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A CAPE TOWN
ALDERMAN'S STORY OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND OUTSPOKEN OPPOSITION Alfred H. Honikman was born in 1910 in Cape Town, South Africa, where he lived for most of his life. He received his diploma in Architecture in 1935 and practiced in that field in his native city from 1935-1975 (interrupted by army service during World War II). He was a trustee of the South African National Gallery of Art from 1953-1980 and the Chairman of the Board of that institution from 1960-1980. It is not art and architecture, however, that dominates his memoir, In the Shadow of Apartheid, jointly published by Quartz Press of Johannesburg and Fithian Press of Santa Barbara, California. Rather, this book deals more importantly with Mr. Honikman's life in public service during South Africa's explosive and derisive era of apartheid. The apartheid tyranny dominated life in South Africa for nearly half a century (1948-1994). Influenced as it was by its Nazi precursor, apartheid produced cleavage between state and city and acrimony between the leaders in all levels of government. Dangerous and often ludicrous developments ensued, causing persons in high places to behave in the most extraordinary manner. As the twentieth century draws to a close, South Africa has celebrated the demise of apartheid and has seen the introduction of universal franchise, the adoption of a Bill of Rights, a new democratic constitution, and the appointment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a step of great significance to the civilized world. These momentous changes owe much to the courage and hard work of citizens like Alfred Honikman, who refused to be silent or silenced when it came to matters of conscience. |
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About the Author Alfred Honikman served as an alderman of the City of Cape Town throughout the first 32 years of the apartheid era, from 1948-1980. During that time he also served a term as Mayor and as chairman of several important committees and as a member of the City's Executive Committee. An outspoken and clear-speaking opponent of apartheid, Mr. Honikman was frequently in conflict with the powers that be. These conflicts are recalled in his memoir, sometimes with humor, sometimes with sorrow, always with affection for the city and the land of his birth. In 1980, Mr. Honikman retired from all public office and moved with his wife to Santa Barbara, California, although he has returned for visits to South Africa almost every year since then. |
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In the Shadow of Apartheid 264 pages, paperback, $14.95 For ordering information, click here or phone (800) 662-8351 |