Duduza. Bopha. Imbiza. Phapha. Asixoliseni. Amapopeye . . . What is the power of a single word?

Six days a week, advertising creative Melusi Tshabalala posts a Zulu word on his Everyday Zulu Facebook page and tells a story about it. His off-beat sense of humour, razor-sharp social observations and frank political commentary not only teaches his followers isiZulu but also offer insight into the world Melusi inhabits as a 21st century Zulu man.

Over the past few months he has built up a big and a loyal following that include radio host Jenny Crwys-Williams and Afrikaans author Marita van der Vyfer. He pokes fun at our differences and makes us laugh at ourselves and each other.

Melusi asks critical questions of everyone, from Aunty Helen, Dudu-Zille to Silili (Cyril Ramaphosa) and even Woolworths (why are their aircons always set on ‘jou moer’?). His fans love him for his honesty and commitment to pointing out subtle and overt forms of prejudice and racism.

Melusi’s Everyday Zulu holds up a mirror that shows South African society in all its flaws and its sheer humanity. Most importantly, he shows the power of words and that there’s umzulu in all of us!

This year we are in for a treat: After 25 years, Madam & Eve is still going strong and are back with more hilarious cartoons looking back at another year of the crazy rollercoaster that is daily life and politics in South Africa. Madam & Eve cartoons appear regularly in the Mail & Guardian, The Star, The Saturday Star, Herald, Mercury, Witness, Daily Dispatch, Cape Times, Pretoria News, Diamond Fields Advertiser, Die Volksblad, EC Today, Kokstad Advertiser and The Namibian.

Add a twist of humour to South African nostalgia with Hagen Engler's latest offering. Black Twitter, Blitz And A Boerie As Long As Your Leg is a light-hearted, humorous read of multiple entries that can be dipped into at will. Optimistic, topical and definitely tongue-in-cheek, this book could easily be that last-minute gift that you pick up at the airport before you head back to the parental home for the holidays. Not too politically edgy - so as not to offend any sensitive elephants in the room – it draws on the great many things that South Africans do have in common, and that will give us all a moment to agree on something, for a change.

Black Twitter, Blitz And A Boerie As Long As Your Leg lists and celebrates the tiny, subtle aspects of South African life that we all experience but don’t always notice. Engler looks at icons of our shared South Africanness but drills a little deeper to make them more specific, a bit more ridiculous, a bit funnier, and hopefully to induce an excited exclamation from the reader of, “Yoh! That’s so true!” Even if the entry is ostensibly negative, Engler will find a poignant aspect of it that is lovable and help us laugh at ourselves.

Ons weet dat die maan iets met die getye te doen het, maar het jy geweet dat jy met volmaan altyd dieselfde kant van die maan sien? Of dat weerligstrale vol vernietigende elektrisiteit is, maar dat ’n elektriese paling ’n lading van tot 600 volt kan vrystel?

Hierdie feite is deel van ’n magdom kennis oor die natuur, fisiese wetenskap en die ruimte wat die RSG-program Hoe verklaar jy dit? reeds jare lank beantwoord. Hierdie publikasie bevat ’n keur uit die honderde vrae van nuuskierige luisteraars wat deur kundiges verduidelik is om die wêreld minder vreemd te maak, want nie alle kennis van die wêreld om ons is voor die hand liggend nie. Daar is honderde verskynsels in die natuur en ruimte wat vra om verklaar te word. Dan praat ons nie eens van die mensgemaakte uitvindings soos die internet, persoonlike rekenaars, globale posisioneringstelsels, selfone, radiogolwe, teorie van evolusie, relatiwiteitsteorie, narkose en mense in die ruimte nie. Agter die alledaagse skuil die fassinerende werking van kragte en wette en die wetenskap in werking: Wat bepaal dat ’n mens se hart aan die linkerkant van die liggaam sit? Hoekom vries water in ’n dam van bo en nie van onder af nie? Kan gene deur omstandighede gemodifiseer word?

Hoe Verklaar Jy Dit? is ’n boek wat jou belangstelling in die wêreld om jou sal prikkel. Dit is ’n boek wat op sy eie gelees kan word, wat op die koffietafel kan lê en wat saam kan gaan kamp om wonderlike gesprekke om die braaivleisvuur uit te lok.

Here’s another batch of David Muirhead’s unrespectable creatures, following his successful earlier volume of hilarious animal accounts (The Bedside Ark ). It offers a wealth of accurate information on each of the profiled creatures, while revealing their softer sides and the near-human frailties from which they suffer – and temptations for which they fall. Delightful, humorous pen-and-ink sketches accompany many of the stories.

Muirhead’s mix of humour, mythology, anecdotal tales and folklore builds quirky and captivating portraits of each animal, and makes for a lighthearted, funny – as well as illuminating – read.

This new anthology, offering something different from the standard collection of animal CVs, will appeal to anyone interested in humorous writing and the natural world, no matter their age (from teen to adult) or level of knowledge.

50 Blertse Blou is ’n keur uit Blouwillem se tong-in-die-kies-rubrieke in Beeld, Die Burger en Volksblad.

Dié rubrieke het van hom ’n berugte openbare persoonlikheid gemaak. Hy spot met onder andere aktuele sake in Suid-Afrika.

Lerato Tshabalala first came to our attention in 2011 with her ‘Urban Miss’ column in the Sunday Times, and since then she has by turns entertained, exasperated, amused and confounded her fans and critics alike.

Now, with her first book, she looks set to become the national institution she deserves to be. With her customary wit and keen insight into social, political and cultural affairs, Lerato shines a bright – and controversial – light on South African society and the quirky ways of the country. She is brutally honest about her experiences as a black South African in post-apartheid Mzansi, and no subject is too sacred for her to explore: annoying car guards, white-dominated corporate South Africa, cultural stereotypes, economic and racial inequality, and gender politics, among many other topics, come under her careful – and often laugh-out-loud – scrutiny.

The Way I See It is written for people who are hungry for a book that is thought-provoking, funny, irreverent and truly South African all at the same time. It is light but full of depth: like a supermodel with an MBA!

For five years, Ndumiso Ngcobo, South Africa’s favourite big-headed columnist, has entertained Sunday Times readers with his hallucinations: amusing anecdotes, outlandish opinions and furiously funny tales that are required reading for legions of fans.

Eat, Drink & Blame The Ancestors is a collection of Ngcobo’s most memorable columns in that time, edited and reworked for maximum effect, providing the perfect overview of his unique and wonderful insights.

Whether he’s consuming fermented beverages and communing with the ancestors, describing life with his terrorist children and skollie dog (RIP Spiderman), or dissecting dung-beetle philosophy with the Men of Thurst, this is the finest and funniest writing in the land.

Simon's Cat: Beyond The Fence
With over 20 million hits on YouTube in little over a year, 'Simon's Cat' is a genuine word-of-mouth phenomenon. Fans from all over the world have fallen for this adorable but anarchic feline who will do just about anything to be fed. Here, drawings and humour come alive on the page in this new collection of drawings.

Random Kak 2
The hugely popular Trevor Romain is back with more random memories about growing up in South Africa in the 70s and 80s. In this follow-up, he offers a humorous and unique take on some of the sights, sounds and experiences that have made living in this country so inspiring. Remembering what it means to be South African has never been as cool as it is in this illustrated memoir of a colourful past.

Comedy Club
Award-winning cartoonist Jerm's spot-on analysis and commentary provide a highly entertaining way to digest the buffoonery of politics in South Africa. No one, neither left nor right, in government or opposition, can escape the acerbic observations of this provocative artist. Jeremy Nell's work has appeared in several online and offline publications, such as the Sunday Times, eNCA, TIME, The Star, City Press, Beeld, The Times, Rolling Stone, Daily Dispatch, Daily Maverick, The New Age, EWN and others.

