ANU African Studies Reading Group

The first meeting of the year for the ANU African Studies Reading Group will discuss plans for the coming year, allow students and staff interested in Africa to introduce themselves, and highlight research on South Africa's student movement and new middle class. "Why Rhodes Fell: Student Protests and South Africa’s New Black Middle Class" Recent student protests have drawn attention to the continuing impact of the colonialism and racial segregation that shaped South African history. The “Fallist” movement succeeded in removing the statue of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes from the University of Cape Town, and compelled the implementation of a new fees regime to assist students from low and middle income families. Drawing on analysis of the Fallist movement, the author’s own ethnographic research in Cape Town, and re-readings of the novels of South African authors Niq Mhlongo and Songeziwe Mahlangu, this paper reflects on the importance of the new black middle class in South Africa, noting the ambitions, frustrations, and insecurities of this vital section of society. Presenter: Dr Ibrahim Abraham (Humanities Research Centre, ANU) The ANU African Studies Reading Group meets on the final Thursday of each month in the Sir Roland Wilson Building, 5pm-7pm. Refreshments available. All welcome.