After the Party

After the Party is a 2007 political memoir by Andrew Feinstein that examines corruption within South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) during the Thabo Mbeki presidency. As a former ANC Member of Parliament, Feinstein provides an insider's account of the party's transformation in the post-apartheid era. The narrative centers on several key issues that shaped South African politics during this period, including the controversial Arms Deal, Zimbabwe policy, and the government's stance on HIV/AIDS. The author details how these events contributed to institutional decay and the erosion of democratic principles within the ANC and national government. The book offers direct analysis of political infighting, power struggles, and the gradual shift away from the party's founding ideals under Nelson Mandela. Feinstein concludes with concrete proposals for reform and institutional renewal. This work stands as both a personal testimony and a broader examination of how liberation movements can lose their moral compass after achieving power. The text raises universal questions about democracy, accountability, and the challenges of maintaining ethical governance in young democracies.

Readers found this to be a detailed exposé of corruption within South Africa's ANC party, based on Feinstein's firsthand experiences as an MP. Many appreciated his insider perspective on South Africa's arms deal scandal and the transition from Mandela to Mbeki. Positive reviews focused on: - Clear explanation of complex political events - Personal anecdotes about key figures - Documentation of specific corruption cases Main criticisms: - Too much technical detail on arms deals - Writing style can be dry - Some felt it was one-sided against the ANC Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 ratings) Several readers noted it filled gaps in their understanding of post-apartheid politics. One reviewer on Goodreads stated "Feinstein names names and provides evidence." An Amazon reviewer criticized "excessive detail about parliamentary procedures that slows the narrative."

The State vs. Nelson Mandela by Joel Joffe This first-hand account from Mandela's defense lawyer documents the 1963-1964 Rivonia Trial and exposes the machinations of the apartheid state.

My Traitor's Heart by Rian Malan A journalist's examination of crime, race, and politics in South Africa reveals the complexities of power and corruption during and after apartheid.

The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade by Andrew Feinstein This investigation into international weapons deals uncovers the connections between arms manufacturers, dealers, governments, and conflicts.

Truth to Power: The Politics of Police Violence in South Africa by Annette Seegers This analysis charts the development of South Africa's police force and its role in maintaining political control from apartheid through democratic transition.

How Long Will South Africa Survive? by R.W. Johnson This examination of post-apartheid South Africa details the political and economic forces that shaped the ANC government's policies and challenges.

🔹 The South African Arms Deal, a central focus of the book, was worth approximately R30 billion (US$4.8 billion) in 1999 and became one of the largest corruption scandals in South African history. 🔹 Author Andrew Feinstein resigned from his position as an ANC Member of Parliament in 2001 in protest against the party's handling of the Arms Deal investigation. 🔹 Before entering politics, Feinstein was a leader in an education NGO that helped establish South Africa's first adult education center in Johannesburg's Alexandra Township. 🔹 The book provides firsthand insight into President Thabo Mbeki's controversial "AIDS denialism" period, during which an estimated 330,000 South Africans died prematurely due to delayed HIV treatment. 🔹 Since writing "After the Party," Feinstein has become a globally recognized expert on corruption and the global arms trade, authoring additional books including "The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade."