All the numbers on South Africa’s crisis dashboard are blinking red. The economy is failing to grow and more and more young people find themselves on the outside looking in as education falters and jobs disappear. Energy and transport are in crisis. Governance is floundering as debt mounts and government runs out of money.

Better Choices is a collection by South Africa’s top thinkers on the political economy, providing an unflinching account of the myriad challenges the country faces. The picture that emerges is of a nation on the brink of a catastrophic slide into failure unless better, if tough, policy choices are made. As stark as these problems are, their solutions are tantalisingly close at hand. The chapters in this book outline exactly the solutions – those ‘better choices’– that need to be made by leadership to alter the country’s bleak trajectory.

South Africa cannot talk its way out of trouble. Key to success is removing the sources of friction – the red tape, over-regulation and rents – that slow down investment. This is only possible if a more effective, focused government acts decisively.

Compiled by The Brenthurst Foundation, Africa’s leading think tank on economic development, Better Choices is for those who want to build a positive, inclusive future for South Africa.

In 1960, the GDP per capita in South East Asian countries was nearly half of that of Africa. By 1986, the gap had closed and today the trend is reversed, with more than half of the world’s poorest now living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Why has Asia developed while Africa lagged? The Asian Aspiration chronicles the untold stories of explosive growth and changing fortunes: the leaders, events and policy choices that lifted a billion people out of abject poverty within a single generation, the largest such shift in human history.

The relevance of Asia’s example comes as Africa is facing a population boom, which can either lead to crisis or prosperity; and as Asia is again transforming, this time out of low-cost manufacturing into high-tech, leaving a void that is Africa’s for the taking. But far from the determinism of ‘Africa Rising’, this book calls for unprecedented pragmatism in the pursuit of African success.

Africa has received $1.2 trillion in development assistance since 1990. Even though donors have spent more than $1 000 per person over these 30 years, the average income of sub-Saharan Africans has increased by just $350. The continent has very little to show for this money, some of which has been consumed by the donors themselves, much of it by local governments and elites. There must be a better way to address the poverty pandemic.

Expensive Poverty is focused on answering the trillion-dollar question: why have decades of spending had such a small impact on improving the lives of the poor? Whatever the area of aid expenditure – humanitarian, governance, military, development – the overall intention should be the same: to try to reach the point that aid is no longer necessary.

Expensive Poverty lays out how to get there.

Democracy Works asks how we can learn to nurture, deepen and consolidate democracy in Africa. By analyzing transitions within and beyond the continent, the authors identify a 'democratic playbook' robust enough to withstand threats to free and fair elections. However, substantive democracy demands more than just regular polls. It is fundamentally about the inner workings of institutions, the rule of law, separation of powers, checks and balances, and leadership in government and civil society. It is also about values and the welfare and well-being of its citizens, and demands local leadership with a plan for the country beyond simply winning the popular vote.

This volume addresses the political, economic and extreme demographic challenges that Africa faces. It is intended as a resource for members of civil society and as a guide for all who seek to enjoy the political and development benefits of democracy in the world's poorest continent. Finally, it is for donors and external actors who have to face critical decisions--especially after ill-fated electoral interventions such as Kenya 2017--about the future of observer missions and aid promoting democracy and good governance.

Mitch Rapp confronts a very different kind of killer in this explosive addition to Vince Flynn’s #1 New York Times bestselling series, written by Kyle Mills.

With President Anthony Cook convinced that Mitch Rapp poses a mortal threat to him, CIA Director Irene Kennedy is forced to construct a truce between the two men. The terms are simple: Rapp agrees to leave the country and stay in plain sight for as long as Cook controls the White House. In exchange, the administration agrees not to make any moves against him.

This fragile détente holds until Cook’s power-hungry security adviser convinces him that Rapp has no intention of honoring their agreement. To put him on the defensive, they leak the identity of his partner, Claudia Gould. As Rapp races to neutralize the enemies organizing against her, he discovers that a new type of assassin is on her trail.

Known only as Legion, the shadowy killer has created a business model based on double-blind secrecy. Neither the assassin nor the client knows the other’s identity. Because of this, Legion can’t be called off nor can they afford to fail. No matter how long it takes—weeks, months, years—they won’t stand down until their target is dead. Faced with the seemingly impossible task of finding and stopping Legion, Rapp and his people must close ranks against a world that has turned on them.

