PAGECAST

In this episode of Pagecast, South African writer Julia Martin joins Professor David Attwell, Professor of English at the University of York, for a reflective conversation about her latest book, On the Sponge Islands: Loss and Restoration in the Aegean. The book follows Julia's journey through the Greek islands of the Dodecanese - Rhodes, Symi, Halki, Kalymnos, and Patmos - tracing the cultural an...

In this episode of Pagecast, political analyst Tara Roos joins Twanji Kalula for a sharp, no-nonsense conversation about her new book, Where to From Here?, and what it reveals about the state of South African politics. Roos argues that South Africa has entered an age of uncertainty, as populism rises and a new, unstable coalition era takes hold. She unpacks the structural weaknesses, strategic mis...

In this episode of Pagecast, Man Booker Prize-shortlisted author Tan Twan Eng joins Cape Town-based political commentator and writer Mphuthumi Ntabeni for a conversation about his latest novel, The House of Doors. Set in 1921 at Cassowary House in the Straits Settlements of Penang, the novel follows Robert Hamlyn, a well-to-do lawyer, and his steely wife Lesley, whose lives are upended by the arri...

In this episode of Pagecast, South African playwright and novelist Nadia Davids joins renowned poet and scholar Gabeba Baderoon for a conversation about her latest novel, Cape Fever. Cape Fever follows Soraya Matas, a young maid who takes up a position in the beautiful, decaying home of the eccentric Mrs. Hattingh - not far from the Muslim Quarter where she lives with her parents. What begins as a...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Mandy Weiner sat down with Shakti Pillay from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her latest book, The Deal. In this episode, Mandy pulls back the curtain on the story behind the book -- the kind of deep, forensic storytelling that has made her one of the most trusted voices in South African media. Mandy Weiner is the host of The Midday R...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Nozipho Tshabalala sat down with Mpumi Mgidlana from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her memoir, After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go. In this episode, Nozipho reflects on the question at the heart of her book: when the flames of life's challenges have swept through you, who do you become from the ashes? It is a conversa...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Sally Andrew sat down with Faye Knight from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about the latest instalment in her beloved Tannie Maria mystery series, Wild Things Never Die. In this episode, Sally shares what keeps drawing her back to Tannie Maria -- and what readers can expect from the fifth book in the series. Sally Andrew is the best-sellin...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Caitlin Venniker sat down with Kelly Mawa from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her debut book, Unleashed. In this episode, Caitlin shares the stories and experiences behind the book -- a candid look at life as a South African vet navigating two worlds, and the rescue animals who have found their way into her heart along the way. Caitl...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Karabo Poppy sat down with Gontse Mosiane from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her latest book, Hugged by The Night. In this episode, Karabo shares the vision and inspiration behind the work -- a celebration of the African aesthetic told through bold, contemporary illustration. Karabo Poppy Moletsane was born in 1992 in Vereeniging, S...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where David Mann sat down with Maryam Adams from Jonathan Ball Publishers to discuss his debut short fiction collection, Once Removed. In this episode, David reflects on the stories behind the collection -- a sharply observed body of work that has already made its mark on the South African literary landscape. David Mann is an award-winning writer,...

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Lebo Mazibuko sat down with Zwanga Nemanshi from Jonathan Ball Publishers for a candid conversation about her latest novel, Fabrics of Love. In this episode, Lebo reflects on the stories and inspirations behind the book - a moving exploration of love, identity, and the threads that connect us. Lebo Mazibuko was born in Johannesburg and is cu...

“When love hurts, what remains of who we are?” In the final live Pagecast episode from the Franschhoek Literary Festival, Joy Watson sits down with Karina Magdalena Szczurek for a thoughtful conversation about Because I Love You, Joy’s latest book exploring gender, power, violence, and the complicated realities of love through the stories of three women. Drawing from her work as a researcher, writ...

Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Veruska De Vita speaks to Charlotte Bauer about Deep Blue. Veruska De Vita is the author of Deep Blue, a love letter to the sea that explores humanity’s deep connection with water and the bliss of swimming, diving, dipping, and simply being in salt water. The latest episode of Pagecast, recorded live from the Franschhoek Literary Festiva...

Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Bronwyn Williams and Paige Nick are in conversation about AI, the economy, and the trajectories shaping the years ahead, in a way that actually makes sense. Bronwyn Williams's new book is The Future. Bronwyn Williams is a futurist, economist and business-trends analyst. She is the co-author of The Future Starts Now, Rescuing Our Republic...

A little reminder to look up. Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Bridget McNulty and Sarah Bullen are in conversation about the small, glimmering moments that make up a year, and the practice of noticing them. Bridget McNulty's new book is Daily Glimmers: The Art of Finding Tiny Joys Every Day of the Year. Bridget McNulty began her career as a magazine journalist and has...

This one's pure joy. Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Africa Melane and Fehmz get into food, family, and the stories behind the recipes, and you can hear the laughter from a mile off. Fehmz's debut cookbook Damn Good Food features over 80 recipes. Fehmz is a city girl from Johannesburg chasing her dreams as a food, lifestyle and travel influencer. She is a strong believ...

Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Justice Malala joins Lester Kiewit for a wide-ranging conversation on South Africa's political trajectory and the questions shaping our democracy. Justice Malala is an award-winning South African political analyst, journalist and bestselling author. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including We Have Now Begun Our Descent and...

What does it take to turn years of investigative reporting into a book? Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio, Jeff Wicks opens up to Qaanitah Hunter about the craft, the process, and the personal toll of putting his new book on the page. Jeff Wicks is a journalist with News24's investigations team. His reporting on the assassination of Babita Deokaran was shortlisted for the...

Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio. Sven Axelrad's new book is The Dogs of Vivo. Sven Axelrad is the author of four novels: Buried Treasure, God's Pocket, Nicotine Gospel, and now The Dogs of Vivo. He has published short stories in New Contrast and Fragment Collective and has been longlisted for the Desperate Literature Prize in Madrid. Sven is an accountant who just loves...

Live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival Pagecast Studio. Tara Roos's new book Where To From Here? is a book for anyone wanting to understand the future of South African politics and the choices that will define it. Get your copy at Exclusive Books at the Franschhoek Town Hall! Tara Roos is a political analyst and the parliamentary correspondent for Business Day. Emma Swart is a Cape Town-based...

Pagecast is coming to you live from the Franschhoek Literary Festival. Rémy Ngamije's new book is Only Stars Know, a collection of short stories that explore love, loss, identity, and human connection, centred on the life of an aspiring writer. Rémy Ngamije is a Rwandan-born Namibian writer and photographer. He is the founder of the Doek Arts Trust, an arts organisation which publishes Doek! Liter...

In hierdie episode van Pagecast gesels die meningsvormer en leier van die burgerregte-organisasie Kaapse Forum Heindrich Wyngaard met die bekroonde ondersoekende joernalis en skrywer Julian Jansen oor sy nuwe boek Op die Spoor van die Stasiemoordenaar. Jansen, wat ook die skrywer is van boeke soos Moord op Stellenbosch en Die De Zalze-moorde, is bekend vir sy aangrypende, diep menslike joernalisti...

In today's episode of Pagecast, Joy Watson is in conversation with someone who knows her better than most - her sister, and fellow author, Mary Watson. It's an intimate kind of interview, the kind where the questions go somewhere deeper because the love in the room is already established. Settle in for this one. More about the book: What does it mean to lose yourself inside a relationship? Not dra...

In hierdie episode van Pagecast is Hanlie Retief in gesprek met Louis Jansen van Vuuren oor sy nuutste boek, Biltong en Dior: Avonture van 'n Afrikaanse Fransman. Meer oor die boek: As grootoog seun in die ou Oos-Transvaal het Louis Jansen van Vuuren nooit kon dink dat hy eendag ’n château in die Franse platteland sou besit nie. Louis se kostelike vertellings oor sy lewe in Frankryk word verryk me...

In this episode of Pagecast, Shana Fife interviews Zubayr Charles about his unflinching debut novel, Haram. About the book: As a young man in a close-knit Muslim community in Woodstock, Muhammad used to feel trapped between who he was and who he was expected to be. But then he met Riyaaz, and his world shifted in unexpected ways. Many years later, on the day of his wedding, Muhammad is pulled into...