 STORIES ABOUT
AFRICA'S
INFAMOUS CITY
‘Foreigners think we’re nuts, coming back to a doomed city on a damned continent, but there’s something you don’t understand: it’s boring where you are.’
- Rian Malan
Journalists Heidi Holland and Adam Roberts approached about 80 journalists and writers based in Johannesburg and asked them to write short pieces about the city in which they work and live. They did not specify form or style – the contributors were free to express themselves how ever they wanted to.
In this new, updated edition over 50 pieces of writing emerged that reflect aspects of the city, idiosyncratic reactions to living and working here, appreciations of small and big things, some poems, some criticisms – all will find resonance with Jozi residents and all will be enlightening and entertaining to visitors hoping to learn something about our metropolis. Amazingly, many of the contributors expressed how much they enjoy being in Jozi – a far cry from the common perceptions of this infamous city!
With contributions by:
Zakes Mda Ivan Vladislavic
Max du Preez Mark Gevisser
Gcina Mhlope Christopher Hope
Rian Malan Wally Serote
All royalties from the sale of the book go to Cotlands, for the benefit of children with HIV and AIDS.
THE EDITORS:
 Heidi Holland is an accomplished author and journalist, based in Johannesburg. She has published African Magic, Colour of Murder and the highly acclaimed Dinner with Mugabe (over 31 000 copies sold to date).
 From 2001 to 2005, Adam Roberts was the Southern Africa Correspondent of The Economist based in Johannesburg. Since the middle of 2006 he has been the News Editor of Economist.com. He has written a book about the failed coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea, The Wonga Coup. Adam is also a regular 'Comment is Free' contributor for the Guardian. |
