Lew Geffen is destined to have an eventful life. Driven by a maverick spirit, he embarks on a wild ride of success, securing the local Sotheby’s International Realty license to become a major player in the property market.

Along the way he's fired by his mother, sells Mandela's house and navigates the fallout of a murder at his company's annual convention. Lew's extraordinary life is told with candour, warmth and laced by his wicked sense of humour.

Geffinitely a business memoir like no other.

Jonathan Ball, the founder of Jonathan Ball Publishers, died on 3 April 2021 after a short illness. This collection of essays, commissioned in tribute to him, is edited by Michele Magwood.

Jonathan Ball left a deep impression on many different people in different ways. The forty or so essays reflect the many facets of Jonathan. The chapter headings would read husband, father, businessman, friend, brother, colleague. But it is in the subheads that we begin to understand the shape of him: publisher extraordinaire, history expert, gourmand, liberal thinker, suitor, philosemite and so on.

It cannot be exaggerated how deep an imprint Jonathan has left on the political and cultural life of South Africa, too. The shelves of Jonathan Ball Publishers are weighted with serious history and biographies of eminent figures, with books that other publishers didn’t have the boldness, the sheer guts, to take on. But there are many smaller, more finespun stories that tell us too who we are as a people and as a nation.

Ses jaar ná die verskyning van Bloedvreemd vertel Juliana Coetzer wat hét geword van haar dogter, Anneke. In Bloedvreemd vertel die skrywer hoe Anneke op sewejarige ouderdom ’n virus opgedoen wat haar brein aangetas het, en geleidelik het sy verstandelik begin agteruitgaan. Die werklikheid het egter nie stilgestaan nie. Ses jaar ná die boek vra mense steeds – wat het geword van julle? Is Anneke oukei? Hoe maak ’n mens met die voortdurende verlies, die agteruitgang?

Juliana Coetzer is ook ’n terapeut. Met 'n skreiend eerlike stem wat voortdurend selfondersoek doen, skryf Juliana oor die verdere reis met Anneke, nou al in haar vroeg dertigs. Sy kan al hoe minder praat, al hoe minder verstaan, en steeds probeer sy haar onafhanklikheid behou. Sover Juliana en haar eggenoot, Fanus, daartoe in staat is, probeer hulle haar omhul in ’n wêreld met embarming en begrip. Maar elke dag (en nag) bring sy eie, eindelose uitdagings.

Die kind se naam is Anneke is aangrypende leesstof vir enigiemand wat al pyn/verlies ervaar het. Of jy ’n kind het of nie. En of jy Bloedvreemd gelees het al dan nie.

The extraordinary life of tycoon and philanthropist Dr Anton Rupert is told in full in this updated version of the topselling biography.

This is the story of a Karoo boy who grew up during the Depression, struggled to find money to study science, and then made good as a businessman, spectacularly so, reaching the Forbes list of the 500 wealthiest people worldwide. Unlike Harry Oppenheimer, Rupert was no heir, neither did he make his millions from mining. His Rembrandt Group of manufacturers became known across the globe, owning brands like Cartier, Dunhill, Rothmans and Montblanc. Within a few decades, a family dynasty was built, making the Ruperts, next to the Oppenheimers, the richest family in Africa.

This compelling book, based on extensive research, does justice to a South African icon whose life contains invaluable business lessons. Anton Rupert's insights into job and wealth creation are today more relevant than ever.

In the 1990s, deep-cover police agent RS536 took on the Durban underworld as part of a new organised crime intelligence unit. He rubbed shoulders with drug lords, smugglers and corrupt cops, and was instrumental in busting an international drug ring and foiling a bank heist, among many other dangerous engagements.

But then, as the country’s new democracy birthed a struggle between the old and the new guard in the South African Police Service, his identity and his life came under threat. In this action-packed account, Johann van Loggerenberg describes how, as a young policeman, he worked closely with the investigative team of the Goldstone Commission to uncover the ‘third force’ – apartheid security forces that supplied weapons to the Inkatha Freedom Party to destabilise the country.

He also delves into how and why, at the height of state capture at the South African Revenue Service in 2014, he was falsely accused of being an apartheid spy, a lie that persists up to today. Here, finally, is the truth behind deep-cover police agent RS536.

Hierdie skrywer weet hoe om ʼn storie te vertel en hoe om die leser in te katrol. Haar kinderjare in Pretoria-Wes word lewendig en humoristies verhaal.

Haar pa het lewenslank boekminderwaardig gevoel omdat hy nie kon gaan studeer nie. Sy pa het sy grond verloor en hy moes vroeg die skool verlaat om te gaan werk. Hy onderskei hom in die spoorweë, maar die drankduiwel ry hom (en die gesin). Geen kind van hom hoef te gaan leer nie, glo hy.

Die verteller self spring duidelik en onweerstaanbaar uit die bladsy regop – iemand wat, in haar eie woorde al soos ʼn haas verskrik is deur haar pa maar wat haar eenvoudig nie laat onderkry nie. Sy sou gaan leer, buig of bars. En sy het nie opgehou voordat sy ʼn doktorsgraad verwerf het nie.

Watter soort mens was dr. H.F. Verwoerd, die sesde premier van die Unie van Suid-Afrika en grondlegger van die huidige Republiek? Die bydraers tot hierdie boek skryf op onderhoudende wyse oor hoe hulle hom onthou, wat hulle saam met hom beleef het en oor hulle opvatting van sy politieke oogmerke. Die persoonlike aard van die bydraes verleen ’n dimensie aan die boek wat in objektiewe geskiedskrywing ontbreek. Verwoerd tree te voorskyn as vriend, gesinsman, volksman, raadsman en leier. Hierdie bundel verskyn die eerste keer in 2001 by geleentheid van die 100ste herdenking van dr. Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd se geboortedag, 8 September 1901. Die bygewerkte weergawe in 2016 bevat nuwe bydraes deur onder andere Elise Verwoerd, Cas Bakkes en Albert Hertzog.

Confrontation is a memoir based on real events. Set in the early nineties, it follows the journey of a child growing up in South Africa’s season of change.

But all is not as it seems – biologically, domestically, emotionally – three words that immediately takes shape like the head, neck and tail of a monster brooding beneath the bed. Domestic unrest casts a thick veil over a much greater problem.

“One of your greatest challenges in this world, my darling, would be men... It’s a shame because you think you’re the relationship type?” So-called advice from a friend who suggested being gay might be a better option than what she was contemplating. Not that she had a choice. She wasn’t entirely herself yet, and that was the problem.

Kirsty Steinberg is the pen name for the author. Confrontation is her debut work.

Suid-Afrika se Mnr. Pinotage, Beyers Truter, se passie vir die lewe en wyn is oral bekend. In hierdie boek kyk hy terug op sy eerste treë as wynmaker van Kanonkop, asook die deftige funksie in Londen toe hy in 1991 as Wynmaker van die Wêreld aangewys is.

Hy vertel ook van die vlammetjie wat altyd in hom gebrand het om op sy eie plaas wyn te maak en die groot oomblik van Beyerskloof se eerste oes. Sy lewensreis as eienaar en wynmaker van Beyerskloof is een van vriendskap, nederigheid en lojaliteit. Die bekende ou skrywer van cowboy-boeke Louis L'Amour se betekenis van traildust was nog altyd vir hom 'n rigsnoer in sy lewe as wynmaker, ouer en vriend.

Beyers sien altyd die humor in situasies raak en dis een van die redes hoekom hy die wyntoere so baie geniet het saam met Jannie Engelbrecht, Jan-Boland Coetzee, Kevin Arnold en Johan Malan. Hy het ook 'n lang paadjie geloop met die bekende Etzebeth-rugbybroers, asook Koos Kombuis. Hy deel ook sy liefde vir sy honde, duik, seekos en Namibië.

In what will surely become a classic of South African non-fiction, Led by Shepherds begins with twelve-year-old Jeffrey Rakabe leaving his village to attend an initiation ceremony, believing it to be the key to his manhood. But the weeks-long rite of passage in the mountains is a far cry from the adventure he’d imagined.

Years later, as a student, Rakabe discovers the nurturing world of books and thrives within the hush of the Johannesburg Public Library.

The presence of caring women in his life, from his concerned mother and supportive partner to a librarian who feeds his intellectual curiosity with a steady supply of literature, spur Rakabe to investigate the possible links between the koma ritual, awash with misogynistic language, and gender-based violence in SA.

Part memoir, part manifesto, Led by Shepherds is a moving, vital and controversial book and Jeffrey Rakabe a brave voice for a new generation.

