Free Fall recounts how and why the present education crisis has become the leading cause for black university students in South Africa. Probing deep beneath the surface of the crisis, the book reveals uncomfortable truths about colonial- and apartheid-era education, and traces the tangled web of connections between foreign and South African business interests, the apartheid government, and the role of universities in propping up a white elite and co-opting a subservient black class to their cause.

It brings to life the people and ideas that, over a century-and-a-half, have created a perfect storm for the present crisis in South African higher education. Malcolm Ray combines intellectual rigour with the intimacy of narrative non-fiction, introducing readers to the main protagonists since the end of slavery in 1834, through the rise of missionary education as an instrument of indoctrinating and subjugating black people, and into the apartheid era. Beyond apartheid, the book details how policy blunders by the democratic government since 1994 have conspired with the past to fuel South Africa’s slide into increasing economic and social disarray.

It is the story of the failure of South Africa's democratic government to deal with major fault lines fissuring higher education, and the circumstances that led to the #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustFall movements. The book ends on a high note, answering the question: ‘What now?’ This book aims to be the beginning of the solution.

Trailblazers is the first title to investigate the lives of South Africa's most influential black business people, celebrating them and inspiring young leaders of tomorrow. The authors, who represent Empowerdex (Economic Empowerment Rating Agency), have interviewed many of the top black leaders, executives and managers, for rare insight into their lives and achievements. Where did they get their first jobs? What personal philosophies motivate them? Trailblazers is focused on the recent history of black business in South Africa and the secrets of the pioneers who made it, while also giving indications for further changes stemming from research, BEE and politics. The personal vision of those currently in power will shape the future of business, and inspire more young business people, whose talents are so badly needed to increase South Africa's prosperity.