The political orientation of Dr Nelson R. Mandela and iNkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi – a comparative study
type: CreativeWork
description: This dissertation examines the political orientations of two influential figures in South African history: Dr. Nelson R. Mandela and Inkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi. Both leaders played pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape of South Africa during the apartheid era and its transition to democracy. Mandela, as the iconic leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and later the first democratically elected President of South Africa, and Buthelezi, as the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and a prominent advocate for Zulu interests, offer contrasting perspectives on political ideology, strategy, and vision for the country. Drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, including speeches, interviews, autobiographies, and scholarly analyses, this comparative study seeks to explore the ideological foundations, strategic approaches, and leadership styles of Mandela and Buthelezi. Key areas of analysis include their respective commitments to non-violence versus armed struggle, their approaches to negotiations and reconciliation, their visions for a post-apartheid South Africa, and their relationships with other political actors and movements. By examining these dimensions, this dissertation aims to shed light on the complexities of political leadership in a deeply divided society and to provide insights into the factors that shaped the trajectories of the anti-apartheid struggle and the transition to democracy in South Africa. Additionally, the study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuances of political ideology, strategy, and leadership in contexts of social and political transformation. Ultimately, this comparative analysis of Mandela and Buthelezi's political orientations offers valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and political ideology in the context of South Africa's struggle for liberation and democratic consolidation. It also underscores the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives and strat…
abstract: This dissertation examines the political orientations of two influential figures in South African history: Dr. Nelson R. Mandela and Inkosi Mangosuthu G. Buthelezi. Both leaders played pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape of South Africa during the apartheid era and its transition to democracy. Mandela, as the iconic leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and later the first democratically elected President of South Africa, and Buthelezi, as the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and a prominent advocate for Zulu interests, offer contrasting perspectives on political ideology, strategy, and vision for the country. Drawing on a range of primary and secondary sources, including speeches, interviews, autobiographies, and scholarly analyses, this comparative study seeks to explore the ideological foundations, strategic approaches, and leadership styles of Mandela and Buthelezi. Key areas of analysis include their respective commitments to non-violence versus armed struggle, their approaches to negotiations and reconciliation, their visions for a post-apartheid South Africa, and their relationships with other political actors and movements. By examining these dimensions, this dissertation aims to shed light on the complexities of political leadership in a deeply divided society and to provide insights into the factors that shaped the trajectories of the anti-apartheid struggle and the transition to democracy in South Africa. Additionally, the study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuances of political ideology, strategy, and leadership in contexts of social and political transformation. Ultimately, this comparative analysis of Mandela and Buthelezi's political orientations offers valuable insights into the complexities of leadership and political ideology in the context of South Africa's struggle for liberation and democratic consolidation. It also underscores the importance of understanding the diverse perspectives and strat…
author: Zikhali, Bongani Maswidi
license: https://uzspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/05f505cf-52a8-4fb0-b087-f637f5c14430/download
date published: 2023
date modified: 2026-07-24T06:16:58Z
provider: University of Zululand
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Zululand