South Africa lies on the brink of massive change. Can apartheid be dismantled peacefully? Or is violent revolution inevitable? In this lively, incisive account of South Africa’s recent history, BBC Southern Africa radio correspondent Graham Leach provides an up-to-date guide to the complex situation behind the daily news headlines. He draws on his front-line experience of events at Soweto, Crossroads and Sharpeville, and on his talks with key figures across the political spectrum, including President Botha, Bishop Desmond Tutu and anti-apartheid clergyman Dr Allan Boesak. He assesses the future political and social trends, and finally looks at the chances for a hopeful outcome to the country’s problems. As the South African writer Alan Paton puts it: One has to be optimistic, because to be pessimistic about South Africa does not bear thinking about.