Search results for ""penguin random house south africa""

The Cape Town book presents a fresh picture of the Mother City, one that brings together all its stories. From geology and beaches to forced removals and hip-hop, Nechama Brodie, author of the best-selling The Joburg book, has delved deeply into the hidden past of Cape Town to emerge with a lucid and compelling account of South Africa's first city, its landscape and its people. The book's 14 chapters trace the origins and expansion of Cape Town - from the City Bowl to the southern and coastal suburbs, the vast expanse of the Cape Flats and the sprawling northern areas. Offering a nuanced, yet balanced, perspective on Cape Town, the book includes familiar attractions like Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch and the Company's Garden, while also giving a voice to marginalised communities in areas such as Athlone, Langa, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha. Many of the images in the book have never been published before, and are drawn from the archives of museums, universities and public institutions. This beautifully illustrated, information-rich book is the definitive portrait of the wind-blown, contradictory city at the southern tip of Africa that more than three million people call home.

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‘Serial killers experience the power over life and death as omnipotence … When I interrogate a serial killer, I dive into the abyss of his soul.’ From 1994 to 2000, when South Africa was a young democracy, the country was stalked by a succession of brutal serial killers. Psychologist Micki Pistorius became the first profiler for the South African Police Service, playing a vital role in identifying and interrogating these killers, as well as training detectives nationally and in other countries. She broke ground with her theory on the origin of serial killers and is considered a trailblazer in her field. Catch Me a Killer details the cases she worked on – from the Station Strangler and the Phoenix Cane Killer to Boetie Boer and the Saloon Killer. The book also features legendary detectives such as Piet Byleveld and Suiker Britz, as well as the FBI’s Robert Ressler. Released alongside a major TV series based on the book, this new edition of Catch Me a Killer includes a new chapter and up-to-date information about some of the cases, such as the parole of Norman Afzal Simons in 2023. This is essential reading for all true crime aficionados.

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Pocket Guide: Insects of South Africa covers both common and interesting insects from South Africa, making it possible to identify a wide range of local species. Some 260 insects are featured, many of which we may have spotted in our houses and gardens. Each is described with its key identifi cation features, a colour photograph and distribution map. An illustrated quick-reference guide on the inside front and back covers makes it quick and easy to navigate to the right insect group.

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A masterclass in becoming a wealth-generating entrepreneur! Do you have what it takes to become a billionaire? Written by the founder of Forbes Africa, this is a masterclass on how the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs across Africa made their fortunes, as well as a timely look at how the work of entrepreneurs can influence lives in Africa and create the jobs that empty state coffers can no longer afford. Chris Bishop gets up close and personal with the biggest names in business on the continent: Aliko Dangote, Patrice Motsepe, Nicky Oppenheimer, Christo Wiese, Wendy Appelbaum and Stephen Saad, among others. These are the stories of how they not only survived, but thrived, in the fast and furious world of African business: Narendra Raval, the penniless priest who became a steel baron; Tim Tebeila, the barefoot apple-seller who turned into a mining millionaire; Herman Mashaba, the ‘knocksman’ who went from running dice games and dealing drugs to running a city; Pascal Dozie, the economics student who studied with Mick Jagger … This is a rich tapestry of stories about the super-wealthy and the qualities that make them so spectacularly successful, in arguably the most challenging economic arena in the world.

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Pollinators, parasites, purifiers, predators, decomposers – insects arguably play the most important roles in the functioning of the Earth’s ecosystems. This lavishly illustrated and highly authoritative book is structured around southern Africa’s 13 distinct biomes; it reflects the essential role insects play in most ecological processes such as pollination, predation, parasitism, soil modification and nutrient recycling; details how they serve as food for multitudes of other organisms, including bacteria and fungi, as well as specially adapted plants, insect-feeding arthropods, reptiles, birds and mammals; depicts the insects and phenomena described in some 2,000 photographs that accompany the accessible text; highlights the crucial role insects play as ecosystem service providers, giving intimate insight into the beauty and importance of insects in the natural world. Includes a guide to each of the 25 insect orders found in southern Africa, with images showing their diagnostic characters. This key publication detailing the latest research in the field of entomology will appeal to academics and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Chameleons are fascinating creatures: they almost always evoke in people a strong response, be it delight, wonder or fear. "Chameleons of Southern Africa" explores this interesting group of lizards and discusses their strange and unusual, sometimes unnerving, characteristics. It presents an overview of all types of chameleons (of which there are up to 160 species in total, worldwide), their history, geographic distribution (restricted mainly to Madagascar and Africa), reproduction, behaviour and their relationships to each other. It also contains a clear identification guide to all southern African species - some 25 have been identified to date - together with distribution maps and colourful photographs of their many features and guises. For interested students, gardeners, naturalists and even just the curious, "Chameleons of Southern Africa" is an essential guide to these intriguing lizards.

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Southern Africa is without equal in terms of geology, a treasure trove of valuable minerals with a geological history dating back some 3 600 million years. In addition, the evolution of plants and animals, especially mammals and dinosaurs, is well preserved in the region, which also has among the best records of the origin of modern man. The story of earth and life provides an insight into this remarkable history - how southern Africa's mineral deposits were formed, how its life evolved and how its landscape was shaped. Along the way readers will be enthralled by accounts of the Big Bang that marked the beginning of time and matter, by drifting and colliding continents, folding and fracturing rocks, meteors colliding with the Earth, volcanic eruptions, and the start of life. Other topics include why South Africa is so rich in minerals, how glacial deposits came to be found in the Karoo, why dinosaurs became extinct, how mammals developed from reptiles, and how closely humans are related to the apes. The answers to many such questions can be found in this title. Anyone interested in the landscape and ecosystems in which we live will be intrigued by this title.

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Aimed at children, both across the African continent as well as around the world, this collection of 20 folktales has been retold by Dianne Stewart for today's youngsters. The stories originate from countries as diverse as Swaziland, Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zanzibar and South Africa. Now in a new, user-friendly format and beautifully illustrated by Marjorie van Heerden, Folktales from Africa sustains the intrigue of storytelling that has been passed on from generation to generation. The extraordinary tales are not only interesting, but also highly informative and educational.

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One of Africa's classic tales, enjoyed by generations. This is the first time, however, that the life and times of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick's stouthearted bull terrier has been within the grasp of young readers. Illustrations together with text, which is an abridgement faithful to the original story, will enthral children as they share in the exciting scrapes and adventures of a man and his dog in the Transvaal bushveld a century ago.

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The most recent addition to the popular POCKET GUIDE series, Trees of Zambia features 140 indigenous tree species and four naturalised exotics likely to be seen in Zambia and its 20 national parks. The trees are organised in five groups, each with a unique set of characteristics, to help narrow down options in identifying a tree. Each page describes a single tree species, combining concise text and photographs. Features include: Succinct species descriptions including bark, leaves, flowers and fruit. Full-colour photographs of trees and their parts. Up-to-date distribution maps. A brief introduction covering vegetation types. Table of family names and tree characteristics. Local names for trees. Best viewing locations, including national parks. Sales points: First compact and accessible guide to trees of the region. Ideal companion for exploring Zambia. Distribution maps for each species. Authors are regional experts.

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This fully updated edition of Field Guide to Wild Flowers of South Africa covers more than 1,100 species of flora, focusing on the most common, conspicuous and ‘showy’ plants around the region. An informative introduction discusses plant diversity, vegetation types, and includes a key to identifying plant groups. The species descriptions follow and each is accompanied by: a vivid photograph; a distribution map showing range, and an indication of the plant’s flowering season. This invaluable, up-to-date guide provides the tools and information needed to identify flowering plants across South Africa. Written by an expert in the field; fully updated edition; facilitates identification of wild flowers around South Africa; glorious full-colour photographs of each species; key to plant families for easy ID.

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815 species of amphibian have been described on the African continent – 788 frogs, 23 caecilians and four salamanders. Field Guide to the Frogs & other Amphibians of Africa is the first guide ever to cover all these species. The book features a brief introduction with tips for handling and identifying amphibians. A useful illustrated guide to each family group serves as a first step towards species ID. Species accounts describe physical features, distribution, habitat, biology, advertisement calls and conservation status, and are supported by colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps. Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa will prove invaluable to nature lovers, tour guides, students and scientists. Sales points: A first of its kind; facilitates identification of hundreds of species; photographic guide to amphibian groups; informative species accounts; glossary (partially illustrated) explaining all technical terms

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A comprehensive guide to the fishes of the Okavango Delta and Chobe River, this book offers background information on the diverse aquatic habitats of the region and on fish feeding, breeding and survival strategies. It also provides useful hints for anglers. The species entries describe each fish in detail, with key ID points and information on habits and occurrence. Each account is accompanied by a colour illustration or photograph. The book concludes with information on how best to utilise and conserve the fishes of the delta system and Chobe River. This is the only such guide to fishes of the region and will be invaluable to local and visiting fishermen, naturalists and conservationists, as well as the many tourists who visit this spectacular African paradise.

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For the very first time, local and visiting birders will have a detailed guide to Kenya’s best birding sites. The book will help them to locate the key species in each area, including sought-after ‘specials’ and endemics. It offers: a detailed map for each site with specific guidance on what to look for and where information about the birds likely to be seen, descriptions of each site, indicating the plants and wildlife that may be encountered in addition to the birds, tips for planning your trip, road directions to each site.

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Join a spirited group of young explorers on an African Safari adventure! Packed with excitement, curiosity, and their favourite game.

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Namaqualand is justifiably famous for the floral wonderland it becomes in spring, when seas of bright flowers carpet the land. Astonishingly, the carpet comprises some 3,800 species, of which 28% are endemic. This book introduces nearly 600 species, highlighting those most commonly found, most conspicuous, spectacular or interesting, as well as endemics. An introduction touches on the species selection for the book, the climatic and topographical subregions within Namaqualand, plant names and uses, and conservation issues. The concise species descriptions also give seed and fruit details, uses, local growing conditions and flowering times, along with beautiful full-colour photographs. This is a must-have guide for visitors to Namaqualand, or for anyone interested in the wild flowers of southern Africa.

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Southern Africa boasts a rich variety of tree species, both indigenous and exotic. Pocket guide trees of Southern Africa is an authoritative introduction to the region's trees, describing and illustrating 132 species. This publication has its origins in Van Wyk's A photographic guide to trees of Southern Africa and has been fully revised and updated by well-known authority Braam van Wyk. Each species account highlights the key identification features, and also touches on the medicinal and commercial uses of the trees. This compact, easy-to-use guide makes an ideal travelling companion and will help readers to become more knowledgeable about trees.

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THIS BOOK IS A CHILD'S FIRST TASTE OF THE MAGICAL CONTINENT! In My First African Adventure, Riaan Manser allows the reader to relive the toil, excitement and occasional terror of his journey - negotiating the Sahara and Libyan deserts, learning French, Portuguese and Arabic, eating monkey, rat and bat, standing in front of the pyramids, being awarded the freedom of the Red Sea in Egypt, feeding hyenas mouth to mouth, and standing on the highest, as well as at the lowest, points in Africa. Riaan arrived safely in Cape Town on 25 November 2005. Now, for the first time, children can relive this amazing journey of discovery in a fun, illustrated version of the original journey. Crammed with fun facts and information, My First African Adventure will entertain young and old for years to come. Parents and children are invited to join one of the world's great modern-day adventurers, Riaan Manser, as he explores Africa by bicycle!

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This larger edition is based on the updated and expanded fifth edition of Sasol Birds of Southern Africa, which has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides.

