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.

Dié jongste bundel van Antjie Krog verskyn agt jaar ná Mede-wete.

Krog ontwikkel voormalige temas soos die landskap van die vrou, die huwelik, die aftakeling van die lyf, die vreugde van klein gesinsoomblikke, maar terselfdertyd vernuwe sy, opnuut.

Daar is ’n onrusbarende kwesbaarheid, ’n brandende woede en ’n direktheid, en tegelyk ’n hartverskeurende deernis met die ouerwordende self. In die openingsgedig skryf sy: “Dit kom nie meer op my af nie / die geluid/ die geluid van ’n gedig kom nie meer op my af nie.” En dan, teenstrydig hiermee, sleur Krog die leser in die daaropvolgende verse mee in ’n jubelsang en ook ’n klaaglied van die land wat geplunder word, maar ook die self wat plunder.

Krog probeer oplaas sin maak van die land, van die self, van die verlede. Soos Alfred Schaffer sê, daar is gewoonweg niemand in Afrikaans wat só skryf nie. Sy wys wat digkuns moet en kan wees. En hoe dit in Afrikaans kan klink en resoneer.

'n Treffende debuut waarin Roux die siklus van die lewe van jeugherinneringe tot die dood van geliefdes en die skepping van nuwe lewe verken.

Die bundel bevat eietydse belewenisse en verwysings na die Covid-tyd waarmee baie lesers sal kan vereenselwig.

A rare collection of messages from members of a family reunited in the afterlife.

Lesley May was living in KwaZulu-Natal when she received and conveyed detailed descriptions of different aspects of the afterlife from her mother and various family members who had passed on.

Soos Hilda Smits se eerste, bekroonde bundel die bome reusagtig soos ons was betrek die verse in hierdie bundel die leser by die hoogs persoonlike en gee dit terserfdertyd betekenis aan die universele belewenis.

Die verse is magies soos bewussynstroom, soos drome waar die kloutjie nie altyd by die oor uitkom nie, ʼn mens ervaar dit met jou onderbewuste, in jou maag. Dis dromerig soos meditasie, dis soos sit en staar na reën teen ʼn ruit.

Sinne is onvoltooid, werkwoorde hang in die lug sonder naamwoorde, byvoeglike naamwoorde is bedrieglik eenvoudig; “gewone” woorde soos mooi, sterk, fyn, jonk – dis egter die onverwagse beelde wat verras, en woorde wat buite hul normale konteks ingespan word, wat jou uitknikker.

Evolution is proffered as a scientific theory throughout the world. Is it the truth, or could it be one of the biggest lies ever told? Is it possible that evolution is nothing more than an elaborate belief system with the aim to oppose the Christian faith and the Bible directly?

To provide answers to these questions, the basic assumptions of the Big Bang and the theory of evolution are thoroughly investigated in this book.

The following are some of the questions discussed:

• Did the Big Bang really happen?
• How did life on Earth originate?
• Is Darwin’s theory of evolution at all feasible?
• Is life on other planets, for example Mars, possible?
• How old is the Earth?
• Was there a worldwide flood?
• Did dinosaurs really become extinct millions of years ago?
• Is the story of Noah and the Ark possible?
• Does the fossil record support or contradict the theory of evolution?
• Is evolution a science or merely an atheistic belief system?

The conclusions in this book may be surprising to many and will provide answers to the complex questions people frequently ask. This book is recommended for every scholar, student and parent, or anyone wanting to make rational decisions about what they believe.

‘My hope is that people can grow to appreciate this sector – its challenges and opportunities, but most importantly, the role agriculture can play in improving South Africa’s rural economy, creating jobs and bringing about much-needed transformation (or inclusive growth).’
Wandile Sihlobo is perfectly positioned to provide a well-rounded, accessible view of agriculture in South Africa. He spent his school holidays in the rural Eastern Cape, studied agricultural economics at university, has worked in private-sector agriculture, consulting with farmers across the country, and has been an adviser to government as part of South African policymaking bodies.

Finding Common Ground is a selection of key articles from Sihlobo’s regular Business Day column, framed with insightful commentary and context. The book covers the broad themes that have marked current discussions and outlines the challenges and opportunities faced by South Africa’s agricultural sector, including:

• The contentious and complex issue of land reform;
• The potential for new leadership to revive the sector;
• How agriculture can drive development and job creation;
• Cannabis as an exportable commodity;
• The urgent need for agricultural policy to address gender equity and youth involvement;
• Technological developments and megatrends that are underpinning agricultural development;
• The importance of trade in growing South Africa’s agriculture; and Key lessons that South Africa and other African countries can learn from one another.

