Mandy Weiner is a celebrated journalist and author. In 2020, she released her fifth book titled, The Whistleblowers published by Pan MacMillan South Africa. In this Q&A, Mandy reflects on why she wrote this book, the mental state of some of the whistleblowers she interviewed and calls on the South African government to protect whistleblowers.
Over the last 10 years, Janine Jellars has written extensively about the #NaturalHair movement in South Africa. Janine has a new book titled, The Big South African Hair Book– which has been described as a book of its special kind. In this Q&A, Janine reflects on writing the book, its importance to the natural hair movement, and whether wearing natural hair is a political act.
Shubnum Khan is a South African author and artist. Her first novel, Onion Tears, was shortlisted for the Penguin Prize for African Writing and the University of Johannesburg Debut Prize for Writing in English. She has followed that up with her latest book titled, How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo. In this Q&A, Shubnum reflects on writing this book, why she choose this title, and the South African authors that she will take with her Himalayas.
Rešoketšwe Manenzhe is an award-winning winner author. She won the 2019 Writivism Short Story Prize and the 2019/2020 Dinaane Debut Fiction Award. In 2020, she released her debut book titled, Scatterlings- published by Jacana Media. In this Q&A, Rešoketšwe reflects on writing the book, the race history of South Africa, creating diverse female characters, and her next book.
Dikgang Moseneke is a retired former Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. Since his retirement from the Constitutional Court of South Africa, he has written two books. His latest book is called All Rise published by Pan MacMillan South Africa in 2020. In this Q&A session with EW BLOG’s editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Justice Moseneke reflects on his latest book, the genesis of the Constitutional Court, the role of religion in a secular state and pays respect to the late chief justices, Pius Langa and Arthur Chaskalson.
Terry-Ann Adams was raised in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. She completed her Honour’s Degree in History at the University of Pretoria, with a special interest in disability representation. In 2020, she released her debut novel titled, Those Who Live in Cages published by Jacana Media. In this Q&A session with EW Blog editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Terry-Ann reflects on her debut book, why she chose to allow some of the characters in the book to speak Afrikaans throughout, and her message to all South Africans for festive holidays.
Patric Tariq Mellet is a liberation movement veteran and retired advisor to a minister and senior public servant. His latest book titled, The Lie of 1652 was released by NB-Uitgewers/Publishers this year. In this Q&A session with EW Blog contributor, Malcolm Tsagane, Mellet talks about the lie(s) of 1652, the arrival of Jan Van Riebeeck, the land question, and restorative justice among the host of pertinent issues facing contemporary South Africa.
Wandile Sihlobo is chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa and author of the book called Finding Common Ground. Finding Common Ground was released early this year and was published by Pan Macmillan South Africa. In this Q&A session with EW Blog editor, Wandile talks about writing the book, economic opportunities in the agricultural sector, and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. He also shares valuable advice to young people who want to pursue a career in the agricultural sector.
Ever wondered how do writers and publishers make money from publishing a book? Well, I have decided to seek the answers with the right person to help us with the question. In this Q&A, author and respected publisher, Melinda Fergusson talks about the business of publishing, what entails to be a publisher, why she has decided to start her imprint company, Melinda Fergusson Books. Melinda also reflects on her most favourite book published by her imprint and she has some tips for writers looking to publish their work.
Jen Thorpe is a writer, researcher and fiercest feminist. Jen has published three feminist essay collections and two novels. Her first novel, The Peculiars, was long-listed for the Sunday Times Fiction Prize and the Etisalat Fiction Prize. Jen’s latest novel is called The Fall released by Kwela Books. In this Q&A with EW Blog editor, Ezekiel Kekana, Jen reflects on writing The Fall, how the character of Thuli came about, her favourite local feminist writers, and a possible sequel of The Fall.
