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Killing Kebble: An Underworld Exposed by Mandy Wiener (pperback)
In September 2005 one of South Africa’s most eminent mining magnates and businessmen Brett Kebble was killed on a quiet suburban street in Johannesburg. The investigation into the case was a tipping point for democratic South Africa. The top-level investigation that followed exposed the corrupt relationship between the country’s Chief of Police and Interpol President Jackie Selebi and suave Mafioso Glenn Agliotti. A lawless Johannesburg underbelly was exposed – dominated by drug lords, steroid-reliant bouncers, an international smuggling syndicate, a shady security unit moonlighting for the police and sinister self-serving sleuths abusing state agencies. -
Southern Cross by Jann Turner (paperback)
Anna and Paul are bound by a love so deep that it seems nothing can come between them. He is white, she is not, and in apartheid-riven South Africa, their work in the underground resistance movement is riddled with danger. Then, one night, Paul is brutally murdered. Trapped in a deep-seated grief, but sustained by Paul’s memory, Anna continues to fight for justice. Ten years later, in the newly democratic South Africa, Anna brings the unsolved murder to the Truth Commission, setting off a chain of events that uncovers the lies surrounding Paul’s death and a darker truth no one wants to see. -
Theology & Violence: The South African Debate Edited by Charles Villa-Vincencio (paperback)
The traditional willingness of the church to bless the use of state violence while opposing revolutionary violence is a natural consequence of its political location on the side of successive ruling classes – traceable back to the Edict of Milan in 313 CE.
It would be wrong, however, to suggest that it is for reasons extraneous to theology that some Christians understand or justify revolutionary violence, while others participate in revolution against tyrannical rulers. It is, in turn, naïve simply to condemn all violence, when in South Africa state repression is at an all time high and revolutionary resistance is intensifying daily.
The essays in this volume contribute to a quest for a responsible Christianity in a violent society. The contours of political violences in South Africa from the time of colonial and missionary expansionism, through the rise of Afrikaner nationalism to the black struggle for liberation are considered. Prominent black Christians, including Desmond Tutu and Frank Chikane, provide contextual theological comment on the use of revolutionary violence. The classical teaching of the church on violence is critically analysed and specific issues such as women and violence, conscientious objection and the ecumenical debate on violent revolution and military disarmament are considered.
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Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog (paperback)
For more than two years, Antjie Krog worked in acute engagement with the many voices that arose in and around South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. From the legislative genesis of the Commission, through the testimonies of victims of abuse and violence, the revelations from apartheid’s operatives, the appearance of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and former president PW Botha’s courthouse press conference, to the Commission’s meeting with the media on Robben Island early in 1998 – this award-winning poet leads us on an extraordinary odyssey.
Country of My Skull captures the complexity of the Truth Commission’s work in a uniquely personal narrative which is harrowing, illuminating and provocative. Krog’s powerful prose lures the reader actively and inventively through a mosaic of insights, impressions and secret themes, taking us beneath the big movements of the Truth Commissions – and beyond… into the very heart of what it means to be a South African today.
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The Bishop’s Churches: The Churches of Anglican Bishop Robert Gray by Desmond Martin (paperback)
(paperback: title page highlighted yellow)
The Bishop’s Churches documents the churches established by Bishop Robert Gray, the first Bishop of Cape Town. He and his wife, Sophy, arrived in Cape Town in 1848 with a mission to increase the number of Anglican clergy represented in to British colonies of what was eventually to become South Africa, and to implement a church building programme. What the Bishop achieved was nothing short of remarkable; within 25 years he was instrumental in the erection of 50 churches, 40 of which were designed by Sophy.
Accompanying the historical and architectural comment, Dr Desmond Martin has illustrated 40 churches founded by Bishop Robert Gray and his wife using a combination of watercolours and line drawings. Whether you are interested in the history of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, architecture or conservation in genera;, this book provides information on a hitherto neglected part of South Africa’s cultural heritage.
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Tribes & Kingdoms by J.S. Bergh and A.P. Bergh (hardback)
(hardback: dust jacket included, pen inscription on first page)
Warriors, chiefs and kings dominated a century during which nations were forged and empires were born and broken. This history of 19th century tribes and kingdoms in Southern Africa.
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Under the Olive: A Book of Garden Pleasures by Eve Palmer (hardback)
When Eve Palmer first began to plant her hot hillside garden in Pretoria over thirty-five years ago, she knew instinctively what she wanted – the wild trees of the South African countryside. Although indigenous trees had not yet become fashionable and not much was known about their cultivation, she set out, undaunted, on a lifelong experiment that was to culminate in two major pioneering works on the subject.
