Globalisation and Cultural Transformation: African and South African Perspectives

Abstract

What implications does globalisation hold for cultural transformation in Africa and South Africa? This article starts out by analysing the impacts, particularly in terms of cultural transformation, of the current intense process of globalisation. Then it proceeds to investigate the impacts of globalisation on the African continent as they evolved through history, with particular emphasis on the contemporary situation and the implications for African culture. Broad trends in intellectual thinking outside and inside Africa about Africa's position in a globalising world are indicated. Cultural transformation in Africa as a result of globalisation is further investigated by referring to a South African case study, the diaspora of the Afrikaner people.