South Africa Inc. The Oppenheimer Empire: A Book Review
If you are interested in learning more about one of the most powerful and influential families in South African history, you might want to read South Africa Inc. The Oppenheimer Empire by David Pallister, Sarah Stewart, and Ian Lepper. This book examines the economic and political power of South Africa's Oppenheimer dynasty, which has dominated the mining industry for over a century and has shaped the country's destiny in many ways. In this article, we will provide a summary, an analysis, and a conclusion of this fascinating book, as well as some frequently asked questions.
Introduction
South Africa Inc. The Oppenheimer Empire was first published in 1987 by Simon and Schuster, a year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison and four years before apartheid officially ended. The authors are three British journalists who have extensive experience in covering South African affairs. David Pallister is a former correspondent for The Guardian, Sarah Stewart is a former editor of The Observer, and Ian Lepper is a former reporter for The Financial Times. They have conducted extensive research and interviews to produce this comprehensive and revealing account of the Oppenheimer family and its business empire.
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire pdf free download
The book is relevant and important because it sheds light on one of the most influential forces in South African history, which has often been shrouded in secrecy and controversy. The Oppenheimers have been involved in almost every aspect of South African life, from mining to banking, from media to politics, from education to philanthropy. They have also been involved in global affairs, from trade to diplomacy, from war to peace, from sanctions to investments. The book explores how they have used their wealth, power, and connections to shape South Africa's destiny, for better or for worse.
Summary of the book
The Oppenheimer dynasty and its origins
The book traces the origins of the Oppenheimer dynasty to Ernest Oppenheimer, a German-Jewish immigrant who arrived in South Africa in 1902 at the age of 22. He started as a diamond buyer for a London-based company, but soon rose to prominence as an astute businessman and entrepreneur. He founded Anglo American Corporation in 1917, which became one of the largest mining companies in the world. He also acquired a controlling stake in De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1929, which gave him a monopoly over the global diamond trade. He became known as "the king of diamonds" and one of the richest men in the world.
Ernest Oppenheimer was also involved in South African politics and society. He was elected to parliament in 1924 as a member of Jan Smuts's South African Party, which supported a moderate and conciliatory approach to racial issues. He advocated for the economic and social development of the black majority, as well as the protection of the rights and interests of the white minority. He also supported the British Empire and its role in world affairs. He was a close friend and ally of Winston Churchill, who praised him as "the greatest man South Africa has ever produced".
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire book review
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire online pdf
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire summary
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire by david pallister
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire internet archive
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire cambridge core
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire ebook download
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire epub
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire history
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire analysis
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire criticism
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire pdf free
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire read online
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire simon and schuster
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire yale university press
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire 1988 edition
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire anglo american corporation
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire apartheid
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire mineral industries
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire international business enterprises
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire ernest oppenheimer
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire kimberley gold fields
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire journal of modern african studies
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire jean-jacques marmont
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire new scientist
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire nuclear fusion reactor
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire matthew sparkes
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire korea institute of fusion energy
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire kstar facility
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire net energy gain
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire holy grail experiment
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire mini sun breakthrough
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire yahoo news
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire solar core temperature
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire 100 million degrees celsius
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire 30 seconds record
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire physics problem to engineering one
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire unlimited energy race
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire forbes article
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire gambling sponsorships in cricket
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire restrictions lifted by icc
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire sports betting spectre
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire ndtv article
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire shubman gill domination
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire ipl 2023
south africa inc. the oppenheimer empire gujarat titans vs punjab kings
south africa indiana jones and temple of doom pdf free download
Ernest Oppenheimer died in 1957, leaving behind a vast fortune and a powerful legacy. He was succeeded by his son Harry Oppenheimer, who inherited his father's business empire and political influence. Harry Oppenheimer expanded and diversified the family's interests, investing in sectors such as banking, media, retail, and manufacturing. He also founded the Anglo American Chairman's Fund in 1958, which became one of the largest corporate philanthropic foundations in Africa. He supported various causes such as education, health, arts, culture, and conservation.
Harry Oppenheimer was also a prominent figure in South African politics and society. He was elected to parliament in 1948 as a member of Jan Smuts's United Party, which opposed the apartheid policies of the National Party. He became the leader of the opposition in 1957, but resigned in 1958 to focus on his business affairs. He continued to be an outspoken critic of apartheid and a supporter of democracy and human rights. He also played a key role in the formation of the Progressive Party in 1959, which advocated for a non-racial and liberal democracy in South Africa. He was a mentor and patron of Helen Suzman, who was the sole representative of the Progressive Party in parliament for 13 years.
The Oppenheimer empire and its global reach
The book also explores how the Oppenheimer family expanded its business interests beyond South Africa and became a global force in the mining industry and beyond. The family established a network of subsidiaries, affiliates, and partnerships around the world, operating in countries such as Australia, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and Russia. The family also diversified its portfolio of commodities, producing not only diamonds, but also gold, platinum, coal, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, and manganese.
