There’s an Igbo saying, quoted by Chinua Achebe, that goes like this: ‘A man who does not know where the rain began to beat him cannot say where he dried his body.’ It’s a fitting way to end Season 1 of the Our Long Walk podcast, a season shaped by the question: what can Africa’s history teach us about its present, and its possible futures? In the …

Anet Ahern in conversation with Stephen Cranston about his new book 'The Mavericks'. 'The Mavericks' explains how the three independent asset managers Coronation, Allan Gray and Investec (later Ninety One), dubbed the CIA, came to dominate and continue to dominate the South African asset management industry, particularly the pension fund market.Thi…

What if history is not only what we are told, but also what we choose to remember? What if the stories of apartheid are not just tales of villainy and victimhood, but of complexity, contradiction and human agency? And what if loving a country – its landscapes, its memories – requires that we also confront its darkest truths? In this final interview…

“I think the fact that I’m not a lawyer makes me a far better legal journalist, because I’m trying to understand things, explain them to ordinary people in a language that they can understand.” – Karyn Maughan.Disarmingly honest and deeply personal, ‘I Will Not Be Silenced’ takes a razor-sharp look at how powerful men use attacks on individuals who…

How should we understand the era before Africa’s colonisation? Was it a period of stagnation or one of profound innovation and change? Why has the ‘Scramble for Africa’ dominated historical narratives, often overshadowing Africa’s own dynamic histories? Can warfare be understood not only as destructive but also as a creative and even culturally sig…

What determines opportunity in Africa? Does religion shape upward mobility? How do artificial borders, landmines, and weak states constrain economic development? And why has Africa largely resisted the global rise of populism? In this episode of the Our Long Walk podcast, Jonathan Schoots and I sit down with Elias Papaioannou, academic director of …

How far back should economic history go? Most textbooks start with agriculture, trade, and the emergence of states. But what if we looked further – beyond written records, beyond cities, beyond even the first farms? What if the deepest economic lessons come not from the past few thousand years, but from the hundreds of thousands before them? For mo…

What shapes the decisions we make each day, from the seemingly trivial to the transformative? Why do trust, honour or zero-sum thinking persist in some societies but not others? How does a legacy of past events influence not just institutions but the very beliefs we carry and pass on? These questions form the heart of cultural economics, a field th…

What makes a city thrive in the Global South? Why do some cities build stronger connections between their citizens, social movements, and governments while others remain fragmented? Can the lessons from São Paulo helpSouth Africa’s struggling urban centres? And what can a sociologist teach us about the future of African cities as urbanization accel…

Johan Fourie, author of 'Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom', delivered the opening keynote at The Business Ink Tank 2024. His discussion centered around the economic history of South Africa, where he focused on two questions 'Why are we poor?' and 'Why are we rich?'.This discussion was recorded at The Business Ink Tank, on 20 September 2024.…

"The average household here [in South Africa] is 40% poorer than they were in the year 2016."Bronwyn Williams discuss the impact AI and technology will have on our future. 'The Future', written by Bronwyn Williams, Dion Chang, and Faeeza Khan, explains 80 key trends to anyone who is anxious or excited about thriving in the uncertain decade ahead. T…

On this episode of 'Book Nook', TJ Strydom, Ebbe Dommisse, and Michael Cardo discuss the three South African Billionaires they wrote books about - Koos Bekker, Oppenheimer, and Anton Rupert. This discussion, led by TJ Strydom, looks into the lives of these Billionaires and how they created their empires. This discussion was recorded at The Business…

What does it mean for African economies to be dynamic? How did the Mineral Revolution reshape the continent's economic trajectories? Can Africa’s internal markets be thefoundation for future prosperity? And, crucially, why should Africa chart its own development path, distinct from Asia’s? In this episode of the Our Long Walk podcast, Johan Fourie …

On this episode of 'Book Nook', Mbali Sikakana, commissioning editor at NB Publishers, gives insights on how to publish a business book. She explains the process with relevant statistics, while also explaining what your book needs to sell well in stores!This discussion was recorded at The Business Ink Tank, on 20 September 2024.…

On this episode of 'Book Nook', Zamantungwa Khumalo, author of 'Buy Your First Home' gives insight on how to navigate the property market of South Africa as a first time- or inexperienced buyer. This discussion was recorded at The Business Ink Tank, on 20 September 2024.By NB Publishers

"A university is not a country." - Jonathan Jansen.On this episode of 'Book Nook', Jonathan Jansen (As by Fire), Max Price (Statues and Storms) and Johan Fourie (Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom) discuss South African universities and how they impact the next generation of business leaders. Led in this conversation by Johan Fourie, Jansen and Pric…

What does it mean to say institutions are ‘inclusive’? What impact does coercive labour have on trust in society? Can technology disrupt entrenched gender inequalities in the workplace? And, crucially, why should policymakers in Washington care about Africa? In this episode of the Our Long Walk podcast, Jonathan Schoots and Johan Fourie discuss the…

"Always sell too soon." - Costa Ayiotis.On this episode of 'Book Nook' Pippa Hudson is in conversation with Costa Ayiotis, author of 'My Big Fat Greek Taverna' and 'Matriarchs, Meze and the Evil Eye'.On this episode, Costa talks about moving from the business world to the peaceful town, Hout Bay, where he followed his dream of opening a restaurant.…

On this episode of 'Book Nook' Catherine Black, co-author of 'Small Business, Big Plans' and co-founder of Black Mountain, shares how you can dominate in the digital marketing world!This discussion was recorded at The Business Ink Tank, on 20 September 2024.By NB Publishers

How do historical insights inform modern governance? Can traditional institutions be as effective as modern bureaucracies in driving development? What can Africa’s diverse historical pathways teach us about building effective policies today?In this episode, Jonathan Schoots and Johan Fouriesit down with James Robinson, an economist and political sc…

"If serving is beneath you, then leading is beyond you." - Lincoln Mali.On this episode of 'Book Nook' Nicky Stubbs leads the conversation with Mteto Nyati (Betting on a Darkie) and Lincoln Mali (Blazing a Trail) about their books and business lives. They talk about leadership, the inspiring people in their lives, as well as Eskom, and Nyati's jour…

What role do African parliaments play in shaping governance? How do historical legacies affect contemporary political systems, and why does foreign aid often fail to build stronger local institutions? Johan Fourie and Jonathan Schoots discuss these questions - and many more - with Ken Opalo, Associate Professor at Georgetown University and author o…

Why do good intentions by international aid workers often lead to unintended negative outcomes? How should African leaders grapple with the tension between embracing Western ideas without being dominated by them? Hosts Johan Fourie and Jonathan Schoots discuss these – and many more – questions in the first podcast interview with Princeton author an…

Get to know your hosts, economic historian Johan Fourie and historical sociologist Jonathan Schoots, as they introduce Our Long Walk, a new podcastexploring the past, present, and future of South Africa and Africa. This podcast is produced with the help of Voice Note Productions. Our producer is Vasti Calitz with editing done by Andri Burnett. Kels…

In this podcast, you can listen to Alan Knott-Craig talk about his book, 'Life Lessons'. This conversation with Branko Brkic was recorded on 13 August 2024 at the book launch that took place at Exclusive Books Cavendish.By NB Publishers

Welcome to Our Long Walk, a podcast series aboutSouth Africa’s past, present, and future. In this series, economic historian Johan Fourie and historical sociologist Jonathan Schoots interview social science scholars who ask fascinating questions about our country and continent to distil those lessons into practical policy suggestions today. Subscri…

Desmond Painter is in gesprek met Danie Marais by Exclusive Books V&A Waterfront.Ek en jy bestaan nie is die langverwagte vierde bundel uit die pen van die bekroonde digter Danie Marais. Soos in sy vorige bundels is dit gedigte wat openhartige, intieme gesprekke met die leser aanknoop – hierdie keer oor die ongemakke van ras en klas. Dis ’n bundel …

