Practical Politics, Power and Governance in Africa - Isaac Mashaba

Bringing together empirical and academic understanding. A great resource, accessible while detailed. An asset for anyone desiring to enlarge their comprehension of facts, otherwise too often simplicically explained in European countries. Surprisingly engaging read.

Wonderful work Mr Mashaba! This manuscript is evidence of a commendable insight into leadership. The author reflects a high level of academic integration. Although not an academic study, he shows the wonderful ability to apply the relevant theory on a high level. His understanding, discussion and application of theoretical models within context reflects to a high-level argument. The reflection within the South African context is commendable with a writing style that is suggestive to high level information integration.
Let this insight not get lost but let it be applied within the leadership context you are practicing.
(Dr Albert Wort, Phd - Personal Professional Leadership. University of Johannesburg)

Isaac Mashaba’s overview of African politics is commendably fresh and steers away from mudslinging, instead focussing on an apolitical approach; the more casual writing style rids it of the limitations of a purely academic work. He has established credibility by merely stating the course of history and not getting emotionally involved. Of interest is that his well-formulated criticisms are directed at the antagonist and protagonist alike, with a firm dollop of ‘realpolitik’, which gives the book a sense of authenticity without being contemptuous of the raw lesions which still exist in South Africa’s social fibre. Mashaba has shown wisdom, and realism, and an urgent need for the unassuming truth, nowadays a rare commodity absent in a plethora of questionable doctrine and fake news. Highly recommended.
(Wim de Beer, MPhil, University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus)

A true South African patriot, Isaac Mashaba’s book clearly argues that it is very possible for South Africa to correct and redirect its current failing trajectory as a nation. His book makes a valuable contribution to the everyday reader’s understanding of the nature of state fragility and the contributing factors to such a state. Mashaba implores South Africa’s leaders to take the moral high ground and act with conviction and determination, and without fear or favour, to steer the country away from the brink of imminent fragility. This is a timely book for the population at large, and well worth reading.
(Dr Edward L. Mienie, Ph.D. INCM, Associate Professor of Strategic & Security Studies, University of North Georgia, USA)

Isaac Mashaba’s book raises numerous questions regarding efficiency and effectiveness of governance in South Africa. The primary area, and the central question of the text is why the country (or the continent in general) is not doing better when it comes to political, socio-economic, or security outputs of the system. He approaches the problem from several different conceptual perspectives and deals with the most imminent problems of the country. This book would potentially appeal to anyone (politicians, decision makers, stake holders, and civil society) involved in South African or even African politics. There are elements of the book that could be used on undergraduate and postgraduate courses (students of political science, public policy). This is a timely book that will find a wide audience.
Dr Martin Riegl, Ph.D, Institute of Political Studies, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic