Across Boundaries: The Journey of a South African Woman Leader (Women Writing Africa) - Softcover

Ramphele, Mamphela

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1558611665 ISBN 13: 9781558611665

Publisher: The Feminist Press at CUNY, 1999

Synopsis

"Survival," writes Mamphela Ramphele, "is a stronger force than the fear of offending others." Born black and female in apartheid-ruled South Africa, Ramphele went on to become one of the most distinguished women on the African continent—a prominent activist, medical doctor, anthropologist, teacher, university leader, as well as a mother to two sons. Across Boundaries chronicles Ramphele's inspiring journey, and reveals the staggering personal losses that coexisted with her astonishing political and professional achievements.

In addition to recounting the fascinating and often gripping events of her life, she describes the personal side of her experiences—her early struggles to maintain dignity and hope in a world that devalued both black people and women; her battles against despair, especially after the murder of her colleague and lover Steven Biko and the death of her third child in infancy; her mistakes and regrets, as well as her triumphs.

About this title

About the Author

Mamphela Aletta Ramphele is a South African politician, a former activist against apartheid, a medical doctor, an academic and businesswoman. She was a partner of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, with whom she had two children. She is a former Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Town and a one-time Managing Director at the World Bank.

Edition details

• Publisher: The Feminist Press at CUNY
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1558611665
• ISBN 13: 9781558611665
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256