Brief Hours and Weeks is the author's account of growing up in a small, tightly knit, first-generation Polish-Jewish community in Cape Town in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

Observing through at first naive and then later more sophisticated eyes, he describes his childhood and youth in a protective off-the-boat immigrant Jewish family in very British-Commonwealth South Africa as apartheid becomes increasingly coercive.

Through vivid and candid personal stories, he brings to life a time, place, culture, people, and set of mores that no longer exist. At 21, he leaves Africa to study in America.

Eric Molobi: A Legacy of Resolute Leadership reflects on the life of a man who helped shape South Africa’s transformation with quiet determination and unwavering resolve. From his early activism in the Black Consciousness Movement to his imprisonment on Robben Island a longside Nelson Mandela, Molobi’s journey was defined by his commitment to social justice and empowerment.

Upon his release, Molobi played a crucial role in education during the turbulent 1980s, navigating political repression with strategic foresight. At the end of apartheid, he transitioned into business, championing Black Economic Empowerment – not as a tool for personal gain but as a means to cultivate talent, support socio-economic reconstruction and ensure economic involvement. He served on the boards of major corporations and influenced South Africa’s economic landscape while avoiding the limelight.

Written by acclaimed journa list Gaongalelwe Tiro, this biography explores Molobi’s impact across politics, business and social development. It is essential reading for business leaders, activists, educators and history enthusiasts drawn to stories of resilience and purpose-driven leadership.

Through the institutions, careers and initiatives that he helped to build, Molobi’s legacy continues to shape South Africa’s future.

Imbokodo: Women Who Shape Us is a groundbreaking series of books which introduces you to the powerful stories of South African women who have all made their mark and cleared a path for women and girls.

In 10 Extraordinary Leaders, Activists & Protesters, you will read about women who fought against colonialism and oppression. Here are the stories of women heroes through history, whose stories are connected because of a shared passion for equality and justice.

• Emma Sandile
• Nomguqo Paulina Dlamini
• Charlotte Makgomo Mannya-Maxeke
• Mina Tembeka Soga
• Mabel Cetu
• Pumla Ngozwana Kisosonkole
• Lauretta Ngcobo
• Brigalia Ntombemhlophe Bam
• Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela-Mandela
• Masalanabo Modjadji VII (The Rain Queen)

In 1982 aanvaar Nico Smith ’n beroep na die NG Kerk in Afrika se Mamelodi-gemeente. Hy en sy vrou laat hulle gemaklike lewe agter en gaan bly in Mamelodi. Hier leer Nico en Ellen rêrig die hart van Mamelodi se mense ken, en beleef swaarkry saam met hulle. Hulle leer wat dit beteken om swart te wees in Suid-Afrika onder apartheid. Hulle leer ’n ander God ken, nie die God van Nico se vaders nie, maar die God van die verworpenes en die verdruktes.

As a follow-up to his hugely popular 2016 autobiography Trail Blazer, Ryan Sandes’ new book explores the gripping and often life-threatening adventures this extraordinary ultra-trail runner has experienced around the globe since then. Not only have these projects tested the very edge of human endurance, but on several occasions, Ryan literally had to run for his life.

Along with a 1 500-kilometre Himalayan adventure, read about his attempt at completing the first 700-kilometre solo run up Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast – only to stumble upon some very angry Namibian soldiers conducting illegal and, possibly, government-sponsored seal clubbing. And, with his running partner Ryno Griessel, becoming the first people to run the entire circumference of Lesotho, during which they find themselves fighting off an attack from local herdsman armed with rocks and clubs.

In between these adventures, Ryan battles to balance a challenging career with a dedicated commitment to his young family. Risk. Run. Reward. is packed with adventure, humour and some fascinating insights into the psyche of an ultra-endurance athlete. Trust me, these people are not like you and me …

Kolonie aan die Kaap is die derde van vyf boeke oor vroeë blanke vestiging aan die Kaap.

In dié deel vestig Karel Schoeman die aandag op die eerste blanke intrekkers. Die VOC (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie), het in 1651 besluit om in Tafelbaai ’n verversingspos te stig ten behoewe van die Kompanjie se skeepvaart tussen Nederland en die Ooste en dis met hierdie doel dat kommandeur Jan van Riebeeck in Desember van daardie jaar met sy vlootjie van vyf skepe na die Kaap uitgeseil het.

