Science Fiction in South Africa

Abstract

As has been said many times before, South Africa is a land of contrasts: Between races, landscapes, economic strata, political viewpoints, and lifestyles. A complex contrast, but one that is relevant to science fiction, is the disparity between levels of technological literacy. Some of the country's population have access to advanced technology, such as Internet connections and cell phones, but most citizens have a monthly income well below the comfort level. Illiteracy is extremely high, despite the efforts of a large number of educational organizations. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has reached crisis proportions; by 2010, approximately sixty-five percent of the country's adult population will have died of the disease if the current rate of infection continues unchecked. In this context, one cannot expect an advanced awareness of technological or scientific developments; neither can one assume even a basic acquaintance with published literature.