100 all-new quick and easy plant-based recipes by bestselling author Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella.

Ella's new collection shows us that vegan cooking doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. It's easy to embrace a plant-based lifestyle with her fuss-free, simple recipes that cater for our busy lives. Divided into 7 sections, the new book offers - for the first time - recipes with an approximate cooking time, showing you how to make simple meals that will satisfy your taste buds and inspire you every day.

Section 1 features delicious breakfasts - from quick pancakes to fruity smoothies and easy toast-toppers. Section 2, Lunches, Dips & Dressings, offers an array of healthy plant-based options. The next two Sections comprise 10-Minute- and 20-Minute Meals, where Ella will prove that plant-based eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Choose from quick pasta dishes, simple noodles, hearty veg-laden bowls and Asian-inspired plates. Section 5 is Big Batch Cooking, to help you get ahead and plan your week. The Sweet section includes lots of portable bars, flapjacks and slices to satisfy your sweet tooth. The last section, Weekend, features recipes that require a bit time to make, but will impress and delight your friends and family!

The ethos of Deliciously Ella is to share abundant recipes that put vegetables at the heart of our plates, that taste good and are easy to make. Alongside this, Ella is keen to embrace all aspects of wellbeing, prioritising self-care. In the book she will share the important insights learned from her chart-topping podcast, bringing a wider holistic dimension and personal angle to this gorgeous, inspiring, healthy cookbook.

Despite the increasing number of people moving towards a plant-based diet, there are no clear, evidence-based mainstream books to help anyone looking to adopt this way of eating - either for themselves, or for their family. It can be overwhelming to switch to a plant-based diet, and you may have no idea where to start. Thankfully Ella Mills and her team at deliciously ella have done all the research for you. This book demystifies going plant-based, making it as easy, clear and delicious as possible, and features 100 new recipes to get you started on your plant-based journey.

How to Go Plant-Based is not just filled with family-friendly recipes, it's also a practical guide incorporating Ella's own journey, alongside scientific research and data, plus insights and information from plant-based experts, including doctors and nutritionists. Ella debunks the common myths surrounding eating a plant-based diet, shares her experiences of cooking for her family and emphasises the importance of making a plant-based diet accessible to everyone - for health, wellbeing, and the planet.

The book features 100 plant-based recipes for the whole family to enjoy, with tips on adapting recipes for anyone weaning their little ones. The recipes will also feature the signature deliciously ella concepts we all know and love: quick, easy recipes that use familiar ingredients, recipes perfect for batch cooking, freezable options, easy pastas and one-pots for weeknight meals, and portable snacks and treats. It also features the top 20 FAQs to eating this way, as sourced from Ella's social media following.

Mitch Rapp returns to make a mortal enemy of Russia in this high-octane and up-to-the-minute installment in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from “one of the best thriller writers on the planet” (The Real Book Spy).

Mitch Rapp hates owing anyone a favor—especially when it’s the world’s most powerful crime lord. But when Damian Losa calls, Mitch is honor-bound to answer.

The Syrian government appears to have created a highly addictive new narcotic that it plans to distribute throughout Europe. It’s a major threat to Losa’s business and he’s determined to send someone to keep him on top by any means necessary. Rapp is the perfect choice for the mission. Not only does he have extensive experience operating in the Middle East, but he’s also entirely expendable.

As he crosses into war-torn Syria, Rapp quickly discovers a shocking truth. The new drug isn’t being produced by Damascus to prop up the government’s collapsing finances. Instead, it was created by Russia’s asymmetrical warfare unit, not for profit but as a weapon against the West.

With far more than Damian Losa’s interests at stake, Rapp devises a desperate plan that forces him and his team onto a battlefield where the United States is virtually powerless and allegiances shift almost hourly. Further, if Russia uncovers their plot, it will set off a confrontation between the two countries that could change the course of human history.

Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, is back with over 75 brand new recipes devoted to making healthy eating easier. What can you do today that makes life simpler tomorrow? How can you create a healthy, genuinely delicious meal in minutes?

