Episoder
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Choas unleashed.
A student's death in Stellenbosch mountain wasn't an accident.
A former special forces soldier killed as a message. To someone: "Keep your trap shut."
A corrupt politician's body found in the bunker on the sixtreenth green of the Arabella golf estate. With a mysterious message written in the sand.
A sensual game ranger, recruited as a honey trap for the biggest dollar heist in the country's history. And dark froces lurking in the halls of power trying to sabotage Benny Griessel and Vaughn Cupido's every move.
You need a cool head to untangle this web of deceit, to manage the incessant pressure. You have to be calm and focused. And sober.
But Benny Griessel's head isn't cool. He's worried. Anxious. And a little bit scared. Because he is getting married on 12 June, a date roaring down on him like a bullet train. And he isn't remotely ready for it.
Chaos is coming.
In this episode of Pagecast, Deon is in conversation with true-crime podcaster, freelance writer, and audiobook narrator Nicole Engelbrecht. Enjoy! -
Facing internal rebellion and the threat posed by German troops on South Africa’s borders, Prime Minister Louis Botha and his deputy, Jan Smuts, led the Union Defence Force during the First World War.
Botha, Jan Smuts and the First World War by Antonio Garcia and Ian van der Waag is a first-of-a-kind volume that investigates the wartime roles of these two legendary yet divisive historical figures.
In this episode of Pagecast, Antonio and Ian are in conversation with historian and author Karen Horn.
Enjoy! -
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The First Murder on Mars
This is the story of the first human being born on Mars: Rose Fuller, who saw a better future than the one that came to pass. And Dylan Ward, a woman raised in the vast wilderness of the frontier, who will find her way back to it. It’s a story about a man who went missing, and the man who wants to find out what he knew. It’s a story about what makes us human – and how we might live once we leave our home.
The story of the first murder on Mars, by Sam Wilson.
In this episode of Pagecast, Sam is in conversation with author Lauren Beukes
Enjoy! -
Paris, 1936. Dora Maar, a talented photographer and painter, meets Pablo Picasso and is instantly drawn to his intense creativity. Their passionate relationship, marked by love, sadism, and Picasso's infidelities, pushes Dora to the edge.
The Paris Muse, by Lousa Trejar is a fictional retelling of Dora's journey, set against the backdrop of Paris and the French Riviera. As Picasso paints Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, their relationship darkens. With World War II approaching and the Nazis invading, Dora suffers a breakdown and is hospitalized.
Atmospheric and powerful, The Paris Muse sheds light on Dora's life, ensuring she is no longer a forgotten figure in Picasso’s story.
In this episode of Pagecast, Louisa is in conversation with writer, editor, literary critic and publisher, Karina Szczurek. -
Actor and musician Ian Roberts is something of a South African icon, renowned for his roles as the rugged Boer fighter Sloet Steenkamp in the TV series Arende and as Boet in the immortal and immensely popular Castrol advertisements.
His book, Nomad Heart, offers a highly entertaining glimpse of how actors make the magic happen, whether on a theatre stage or before the TV cameras.
In this episode of Pagecast, Ian is in conversation with the Books Editor at Netwerk24, Jo Prins.
Enjoy! -
Professor. Pundit. Public nuisance. In his columns, books and on social media, Jonathan Jansen is prolific, and he likes to speak his mind about schools and universities, race, politics and our complex South African society.
He has brought incisive analysis, compassion and a sense of humour to some of the most controversial issues in our country for many years. And now, in this memoir, Jansen goes back to his early years: growing up in a loving, fiercely evangelical family on the Cape Flats, being put on the road to purpose by an inspiring school teacher and becoming the first of his generation to go to university.
In this episode of Pagecast, Prof Jansen is in conversation with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis -
In Beeld 50 samesteller Erika de Beer, vertel dié geliefde koerant se joernaliste hoe hulle juis dit gedoen het deur die dekades en wat hulle steeds bybly van daardie ervaring.
“Nooi, ek praat nie met julle nie. Julle lieg van bladsy een tot die
einde . . . maar ek is nie so seker van die sport nie.”
– “Kommandant-generaal” Fritz Meyer van die Wenkommando aan Carolien Saayman van Beeld
Die afgelope halfeeu het meer as 15 000 uitgawes van Beeld verskyn met derduisende stories in woord en beeld. Regdeur hierdie 50 jaar is ’n mantra in die redaksie: “Slaan die groot storie hard.” In Beeld 50 vertel dié geliefde koerant se joernaliste hoe hulle juis dit gedoen het deur die dekades en wat hulle steeds bybly van daardie ervaring.
Die boek neem die leser op ’n reis deur van die grootste nuusgebeure sedert 1974 en weerspieël die geskakeerde leefwêreld van die Afrikaanse gemeenskap in die noorde van die land. Beeld is die Suid-Afrikaanse dagblad wat al die meeste as die mooiste aangewys is – daarvan getuig die foto’s, voorblaaie, spotprente en grafika op dié blaaie. Tog is dit nie ’n beste-voetjie-voorsit-soort boek nie, want dis in die eerste plek joernaliste wie se stemme jy hier hoor.