In this episode of Book Nook, Redi Tlhabi chats to Oyama Mabandla about his book Soul of a Nation (Tafelberg, 2024), recorded at the book's launch Exclusive Books Hyde Park, Johannesburg.What is Soul of a Nation about?There is lament about how and why the ANC have so quickly become preoccupied with material enrichment. Former exile, business leader…

Marita van der Vyver gesels op Pretoria FM se program ‘My Bosveldvuurtjie, my musiek en ek’. Sy deel haar gunsteling musiek en vertel van haar en haar man se lewe in Frankryk.By NB Publishers

Skink 'n koppie tee en kry 'n knus kombers - die nuutste episode van #NBBoekhoek is nou beskikbaar.In hierdie episode van ons podsending gesels blitsverkoperskrywer Anchien Troskie met Nèlleke de Jager, uitgewer by Human & Rousseau (Fiksie). Hulle gesels oor Anchien se meesleurende roman, Die laaste kanariegeel notaboek, en oor haar lewe as skrywer…

In this episode of Book Nook, Africa Melane chats to Max Price about his book Statues and Storms (Tafelberg, 2023).Statues and Storms offers invaluable insights on leadership during turbulent times. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world. This was reflected at the book's launch at Exclusive Books W…

"Dié boek het my aan die hart geruk." - Marita van der VyverAnnemarié van Niekerk se aangrypende boek, Onder 'n bloedrooi hemel, ontroer lesers landwyd. Annemarié het met Melody Pick gesels tydens haar boektoer (ondersteun deur die Nederlands Letterenfonds). Luister na hulle treffende gesprek in die nuutste episode van #NBBoekhoek!Musiek:Kai Engel …

Grab a cosy spot in your favourite reading nook, settle in, and listen to the latest episode of NB Publishers Book Nook. In this episode, Damon Galgut chats to SJ Naudé about Of Fathers and Fugitives, Naudé's latest novel. This meeting between two incredible literary minds is an unforgettable discussion full of rich insights about writing and creat…

Skink 'n koppie tee en kry 'n knus kombers - die nuutste episode van #NBBoekhoek is nou beskikbaar.In hierdie episode van ons podsending gesels Michele Meyer met P.P. Fourie oor sy aangrypende roman, Ons skulde.Michele het met Fourie by Die Bôrdienguis gesels en die yskoue aand was perfek gepas vir hulle gesprek oor Ons skulde, 'n boek wat lesers n…

Grab a cosy spot in your favourite reading nook, settle in, and listen to the latest episode of NB Publishers Book Nook. In this episode, Nancy Richards chats to Megan Choritz about Lost Property, Megan's brilliant debut novel.In Lost Property, Laine discovers that the man she's been married to for 15 years has been secretively living out a monstro…

Grab a cozy spot in your favourite reading nook, settle in, and listen to the latest episode of NB Publishers Book Nook. In this episode, Pippa Hudson chats to Grant Lottering about Riding Life, the book that shares his incredible story. In 2013, Grant Lottering’s heart stopped after a gruesome accident. Doctors said he would never ride again. Sinc…

Whitey: The Rise and Rule of the Shoprite King by Niel Joubert, published by Tafelberg, was launched at Exclusive Books V&A. Neil was in conversation with Whitey Basson. This is a recording of that discussion.Order your copy of Whitey: The Rise and Rule of the Shoprite King (also available in Afrikaans as Whitey: Sakereus van Shoprite) from your ne…

The Dao of Daniel by Lodewyk G du Plessis, translated by Michiel Heyns, was launched at Exclusive Books V&A in Cape Town. The author was in conversation with Tan Twan Eng. This is a recording of that discussion. About the book:Daan van der Walt, a Latin-quoting, God-fearing former Kalahari farmer, visits his estranged son in China for the first tim…

