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.

From a grand sandstone mansion rescued from dilapidation in the scrubby Free State veld, to a romantic Arts & Crafts style double-storey that presides over a halfacre of prime real estate in the high Berea suburb of Durban, Remarkable Heritage Houses of South Africa provides a privileged glimpse inside 20 of the country’s most distinguished, remarkable and treasured private residences.

Predominantly constructed no later than the mid 1950s and chosen for the singular legacy each keeps alive, these are homes that blend architectural integrity with an uncanny sense of place. Some more ‘historic’ than others, they have been sensitively rescued or meticulously preserved, or simply kept current with custodianship that has at all times respected their unique pedigree. Strikingly captured by distinguished photographer, Craig Fraser, they cover the full gamut of locations, architectural genres and interior decorating styles, yet have all been skilfully adapted to meet the demands of modern living.

In die begin was daar net duisternis, ’n atoom, ’n saad, ’n onderbewyssyn. Hieruit word gedigte geskep wat na die sin van hierdie lewe vra. ’n Lewe omring deur ’n gebrek aan liefde en deernis, bedreig deur armoede, onreg, korrupsie, hooploosheid, siekte wat genees en siekte wat tot die dood lei.

Cas Vos se eie unieke idiolek kom na vore in hierdie ryk geskakeerde bundel. Spanning, metafore, ironieë, paradokse, en die kroon van alles, die liefde, wat die oerchaos oorwin, weef die bundel tot ’n hegte eenheid.

Set along the cliffs between mountain and sea, Hermanus is one of the most popular holiday and travel destinations in South Africa. Initially it was the abundance of fish in Walker Bay, along which the village rapidly grew, that attracted holidaymakers. Today, the stars of the bay are undoubtedly the Southern Right Whales that migrate from Antarctica to mate and calve here during the winter months.

But it is not only the wonders of the sea that draw thousands of visitors to this picturesque village and surrounds year after year. Mountains, fynbos, culture, arts, crafts, country markets, adventure sports, scenic walks, golf courses, nature reserves, shark-cage diving, historical landmarks, and the vineyards and world-class wines of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are richly described and illustrated in this lavish volume. With chapters covering all aspects of the town’s diversity, the reader will learn more about all that is so generously on offer here, and also catch a rare glimpse of the heart that drives the town: the people and communities that have shaped this favoured destination.

A self-published edition of Hermanus appeared in 2010. Now republished as a new title the book features entirely rewritten text and fresh photographs throughout, many commissioned especially for this edition.

'Next year I’m going to be 80 years old. My car will be 20 years old. Together we'll be 100. We’re going to drive to London.'

'And what route are you going to take?'

'I have no idea. I think I’ll keep to the right.'

When 80-year old Julia Albu calls in to her favourite radio show with a zany, half-baked idea, she has no idea that it will lead her to the adventure of a lifetime.

From helping push a 30-year-old Toyota bakkie up a precipitous mountain pass in Malawi to being 'adopted' by the riotous ex-pat South African community in Dar es Salaam and being fed mildly hallucinogenic 'herbs' by her Ethiopian driver-guide, nothing deterred 80-year-old Julia Albu from her quest to drive through Africa from the Cape to Cairo.

She and her 20-year-old Toyota Conquest, Tracy - a personality in her own right - travelled through 10 African countries, from South Africa to Egypt (and beyond). Julia was accompanied by a series of companions who added texture to her travels: three of her four grown-up children, her son-in-law, and at least one person who began as a complete stranger and ended up as a friend for life.

Reminiscing about her long and interesting life along the way, and maintaining a bright and upbeat outlook regardless of the circumstances, Julia proves that you're never too old to tackle that bucket list.

Outspoken columnist Gareth van Onselen boldly tackles South Africa’s holy cows, those touchy subjects we hesitate to mention by name for fear of offence or being misunderstood.

Incisive and witty, this book exposes the strange contradictions and ambiguities at the heart of South African society. Van Onselen identifies the many ways in which cultural practice or belief fly in the face of our much vaunted constitution. For instance, can lobola be reconciled with equal rights? And why are initiation rites, practiced not only by cultural groups, but also in university residences and by the Springbok rugby team, still accepted when they often lead to death or injury?