Op die ou end is die belangrikste element die leser. Soos Pieter du Toit in 2014 as nuusredakteur gesê het: “Ons lojaliteit lê by die briefskrywer wat ons kapittel oor ’n onbesonne hoofberig, die intekenaar wat kla oor sy nat koerant op die grasperk en die leser wat dankie sê vir die nuwe Saterdag-Beeld.” -
The ANC has ruled South Africa for three decades during which time the country has gone from the promise of the Rainbow Nation to disfunction and despair. In The Super Cadres, bestselling author Pieter du Toit examines this legacy from the early halcyon days through to the disappointment of the Ramaphosa presidency.
Du Toit asks key questions before coming to a critical observation and a damning conclusion:
What was the state of the ANC when it took power?
Was ANC failure inevitable? Did they inherit a country so stricken by apartheid that success was impossible?
When did the first signs of misrule and corruption occur?
How did each of the presidencies perform, from Mandela to Ramaphosa? What role did each play in the road to failure?
What was President Cyril Ramaphosa doing to stop state capture while he was deputy president?
Du Toit concludes that at the very centre of ANC - and thus state - failure is 'cadre deployment' which the ANC adopted as official party policy under President Thabo Mbeki. He shows how, over time, the appointment of cadres at every level of government inevitably led to the (con)fusion of party and state, the spread of incompetence, and the dire corruption that ate into every part of the country once Jacob Zuma took over.
In this episode of Pagecast, Pieter is in conversation with CapeTalk radio presenter John Maytham. -
In this episode of Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, we’re excited to dive into the vibrant world of the Open Book Festival—a celebration of South African literature within an international context. Each year, the festival brings together a diverse range of voices, offering readers and writers alike the opportunity to connect with thought-provoking stories, groundbreaking ideas, and inspiring authors.
In this special episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers' Publicity Manager, Jean-Marie Korff, sits down with Mervyn Sloman, the owner of the beloved indie bookshop, The Book Lounge, and the director of Open Book. Mervyn shares insights into the festival's journey, its role in cultivating a thriving literary community, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Open Book into one of the most anticipated events on the literary calendar.
Join us as we explore the festival’s evolution, its impact on South African literature, and the powerful narratives that continue to captivate audiences. Whether you're a longtime festival attendee or a first-time visitor, Open Book Cape Town offers an unforgettable literary experience, bringing stories that shape the world closer to home. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but today, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, we are joined by the acclaimed Niq Mhlongo, born in 1973 in Soweto. Niq’s debut novel, Dog Eat Dog, was published by Kwela in 2004 and later translated into Spanish as Perro Come Perro in 2006, earning the Mar des Lettras prize. Beyond his novels and short stories, Niq has contributed as a screenwriter for the animated children’s TV series Magic Cellar and created scripts for the comic magazine Mshana, which debuted in 2007. His most recent novel, The City is Mine, was published in 2024.
Join us as we explore Niq’s incredible body of work, his creative journey, and the storytelling that continues to resonate with readers around the world. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to dive deep into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's journey into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with the phenomenal Qarnita Loxton.
After studying law at the University of Cape Town and graduating in 1997, Qarnita worked as an attorney, primarily in the financial services sector. More recently, she transitioned into the field of executive coaching, bringing a fresh perspective to her work.
Qarnita's literary career began in 2017 with the release of her debut novel, Being Kari. She followed it with Being Lily, Being Shelley, and Being Dianne, captivating readers with her nuanced storytelling. She is also the co-author of Chasing Marion, written alongside Amy Heydenrych, Pamela Power, and Gail Schimmel. Her most recent novel, What’s Wrong with June, was published in 2024.
Join us as we explore Qarnita’s writing journey, the evolution of her characters, and the themes that resonate through her work. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to dive deep into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's journey into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with Lesedi Molefi, a Soweto-born writer, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur. Lesedi’s work spans multiple disciplines, capturing the essence of South African stories through various mediums. As a storyteller with a unique perspective, he uses his creative talents to shine a light on the complexities and beauty of everyday life in South Africa.
Join us as we explore Lesedi’s creative journey, his approach to storytelling across different forms, and the narratives that have shaped his remarkable career. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with the talented Shubnum Khan, a South African author and artist. Her debut novel, Onion Tears, was shortlisted for both the Penguin Prize for African Writing and the University of Johannesburg Debut Prize for Writing in English. Shubnum holds a Master’s degree in English and has earned several prestigious literary fellowships, including the Octavia Butler Fellow at Jack Jones Literary Arts and the Mellon Fellowship at Stellenbosch University. When she’s not travelling, Shubnum resides in Durban, where she writes and draws for a living.
Join us as we explore Shubnum's literary journey, creative process, and the stories that have shaped her remarkable career. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, we chat with the phenomenal Gothataone Moeng, author of the short story collection Call and Response. Gothataone was interviewed by Nompumelelo Mgidlana, Publicist at Jonathan Ball Publishers. Join us as we explore the powerful themes and voices that define her work. -
“Dis politici wat oorlog verklaar, nie ons nie. Ons het gedoen wat ons geglo het ons moes doen en hulle [die vyand] ook . . .” - Marco Caforio, ouddienspligtige
Op 10 Junie 1980 gedurende 'n eindelose dag van bloedige gevegte onder die Angolese son is 13 lede van die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag dood en etlike beseer toe 61 Gemeganiseerde Bataljon Groep 'n kompleks van Swapo-basisse in die suide van Angola aangeval het.