Into her garden, then, came trees remembered from her Karoo childhood, trees described by travellers, trees renowned for their medicinal or magic uses, trees rich in historical association. Later came their natural companions – the wild ground covers, climbers, creepers, shrubs. Only one foreigner – the rose – was admitted.
In Under the olive she pays a personal tribute to the trees and plants of her garden and the pleasures they have brought her: shade and shelter; shape, foliage and bark; flowers and fruit; colour; scent; food; birds and butterflies.
The catalogue of her pleasures – “holds upon happiness”, she calls them – is interwoven with a wealth of anecdotes, reminiscences, sketches of people and most readable book will be a source of inspiration to experienced and would-be gardeners for a long time to come.
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Fisherman of the Cape by Bruce Franck and Frank Robb (hardback)
(hardback: dust jacket included, pen inscription on title page)
William Bruce Franck, born in Cape Town in February 1907, trained as a lithographic process-artist. He worked as a commercial artist – first in various advertising agencies and then on a freelance basis – and was an assistant instructor in a commercial art at the Michalis School of Fine Art. After World War II he discontinued commercial work and began to concentrate on landscape and portrait painting. He later became a lecturer in art at the Cape Technical College.
Frank Robb was born and brought up within the precincts of Cape Town Docks and took to the sea as soon as he was able to cast off the painter of any fisherman’s dinghy found unattended. After that came tin canoes, sailing dinghies, in – and off-shore cruisers and racers – a way of life pursued while earning a living ashore.
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Victoria Falls and Surrounds: The Insider’s Guide by Ian Michler (paperback)
Victoria Falls & Surrounds: The Insider’s Guide presents appealing safari destinations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana, within reach of Victoria Falls.It is loaded with local knowledge and practical tips for making the most of a holiday in this richly diverse tourist region: from spectacular game safaris to sophisticated beach lodges; from southern Africa’s fascinating historical and cultural roots to Zimbabwe’s modern day adrenaline capital; Victoria Falls town, and its Zambian equivalent, Livingstone; from exploration and leisure sports on the breathtaking Zambezi River to a personal encounter with the spectacular Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders. In a lively and evocative style, the author paves the way for an unforgettable adventure with useful advice, contact names, and addresses, and even a selection of helpful phrases. -
Shattered Dreams: stories of fate by Jann Bader (paperback)
When you drive through the country, through the small towns and villages you are often confronted by symbols of failure… houses stand derelict, vehicles lie rusting in the sun, crumbling factories, boarded up shops and you wonder… what happened here? Sometimes your imagination wanders and you see happy laughing children on the stoep, men in hats working in the land, shopkeepers sharing a joke with their customers and images of how it once must have been flood your mind. Shattered Dreams is an imaginary journey into what might have happened. A journey to discover and photograph the shattered dreams and hopes of those who have abandoned a dream and left it behind… and to tell a story of their passing. Some might view the photographs and choose to imagine their own story. Some might question the validity of the written stories. Others might experience moments of regret for what might have been, but Shattered Dreams does what all books are supposed to do… set your imagination free!
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Plaasmoorde: Slagoffers Vertel Self by Carla ven der Spuy (paperback)
Hierdir boek laat mens met drie hoofgrdagtes: the absolute brutaliteit van die aanvallers; die volslae magteloosheid van onskuldige slagoffers en die onverklaarbare krag van geloof en vergifnis.
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Laat Los jou Las by Kate Emmerson (paperback)
Laat Los jou Las weerspieel Kate se geliefde styl van eerlik, outentiek, inspirerend end gevoelvol wees. Haar unieke proses van intree, vorentoe tree en buite tree sal jou help om eksponensieel can ratte te verwissel om ‘n nuwe pad corentoe te vind. Dit is propvol brokkies uit haar eie fassinerende lewensverhaal, verweef met suksesstories van dapper kliente wat hulle laste laat los het. Hierdie boek neem jou op ‘n kragtige praktiese reis na selfverwesenliking deur diep selfondersoek en transformasie sodat jy gehoor kan gee aan haar oproep to ‘n manjifieke lewe.
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Ditch your Glitch by Kate Emmerson (paperback)
Ditch Your Glitch is true to Kate’s well-loved style of being honest, authentic, inspirational and compassionate. Her unique process of step in, step up and step out into the world helps you shift gears exponentially to find a new way forward to shine your light, It’s filled with snippets of her own fascinating life story and interwoven with the success stories from brave clients who faced their glitch. This book takes you on a powerful yet practical journey to the self, through deep, inner exploration and transformation so that you can heed her all to live a life of magnificence.
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This Child Will Be Great by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (paperback)
In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by fourteen years of brutal civil conflict, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—Africa’s “Iron Lady”—was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of the West African nation.
