PAGECAST

In this episode of Pagecast, Shaun de Waal interviews Justice Edwin Cameron about his book, Behind Prison Walls. More about the book: Since the Zuma presidency weakened crime intelligence, violent crime surged, with murder rates rising over 75%. South Africa faces severe femicide, and most murderers evade justice. Prisons fail by perpetuating crime; harsher sentences do not help. Edwin Cameron, af...

This week on Pagecast, Qaanitah Hunter is in conversation with Jeff Wicks to talk about his new book, The Shadow State. More about the book: On 23 August 2021, a quiet, hardworking single mom was shot down as she drove home. Her name was Babita Deokaran, chief accountant at the Gauteng Department of Health. The izinkabi paid to kill her were caught, but the question remained: who ordered her murde...

In this episode of Pagecast, Keanan Hemmonsbey interviews Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell about her prize-winning memoir, These Heavy Black Bones. More about the book: This is not a story about making history. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was once a double British Champion and the first Black woman ever to swim for Great Britain. As her body and mind are sharpened through gruelling training, press...

In this episode of Pagecast, Janine Jellars interviews Nadia Cassim about her new book, Not Another Samoosa Run! This is a heartfelt conversation about the vibrant stories, rich cultural nuances, and powerful themes that make this book a unique and engaging local read. More about the book: In Tasneem’s close-knit Muslim Indian community, the stigma of divorce is a heavy burden to carry, and her mo...

This week we have the incredible Sue Nyathi chatting with Busisekile Khumalo to discuss her novel, "Rubies and Rain." More about the book: Ruby has to deal with the news of her father’s death and her sex scandal simultaneously trending on social media. Vimbai has been captured and Nosihle returns to Harare where her path crosses with Joshua, Shadow’s second in command. Ruby is arrested and locked...

Step into the world of South African fiction as Wamuwi Mbao sits down with Alistair Mackay to explore his collection of short stories, The Lucky Ones. Discover what makes The Lucky Ones a “dazzling, poignant collection brimming with unforgettable characters and heart,” and why Mackay’s voice stands out in contemporary literature. #TheLuckyOnes #AlistairMackay #WamuwiMbao #Pagecast #LiteraryPodcast...

Discover the story behind "Journey Kwantu" as Joy Fakude sits down with author Vusumzi Ngxande to chat about South African spiritual identity and beliefs. More about the book: “Kwantu means home” – Vusumzi Ngxande For decades, African spirituality has been demonised or met with suspicion. Many people have had to choose between being a believer, usually in the Christian faith, or believing in their...

Join Pippa Skotnes on Pagecast as she chats with José Manuel de Prada-Samper about his new book, Fading Footprints: In Search of South Africa’s First People. Discover the fascinating history, culture, and stories of the earliest inhabitants of South Africa in this insightful conversation. Perfect for listeners interested in South African heritage and indigenous history. More about the book: Part h...

Join Mila de Villiers in this episode of Pagecast as she sits down with acclaimed author Ted Botha to discuss his latest book, Hollywood on the Veld. More about the book: In 1913, a secretive American millionaire, who lived on the top floor of the famous Carlton Hotel, had a crazy idea: to make movies in Johannesburg. And not just any movies but the biggest in the world, huge spectacles with elabo...

Join Mphuthumi Ntabeni in conversation with historian and author Bronwen Everill, as they discuss her book Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance. This conversation offers essential insights into how we can rethink the African continent’s economic past, present, and future. More about the book: We need to think differently about African economics. For centuries, Westerners have tried to 'fix...

In this episode of Pagecast at the Kingsmead Book Fair, Sibongile Machika sits down with two dynamic South African authors, Siya Khumalo and Khaya Dlanga, as they explore how storytelling challenges norms, sparks dialogue, and drives social change in today’s South Africa. Khaya Dlanga, author of Life Is Like That Sometimes, reflects on personal resilience, blending humour with profound social comm...

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Pagecast at the Kingsmead Book Fair hosted by Kelly Ansara. What was meant to be a thoughtful discussion on writing the moment quickly turned into a passionate conversation about one of life’s biggest questions: is love fate or choice? Join Kelly as she chats with four brilliant South African authors, each bringing their unique perspective on love, relationships...

In this episode of Pagecst at the Kingsmead Book Fair, Jean-Marie Korff is in conversation with four authors who are creating thrilling narratives around crime, culture, identity and their social realities. In this episode, Jean-Marie Korff speaks with: Marina Auer, a medical doctor turned author, whose novel Single Minded explores the pressures and resilience of hospital life. Costa Ayiotis, Sout...

In this episode of Pagecast, recorded at the Kingsmead Book Fair, Shakti Pillay is chatting to three incredible authors about the art of storytelling and how they build fictional worlds that resonate with real emotions and reflect complex human experiences. Join us for an intimate conversation with: Louisa Treger, acclaimed author of The Paris Muse, who brings to life the untold stories of women s...

In this special episode of Pagecast, we bring you an inspiring conversation recorded live at the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair. Hloniphile Mzangwa is in conversation with four South African children’s authors who are transforming childhood through stories that celebrate empathy, inclusion, cultural pride, and representation. Meet the incredible voices behind these powerful books: Lara Nathan, author of...

Relive the excitement of the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair with our exclusive behind-the-scenes podcast episode. Just minutes before the festivities began, Maryam Adams sat down with the talented team who brought this year’s incredible programme to life. Alex Bouche, Sue Nyathi, Jennifer Platt and Pamela Power spoke about what it took to organise one of South Africa’s most anticipated literary festival...

Eva Mazza sits down with Lindsay Norman to discuss her latest novel, Khaki Fever. This lively conversation delves into the inspiration behind the book, Norman’s writing process, and the unique South African setting that brings the story to life. Khaki Fever is ‘Chick-lit in khaki’ that offers pure escapism with the perfect combination of romance and drama spiced with laugh-out-loud moments. Game g...

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Reflecting on the festival buzz in the air, standout moments, and the nostalgic love affair with Johannesburg, all against the breathtaking beauty of Franschhoek. In “The Last Word: Endings, Echoes, and What Comes Next”, Michele Magwood, Paige Nick, and Kate Mosse...

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Sandiswa Tshabalala sat down with Ute Hermanus, Thandolwethu Binda, and Emily Bolton for “Moments That Moved Us: A Festival in Reflection” — a heartfelt and energising chat with the JBL FLF crew. They shared the behind-the-scenes magic, the unexpected joys, and th...

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Ute Hermanus sat down with Ashraf Jamal for “The Art of Story: When Words and Images Collide.” It was a brilliant, thought-provoking conversation that danced between the visual and the verbal. A true celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Three Karens — Schimke, Vermeulen, and Lane — gathered to unpack what it means to be a Karen in 2025. The conversation, titled “Karen, Rewritten: Owning the Name in a Meme-Worn World”, was outrageously funny. They laughed louder (and longer) than the internet ever...

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Abi Daré and Bronwen Everill join Sibongile Machika to explore the borders of Africa as they appear in fiction and non-fiction, and how these boundaries are often more porous than we assume. Both authors reflect on how their work aims to spark ideas that help us r...

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Maryam Adams engages in a compelling conversation with Elleke Boehmer and Mary Watson, exploring their latest works of fiction, the diverse settings that inspire their narratives, and the audiences they envision while writer.

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Caryn Dolley, Kelly Ansara and Nicole Engelbrecht talking true crime, ethical sleuthing and getting to the bottom of Caryn’s obsession with painting cats as famous Pawtraits.

Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Join Kelly Ansara and Justin Fox as they chat about place, memory and non-fiction writing. We also hear more about Justin’s unexpected skill that helps him with his writing.