He mocks political correctness, dissects the booming business of death, superstition and witchcraft, and bemoans the growing influence of religion in politics.

Fiercely liberal and committed to constitutional values, Van Onselen will make you question accepted practices and see the absurdity of what passes for just another day in South Africa.

East Africa is one of the world's premier wildlife regions, well known for its mass migrations of herds and the dramatic predators that accompany them. As iconic are the trees that grow here - some endemic to the region and almost all identified with the plains and slopes of this land, stretching from the muggy coast, through grasslands and up to the cold, dry reaches of high mountain peaks. Among them are mangroves, cycads and palms; marulas, acacias and sausage trees; fever trees, toothbrush trees and giant bamboos and heaths.

This book presents some 100 of the region's most visible and significant tree species, arranged by vegetation zone. Multiple images of each species showing key ID features, such as bark, leaves, flowers and fruit, are teamed with concise descriptions, where to see the trees, calendar bars indicating flowering months, interesting notes about their uses - both medicinal and practical - and the myths and legends they have generated.

Colorful, interesting and geared for quick tree identification, this handy guide will help visitors and locals alike make the most of East African safaris.

Ever since 1503 when an off-course seafarer climbed Table Mountain to find out where on Earth he was, visitors to the Cape have toiled, scrambled, ridden on horseback, climbed or run to the top ... and written about it afterwards.

Taken together, these reports provide a fascinating biography of the mountain. Looked at separately, they are thrilling reads, penned by larger-than-life voyagers and, often unlikely, adventurers. The life-stories of 27 visitors are told with flair and humour. Together with the accounts of the ascents, they provide a riveting read.

This is the first time that the English translations of these reports, written in various languages, including Russian and Swedish, have been collected in one volume.

Parlement Van Uile is die debuutbundel van die wenner van die Ingrid Jonker A’La Poétique-kompetisie van 2019. Díé bundel delf diep in rou emosies, menswees en skyn ’n lig op eksistensiële vrae oor ons verhouding tot mekaar en teenoor die liefde.

Met ’n uiters moderne benadering tot poësie in sy geheel, word gedigte in die bundel in ’n oorspronklike en teatrale wyse deurgegee en daag lesers uit om sélf die betrokke emosies in die verse tot persoonlike ervarings te verbind.

Die digter daag die grense van Afrikaanse poësie uit met die bundel, ignoreer reëls en kloof sy eie unieke plek in die spektrum oop.

As Africa's oldest orchestra, and certainly its most versatile, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra is a proud part of the fabric of the Mother City. Founded in 1914 as a municipally funded ensemble, the orchestra was privatised in 1986 and later merged with the former Capab orchestra, achieving independence in 2000.

A Century Of Symphony tells the story of Cape Town’s orchestras over the past 100 years. Bringing together reminiscences, anecdotes and heartfelt stories by players, conductors and audience members, images of the orchestra both past and present, and information gathered from city, newspaper and university archives, A Century Of Symphony offers a timeless perspective on the place of orchestral music in the life of the city.

The challenges of running an orchestra in the 21st century are formidable, but the orchestra’s mission to deliver first-class music played by first-class musicians in a sustainable way has never been more apparent. Outreach and education efforts in disadvantaged communities point the way to the future. This is a story not only worth telling, but also worth preserving, for Cape Town’s orchestras have been the cultural jewel of the city for 100 years.

(Includes a shrinkwrapped CD of music played by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra)

In this book you will see over 50 photos of memorable moments of the sporting Madiba, as well as sport stars paying tribute to Madiba after his death.

Featured sports stars include: Tiger Woods, David Beckham, John Smit, Gary Player, Graeme Smith, Lucas Radebe, Bryan Habana, Francois Pienaar, Ernie Els, Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Baby Jake Matala, Lennox Lewis, Muhammad Ali and many more.

Southern Africa is the natural home of the richest and most diverse succulent flora in the world. These plants come in all shapes and sizes, from trees such as the baobab at more than 20 m tall, to miniature soil huggers, just a few millimetres high, which mimic their pebble-desert surroundings.