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The first guide ever to document and explore the diverse parks and reserves of Africa’s ‘middle belt’, it covers Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The region contains prized spots such as the world-famous landscapes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi, and some of Africa’s best-known conservation areas, including Etosha, Chobe, Mana Pools, Hwange, Kafue and Nyika. Written by two prominent conservationists, the book is organised by country, and includes: Detailed descriptions of the history, geology, climate, vegetation and wildlife of some 50 conservation areas. Annotated park maps, indicating places of interest and best sites to view key species. Text panels featuring each park’s highlights, facilities and activities, wildlife facts, and important alerts.A concise photographic gallery of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and trees, for quick identification of commonly seen species. A must-have guide to the parks and reserves of a region renowned for spectacular landscapes, fauna and flora. Sales points: First ever guide for southern Africa’s ‘middle belt’ countries. Informative guide to inspire post-COVID-19 travel. Presents key features and attractions of each park. Information panels covering highlights, activities, facilities, wildlife and warnings. Generously illustrated with full-colour photographs and detailed maps. Much-travelled, highly qualified authors.

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Southern Africa is the natural home of the richest and most diverse succulent flora in the world. These plants come in all shapes and sizes, from trees such as the baobab at more than 20 m tall, to miniature soil huggers, just a few millimetres high, which mimic their pebble-desert surroundings. This user-friendly, richly illustrated field guide features more than 700 southern African succulents, focusing on the most interesting and commonly encountered species. An introduction to families and their key features will help readers identify the relevant plant group, while concise accounts describing the plants' diagnostic features, along with distribution maps, will enable quick ID of species. More than just an ID guide for plant lovers, this book will inspire gardeners who are turning to indigenous, low-maintenance and waterwise plants for cultivation.

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Insects have a greater impact on human lives and livelihoods than any other group of organisms. This guide will help you to identify insects that are frequently encountered, very striking or ecologically important in the region. Compact and easy-to-use, it features more than 400 of the interesting and diverse insect groups found in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Full-colour photographs of all featured species are accompanied by concise text giving key identification features for each group.

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This is an all-in-one travellers' guide to the Serengeti National Park - the vast, iconic reserve in the heart of East Africa. The book offers detailed maps, travel information and a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. The scope of this guide is rich and encompassing: after a general introduction to the Serengeti, it discusses the history and people of the region; the landscape, geology and soils; tourist information, including recommended routes, best season, safaris offered and booking details; and it describes the important places to see. Detailed maps indicate tourist routes and what to look out for. The field guide section includes substantial check lists and colour photos of the vegetation (trees, flowers, grasses), mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds one is likely to see. It includes info on the habits and behaviours of the animals described. Packed with interesting facts, maps and images, and with a comprehensive index for easy reference, this is an essential guide for visitors and tourists to the Serengeti National Park.

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South Africa has just about the richest geological heritage on the planet. By pinpointing 50 Must-see sites, this book shows why, where and how to enjoy it. The book presents 50 of the most recognizable and geologically interesting sites around South Africa, including some of palaeontological or historical renown and some of mining interest. The diverse selection includes sites such as Chapman's Peak, Howick Falls, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Mapungubwe, Tswaing Meteorite Crater and the Fraserburg Fossil Surface. Each site is unpacked to reveal: Key features; Geological heritage; Landscape and rock formations; Topics of local or historical interest; Things to see and do at the site and in the surrounding area. Maps and GPS pointers make the sites easy to find, and some of the more complicated features are explained by means of simplified diagrams. Nearly 1,000 colour images illustrate South Africa's remarkable geology and bring the topic vividly to life, making the book suitable for armchair travel too.

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If you reckon corruption in South Africa began with Zuma or even with apartheid, it’s time to catch a wake-up call. Rogues’ Gallery tells the story of some of the biggest skelms to grace our (un)fair shores, showing that dodgy dealings have been a national pastime for as long as South African history has been written down. The action starts with the machinations of three colonial governors: rotten Willem Adriaan van der Stel and the ‘twaddling’ British duo, Sir George Yonge and Lord Charles Somerset. Added to this is Cecil John Rhodes’s unparalleled success in poisoning the land with theft, fraud and war, and Oom Paul Kruger’s corrupt and compromised Volksraads (official and unofficial). Readers are then treated to apartheid’s finest feats in corruption: from the Broederbond’s perfect ten in state capture to the Department of Information’s peddling of fake news and the apartheid state’s manufacture of – no, not illegal cigarettes – Class A drugs! And let’s not forget the hotbed of corruption that was the ‘independent’ homelands. Add to this a few murders, plenty of nepotism and a state president who started out as a Nazi spy, and the gallery of rogues is complete. On the flipside, every chapter also features at least one brave whistle-blower – the true heroes of this book. Irreverent, entertaining and impeccably researched, Rogues’ Gallery busts the myth that the Zuptas were the first to capture the South African state, showing that corruption has always been around – and that the tricks politicians play haven’t changed a jot.