Famous for its daily chat and gossip, the biggest celebrity interviews and frank discussions on topical issues from politics and current affairs to entertainment, this time, the women from ITV's hit panel show get honest about life, love and loss. Featuring best bits from the show, classic moments that fans will love and remember, and never before heard stories, fans of the show will love this. From children ' Sometimes old school is the only way... ' and coping with bereavement ' You don't get over it, you learn to live with it', to marriage 'No need to rush down the aisle!' and staying active 'Fit and healthy at 60!', Loose Women: What We Know to be True is both a hilarious and honest guide to handling life's ups and downs, as a 21st century woman. Contributors include Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, Stacey Solomon, Linda Robson, Gloria Hunniford, Nadia Sawalha and Andrea McLean. Chapter breakdown: Lessons In Love A Guide to Guilt-Free Parenting My Body, My Story Life and Loss

"Grooming is booming ..." Gentlemen of the twenty-first century know it's as important to be well groomed as it is to be well versed in the arts of conversation, dating and personal style. The Grafton Barber name is synonymous with their unique philosophy. Chapters on topics from skincare to shaving techniques, fragrance choices to social media, haircuts to beard oils - complemented by illustrations and photographs - offer expert guidance to navigate the challenges and pleasures of contemporary life. Grafton Barbers can not only be trusted with a cut-throat blade, but also to make proper conversation as they do so. Staff always read the day's newspapers before setting to work with hot towels, scissors and shaving cream ... They can teach you how to: * achieve the slick, sharp sidepart (if you don't look like George Clooney by the end, there's no help for you!) * evolve your grooming style through all the ages of man from 18 to 98 and * interact with the world in ways that are informed, engaging and intelligent.

Some people do Sudoku, others watch Netflix. Brian reads the classified ads, both online and what remains in print. This book shows how classified ads can help unlock a door into Irish society, both past and present, and allow unique access into the lives of ordinary people with sometimes extraordinary stories. Why is a woman selling high-tech eavesdropping equipment? What kind of person pays for a prayer to be published in a newspaper? Did someone really sell a pet monkey in the Evening Echo? These classified ads are not just a few commercial lines of text in print or online publications - they are a treasure trove of stories, of human experience, of nostalgia, of love, loss, loneliness, isolation and redemption.

Die geliefde dominee Barend Vos se sketse oor die lewe van ’n predikant en sy gesin in ’n plattelandse gemeente het tot op hede in vyf bundels verskyn. Dié sketse verskyn die afgelope tien jaar elke maand in die tydskrif LIG, met illustrasies deur Fred Mouton.

In Liefdegroete, Grootseun word ’n dertigtal van Vos se Grootseun-stukke wat die afgelope jare in Lig verskyn het, byeen gebring as keur van die meer as 100 wat sedert sy laaste versameling verskyn het. Elke rubriek word aangebied as ’n brief wat deur “Grootseun” geskryf word aan sy ouers. Die sketse het meestal ’n sterk humoristiese aanslag en gefokus op ’n plattelandse kerkgemeenskap waarvolgens “Grootseun” die Jongdominee van die gemeente is. Die ruimte is dus plattelands, kerklik en geskryf met ’n deernisvolle aanbod wat eie is aan Vos se skryfstyl.

Whether you want to laugh or cry about the last twelve months, Matt gives a brilliantly funny take on the world. From Brexit to business, Trump to transport woes, our obsession with the weather to Royal babies, Matt nails it every single time with just the right visual joke. There is no doubt: Matt definitely makes the world a happier place!