She shares vibrant, colourful, speedy, plant-based recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will:

• Take less than 30 minutes to make
• Contain 10 ingredients or fewer
• Have no more than 5 steps
• Be healthy and packed with goodness
• - Be delicious and flavourful

There's no denying the challenge or the pressure to continuously look after your wellbeing, carve out time to exercise, manage your stress, cook healthy meals, get enough sleep and make time for your friends, all while juggling life's other many demands! Ella wants to make eating well every day a joy, and in Healthy Made Simple she gives you the tools you need to unlock a healthier life.

South Africa is facing an extraordinary ‘polycrisis’. The dimensions of this crisis include an energy collapse; a failing rail network; weak education outcomes; an interrupted water supply; and the effects of decades of endemic corruption that have brought much of government to a halt.

But the country also has incredible assets: a wealth of sought-after minerals; an enviable Constitution that protects rights and advocates social inclusion; an advanced financial and services sector; thriving agricultural and auto industries that compete with the best in the world; a prosecution service that is rapidly rebuilding; and, most of all, strong-willed people determined to make life better through hard work, entrepreneurship and hustling.

The choice is stark: we either build on the positives and take the country forward or we will be overwhelmed by the negatives and end up as another Zimbabwe or Venezuela. We have the people, the policies and the resources. What is missing is the political will to make the difficult choices that will save South Africa from disaster.

This book takes you on a journey that ends with one of three possible future scenarios: the Good, the Bad or the Ugly. Compiled by The Brenthurst Foundation and In Transformation Initiative, and workshopped with high-powered leaders in business and politics, the scenarios have stimulated intense public interest as the country grapples with its mounting problems.

The good news is that there is a clear road towards a positive future. It will take courageous leadership and smart thinking to get there, but the ‘Good’ scenario is tantalisingly within grasp.

A deeply thought-provoking book full of wisdom, insight and common sense, by two of our foremost strategists.’ – James Holland, bestselling author of The War in the West
 
How have the character and technology of war changed in recent times?
Why does battlefield victory often fail to result in a sustainable peace?
What is the best way to prevent, fight and resolve future conflict?
 
The world is becoming a more dangerous place. Since the fall of Kabul and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US-led liberal international order is giving way to a more chaotic, contested and multipolar world system. Western credibility and deterrence are diminishing in the face of wars in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and rising populism and terrorism around the world. Can peace, mutual respect and democracy survive, or are we destined to a new permanent chaos in which authoritarians and populists thrive?
 
Based on their decades of experience as policy advisors in conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Colombia and across Africa, and on recent fieldwork in Israel, Ukraine, Ethiopia and Taiwan, the authors analyse the nature of modern war, considering both large-scale, high-intensity state-on-state conflicts as well as limited-objective, irregular, low-intensity conflicts that often include both inter- and intra-state dimensions.
 
The book investigates how technology can be a leveller for small powers against larger aggressors; how one can shape and sustain a viable narrative to ensure public and international support; the balance between self-reliance and alliance commitment; and the role of leadership, intelligence, diplomacy and economic assistance.
 
Weighing up past lessons, present observations and predictions about the future, The Art of War and Peace explores how wars can be won on the battlefield and how that success can be translated into a stable and enduring peace.

Set over 24 hours, meet rattlesnakes, vipers, and black mambas in this kids’ nonfiction book by TikTok star and snake expert Christian Cave. Journey around the world to follow the lives of these cold-blooded reptiles as they hunt, hide, and fight their way through their day. Biologist and conservationist Christian Cave tells the story of the world’s most amazing venomous snakes in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations of topics such as camouflage and skin shedding that are perfect for future biologists. Witness incredible moments including: • A paradise flying snake soaring through the air to escape a predator • A king cobra defending her eggs from a mongoose • A spider-tailed viper using its tail to catch birds! Beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Mills and packed with animal facts, Snakes (A Day in the Life) encourages kids to look at the roles these incredible legless predators play in ecosystems across the globe, and why it’s important we protect them.

"...embeds understanding of the types of questions asked on the SATs." Abi Gorman, primary teacher DIG DEEPER, AIM HIGHER! Challenge confident learners and stretch them to their full potential. This pupil workbook is packed with fun activities to engage high achievers and extend their skills even further. Targeted activities to stretch confident learners who are working at a greater depth Perfect way to prepare for success in SATs Covers all of the key maths skills Motivates children with challenging activities that let them demonstrate their mastery Use this workbook as part of Scholastic's SATs Challenge programme, which also includes Year 6 Maths Teacher's Guide (ISBN 9781407175447) and Year 6 Maths Skills Tests (ISBN 978 1407 17546 1) to get children ready for the National Tests.

