ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how grandparents continue to act as anchors for families in Southern African region. It documents generational relations in Southern Africa which oscillate along a continuum of four states: solidarity, conflict, ambivalence, and ambiguity. The significance of intergenerational intelligence is that as a societal quality it enhances the flow of wealth between the generations. Most Southern African elderly live in rural areas, and many young adults leave for the cities and leave their children with grandparents, because the law prohibits them from bringing their children along. The wisdom of the elders compels young families to keep contact with grandparents with the intent of cultural transmission. Empirical studies on matters pertaining to African urbanization highlight the dehumanizing impact of the migrant labour system on the family life of Africans. Although African societies are still considered to be "developing", current demographic trends will soon make Africa's population part of a global demographic revolution.
