Impressions of a new South Africa.

South Africa's emancipation from apartheid was expected to usher in a democratic and peaceful society. Instead, as could be seen in conditions in the town of Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, gross violence has grown among mixed-race peoples who are resentful of the privileges given to the blacks.

Leaving London, I arrived in Cape Town in June 1995 for a three month research trip. I came prepared to garner such impressions as I could of the changes in everyday life in South Africa induced by the recent, remarkable, political transformation. As an historical geographer, the research that