Category Archives: Books

Embeth Davidtz’s Debut Film: Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight

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In an exciting moment for South African film, it was announced that Embeth Davidtz has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Classics for worldwide distribution of her directorial debut, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name. Written, directed by and starring Davidtz (Schindler’s List, Matilda), the film features Lexi Venter, Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, Rob Van Vuuren and Anina Hope Reed. The film was produced by Helena Spring, Paul Buys and Davidtz, in collaboration with Rose and Oaks Media and executive producers Anele Mdoda and Frankie Du Toit.

Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight received rave reviews at the recent Telluride and Toronto International Film Festivals, where Davidtz was praised for her extraordinary writing and directing debut and 8-year-old Venter was applauded for her incredible performance. The film was showcased at the Zurich Film Festival (3 – 13 October) in Switzerland.

Based on the memoir by Alexandra Fuller, Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight captures the childhood of 8-year-old Bobo on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of the Zimbabwean War of Independence (1979/1980). Growing up in the midst of this long-running war, Bobo internalizes both sides of the struggle. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way. Through her eight-year-old eyes, the film takes audiences on a powerful journey through Rhodesia’s final days, exploring the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that the war left on survivors.

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Katie Mohamed Unveils Her New Book “Brave, Today”

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Businesswoman and now author, Katie Mohamed is thrilled to announce the launch of her first book, Brave, Today, a compelling memoir and motivational guide designed to empower readers to embrace courage and learn from the innate wisdoms scattered throughout their personal life journeys.

In a powerful and inspiring event, her book was officially launched to a captivated audience at Al-Hamra restaurant in Sandton. The event was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the power personal stories carry to inspire change.

Lebogang Mashile and Katie Mohamed

Katie Mohamed, an advocate for women’s empowerment and an influential voice in South Africa, has poured her heart and experience into Brave, Today, a book that encourages readers to confront their fears and embrace their inner strength. The launch was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including leaders in business, media, and the arts, as well as friends, family, and supporters of the author.

The evening began with a warm welcome from the event’s host, renowned poet Lebogang Mashile, who spoke to the importance of storytelling in driving social change and cohesion. Speakers such as Stavros Nicolau and Yvonne Chaka Chaka praised the author for her authenticity and her contributions to gender equity, media and positive change in the country. Guests were then treated to a conversation where the Katie shared her journey of writing Brave, Today, the challenges she faced, and the motivation behind her work.

Katie’s reflections resonated deeply with the audience, particularly when she spoke about the importance of authenticity and courage in a world that often demands conformity. “Brave, Today is not just a book; it’s a movement. I wanted to create something that not only tells my story, but also encourages others to tell theirs,” said Mohamed during the discussion.

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Helen Nicholson Releases New Book: “Networking for Introverts”

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I am an introvert by nature. In the past few years, I have forced myself to become less socially awkward by attending media events solo and introducing myself and talking to complete strangers. The experience can be daunting, but it is essential for networking and getting ahead, especially in the corporate world.

Introverts, the world over, find social situations stressful because they often feel drained by prolonged social interactions and large gatherings. Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from being around others, introverts recharge through solitude and quiet time. Additionally, the need for small talk and quick thinking in social settings can be overwhelming for introverts, who typically prefer deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Now, a new book by best-selling author Helen Nicholson, titled “Networking for Introverts” provides a step-by-step guide for introverts, that will not only help them overcome these challenges, but also teach them to harness the introvert skills of listening, thoughtful communication and focus, as super-powers, to connect with people more deeply and build an advantageous network.

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SA Author, Jo Watson, Launches New Book On Board LIFT Flight

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Passengers on board LIFT flight GE131 from Johannesburg to Cape Town received an exclusive first glimpse into author Jo Watson’s new book, Love at First Flight, when they were surprised with a spontaneous book launch in the sky. A few book enthusiasts were lucky enough to receive a signed copy of the new book from Watson herself.

Jonathan Ball Publishers and LIFT collaborated to arrange the launch in the spirit of the month of love, as Watson’s new book aptly involves the story of an air-traffic controller who meets a pilot, culminating in a fake dating pact, with their communications resulting in the unexpected.

Jo Watson is an award-winning author of over ten books, with her book, Love To Hate You becoming an overnight bestseller, reaching #9 on the Amazon UK charts. To date, her stories have accumulated more than 60 million reads on the platform with over 119, 000 followers.

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Oxford University Press Empowers Minds Through World Literacy Day

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Hanri Pieterse – MD of Oxford University South Africa

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually around the world on 8 September and Oxford University Press observes the day in support and endorsement of literacy in all its forms.

Founded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have since taken place across the globe to remind the international community of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. (1)

In its simplest definition, ‘literacy’ refers to the ability to read and write. In broader terms, it encompasses ways of thinking and doing reading and writing with the purpose of understanding and expressing thoughts or ideas in written form within specific contexts.

 Global literacy is a cause for celebration since the rate for adults 15 years and above stands at 86,3% in 2023. (2) While, on the surface, this is a successful statistic, closer inspection reveals a deeply unequal divide.

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