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East Africa is known for its diverse landscapes – expansive savannas, lakes, and towering mountains – but also for its numerous protected areas: its parks and reserves that are the domain of the continent’s most spectacular wildlife. These areas play a vital role in protecting both the environment and the animals it supports, and annually play host to thousands of visitors who come to experience wild Africa. This guide to the parks and reserves of East Africa provides a valuable overview of some 58 protected areas across East Africa. The book is divided into the four East African countries Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda – and, for each park, provides essential background on geology and landscape, climate, vegetation and wildlife, capturing the essence of what each area offers. It also covers the brief history of each park. Other features include: Numerous colour photographs of animal and plant life, detailed park maps, indicating places of interest and best sites to view key species, text panels with highlights, facilities and activities, wildlife facts, and important alerts, a photographic gallery of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and trees, for quick identification of common species. This must-have guide to the region’s protected areas will prove indispensable to local and international visitors to the region and to all nature enthusiasts. Sales points: Key background on the character and features of each park, generously supported by full colour photographs and detailed maps, information boxes provide highlights at a glance, a concise gallery of animals and plants to aid identification.

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A stunning new cover, design and format brings African Myths & Legends, a combination of two earlier publications (Daughter of the moonlight and Other African Tales and South African Myths and Legends), to life. It is a spellbinding and fascinating collection of tales that will enliven the imagination of young readers. Vividly illustrated, the book sustains the intrigue of storytelling that has been passed on from generation to generation. The magic lies in deciding whether the stories are fact or fiction. The book offers an explanation for the mysteries people encountered in their ordinary daily lives and the norms and social practices that have emerged from these events. Using historical events as a backdrop, yet weaving in fantasy and magic, these extraordinary tales are not only interesting but also highly informative and educational.

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Why do some states thrive, grow their economies and uplift their people, while others, facing similar challenges, slide into low growth, social dysfunction and failure? After decades of work on the ground in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, bestselling author Greg Mills seeks to provide answers in Rich State, Poor State. After decades of work on the ground in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, bestselling author Greg Mills seeks to provide answers in Rich State, Poor State. On each continent he traverses, Mills interrogates the how and why. How did Botswana go from being one of the least-developed and poorest nations at independence to enjoying the highest rate of per capita growth of any country in the world? Why has South Africa failed to attain similar heights? How did the Baltic states achieve reforms that have positioned them among the best-performing economies in Europe? How did Vietnam overcome a traumatic past in favour of a rapid and positive development transformation? Why is Mexico the only large developing economy that competes with China in manufacturing? Drawing from interviews with current and former presidents, prime ministers and key government officials across the globe, as well as research from leading institutions to enrich his fieldwork, Mills contrasts the successes and the failures, and in so doing, seeks to determine a path for the next generation of leaders.Insightful and inspiring, Rich State, Poor State shows that with better choices, the right policies and the will to implement them, it is entirely possible to travel the road from poverty to prosperity.

