Abstract This paper contributes to the discussion on the relationship between geography and area studies and the proposed reorientation of the critical geography of ‘area’ by situating the production of geographical knowledge in South Africa in national and regional contexts. It argues that Southern Africa provides a useful entry point for geography‐African studies dialogue because of the region's shared histories and struggles, and the changing roles played by South Africa in the region. This regional context is useful for illuminating the convergence of the study of area and nationalism, and why and how geography became disconnected from African studies. The paper attributes this disconnect to parochialism and the prevailing negative views of Africa as a place of lack. It concludes that deconstructing Africa as ‘a disaster area’ and reorientating the South African Geographical Journal as a platform for African geographies are critical for bridging the geography‐African studies gap.
Maano Ramutsindela (Mon,) studied this question.