Polity Author Articles

Mandy Wiener discusses her book 'The Deal', which takes you behind the scenes of the negotiations that ultimately led to the establishment of the Government of National Unity.

At school, James Urdang a troublemaking underachiever. Diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia at an early age, few could have imagined he’d go on to found Education Africa, an organisation that has helped educate thousands of young black South Africans.

Mpho Boshego discusses her novel 'Diplomatic Ties', a gripping story of power, ambition, and the price of desire.

Mafia Land is the hair-raising tale of twelve of the country’s most dangerous cartels, and how they will stop at nothing in their deadly, devastating plunder of our country.

This is not a biography of Julius Malema. It is the story of his money.

Restless Infections is a collection of critical essays exploring artistic interventions in urban spaces, focusing on place-making and the politics of space in South Africa.

South Africa can sometimes appear to be awash with occult crime. From satanist conspiracies and witchcraft accusations to muti murders and demonic possession, a trawl through our national news suggests a society at war with the forces of evil.

The Chaos Precinct presents a compelling, brave – at times, lyrical – narrative of how migrant Ethiopians have shaped a trading post in Johannesburg’s inner city.

‘The defeat of Pagad stands out as one of the most dramatic intelligence achievements in the democratic era.’ KGALEMA MOTLANTHE: Former President of South Africa.

An explosive, fast-paced investigation into greed and state capture, this book is also a moving tribute to the courage of one woman who, when confronted by powerful wrongdoers, refused to keep quiet.

The Way Home adds a vital part of the literature on the lived experiences of formerly exiled South Africans; yet immensely valuable to those who waged the struggle on the home front as well. It is a must read for the old, young and, hopefully, those yet to be born. – Dr Mokubung

David Williams shares the story of Africa's most extensive rail network, enriched with his own anecdotes and being a lifelong rail enthusiast.

This book examines Africa’s strategic partnerships with emerging powers, focusing on insights from the global South, such as BRICS countries, Iran, Turkey, Japan, and South Korea.

Journey Kwantu is inspired by Vusumzi Ngxande’s popular podcast of the same name that delves into South African spiritual identity and beliefs and shows how it has evolved over hundreds of years.

Attacking the Heart of Apartheid: The ANC's MK Special Operations Unit – Yunus Carrim

Since the Zuma presidency weakened crime intelligence, violent crime surged, with murder rates rising over 75%.

Peter Auf Der Heyde unpacks his book 'Death in Pretoria: Untold Stories of Political Activists Executed During Apartheid'

An inspiring personal story that traverses politics, business and personal triumphs, Corporate Newsman reveals the complex layers of a man who dared to dream.

Part 2

Part 1 of the interview

Making a Life explores the dynamic life-making strategies of young men in Zandspruit, an informal settlement in Johannesburg. It offers insights into issues such as urban work, citizenship, un(der)employment and inequality in South Africa, and contributes to a global understandin

In the heart of a village untouched by the world’s chaos, five-year-old Popina took solace in the simple joys of childhood – climbing mango trees, chasing baby baboons, and exploring the fields.

The High Treason Club is the story of the Boeremag, the investigation that brought them down and the subsequent trial, the first of its kind in democratic South Africa. Based on exclusive interviews, as well as thousands of pages of court transcripts and documentary evidence...

This biography of photographer Omar Badsha, who was intimately involved in documenting the struggle against apartheid, is also an intellectual history of protest in South Africa.

'That summer afternoon, I had no way of knowing the book would radically alter my existence. Yet that proved to be the case. A wind that had begun to blow from a faraway place a long time ago had finally caught up with me.'