Basil Davidson, a notable British journalist, historian of Lusophone Africa, and activist passed away last week.  The UK’s Guardian paper published an extensive obituary.  One of his many accomplishments was to be one of the first Western journalists to accompany the MPLA guerrilla movement in Angola, fighting to overthrow Portuguese colonial rule, as well as his coverage of subsequent liberation movements and civil strife in Eritrea.  From 1969 - 1985 he served as President of the UK’s Anti-Apartheid Movement, publishing a series of articles in the New Statesman exposing the horrors of the apartheid system and causing him to be banned as a “prohibited immigrant” from South Africa.

JSTOR’s Struggles for Freedom in Southern Africa collection includes numerous full text examples of Basil’s work such as some important monographs, pamphlets, and articles that he authored.  The JSTOR archival collections also contain a fascinating record of his scholarly publishing as well as critical readings of his own texts and ideas.  A fascinating life that contributed much to our contemporary understanding of Africa, but perhaps even more important, an excellent example of an individual who pursued social justice on the continent and the expansion of human awareness about Africa’s complexities and rich cultures and histories.

Later this weekend, Africa’s first world cup tournament ever will conclude in a Sunday match with Spain vs. the Netherlands.  Two European soccer teams will fight for first place and the world championship.  There were a lot of lessons for the world.  All the paranoia and hysteria about South Africa’s criminality never materialized and the world was definitely treated to a dazzling array of football skill and international camaraderie.  And yet, it is important to appreciate and remember how far South Africa has traveled, and how much so many have sacrificed, in order to rebuild this nation from shunned pariah to the continent’s super star.  We are proud of South Africa and we congratulate all those who ensured that the legacy of fair, competitive sport amongst and between all peoples and nations, that this could become one of the lasting legacies of the anti-apartheid movement and the new South Africa.