Multicultural South African Children's Literature: Reflections of a Changing Society

Abstract

Twenty multicultural youth novels published in South Africa in English from 1994 to 1997 are analysed to determine how they reflect cultural values and social changes. This period is significant because for the first time a majority govemment is in power and 'apartheid' is being dismantled. The novel deal with topics such as integration in schools and communities, poverty, homelessness, drug and child abuse, crime and violence, illegal immigrants, sexual relationships and different cultural values. Works by African authors reflect township life and raise the issue of the often unquestioning acceptance of many Western cultural values by young Africans.