The book also examines the challenges and controversies that the Oppenheimer family faced in its global operations. The family had to deal with various political risks and uncertainties, such as nationalization, expropriation, civil war, corruption, sanctions, and terrorism. The family also had to cope with various ethical dilemmas and criticisms, such as environmental degradation, human rights violations, labor disputes, tax evasion, monopoly practices, and illicit trade. The book reveals how the family navigated these complex and often contradictory situations with pragmatism and diplomacy.
The book also analyzes how the Oppenheimer family adapted to the end of apartheid and the transition to democracy in South Africa. The family supported the negotiations between the National Party and the African National Congress (ANC), which led to the peaceful transfer of power in 1994. The family also embraced the new political and economic order in South Africa, which promoted black empowerment, affirmative action, social justice, and reconciliation. The family sold some of its assets to black-owned companies and invested in new ventures that benefited previously disadvantaged communities. The family also maintained good relations with the ANC government and its leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Jacob Zuma. The family also supported the country's integration into the global economy and its role in the African continent and beyond.
Analysis of the book
The strengths of the book
The book has many strengths that make it a valuable and informative read. Some of the main strengths are:
The book provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Oppenheimer family and its business empire, covering its history, structure, operations, strategies, achievements, and challenges.
The book uses a variety of evidence and sources to support its arguments, such as official documents, financial reports, interviews, memoirs, biographies, academic studies, and media articles.
The book engages with different perspectives and debates on the Oppenheimer family and its impact on South Africa and the world, such as its role in colonialism, apartheid, democracy, development, globalization, and human rights.
The weaknesses of the book
The book also has some weaknesses that limit its scope and credibility. Some of the main weaknesses are:
The book is outdated and does not cover the recent developments and changes in the Oppenheimer family and its business empire, such as the retirement of Harry Oppenheimer in 1994, the death of Nicky Oppenheimer in 2019, and the sale of De Beers to Anglo American in 2012.
The book is biased and favorable towards the Oppenheimer family and its interests, often ignoring or downplaying its negative aspects and impacts, such as its exploitation of workers, its collusion with oppressive regimes, its evasion of taxes, and its involvement in corruption scandals.
The book is superficial and simplistic in some of its analysis and conclusions, failing to address some of the complex and nuanced issues and questions that arise from the Oppenheimer family and its legacy, such as its relationship with other ethnic groups, its contribution to social inequality, its accountability to society, and its vision for the future.
Conclusion
South Africa Inc. The Oppenheimer Empire is a book that offers a rich and revealing insight into one of the most powerful and influential families in South African history. The book shows how the Oppenheimer family rose to prominence in the mining industry and expanded its business interests around the world. The book also shows how the Oppenheimer family influenced South African politics and society, from colonialism to apartheid to democracy. The book has many strengths that make it informative and engaging, but also some weaknesses that make it outdated and biased. The book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn more about South Africa's history, economy, politics, and society.
FAQs
Where can I find a PDF free download of the book?
You can find a PDF free download of the book on this website: . However, we recommend that you buy a copy of the book from a reputable online or offline bookstore to support the authors and publishers.
How accurate and reliable is the book?
The book is based on extensive research and interviews by three experienced journalists who have covered South African affairs for many years. The book uses a variety of evidence and sources to support its arguments. However, the book is also outdated and biased in some aspects, so it should be read with a critical eye and compared with other sources.
How relevant and current is the book?
The book was published in 1987, which means that it does not cover the recent developments and changes in South Africa and in the Oppenheimer family. The book is still relevant for understanding the historical background and context of South Africa's political and economic transformation, as well as the role and impact of the Oppenheimer family. However, the book is also outdated and does not reflect the current situation and challenges of South Africa and the Oppenheimer family. The book should be supplemented with more recent and updated sources to get a more accurate and comprehensive picture.
Who are the Oppenheimers today and what are they doing?
The Oppenheimers today are the descendants of Ernest and Harry Oppenheimer, who have inherited their wealth and influence. The most prominent member of the family today is Nicky Oppenheimer, who is the grandson of Ernest and the son of Harry. He was the chairman of De Beers until 2012, when he sold his stake to Anglo American for $5.1 billion. He is also the chairman of E. Oppenheimer & Son, a private investment company that owns various assets in South Africa and abroad. He is one of the richest men in Africa, with a net worth of $8 billion as of 2021. He is also a philanthropist who supports various causes such as education, health, conservation, and democracy.
What are some other books that cover similar topics?
Some other books that cover similar topics are:
The Diamond Empire by Kieron Pim, which is a history of De Beers and its role in the global diamond trade.
Mining for Change: A Story of South African Mining by Antony Hocking and Bernard Swanepoel, which is a history of South African mining and its impact on the country's development.
The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by David Welsh and J.E. Spence, which is a history of apartheid and its demise in South Africa.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, which is an autobiography of South Africa's first democratically elected president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
44f88ac181
Σχόλια