Over the past 20 years the global political economy has experienced its most profound shifts since the onset of the industrial revolution. In South Africa and the World, Mills Soko reflects on some of the salient issues that have pervaded public discourse during this time, analysing them within the context of the contemporary South African political economy and of the country’s position in the world.

Arranged thematically, the essays were all written during a defining period in recent history, a period that has witnessed, among others, the accession of China to the WTO, the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US, the invention of the iPad, the birth of Facebook, the 2008/9 global financial crisis, Brexit and the global coronavirus pandemic which began at the end of 2019. The turbulent multipolar world demands visionary political and economic leadership, supported by institutions well attuned to contemporary conditions. Such leadership is in short supply. Nor is the existing institutional architecture sufficiently equipped to deal with a complex array of economic, social, environmental, technological and demographic challenges.

Mills Soko highlights what has not worked in terms of politics, leadership, foreign policy, the economy, the African development trajectory, corporate ethics, international trade, global governance, and the thread which underlies all these issues – the importance of strong, decisive and accountable leadership. He counters his criticism with what has worked and offers views on how some of the problems that have constrained progress in South Africa and the world can be solved.

A central message emerges from his writings: leadership and governance matter, whether in the national or international context. It is a message that permeates all the chapters in the book. And it goes to the heart of what South Africa has gone through over the past two decades and where it is today.

Keeping your kids entertained and active just became a lot easier with over 50 unplugged activities in The Book of Outdoor Games. Encourage your kids to get outside for hours of fun. Build outdoor forts, create obstacle courses, or try out new jump rope games. Kids will enjoy throwbacks to old classics like Red Light, Green Light, dodgeball, Capture the Flag, Freeze Tag, Monkey in the Middle, and more. With safety tips and recommendations for modifying games for players with different abilities, playtime can be safe and fun for everyone. Inside you’ll find: Party games, family games, beach games, water games, ball games, solo games, and more Colorful illustrations Easy-to-follow instructions for each activity Activities for participants of all ages, plus age recommendations for each game Games with little to no special equipment This book is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, summer camp, teachers, coaches, counselors, youth activity directors, and kids looking to have fun. Say goodbye to boredom with The Book of Outdoor Games.

Guy Talk is the must-have advice book for boys navigating all things puberty and growing up great!

This easy to read, diverse guide is illustrated for better understanding and includes bodies of all shapes, abilities, and sizes. With Guy Talk, get the answers to the questions you don’t know who to ask or are too embarrassed to. From body changes, personal hygiene, healthy eating, and tips for sensitive topics, this book covers all the bases. Learn to not only prioritize your physical health, but your emotional health, too! A healthy mind and a healthy heart makes for a happy life. Maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and peers. Growing up isn’t just about your changing body. Learn how to handle peer pressure, social media safety, consent, and self-confidence so that you can be your best you as you journey through this new time in your life.

Set over a 24-hour period, meet black bears, grizzlies and cute polar bear cubs in this kids’ nonfiction book by expert Don Hardeman Jr. Journey into forests around the world to follow the lives of these furry creatures as they play, hunt and fight their way through their day. Biologist and black bear expert Don Hardeman Jr. tells the story of the world’s most amazing bears in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations of topics such as hibernation that are perfect for future biologists. Witness incredible moments including: • Grizzlies plucking salmon out of the air as they attempt to swim upstream • The dramatic battle between a sloth bear and a tiger • A sun bear using its gigantic tongue to get honey from a beehive Beautifully illustrated by Rebecca Mills and packed with animal facts, Bears (A Day in the Life) encourages kids to look at the roles these incredible mammals play in ecosystems across the globe and why it’s important we protect them.

With a copy of On the House at your side, you'll be an instant bartending expert. Learn how to mix up dozens of cocktails in seconds with easy-to-follow drink recipes. Make a perfect martini or serve up an Old Fashioned--whatever your poison, these classic cocktails are sure to be a showstopper. And with recipes crafted with the beginner bartender in mind, you can mix with confidence every time. This compact edition is perfect for the budding mixologist or the forgetful bartender in your life. Trust us, with a copy of On the House at your side, you'll be an instant bartending expert.