Die geliefde skrywer Dana Snyman deel sy waarnemings en belewenisse van die vreemdste tye wat ons nog beleef het: Die boek begin triomfantelik met die Springbokke wat die Rugbywêreldbeker wen, en toegejuig word tydens optogte deur die hoofstede van ons land. Maar baie vinnig verander alles. Die koronavirus slaan toe, en die hele wêreld word onderstebo gekeer. “Dinge is anders nou, meneer, in die tyd van die gif,” soos ’n ou oom by die plaaslike kafee vir Dana vertel.

Dana beskryf die eerste veertig dae van die eerste inperking; dan ry hy trein om sy sterwende vriend in Gauteng te gaan groet. Hy skryf oor die treinrit, en ook oor die treine wat nie meer ry nie. Laastens praat hy met die mense wat die grootste gevaar loop ter wille van ander – die dokters en verpleegsters wat die siekes versorg. Dan kry hy self ook Covid19.

Dana se kenmerkende fyn waarneming maak In Die Tyd Van Die Gif ’n leesmoet. Daar is pyn en verlies, maar ook geloof en hoop. Dit alles met ’n goeie skeut humor.

In Mei 2000 skryf die joernalis Chris Louw ’n ope brief aan Willem de Klerk waarin hy sy griewe lug teenoor die regering wat aan bewind was in die tyd van die Grensoorlog (ongeveer 1966–1989).

Chris Louw, oftewel “Boetman”, is ontnugter deur die patriargale leiding van die Afrikanermans van daardie tyd.

Pieter Fourie het Chris Louw se brief omskryf tot ’n drama waarin verskillende stemme en menings gehoor kan word, onder andere dié van ’n ma wat haar seun in die Grensoorlog verloor het, die joernalis Annesu de Vos wat met Chris Louw ’n debat op LitNet gevoer het en ’n swart aktivis.

Just shut the F* up and get over yourselves. You've had your chance to make it work, and it didn't. Am I a bit harsh? Of course I am. Maybe because this is the only way some people will take in what is about to go down in this story.

This story is not actually about you. It's about how you and your ex need to get along and make sure you rear children who will actually have a chance at life, because the two of you decided to be civilised and make that child your priority. Why do we say such hurtful things to each other after divorce?! We bad mouth each other when we around other people and confront of the kids.

The mother of your child. The father of your child. The woman or the man you were once so in love with. The one who caused your lack of sleep because you couldnt wait to see them the next day. The one we were so intimate with, and shared those special moments with. The one you built a home with. The one who was there for you through good and bad. The one who was there for you when you needed someone the most. The one we would call five times a day because we were so in love . The one who cooked for you and looked after your children. The one who protected you and made sure you are in a comfortable home. The one who had your back. How easily do we forget that person played such a huge role in our lives.

Do you think people care about you and your problems. Hell no, they have their own issues, their own set of problems to deal with, nevermind your drama. All you are doing, is giving them "bek-werk". We can say whatever we like, but remember those words can never be taken back.

Don't REACT!

Process, take your time, and then respond...

Die skrywer se eerste boek, Vandag se sekretaresse (Human & Rousseau, 1988), was gebaseer op ontelbare kantore, kollegas en werkgewers waarmee sy tydens 'n elektroniese revolusie te doen gekry het. Daar was wêreldwye bekommernis oor of die sekretaresse met moderne kantoortoerusting vervang sou kon word. Nou is daar weer wêreldwye onsekerheid tydens 'n pandemie waar vetsug lewensgevaarlik is. My laaste dieet is die memoires van 'n smullende skaalslaaf. Ná 'n lewenslange stryd en ervaring van vraatsug, gepaard met kennis en ondervinding van 'n magdom diëte, beskou die skrywer haarself as die Koningin van Diëte.

“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.

Life is like that sometimes draws readers into the unforgettable personal experiences that have shaped Khaya Dlanga’s world. Weaving heartfelt and often hilarious tales, from his rural Eastern Cape childhood to the profound losses he has faced as an adult, Khaya reflects on life’s unpredictability with warmth and wit.

The vivid stories explore love, loss, loyalty, forgiveness, tradition, chance, mischief, justice, responsibility and resilience, offering insights on relationships, identity and the lessons found in life’s toughest moments.

Both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny, Life is like that sometimes is an exploration of personal growth, faith and the power of storytelling to find meaning in it all.