The Price of Mercy: A fight for the right to die with dignity by Sean Davison, published by Melinda Ferguson Books, was launched in partnership with The Cape Town Press Club at Kelvin Grove in Newlands. This is a recording of that conversation.Order your copy of The Price of Mercy from leading book stores or online. More details on our website: htt…

Takka Takka Bom Bom: A South African war correspondent’s story by Al Venter, published by Tafelberg, was launched at Exclusive Books Rosebank. Al was in conversation with radio veteran Lourensa Eckhard. This is a recording of that conversation.Order your copy of Takka Takka Bom Bom from leading book stores or online. More details on our website: ht…

Cleaner's Boy: A resistance road to a liberated life by Patric TariqMellet, published by Tafelberg, was launched at The Book Lounge in Cape Town. Patric was in conversation with radio veteran Clarence Ford. This is a recording of that conversation.Order your copy of Cleaner’s Boy from leading book stores or online. More details on our website: http…

Tafelberg author Jan Glazewski recently addressed the Cape Town Press Club, sharing more about his recently released memoir, Blood and Silver: A true story of survival and a son's search for his family treasure. He was in conversation with Twanji Kalula.About this book:"On the border of the forest, among the trees, you must look for our silver and …

In this episode of the NB Publishers podcast we hear food editor, recipe developer and author Louisa Holst talk to CapeTalk host Pippa Hudson about her new book, The South African Air Fryer Cookbook. The interview was recorded at the launch at Exclusive Books Cavendish Square in Claremont. More about the book:Easy, foolproof South African air fryer…

In this episode of the NB Publishers Podcast we hear John Maytham in conversation with Mpumelelo Mkhabela about his book The Enemy Within: How the ANC lost the battle against corruption. The interview was recorded at the book launch at Exclusive Books, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.About the book: At a watershed meeting in 2000 the ANC committed itse…

At a recent brunch event, Kim Potgieter motivated and inspired guests with the story of her financial journey and easy hints and tips to start you on the road to your financial freedom. The recording was made at Exclusive Books Cavendish in Claremont, Cape Town. About the book: Your life's second chapter is a chance to create your best life. This c…

In hierdie episode van ons podsending gesels aktrise Trudi van Rooy met Chase Rhys oor hul nuwe boek, Misfit: stories vannie anne kant. Die gesprek is opgeneem tydens die bekendstelling by Wordsworth Books Longbeach Mall op 18 Augustus 2022.Misfit bevat verwerkte rubrieke en kortverhale wat oorspronklik in Rapport gepubliseer is. Hierdie stories on…

In this episode of the NB Publishers Podcast you can listen to a fascinating discussion between emeritus professor of history, Bill Nasson, and internationally renowned historian, Hermann Giliomee, about New History of South Africa (published by Tafelberg in 2022).This newly updated, comprehensive history of South Africa presents the story of our t…

In hierdie episode van ons podsending gesels dramaturg en skrywer Rachelle Greeff met Dianne Du Toit Albertze oor haar debuutroman, bottelnek breek bek. Melody Seherrie van die NRO Gender Dynamix vertel meer oor die organisasie en Amy Brown vermaak die gehoor met haar toonsetting van liedjies wat in die boek beskryf word. Die podsending is opgeneem…

In this week’s episode the award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and author Sara-Jayne Makwala King interviews Niq Mhlongo on his latest short story collection published by Kwela Books, For You, I’d Steal a Goat. In For You, I'd Steal a Goat, award-winning writer Niq Mhlongo presents masterfully told stories rooted in South African life. With his …

In this week’s episode of the NB Publishers podcast, Ferial Haffajee chats to Ismail Lagardien about his book Too White to be Coloured, Too Coloured to be Black. His book is a hybrid narrative, blending memoir with social commentary and political analysis. Always in search of "home", the book tracks Ismail Lagardien's vast experiences of a deeply l…