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Have you seen our latest issue of Honest History? Issue 25 | A Good Hope uncovers the story of South Africa. From its kingdoms of gold to its diverse food traditions, there is so much to explore! As always, we wanted to share some resources to help parents and kids dig deeper into the "Rainbow Nation" and its history.Â
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Researchers and Aspiring Academics
Dive into South Africa’s long and fascinating history with these academic resources.
Mapungubwe Reconsidered: A Living Legacy: Exploring Beyond the Rise and Decline of the Mapungubwe State by Rachel Browne et al.: In Issue 25, we explored some of the country’s earliest kingdoms, including the towering Mapungubwe. Learn more about this impressive civilization in this book. A team of historians and archaeologists unpack southern Africa’s first state, its sophisticated trade network, and its cultural importance.Â
The History of South Africa: 1902 to Present by Thula Simpson: This book takes the reader on a 120-year journey through South Africa’s modern history, from the end of the Boer Wars to 2021. Simpson explores this tumultuous period of the nation’s history and helps shed light on South Africa today. Â
South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Nancy L. Clark and William H. Worger: Now on its fourth edition, this book is an accessible introduction to the history of apartheid. The updated edition includes new research, photographs, maps, and figures. You will also find a helpful chronology and Further Reading section to guide you on your research journey.Â
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Left: Mapungubwe Hill. Image credit: Laura SA. CC BY-SA 3.0. Right: The Golden Rhinoceros discovered at Mapungubwe. Image credit: Sian Tiley-Nel, Manager & Chief Curator, University of Pretoria Museums as part of the Primary School SSAJRP programme. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Parents and Educators
Use these introductory resources to help you create curriculum and inspire discussions at home or in the classroom.
South African History Online (SAHO): This online resource is an excellent place to begin your research journey. Explore timelines, articles, images, and biographies about South Africa and its people. SAHO also provides history curriculum lessons for grades 4 to 12.Â
Britannica Guide to Africa: The History of Southern Africa edited by Amy McKenna: Here’s another great resource to get you started. The text features a detailed chapter on South Africa from the early Stone Age to Mandela’s presidency. It is a helpful overview of the nation’s history.Â
A Brief History of South Africa: From Earliest Times to the Mandela Presidency by John Pampallis and Maryke Bailey: We also recommend diving into this book, co-authored by our advisor from Issue 25. The introductory text provides basic facts for those new to South African history. It also serves as a helpful resource for history teachers. Each chapter includes discussion questions and further readings to inspire curiosity and critical thinking.Â
Teaching About Africa: Boston University’s African Studies Center has provided free online tools for teaching Africa in the classroom. Explore grade-specific lessons, activities, and children’s literature. Browse their elementary school tools to help younger readers learn more about the diverse continent.Â
F.W. de Klerk, left, the last president of apartheid-era South Africa, and Nelson Mandela, his successor, in 1993. Image credit: The Library of Congress.
Young Historians
Learn about South Africa’s history from the stories and experiences of its people.Â
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, abridged by Chris van Wyk, and illustrated by Paddy Bouma: Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, this picture book gives young readers the chance to learn about South Africa’s first elected president. Kids can discover Mandela’s remarkable story—from his childhood in a small village to his career as a lawyer, activist, and leader.Â
Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo: Set during apartheid, this novel follows the journey of two siblings from their small village to the big city. When their baby sister becomes very sick, Naledi and Tiro must go to Johannesburg to find their mother and bring her home. But when they finally arrive, they discover that life in the city is very different from the world they knew. The novel, for ages 8 to 12, explores prejudice and discrimination as Naledi and Tiro question the unfair laws of apartheid.Â
I Am You: A Book About Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Zinelda McDonald: This heartwarming picture book introduces children to the concept of ubuntu—the idea that we are all connected. First published in South Africa, the story celebrates friendship and kindness. You can also explore Refiloe Moahloli’s other beloved children's books, including How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? and How Many Ways Can You Say Goodbye? These charming stories teach kids about the official languages of South Africa.Â
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If you want to learn more about South Africa, we hope you’ll check out our kids magazine Issue 25 | A Good Hope. Stay tuned as we continue to share research tips and resources for future issues!
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