In these conversations with people of a younger generation Mamphela Ramphele responds to the growing despair among young South Africans about the cracks that are appearing in our system of governance and threatening the idealism of the country that reinvented itself with the dawn of democracy in 1994.
She shows incisively how successive post-apartheid ANC governments have betrayed the nation for a culture of impunity among those close to the seat of power, where corruption goes unremarked and accountability has been swept aside. Enduring poverty, inequity and a failing public service, most notably in health and education, are the results.
At once challenging and encouraging, Ramphele urges young South Africans – our future leaders – to set aside their fears; to take control of their rights and responsibilities as citizens in upholding the values of the constitution; and to confront the growing inequality that is undermining good governance, social justice and stability.
About the author
Mamphela Ramphele is a leading South African academic, businesswoman, medical doctor and former anti-apartheid activist. She is currently a trustee on the board of the Rockefeller Foundation in New York.
Find out more about Conversations with My Sons and Daughters.
Read an extract from the book.
Watch Mamphela Ramphele speaking about the paradox of Africa's vast natural resources and the poverty level of its people: