Across Boundaries: The Journey of a South African Woman Leader

by Mamphela Ramphele

Book Overview

"Survival," writes Mamphela Ramphele, "is a stronger force than the fear of offending others." Born black and female in apartheid-ruled South Africa, Ramphele went on to become one of the most distinguished women on the African continent--a prominent activist, medical doctor, anthropologist, teacher, university leader, as well as a mother to two sons. Across Boundaries chronicles Ramphele's inspiring journey, and reveals the staggering personal...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558611665
• ISBN13: 9781558611665
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Feminist Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Mother's Struggle

Across Boundaries is an excellent book focussing on a mother's struggle to want a job and to be a mother at the same time. Even thogh this book was written by a woman from Africa it still pertains to many American mothers who struggle over the same problem. This book did not only focus on the mother aspect, but also on the fact that a woman wanted to help the condition of other woman also.

Mamphela's Struggle as a Woman

I found Mamphela Ramphele's autobiography very interesting and amazing. The struggles she went through during her life absolutely amazed me! She is one of the strongest women I have ever heard of. I enjoyed reading about her fight for rights, her relationship with Steve Biko, and how she balanced all of her activities. I found it very interesting that she did not put motherhood as a priority in her life as many other women do. I enjoyed reading "Across Boundaries" and I thought Mamphela did a good job of telling the true story of her life.

Over Coming Social Restrictions in Africa

Across Boundaries was an excellent book about a women's struggle to be amother and have a career. As said in the book "Recognising thatyou are a member of the global village is essential to lifting you above the narrow nationalistic interests and concerns of your own country (222)." Mamphela's life was a pursuit for women to rise above the boundaries and the story was very detailed, and well written! END

Across Boundaries

Across Boundaries by Mamphela Ramphele is a fascinating autobiography about the extraordinary journey of a South African woman leader. From historical events to her personal experiences, Ramphele describes these events and struggles with dignity. Throughout her endeavors as a young child and continued to her adulthood, she is committed and determined to succeed and to make a difference. An honest testimony that shows her fears and courage. This is an excellent book and it will keep you reading for this one woman's strength is amazing. Through moderate to difficult times and tribulations Mamphela Ramphele keeps a remarkable and uplifting attitude that helps bring new light to unfortunate situations.

Meet the woman "beside" Steve Biko not "behind" him

Anyone interested in the early years of the Antiapartheid movement in South Africa, will be interested in the life of Mamphela Ramphele, a most remarkable black woman, who defied all the odds of the apartheid regim. A leader in the Black Consciousness Movement, under constant police surveillance, she earned a MD and Ph.D. in anthropology. She was Steve Biko's significant other and while she was being "detained" without trial in the Transvaal, pregnant with Steven's child, she learned of Biko's brutal death while he was being detained. Despite hardships and heart aches she ran one of the nations first community health centers and is now Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. Here is her story written in her own words.