Die eerste hoofstuk gee aandag aan Van Riebeeck se lewe en loopbaan tot en met hierdie datum en in die tweede hoofstuk word die werksaamhede rondom die vestiging van die verversingspos aan die hand van Van Riebeeck se dagboeke en briewe en die geskrifte van vroeë besoekers beskryf. Die omstandighede van die pioniersgroepie wat uitvoering aan Van Riebeeck se opdragte en ambisieuse planne moes gee, word in hoofstuk 3 bespreek. Aanvanklik moes alle lewensmiddele, gereedskap, saad, plantjies en selfs perde uit die Ooste ingevoer word. ’n Fort, wat skuiling en beskerming teen wilde diere en vyandige Khoi-stamme moes gee, is in 1666 voltooi. Hoe die verskillende sosiale groeperinge soos die hoë amptenare, die ambagsmanne, soldate en slawe in dié Fort gewerk, geleef en soms ook gesterf het, die onthale, kerk- en gebedsdienste en militêre parades kom in hoofstuk 4 aan die bod.

’n Klein klompie hoë Kompanjiesamptenare was deel van die Kaapse nedersetting, maar dit was hoofsaaklik uit die groter groep werksvolk, soldate en matrose dat die latere vryburgers afkomstig was. Die uiters moeilike omstandighede, teenslae en mislukkings van die aanvanklike groepie van nege, maar ook die enkele suksesverhale, word in hoofstuk 7 bespreek. Die boek sluit af met ’n oorsig oor Van Riebeeck se latere loopbaan in die Ooste en sy oorlye in 1677.

From heavy metal music bands to monobrows and mood swings, this story is about navigating adolescence in a foreign country, surrounded by other teenagers from varying backgrounds and cultures.

Gabi writes about her life - her experiences and the emotional fallout - after her family moved to Saudi Arabia from Johannesburg when she was twelve years old. Her story reflects the difficulties of growing up in culturally foreign environments and the long term mental health consequences of bullying as she fought to find her sense of self.

You don't have to live in Saudi to be able to relate to some of these stories. The issues are universal, and this story is just one contribution to the conversation.

Born in 1917 in Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Oliver Reginald Tambo became Nelson Mandela's legal partner and a prominent member of the ANC's Youth League.

Following the Sharpeville massacre in 1960, Tambo left South Africa to set up the ANC's international mission. As President of the ANC in exile, he led the fight against apartheid on both the diplomatic and military fronts. He died in 1993 on the eve of liberation. Tambo had a profound influence on the ANC during the difficult years of uncertainty, loneliness and homesickness in exile. His simplicity, his nurturing style, his genuine respect for all people seemed to bring out the best in them.

This is the story of one of South Africa's great sons - 'the most loved leader', the Moses who led his people to the promised land but did not live to enter it.

In vergeelde foto’s van drie dekades gelede staan oopgesigseuns vol bravade voor Ratel-gevegsvoertuie. Hierdie dienspligtiges van 61 Gemeganiseerde Bataljongroep staan aan die begin van hul reis diep in Angola in om vir volk en vaderland te gaan veg.

In ’n bloedige geveg op Valentynsdag 1988 en in die doodsakker by Tumpo sou hul jeugdige onskuld egter sneuwel. In die hitte van die gevegte kom die besef: Nou gaan dit nie oor ideologie nie, maar om oorlewing.

Ná die oorlog gaan die lewe voort, maar die vrae en geestelike letsels wyk nie. In 2018 keer ’n groep van dié ouddienspligtiges terug na Cuito Cuanavale op soek na afsluiting - en om die wrak te vind van die Ratel waarin ’n makker op die laaste dag van die oorlog gesterf het.

Die Brug vertel van hul reis van jong man na veteraan en gee ook ’n stem aan die vroue in hul lewe. Dit is ’n verhaal van ontnugtering, maar ook van trotse kameraderie en genesing.

Hailed in the Times Literary Supplement as ‘probably the finest piece of non-fiction to come out of South Africa since the end of apartheid’, The Dream Deferred is back in print and updated with a brilliant new epilogue.

The prosperous Mbeki clan lost everything to apartheid. Yet the family saw its favourite son, Thabo, rise to become president of South Africa in 1999. A decade later, Mbeki was ousted by his own party and his legacy is bitterly contested – particularly over his handling of the AIDS epidemic and the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Through the story of the Mbeki family, award-wining journalist Mark Gevisser tells the gripping tale of the last tumultuous century of South Africa life, following the family’s path to make sense of the liberation struggle and the future that South Africa has inherited. At the centre of the story is Mbeki, a visionary yet tragic figure who led South Africa to freedom but was not able to overcome the difficulties of his own dislocated life.