We know that the moon influences the tides, but did you know that with the full moon, you always see the same side of the moon? Or that a yawn is contagious for humans and some animals? And what precisely causes birds not to bump into one another when they fly in a swarm and they swerve? These facts are part of a massive amount of knowledge about nature, physics and space that the RSG programme Hoe verklaar jy dit? has been sharing for 37 years. This book, translated from the original, bestselling Afrikaans version, contains a selection from the hundreds of questions curious listeners have been asking the experts to answer in order to make the world a little less strange, because not all knowledge is obvious. There are so many wonderful enigmas in nature and space that beg to be explained – and we won’t even mention man-made inventions! How Do You Explain That? will pique your interest in the world around you. It is a book that can be enjoyed on its own, or can lie on the coffee table, or can go camping with the family to elicit wonderful conversations around the campfire.

One thing that unites us all - across time, nations and peoples - is food. From chocolate, rice pudding and sandwiches to breakfast in bed, banana phones and the fruit of a mythical jelabi tree, A.F. Harrold has brought together a wonderful and diverse collection of poems on the topic of food. Beautifully illustrated in full colour by rising star Katy Riddell (daughter of former Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell), this rich and delicious anthology brings together work from a broad range of poets, including the magically observant William Carlos Williams, award-winning Joseph Coelho and rising star Sabrina Mahfouz. Whether you're in the mood for a perfect bowl of yoghurt or a pomegranate omelette, these poems will satisfy any food craving. The perfect gift for any poetry or food lover!

It's the biggest, happiest, scariest day of your life - but you don't have to feel alone. Michael Powell has collected wit and wisdom from a host of celebrity couples as they recall the day they tied the knot. From dodgy stag/hen night antics, to mislaid rings and dodgy Best Man speeches, you'll be laughing well into your honeymoon and beyond.

"I cannot tell you the number of times I've wondered, especially after a spicy meal, why evolution wasn't smart enough to build us with buttholes made out of something more durable? Titanium, perhaps?" From the hilarious Mara Altman, Gross Anatomy unapologetically explores the beautiful, and sometimes not so beautiful, aspects of our bodies, and why they're worth loving anyway. From hairy chins to braless outings, lice-infestations to PMS, no body part is left undiscussed as Altman takes the reader on a wild journey from head to toe, recounting experiences most of us are too polite to share. Hugely funny and unashamedly body-positive, this book is a must-read for all women (and men, too). Through a combination of personal anecdotes and fascinating research, Mara Altman proves herself as a fearless and thoroughly charming writer, creating one of the most compulsive feminist reads of the year.

Khaya Dlanga has established himself as one of the most influential individuals in South African media, particularly social media, a platform he uses to promote discussion on topics that range from the frivolous to the profound. In to quote myself, Khaya recounts entertaining and moving stories about his roots and upbringing in rural Transkei, how he made his mark at school as well as his time spent studying advertising and as a stand-up comedian. He also shares his political views, how he overcame homelessness to become one of the most influential marketers in South Africa and he gives the reader a dose of the truly weird and wonderful that is routinely a part of his life.

__________________ Please Stop Touching Me Every time you do I have to lick everywhere It's so exhausting From the author of What I Lick Before Your Face comes this hilarious companion, Please Stop Touching Me ... and Other Haikus by Cats. Jamie Coleman returns with this brilliant collection of feline flights of fancy. His hilarious haikus take us inside the minds of our most popular pets revealing their inner-most secrets, their disdain for their owners and the poetry that is common to all cats. Featuring over 50 haikus complete with glorious images, this is a hysterical gift for cat lovers, cat haters, and poetry enthusiasts alike.

The woman who drunk herself to death with water trying to win a games console by holding in her wee...the mechanic who blew himself up while trying to open a rocket-propelled grenade with a sledgehammer...a lottery winner killed by the gates of his new luxury home...a woman felled forever by a fatal falling lettuce...an octogenarian who met his maker while riding a shopping trolley...a German artist crushed by one of his own sculptures called 'Woman With Four Breasts'...the convicted murderer who electrocuted himself on the toilet as he repaired a TV - all true reports from across the globe which reveal the silliest ways you can meet your maker. Death may seem like a serious business, but this is a seriously funny book.