In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the story of her rise to power, including her early childhood; her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile; and her fight for democracy and social justice. She reveals her determination to succeed in multiple worlds, from her studies in the United States to her work as an international bank executive, to campaigning in some of Liberia’s most desperate and war-torn villages and neighborhoods. It is the tale of an outspoken political and social reformer who fought the oppression of dictators and championed change. By telling her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power, and gives us all hope that we can change the world.
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Small Moving Parts by Sally-Ann Murray (paperback)
Halley is a smart girl growing up poor in Durban, close to the bustling docks. Trying to make ends meet is her mother, Nora, who pares herself to the bone to provide. Halley’s sister is bored of everything, but she’s not a regular girl anyway, she’s a princess.Halley finds a way to live that’s more than making do. She finds that a little love and imagination can take you pretty far, and that they certainly help to hold the curious bits and pieces together. It’s an unusual package, but what more, she wonders, could anyone want from life, or from a long, lovely story?
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You Are Enough by Tumi Sibanda (paperback)
In the eight years of her coaching career, Tumi Sibanda has come to recognise a monster that has held society hostage for generations. This monster keeps many people stuck in a loop of unfulfilling relationships, stagnant careers, stunted businesses and toxic existence. This monster is characterised by an internal battle with a constant feelings of inadequacy that makes people live their lives from the belief that they are not enough.
Whether you are a professional, a business owner, a CEO, a leader in society, a parent, a teacher, a lover or a friend, this book will get you to pause and reflect on how you may be engaged in an unending dance with the monster without knowing it. How you may be enabling this monster to pass on from generation to generation. The practical tips shared in this book are designed to help you become aware of your chains and to break the chains to start living from the knowing that you are enough.
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Creativity Explained by David Priilaid (paperback)
Creativity and imagination are key catalysis to unlocking potential in the 21st century. While those in business and civil society are generally aware of the challenges of the modern age, dew seem able to understand or apply the creativity necessary to meet them. Creativity Explained suggests that the most direct route to imaginative insight lies in understanding how genuinely creative people develop their big ideas. Focusing on the lives of contemporary writers, musicians and artists, David Priilaid examines the elements of the creative process to provide readers with a better appreciation of creativity in practice. Through exploring the creative lives of figures such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Bill Evans, Jackson Pollock, J.K. Rowling and the iconic Steve Jobs, Priilaid shows how artists are typically outsiders, marked variously by the extent of their suffering, resilience and love for the work they do. Creativity Explained offers an insightful overview of the imaginative mindset and disciplines crucial to the formulation of great ideas.
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The Purpose of Power: How to Build Movements for the 21st Century by Alicia Garza (paperback)
Black Lives Matter began as a hashtag when Alicia Garza wrote what she calls ‘a love letter to Black people’ on Facebook. But hashtags don’t build movements, she tells us. People do. Interwoven with Garza’s personal experiences of live as a Black woman, The Purpose of Power is the story of how she responded to the persistent message that Black lives are of less value than white lives by galvanizing people to create a change.
It provides insight for how to use grassroots organizing to deliver basic needs – affordable housing, workplace protection, access to good education – to those locked out of the economy by racism. It is an attempt not only to make sense of where Black Lives Matter came from, but also to understand the possibilities that Black Lives Matter and movements like it hold for out collective future.
Ultimately, it’s an appeal to hearts and minds, demanding that we think about our privilege and prejudices, and ask ourselves how we might contribute to the change we want to see in the world.
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A Mind At Home With Itself by Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell (paperback)
Byron Katie uses four key questions and the Diamond Sutra – one of the great ancient spiritual texts – to reveal the nature of the mind and how to liberate yourself from painful thoughts:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
- How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without the thought?
Known the world over for her classic work, Loving What Is, the author demonstrates how to experience revelations about yourself and your world, revelations that will transform your whole life.
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Mandela: The Authorised Biography by Anthony Sampson (hardback)
(hardback: dust jacket included)
The life of Nelson Mandela, from the personal and the global perspective, is one of the epic stories of the twentieth century. It is also one of the most inspiring. Twenty years ago, Mandela was an almost forgotten figure languishing in jail on Robben Island; today, as he leaves office as President of South Africa, he is one of the most widely admired leaders on earth.
By giving Anthony Sampson unprecedented access to 27 years’ worth of unpublished correspondence from prison, as well as to other unpublished writings including his original, suppressed, autobiography, Mandela has enabled the author to write the most comprehensive account of his life to date. Sampson, who has known Mandela from the early 1950s, has also conducted hundreds of interviews with colleagues, family and friends as well as prison warders and Afrikaner ex-cabinet ministers, and he is the first person to have exclaimed prison archives in South Africa and diplomatic papers in Great Britain, the United States and South Africa.