This user-friendly, richly illustrated field guide features more than 700 southern African succulents, focusing on the most interesting and commonly encountered species. An introduction to families and their key features will help readers identify the relevant plant group, while concise accounts describing the plants’ diagnostic features, along with distribution maps, will enable quick ID of species.

More than just an ID guide for plant lovers, this book will inspire gardeners who are turning to indigenous, low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation.

Leli ibhukwana elizokusiza uthole izimpendulo zemibuzo abaningi abahlezi bezibuza yona nokuthi uma bengazitholi izimpendulo zakhona bese bebamanqika ekuqhubekeni nohambo lwabo lokubhala. Izincwadi ezimbili ezinezimpendulo kabanzi ozozidinga yilezi:

1.Shicilela Kalula!
2. Uyibhala kanjani incwadi?

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: This booklet will help you find answers to questions many people always ask themselves which often stagger them to continue writing. Two recommended books are necessary for your understanding namely:

1. Shicilela Kalula!
2. Uyibhala kanjani incwadi?

This trusted best-seller has been comprehensively updated and expanded to feature accounts of over 1,500 species and insect groups. Included are the most common, most economically and ecologically important, interesting and attractive insects in the region.

It features:

• vivid photographs

• easy-to-read text

• detailed accounts covering identifi cation, biology, distribution and related species

• a helpful introduction detailing the signifi cance, life history, collection and photography of insects, and

• quick reference guides on the inside covers to facilitate identifi cation.

Entomologists both amateur and professional, students, gardeners, farmers, tourists and anyone with an interest in the natural world will appreciate this illuminating and invaluable guide.

Africa is home to more than the Cradle of Humankind. It was the core of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea, and comprises some of the oldest and most extraordinary geology on planet Earth.

This detailed and colourful book features 44 of the continent's most spectacular and interesting 'geosites', from Table Mountain in the south to the eroded necks and plugs of the Hoggar region in Algeria; and from the volcanic islands of the Atlantic Ocean to the continental fragments off the African east coast. Each site is authored by a geologist (or specialist in a related field) with in-depth knowledge about the particular feature or landform: how it formed and developed, its current geological status, ecological impact, and its archaeological and cultural interest.

Supported with many photographs, maps, satellite images and explanatory illustrations, the text is accessible to geologists and lay enthusiasts alike, unpacking the hows and whys of Africa's most intriguing landforms, sites and geological features.

Coverage; Cape Town; West Coast; Cape Winelands; Breede River Valley; Overberg; Route 43; Boland; Hex River Valley; Swartland; Whale Route; Route 62. Street maps - 1 : 20 000: Stellenbosch; Franschhoek; Paarl; Wellington; Hermanus; Somerset West; Strand; Montagu; Robertson; Swellendam; Worcester; Ceres; Tulbagh; Cape town cbd ; Parks, reserves & nature areas; Hotels & caravan parks; Tourist-friendly text on top sites with; Historic info; Shading indicating height above sea level; Listings of regional activities; GPS co-ordinates; All the back roads and gravel roads you need; Colour photos of main sites; Comprehensive contact info; Main map scale : 1 : 325 000.

This Is South Africa, now updated in a new edition, takes the reader on a journey of discovery through this spectacular land. It showcases the country’s breathtaking natural splendours and incomporable array of flora and fauna, its pulsating cities, the warmth of its people and the intriguing mix of its many cultures.

This superb book features more than 300 vivid new photographs, supported by a detailed introduction and informative captions.

Gauteng may be the Place of Gold, but it is also home to many hikes and walks that most Gautengers don't even know about. This book will help you discover them while giving you a more intimate encounter with Gauteng, a province shrouded in the beauty of indigenous vegetation, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Tim Hartwright covers both the shorter walks in urban parks and rural areas, along with overnight trails such as Suikerbosrand. He explores the unique places that are right on every Gautenger's doorstep, one of these being the Braamfontein Spruit, and shares the rich heritage we need to preserve in our city. Numerous private trails have blossomed in areas closer to the main metropolises of Gauteng. Shorter weekend and day hikes have come into vogue and in most cases these trails cross private land rather than that belonging to the state. Most municipalities have embraced hiking as part of their commitment to the outdoor recreational activities they offer their residents and visitors. Explore the various nature reserves, historical, archaeological and geological sites. Included in the book: Detailed description of around 60 hiking and walking trails in Gauteng, including the history and geology, fauna and flora of each area; a difficulty rating is included, helping you decide if it is suitable for the whole family; brief descriptions on how to get to the route with GPS coordinates for starting points; security information and emergency numbers; contact details for trail - to know if you should book in advance to walk the trail; comprehensive maps for each hike or walk.

Four full-colour posters depicting different animal groups, featuring their names in four languages – English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu. Insects of Southern Africa illustrates some 60 of the region’s common and conspicuous insects, with icons showing which are poisonous. These colourful educational posters make beautiful wall hangings, and are ideal gifts for young nature-lovers. Excellent aids in a classroom, home, nature centre or library.

Sunday Times adventure travel writer, Claire Keeton, and photographer Marianne Schwankhart have worked together to make sure you never have to spend another weekend at home wishing you were doing something more exciting.

They’ve collected over 30 great weekend destinations and given you the lowdown on the adventure activities you can do in each – visit Waterval Boven and try climbing, a mountain bike trail or learn to fly fish; take your children on a hike to explore the sandstone formations of the Cederberg; go horse riding in the Drakensberg; or tackle an urban adventure and bungee jump from the Soweto cooling towers.

Decide where you want to go and they’ll tell you what adventures are waiting for you, or decide what activity you want to do and they’ll tell you the best weekend destinations to head for.

Colouring-in is a favourite children’s pastime, and here’s a new addition to Struik Nature’s ‘Read, colour and keep’ series that will give hours of fun, while also expanding children’s knowledge of the natural world.

Why is Bulbine such a useful plant? Which flowers can we eat, and which are poisonous? What is South Africa’s national flower? Why do some flowers give off a rotten smell? Who pollinates our beautiful flowers?

Children will learn interesting facts while enjoying hours of fun colouring in this selection of our most striking flowers. They can consult the colour guide in the middle of the book when choosing which shade of crayon or paint to use for the more than 40 outlined images – or make up their own fantastically-hued flowers!

In Thicker than Sorrow, Khadija focuses on appreciating and honouring her roots and unearthing her history.

Rummaging through the drawers and closets of her blood family and the family she has chosen, she discovers inspiration and beauty in the most ordinary places: a bowl of rice, a kitchen, a daisy chain, a sunflower garden, a galvanised bath.

The poems reveal a poet who is, "falling in love with my roots and me, life. And it's just the beginning. I am a multitude of voyages."

Lag jou slap saam met een van RSG se gunsteling-omroepers! Het jy die een gehoor van die radio-omroeper, die boek en die honderde grappies? Ná die wegholsukses van Ian Wessels se vorige grapboek, Genade! EdeLAGbare, het hy nog ’n humoristiese boek saamgestel wat jou sal laat skaterlag! Lag Sonder Grense bars uit sy nate van die grappe. Dié gewilde omroeper van Radio Sonder Grense (RSG) spaar niemand nie: Almal – van skoonma tot manlief; van baas tot Klaas – loop deur. Ian skeer heerlik die gek met alles wat ’n mens soms tog so swaar op die hart lê. Nie net sal Lag Sonder Grense jou laat skud van die lag nie, dit sal jou ook genoeg materiaal gee om die beste grappe by jou volgende braai te vertel. Lees, lag en voel ligter!

Field Guide to Fynbos features over 1,000 species from the Cape Floristic Region – home to one of the world’s richest floras. This fully updated edition focuses on the most common and ‘showy’ plants.

An introduction unpacks the world of fynbos – including origins, diversity, climate and adaptations – and is followed by a photographic key and descriptions of the fynbos families. Species descriptions are accompanied by photographs, distribution maps, comparisons with similar species, and notes on traditional uses.

For botanists and amateurs alike, this will remain an indispensable guide to South Africa’s most renowned flora.