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We have a lot to be positive about in South Africa. With all our problems, it’s easy to feel bleak. But hold those thoughts, because Legends might be just the tonic you need to drive off the gloom. This book tells the stories of a dozen remarkable people – some well known, others largely forgotten – who changed Mzansi for the better. Most South Africans are proud of Nelson Mandela – and rightly so. His life was truly astounding, but he’s by no means the only person who should inspire us. There’s King Moshoeshoe, whose humanity and diplomatic strategies put him head and shoulders above his contemporaries, both European and African. And John Fairbairn, who brought non-racial democracy to the Cape in 1854. Olive Schreiner was a bestselling international author who fought racism, corruption and chauvinism. And Gandhi spent twenty years here inventing a system of protest that would bring an Empire to its knees. Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa. Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa. And then there’s Miriam Makeba, who began her life in prison and ended it as an international singing sensation; Steve Biko, who shifted the minds of an entire generation; and Thuli Madonsela (the book’s only living legend), who gracefully felled the most powerful man in the land. Engagingly written and meticulously researched, Legends reminds South Africans that we have a helluva lot to be proud of.

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Besides being a world-famous game-viewing destination, the Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of bugs, beetles, butterflies, spiders, scorpions and other creepy-crawlies. This richly illustrated, beginner-friendly guide is ideal for the casual visitor keen to identify and learn more about the Park’s smaller inhabitants. Find out what happens inside a termite mound, how ladybirds protect themselves from predators, and why dung beetles race to fresh dung pats. Aimed at the popular market, this book: Spans 30 groups, including moths, beetles, wasps, crickets and spiders, and features over 200 commonly encountered species. Contains vivid photographs of Kruger’s most interesting and attractive critters. Unpacks noteworthy behaviours and biology. Introduces key concepts, such as mimicry, cryptic coloration, metamorphosis, parasitism and pollination. Includes bug-watching and photography tips for beginners. Sales points: User-friendly guide packed with full-colour images. Interesting facts described in simple terms. Author has extensive field experience. Targets a well-established market.

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Medicinal Plants of East Africa is the first photographically illustrated guide to showcase the most important healing plants of the region. The book describes 136 plant species in everyday use in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Brief descriptions of each species cover that plant’s appearance, ecology and specific medicinal uses. To aid identification, more than 600 colour photographs have been included. Also included are recipes for remedies to treat a wide range of ailments. An easy-to-understand summary of the science behind the treatments concludes each section. Supplementary features: Introduction to the medicinal virtues and active ingredients of plants; Common methods of preparing medicines from plant materials; Summary of ailments and the plants prescribed to treat them; Glossaries of medical and botanical terminology and extensive reference lists. Medicinal Plants of East Africa will appeal to ethnobotanists, health and wellness practitioners, travellers and all with an interest in the remarkable healing properties of plants. Sales Points: Easy ID with supporting colour photos; recipes for plant remedies; simplifies the science behind the natural medicines; accomplished author team.

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This pocket-sized, easy-to-use guide to the birds of Zambia features 425 birds likely to be seen in the region, plus a few ‘specials’ sought after by birders. It is an invaluable introduction and guide for visitors to Zambia with its 20 national parks and 42 Important Bird Areas. Features include: an informative introduction to birding in the region, including habitat descriptions and a glossary; full-colour photographs illustrating diagnostic features and plumage differences; concise identification text, including key ID pointers, call description and favoured habitat of each species; up-to-date distribution maps. Lightweight and handy for use in the field, this will be an excellent guide for anyone interested in the birds of Africa. Sales points: compact, easy to use, for birders of all levels; colour photographs of all 425 featured species; distribution maps for each species; authors are regional experts.

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The latest in the popular ‘Quick ID Guide’ series, this compact little book is an easy-to-use identification guide to the whales, dolphins and seals found in southern African waters and the Southern Ocean. Close to 50 species occur here: from the demonstrative Humpback Whale and Dusky Dolphin to the striking Leopard Seal and massive Blue Whale. This title introduces the key identification features, behaviours, diets and distribution of whales, dolphins and seals; explains breaching, bow-surfing, lob-tailing and other common behaviours; features detailed illustrations of each species’ diagnostic characteristics; includes the diving outlines as well as breathing ‘blow’ and tail shapes of common whales on inside covers for quick reference. Sales points: Quick and easy ID guide by highly regarded authors; packed with full-colour photos and labelled illustrations; handy pocket format at excellent price point.

