Nationalisation: Beyond The Slogans

Nationalisation: Beyond the Slogans by Keith Coleman is a thoughtful and historically grounded examination of nationalisation debates in South Africa, first published in 1991 by Ravan Press in Johannesburg. This book moves beneath the surface of political catch‑phrases and popular rhetoric to explore the substance of nationalisation as a policy, situating it within the economic and political landscape of late‑apartheid and early transitional South Africa. Coleman’s critical approach offers readers clarity on what “nationalisation” actually means in practice, how it has been theorised, and why it has played such a compelling role in public debate.

In Nationalisation: Beyond the Slogans, Coleman scrutinises widely held assumptions about state ownership — including who benefits from nationalised industries, how state control might influence efficiency and equity, and the ideological origins of calls for broader public ownership. Rather than accepting simplified narratives, the book encourages readers to engage with the complex interplay between economic policy, political power and social justice. Drawing on historical examples and economic reasoning, Coleman challenges readers to consider the practical implications of nationalisation beyond political posturing and sloganeering.

Published by a press known for its commitment to critical South African writing, Nationalisation: Beyond the Slogans provides both activists and scholars with a foundation for informed discussion about economic transformation, workers’ rights and the role of the state in shaping development. Its focus on the substance of policy — rather than its symbolic resonance — makes this edition a valuable reference for anyone seeking to understand the contested terrain of nationalisation in the context of South African political economy.

Condition: Near Fine – Slight foxing on inside of cover.