The extraordinary growth of the South African economy is undermining the theory of apartheid and, in the long run, perhaps threatening its practice. The economy is doing this by drawing Africans into the big industrial cities and increasing their skills and wages. But, though the theory of apartheid is foundering under the impact of economic growth, there has been no change so far in the practice of apartheid. In fact, life for an African is as cruel as ever, in some cases, crueler. But, if the theory goes, can the practice stay for long? There are conflicting guesses about this. Some liberals believe economic prosperity will bring whites and blacks together in a way that will break down racial barriers. But others, more cynical, believe the white rulers of the country would rather choke the economy than let a barrier fall. In the meantime, the white politicians have promised the white voters both prosperity and apartheid and are busily juggling the economy and the race laws in hopes of keeping both, however contradictory they may be...

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