Gedurende Operasie Sceptic het tweede luitenant Paul Louw sy peleton in vier Ratels na die slagveld by die doelwit Smokeshell gelei. In die chaos wat daardie dag gevolg het, is 12 dienspligtiges in sy peleton van 44 noodlottig gewond en hy is self ook beseer. Een van sy troepe, die 18-jarige HP Ferreira, is met 'n 14,5 mmmasjiengeweer deur sy pelvis geskiet en hy is ook deur etlike AK-47 koeëls getref. Hy het wonderbaarlik oorleef.
Louw, nog met die bloed van sy manne aan sy klere, en 'n handjievol ander soldate het die aand deurgebring in 'n Ratel wat deur 'n RPG-vuurpyl getref is. Hulle was heeltemal afgesny van die res van die aanvalsgroep en het nie geweet of hulle die son sou sien opkom nie.
In Bloedbroers vertel van die oorlewendes van hul ervarings tydens die geveg. Dit werp ook lig op wat met soldate gebeur nadat die laaste skote afgevuur is en volg die veterane toe hulle vier dekades ná die operasie vir die eerste keer na die slagveld teruggekeer het. -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode is an incredibly special one, as the Mayor of Cape Town - Geordin Hill-Lewis is in conversation with South African award winning documentary filmmaker, naturalist, and founder of the Sea Change Project - Craig Foster.
Craig’s latest book - Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World is a thrilling memoir of a life spent exploring the most incredible places on Earth—from the Great African Seaforest to the crocodile lairs of the Okavango Delta—
Craig reveals how we can attend to the earthly beauty around us and deepen our love for all living things, whether we make our homes in the country, the city, or anywhere in between.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Killer Stories - Conversations with South African serial murderers!
‘If you made me angry, for that anger to go away, I have to get hold of you . . . I have to do something to you.’
These chilling words were spoken by one of South Africa’s most feared serial killers during an interview with Brin Hodgs-kiss in one of the country's most secure prisons.
Hodgskiss earned his doctorate in psychology through a study based on interviews with thirteen serial killers. His recordings remained untouched until recently, when top true-crime podcaster Nicole Engelbrecht discovered his paper online. This led to the creation of Killer Stories.
Killer Stories intertwines the killers' accounts, the true-crime events behind them, and Hodgskiss's own journey as a psychologist, leading to a profound understanding of these complex minds.
In this episide Brinn and Nicole chat to one another regarding their love of True Crime, psychology and the process that went into creating this book.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features We Were Perfect Parents Until We Had Children
by Vanessa Raphaely and Karin Schimke
Having kids is a baffling endeavour beset with sulk, meltdowns, anxiety and disappointment and that’s just the parents! When you get that call to the principal’s office? When the school acceptances don’t come? When the bedroom door slams and you hear your child sobbing behind it? All awful but it’s also a precious time, both hellishly challenging and full of joy. The trick? To find a way to enjoy our families, love our children and believe in them. And laugh . . .
In this book, Vanessa Raphaely and Karin Schimke have gathered together experiences and insights from The Village members. These are the gems and remedies from the real parenting experts, the parents to help you raise your family in your own perfectly imperfect way.
In this episide Vanessa is in conversation with CapeTalk radio host and parent of two, Lester Kiewit.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Crash and Burn by Glenn Orsmond.
This insider’s tale, narrated by Glenn Orsmond, chronicles the South African airline industry over the past thirty years, highlighting the dramatic collapse of Comair in 2022.
Orsmond, twice the CEO of Comair and founder CEO of 1time, guides readers through the fiercely competitive low-cost airline sector that surged after the 1990s. Comair, operating Kulula and British Airways, and 1time led this wave, transforming domestic flying and tourism.
Despite a 75-year profit history, Comair fell due to the pandemic, regulatory issues, and poor management decisions. Expect stories of industry legends, innovations, fierce competition, pilot-accountant conflicts, union-boss disputes, and shareholder-director battles.
In this episode, Glenn engages in a captivating conversation with David O'Sullivan, Broadcaster, Writer and Media Consultant.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Rhodes and His banker by Richard Steyn.
*Rhodes and his Banker* is an account of the remarkable friendship between a larger-than-life historical figure and a modest, unassuming banker, both of whom were personally involved in all the major political and financial developments in Southern Africa during the closing decades of the 19th century.
Intertwining dual narratives of Cecil John Rhodes as rapacious entrepreneur with the Standard Bank under Sir Lewis Michell tiptoeing in his wake to become the biggest bank in Africa, Steyn recounts how colonialism and capitalism took root in South Africa and Rhodesia.
In this episode, Richard engages in an lovely conversation with strategist, media specialist and writer, David Gorin.
Enjoy! - Se mer
