The Idea of Africa in South African Political Science

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide a perspective on the development of knowledge and the teaching of Political Science on Africa from a South African view point. The article sketches the historical context of the study of the politics of the continent in relation to various institutions. It also discusses the development of teachers and scholars who were involved in the emerging field of study as well as some of the controversy around the transformation of the higher education sector in the country. Publications on the politics of Africa suggest an initial focus on the core issues in the politics of South Africa, and only later on the continent itself. Some of the professional associations are also referred to. The conclusion is reached that the study of the politics of Africa in South Africa is more than an idea and is becoming more centrally located in the discipline as well as in allied multi-disciplinary approaches, and is poised for further growth as the countries of the continent become more integrated.