The book is an entertaining popular history of modern South Africa, and although this title brings more of a positive spin to proceedings it is sure to get the conversation going with its entirely subjective and often controversial list of brilliant Saffers. (We said ‘brilliant’, not ‘nice’.)
Of course, there are the great statesmen (Mandela, Luthuli, Smuts), the landmark achievers (Charlize Theron, Chris Barnard) and the incredible talents (Miriam Makeba, Irma Stern), but the lesser-knowns will also make a case. For example, Ntshingwayo Khoza, the conqueror at Isandlwana; Ampie Roux, our very own atom-bomb creator; Ryan Sandes, the world’s best trail runner… As will the honorary inclusions (Churchill, Rodriguez, Gandhi) and the previously scorned (Mbeki, Shaka).
But how exactly does Winnie Madikizela-Mandela qualify? From space adventurers (Mark Shuttleworth) and fighter pilots (Sailor Malan) to entrepreneurs (Elon Musk) and environmentalists (Ian Player), this is a raucous celebration of the country we call home, and the perfect partner to 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa – proving that you just can’t have the bad without the good…
About the contributors:
Alexander Parker is a freelance journalist and writer, and a history buff. He is car editor of Business Day and author of 25 Cars To Drive Before You Die as well as 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa.
Tim Richman is a writer, editor and publisher. He is the co-author of the best-selling Is It Just Me Or Is Everything Kak? series, as well as a number of other titles.
Zapiro is widely regarded as South Africa’s foremost political cartoonist. His popular cartoons appear regularly in various publications and his annual collections invariably top the best-seller lists.
Book specs:
Title: 50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans
Authors: Alexander Parker and Tim Richman
Cartoonist: Zapiro
ISBN: 9780987043719
Released: November 2012 Published by Burnet Media
Distributed by Jacana Media