It is 15 years since Mbeki was unceremoniously dumped by the ANC, giving rise to the wasted years under Jacob Zuma. With the benefit of hindsight, and as Mbeki reaches the age of 80, Gevisser examines the legacy of the man who succeeded Mandela.

This is the powerful and moving life story of one of South Africa's leading trade union activists, from her childhood in Sophiatown to her first marriage and divorce, the dark days of her six months in detention and her lasting contributions to labour organisation in South Africa. Strikes have followed me all my life was first published in 1989 by The women's press but was never available in South Africa. Emma Mashinini's autobiography is an accessible, engaging account of a self-effacing union organiser, gender-rights activist and a phenomenal woman who has lived a difficult life and endured many challenges: detention without trial for six months (most of which were spent in solitary confinement); losing two daughters and a son-in-law; health problems as a result of detention; and constant abuse at the hands of apartheid's enforcers. But Emma's story is one of courage. It is engaging, at times sad (there is a heart-breaking moment in the text when she forgets her daughter’s name while in solitary confinement), but mostly it is an inspirational account of a selfless individual. This edition includes a Foreword by Jay Naidoo that brings the reader up to date with Emma’s life and opinions and the state of the labour movement in South Africa as well as moving letters from Mashinini's family that were written to her on her 80th birthday. This is a classic South African memoir in the same vein as Ellen Kuzwayo's call me woman, which recalls and preserves vital accounts of South Africa's history.

The first comprehensive biography of this iconic artist to appear in English. Richly illustrated with 160 photographs. Since her dramatic death at the age of 31 the name Ingrid Jonker has been linked to that of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Sylvia Plath - legends who died young. In her first biography to appear in English, the frail figure of Jonker as a child, a young poet, daughter of a prominent politician, wife, mother, mistress of a famous author, lover and rebel is portrayed against the backdrop of revolt against South Africa's policies of censorship and apartheid.

Tuan Guru – founder of South Africa’s first mosque and madrasah – had been in his grave for half a century. The Cape Muslim population had exploded in size, but was sliding into decline. Many of the imams, lacking education, had become ignorant and entitled. There was unending conflict in the community, which was fought out in the Cape High Court.

In the same year, a group of concerned community elders made a call for a teacher to be sent to the Cape from Istanbul. No-one knows who these people were, but it was their intervention that saw the arrival of Shaykh Abu-Bakr Effendi, an Ottoman scholar, in early 1863.

Welcomed by those keen to learn, he faced abuse from a coterie of imams who felt threatened by him. Sadly, it is their malcontent that has so jaundiced his story for over 140 years. In this well-researched biography, Shafiq Morton reveals for the first time the true story of Shaykh Abu-Bakr Effendi, one of the stand-out historical figures in the growth of Islam at the foot of Africa.

Ulibambe Lingashoni! examines the early history of Ilanga lase Natal, a groundbreaking newspaper founded by John and Nokutela Dube in colonial Natal.

It traces the paper’s role in advancing black modernism and literary innovation amidst colonial oppression.

The Dubes’ commitment to education and political activism is explored, revealing how Ilanga addressed social issues, promoted multilingualism, and fostered community engagement during a turbulent period in South Africa’s history.

“Becoming a mother has been my deepest desire. But it’s not happening. Now what?”

Through her very open and honest first-hand account of her seven-year struggle to conceive, titled Abundantly Empty, Cathy hopes to help remove the stigma, improve understanding and provide inspiration to others on how to cope and keep moving forward.

Abundantly Empty delves deep into the world of infertility and offers an insightful 360-degree perspective, with informative contributions from leading fertility specialists, including Professor Thabo Matsaseng, and her clinical psychologist, as well as input from her husband Julian, family and friends. The egg donors and surrogates share their experiences too. In clear, direct ‘journal’ language, the book traces the highs and lows, the elation and intense grief of the infertility rollercoaster. It also explores its impact on Cathy’s marriage, her friendships and her career.

The primary reason for writing this book, Cathy says, was to send a ‘You are not alone’ message to other couples battling to start a family, to break the silence and increase understanding of what it takes to survive infertility and retain hope, courage and meaning.

Abundantly Empty is an emotionally gripping, heart-warming and useful must-read not just for those on the fertility journey, but also for those on the sidelines who want to provide support, but don’t know how.