truth (of course the truth as ones sees it, which is likely to be thee truth). It's a worthwhile read. Highly recommended, especially to keep the conversation on roll, even better to initate practical change.

[Terence Beney · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may not agree with all of it, but if you insist on disagreeing with all of it, you’re not paying attention. Considered arguments, well articulated. Required reading for those who care about the future of South Africa.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Framing ten themes as myths, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh examines current political narratives in South Africa and seeks to debunk some of the most commonly argued positions.

Although the book was well argued, not all of his points were new or revelatory and some chapters were far more enlightening than others. I found the third myth, that land reform threatens stability, to be the most relevant one, while the myth that elite schools benefit society seemed to be a little too personally orientated ( maybe I mix in the wrong circles but I have never heard of St John's College) and feel he would have done better stressing that this myth exists only because the government schools are doing such a poor job and this is exactly where more work needs to be done.

Good though the writing was, it needed better editing. At times the points were obscure and lacked clarification e.g. “But what did Mr Motsoeneng do? He did what he learned from the man he was sent to defend: run.” End of idea. The reader was left puzzled. Run where? From whom? I don’t remember Motsoeneng running. I remember he was dismissed by the SABC and fought tooth and nail to stay.

On the whole though, even though I didn’t agree with all the writer's points, I did change some of my own viewpoints based on his arguments. Others I held on to. Definitely worth reading for those wondering what happened to the rainbow nation.

[Monene Moila · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Democracy and Delusion” by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is a concise and impactful read. Its punchy and factual style cuts straight to the core of pressing issues, offering a sharp critique of South African politics and society.

I appreciated how each chapter tackled a significant myth about democracy, providing thought-provoking insights and clear analysis.

A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of South African democracy.

[Azraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic account of South African politics. While it is most applicable during the time it was written, it both interesting and unfortunate to note how much of content is applicable today, a decade after its release.

[Neilwe]

...

[Tony Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truth!