This title tells the story of how the transition to democracy in South Africa enfranchised blacks politically but without raising most of them from poverty. It shows in detail how the continuing strength of the white establishment forces the leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) to compromise plans for full political and economic transformation. Deferring the economic transformation, the new dispensation nurtures a small black elite. The new elite absorbs the economic interests of the established white elites while continuing to share racial identities with the majority of their countrymen, muffling the divisions between rich whites and poor blacks, thus ensuring political stability in the new South Africa. Although democratic South Africa is officially "non-racial," the title shows that racial solidarities continue to play a role in the country's political economy. Ironically, racial identities, which ultimately proved the undoing of apartheid, have come to the rescue of contemporary democratic capitalism. The author explains how and why racial solidarities are being revamped, focusing particularly on the role of black economic empowerment, the black bourgeoisie, and how calls to represent the identities of black South Africans are having the effect of substituting the racial interests of black elites for the economic interests of the black poor.

Survival: The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.

Climate change: A change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular, a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.

This is a survival guide. It rests on the idea that we could possibly survive a changing climate. Temperatures are already climbing, sea levels are rising and parts of South Africa are on their way to being uninhabitable. Life is already incredibly hard for many people and nobody will be exempt from climate change. Circumstances are going to get a lot more difficult very soon, and we need a plan. This is a practical handbook that explores what climate change is likely to mean for us as South Africans, how we can prepare for it, and how we can – in our everyday lives – help to mitigate the impacts it will have.

'n Suksesvolle lewe gaan gewoonlik oor dinge bymekaarmaak: groter rykdom, meer status. Maar volgens Jesus moet jy iets laat gaan as jy geestelik wil groei. Jy moet ligter reis, nie swaarder nie. Die dissipels moes hulle nette los, die ryk jongman sy rykdom. Tot die kerk het haar grootste impak in die geskiedenis gemaak toe sy die minste besit het. Die boek motiveer ons om af te pak en vyf ou gewoontes by die vroeë kerk aan te leer, gewoontes wat ons kan help om ligter te reis.

Jaco Strydom is die leier van Echo Jeugontwikkeling en deeltyds gekoppel aan Villieria Gemeente. Sy skryfwerk verskyn die afgelope tien jaar in onder andere Beeld, Rapport, Finesse, Kerkbode, Maroela Media en Weg. Hy is ook 'n gereelde blogger. Hy woon tans in die Echo-gemeenskap in Villeria. Jaco het studeer by NWU en UP.

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)

Die koeël is deur die kerk. Die huweliksbootjie het gesink. Hy kry die bed en sy die tafel. Hoekom skei hulle en hoekom skei hulle nóú dat jy ’n volwasse kind is?

Jou ouers is besig om te skei of hulle is klaar geskei. Almal fokus op hulle, maar jy suffer ook. Volwasse kinders kry swáár wanneer hulle ouers skei. Net so swaar, indien nie swaarder as jong kinders nie.

’n Eerste in Afrikaans — ’n handleiding vol raad oor hoe om die sleg en gesukkel van ’n egskeiding te hanteer waar volwasse kinders van egskeiding (18 jaar en ouer) hulle eerstehandse ervaring, verwarring, onsekerheid, woede en hartseer deel wat begin die oomblik as Ma en Pa sê: dis verby.

Die slegte nuus? Die egskeiding sal altyd ’n wond wees. Die goeie nuus? Jy kan leer hoe om dit beter te hanteer en met tyd kan dit net ’n letsel word. Soos Gretha (26) sê: “Time makes all wounds bearable.”

This is a unique collection of writings on race and racism by black women from South Africa and Brazil. Encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, the anthology is made up of academic essays, creative non-fiction, poetry and short stories.

Through these different modes, the book engages with the complexities of race in multiple social, political, economic, institutional and personal spaces. Concerned with social justice, human rights and freedom, the various feminist critiques centralise the intermingling of racial, gender and class subjectivities and how these are marked on bodies, but also how they are un-marked, re-marked and re-made. These critiques are tied to global and local social and political phenomena in the modern-day world.

The contributors interrogate their political and personal worlds, revealing layered, intersecting ways of being that are essentially foregrounded by colonial histories, but not defined in totality by coloniality and oppression. In speaking to the immediacy of these experiences, they reflect and narrate the past, contemplate the present and imagine the future.

This anthology is underwritten by questions that centralise freedom. What does freedom mean? When do we have it, and when do we not? Most importantly, how do we get it?

One summer morning, Cape Town academic Andries Du Toit remonstrates mildly with a white man who is being rude to a black waitress in the cafeteria of his local health club. A few weeks later he finds himself sprawled on his back with a fractured cheekbone, blood pooling in the back of his throat, the target of payback from one of the city's most feared gangsters.

What just happened?

Following the threads that radiate out from his personal experience of violence, Du Toit traces the events and the decisions that brought him to that fateful confrontation. What ensues is a journey of discovery that forces him to confront his own place and complicity in a country still traumatised by racial violence - and to ask/explore what is required by the work of healing and repair.

