Towards a Reconceptualization of “(Post)Transitional” South African Cultural Expression

Abstract

In this paper, I problematize the notion of the “post-transitional” (Samuelson 2008; Frenkel and MacKenzie 2010) as a way of theorizing and delineating recent South African cultural expression. I argue that this idea relies – whether intentionally or not – on a limiting conception of South Africa’s contemporary socio-political history and transition in terms that are inevitably linear and teleological. I propose that contemporary cultural expression in South Africa (and indeed across Africa) may be productively considered, in broad terms, as literatures of transition. This is an overarching non-linear and non-teleological continuum embracing multiple transitions that are not necessarily discrete or mutually exclusive, and that can be delineated in connection with specific contexts and moments. Without rejecting the general features and trends of recent South African cultural expression identified under the problematical rubric of “post-transitional,” I propose that the emergent post-2000 literatures be theorized as “post-TRC.” This highlights the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as an influential point of reference without ignoring the wider, non-linear, and non-teleological frame of on-going multiple transitions – social, political, economic, and cultural.