Steering by the Stars

by Mamphela Ramphele

Sixteen teenagers grew up in New Crossroads, Cape Town, in the 1990s. A decade later, they find themselves in markedly different circumstances. Bulelwa, for instance, has a successful career in town and Bulelani is completing a tertiary education. But Phalo has been killed in a gang fight. What has made the difference?

As someone who herself rose above grave beginnings to achieve great success, Dr Mamphela Ramphele has a passionate interest in the risks our young people face and the strategies they choose to overcome them. In Steering by the Stars, she lets the youngsters speak for themselves. What emerges is the raw truth about South Africa.

In the light of the young people’s stories, the author critically examines the vital institutions in South African society: the family, the school and the community, providing startling insights into the challenges facing urban African society in the aftermath of apartheid. She does not shy away from awkward issues like corporal punishment, jealousy and resentment towards those more successful, harmful traditional customs, sexual abuse and the new class boundaries in black society.

Deeply touching and thought provoking, Steering by the Stars gives voice to the young of South Africa's townships as never before.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Mamphela Ramphele is a leading South African academic, businesswoman, medical doctor and former anti-apartheid activist. She is a trustee of the Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko Foundations and Founder of the Citizens Movement.

She is the current leader of Agang, a developing political party.