31 Mar 2025

Between nostalgia and apocalypse

White nationalist remembrance of the past and fear of the future in post-apartheid South Africa

This case study explores mobilisations framed around remembrance in white nationalist movements in post-apartheid South Africa, with a particular focus on the AfriForum. The authors draw on the concepts of restorative nostalgia and apocalyptic anticipation to analyse how the opposition to policies aimed at redressing past inequalities related to colonialism and apartheid often relies on racial stereotypes, fear, and, at times, hatred.