Book review 13: Foundations of the New South Africa John Pampallis

Why knowing our past matters in the age of disinformation 

As an avid social media user, I have witnessed the  growing comfort with spreading disinformation or harmful narratives online. 

Increasingly, bold uninformed statements about the South African governance system are shared without context.  Some social media users go as far as to claim that South Africa was better governed under the Apartheid system.

This trend is worsened when others consume content without questioning it and in turn redistribute it. The unverified spread of disinformation is gradually harming how the world perceives South Africa. It is high time that we reclaim our national consciousness. 

Reclaiming our national consciousness requires us to revisit our history and reflect on the critical events that have shaped the South Africa we know today.

In Foundation of the New South Africa, John examines the historical forces and the dynamics that shaped South Africa’s transition to democracy. I find this very important, in a time when harmful narratives about South Africa’s governance are increasingly shared online.

The book examines South Africa’s history in the making of the country. It looks at the Apartheid legacy, democracy-building, governance, economy and social change.

By providing context, the book helps challenge harmful narratives about South Africa and revisits historical events that took place. 

For example, one chapter outlines “passes” or “pass laws”, which controlled the movement of Black people and other non-white racial groups within the country. These laws restricted where people could live and work ,limiting opportunities and resources.

The legacy of segregation unequally divided South Africa. Segregation exposed Black people and other non-white racial groups to underdeveloped residential areas. Under the current circumstances, townships have poor infrastructure development, high unemployment and crime. Many areas still don’t have access to reliable electricity, waste-collection services and well-maintained roads. 

This historical  context makes it clear that we need to be conscious of what we share on our social media platforms with respect to South Africa. This is because there is a history that makes our country what it is today. 

Foundations of the New South Africa helps connect us to the past and  present challenges, and reminds us why an informed discourse matters. 

Online discussions about governance must focus on strengthening accountability and transparency particularly in local government. Public participation must be central to debates and  addressing the coalition government instability is crucial. By  reclaiming our national consciousness, we ensure that younger generations’ consume content that is accurate, informative and empowering– that influences national policy and drives national unity. 

The book is more than a historical text–it is a reminder that our democracy was not built overnight, nor should it be taken for granted. In an age where disinformation threatens to distort our historical significance, this book calls us to the truth that shaped our nation. 

To reclaim our national consciousness, we must engage with literature that deepens our understanding of who we are and where we are going. 

This book is not just worth reading, it is necessary. 

Book 13 in 2025.

A very informative read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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