African nationalism from apartheid to post-apartheid South Africa

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This study employs discourse analysis and ideology critique to establish a framework for analyzing African nationalism in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. Adopting a constructivist perspective, it posits that nations are "imagined communities" built on "invented traditions." Two distinct concepts of nationalism—"constitutional" and "ethnic"—are identified, revealing a central antagonism in black political thought. The study contextualizes post-apartheid African nationalism by examining the African National Congress' (ANC) discourse during and before apartheid, highlighting the rivalry between "constitutional" nationalism, represented by Charterism, and "ethnic" nationalism, embraced by African nationalism. Although the ANC predominantly supported Charterism, it also flirted with the allure of exclusive racial nationalism. The analysis of current ANC discourse reveals that the historical divide between Africanist and Charterist nationalism continues to influence its narrative. Early notions like Mandela's "rainbow nation" and Mbeki's "I am an African" reflect Charterist ideals, while concepts like the "African Renaissance" allow for Africanist interpretations. The study underscores that nationalism arises from both discourse and material conditions, showing how the ANC and the emerging "black" bourgeoisie utilize nationalism to mobilize support and justify policies. This dynamic legitimizes existing inequalities, be