Hoekom is ons ryker as ons voorsate? Wat het 'n Indonesiese vulkaan met die Groot Trek te doene? Hoe wen jy 'n Wêreldbeker? En wat het Karel die Grote gemeen met koning Zwelethini? Dit is maar enkele van die vrae wat die gewilde Rapportrubriekskrywer Johan Fourie onderhoudend verken in hierdie heerlik leesbare ekonomiese geskiedenis wat strek van die migrasie uit Afrika 100 000 jaar gelede tot vandag.

Skatryk is 'n boeiende reis deur die geskiedenis wat ons wys hoe welvaart geskep en uitgebou word. Hoekom floreer een groep, maar 'n ander bly 'n sukkelbestaan voer?

Fourie verduidelik in sy unieke, vermaaklike styl vol onverwagse feite waarom die bouers van 'n samelewing - eerder as dié wat afbreek - uiteindelik seëvier.

Orchids in South Africa - A gardener's guide shows new and existing growers how to care for their orchid plants. Learn how to treat your orchids (and most commercially available orchids are quite easy!), water and feed them, how much shade or light they need, and how you need to grow, maintain and propagate them to prosper and flower regularly. Many species are discussed in detail, and the accompanying photographs of the species and a selection of popular hybrids will help you identify the different kinds, and also show you what other species you may be able to grow in the conditions you are able to provide. Orchids in South Africa - A Gardener's Guide is an invaluable guide for orchid growers in South Africa. It contains chapters on Orchids and their history; Basic botanical information on orchids; General growing information, and Repotting and dividing of orchids. Growing orchids is a fascinating and satisfying hobby. However, be warned that when you obtain your first orchid you will be blessed with an instant, life-long addiction to orchids!

How can we reclaim the soul-deepening wildness that grounds us and energizes us when so much of the modern world seems designed to tame us?

In this thrilling memoir of a life spent exploring the most incredible places on Earth—from the Great African Seaforest to the crocodile lairs of the Okavango Delta—Craig Foster reveals how we can attend to the earthly beauty around us and deepen our love for all living things, whether we make our homes in the country, the city, or anywhere in between.

Foster explores his struggles to remain present to life when a disconnection from nature and the demands of his professional life begin to deaden his senses. And his own reliance on nature’s rejuvenating spiritual power is put to the test when catastrophe strikes close to home.

Foster’s lyrical, riveting Amphibious Soul draws on his decades of daily ocean dives, wisdom from Indigenous teachers, and leading-edge science.

Wits University celebrates 100 years of academic and research excellence, innovation, and social justice in 2022. The origins of Wits lie in the South African School of Mines, which was established in Kimberley in 1896 and transferred to Johannesburg as the Transvaal Technical Institute in 1904, becoming the Transvaal University College in 1906 and renamed the South African School of Mines and Technology four years later. Full university status was granted in 1922, incorporating the College as the University of the Witwatersrand. Professor Jan H. Hofmeyr was its first Principal.

The University of the Witwatersrand occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of South Africans. Its history is inextricably linked with the development of Johannesburg, with mining and economic development, and with political and social activism across the country.

Wits University at 100: From Excavation to Innovation captures important moments of Wits’ story in celebration of the university’s centenary in 2022. It explores Wits’ origins, the space and place that it occupies in society, and its transformation as it prepares the ground for the next century. From its humble beginnings as a mining college in Johannesburg to its current position as a flourishing and inclusive university, Wits University at 100 is a story of innovation driven from the global South.

In text and image, Wits is presented as a dynamic institution that thrives because of its people, many of whom, in one way or another, have shifted the world. The experiences, achievements and insights of past and present ‘Witsies’ come alive in this glossy, full-colour book that maps the university’s vision for the future.

The ancient Greeks trained in the nude in the gymnasium and also competed in the buff in the Olympic Games – they literally had skin in the game. The ancient Greek word for gymnasium – gumnasia – means to train naked. However, the ancient Greek gyms were not just for physical training but also had dedicated spaces for intellectual exercise, for philosophy, teaching and conversation.

To train naked is to show up just as you are – no pretences, no masks, no BS. We train to compete, we practise in order to nail a presentation. We should also be training to become better human beings, to craft meaningful lives, do work that matters, and to thrive in chaos. Pierre du Plessis’s daily reflections, meditations and practices presented in this book are a call to train naked, to practise for the ultimate marathon, and to have skin in the game.

Train Naked is a curated selection of short reflections – prompts to get skin in the game – on building a meaningful life and doing work that matters. Combined with a selection of ancient practices, such as meditation, Pierre’s thoughts and ideas aim to inspire each reader to take charge, to try, to act, to learn and to do.