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Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Eastern Cape lies a narrow valley, flanked by the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountain ranges. Named after the chacma baboons that long ago made this 200-km-long kloof their home, the Baviaanskloof is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site. It is a meeting point of several different ecosystems, with almost all of South Africa’s eight biomes represented, making for a remarkable diversity of species, including many endemics. Plants of the Baviaanskloof describes well over 1,000 plant species. It includes: An introduction covering the geological history, climate and vegetation types of the region. Detailed family and genus descriptions, including species counts. Succinct descriptions of each plant species with full-colour photographs. Species common names in several South African languages (where available). Compiled over more than two decades, Plants of the Baviaanskloof is sure to become an enduring record of the diversity of plant life found here. The only botanical guide for this area, it is a must for botanists, gardeners, road-trippers, hikers, travellers and all who have a deep interest in plants. Sales points: Presents over 1,000 plant species. Easy ID with full-colour photos of all featured species. Accessible descriptions of plant species. Detailed illustrations unpack intricate botanical information.

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South Africa’s Fynbos Biome, which spans the country’s Western and Eastern Cape provinces, is one of the richest floras in the world. In addition to its spectacular botanical diversity, the region is also famous for its remarkable variety of fauna, with some species occurring nowhere else – from the tiny Micro Frog to the brightly coloured Orange-breasted Sunbird and the large, strikingly marked Bontebok. The first of its kind, this concise field guide covers more than 400 species in four animal groups: mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs. The species accounts include key identification features and are paired with full-colour photographs and distribution maps. This guide encompasses popular tourist destinations such as the Cape Peninsula, the Kogelberg, the Cederberg, the Agulhas Plain, the West Coast and Baviaanskloof. Sales points: First guide to focus on Fynbos wildlife. Ideal for visitors, hikers, botanists, conservationists and anyone with an interest in the region’s natural history. Written by conservationists with extensive field experience. Supported by high-quality colour photographs.

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Pangolins have long been sustainably harvested by local communities for their meat and scales, but today the burgeoning trade in these mammals has reached crisis point. Eight pangolin species occur worldwide, four in Asia and four in Africa, and all face extinction if current rates of hunting and trading continue unabated. Now the spotlight is on the world’s most trafficked mammal. Scientists have identified pangolins as the likely source of the coronavirus infection that has brought the world to its knees. This multi-trillion dollar disaster makes pangolins the most expensive meals ever eaten. In this timely exposé, Richard Peirce unpacks the horrors and dangers of the trade in this enigmatic, little-known mammal. He explains the links between wildlife and Covid-19, and details China’s response to the pandemic. He also tells the story of a particular pangolin poached in Zimbabwe and brought to South Africa to be traded. Readers accompany an agent of the African Pangolin Working Group, assisted by the local police, on an actual sting operation to rescue the animal and capture the traffickers. And they follow the subsequent progress of the rescued pangolin, from near death to rehabilitation and release into the wild. Sales points: Topical subject – probes the claim that pangolins are central to the Covid-19 pandemic. Compelling story about the fate of pangolins in southeast Asia and Africa. Riveting account of a real-life sting operation to rescue a poached pangolin.

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Scorpions of Southern Africa, the go-to guide for identifying southern Africa’s rich scorpion fauna, has now been freshly designed, updated and expanded. It includes 12additional species, new images and distribution maps, and a chapter on how to go about identifying scorpions. An invaluable guide for the amateur naturalist and professional alike, this accessible book describes: scorpion anatomy and behavior; the strategies that enable scorpions to survive harsh conditions; their use of venom and other aspects of their successful existence over millions of years. A fascinating introduction to the biology and behaviour of scorpions; a photograph and distribution map for each species; concise information to enable identification; debunks myths and legends about these little-known and misunderstood creatures.

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My Cape Malay Kitchen is Cariema Isaacs's heartfelt and poignant account of the extraordinary relationship between herself and her father and how that was reflected in their shared passion for food and cooking. She recollects all of the dishes they cooked and ate together, and shares her childhood memories of growing up in Bo-Kaap (the Cape Malay Quarter in Cape Town), lending insight into the culture, religious ceremonies and family events that have shaped the Cape Malay community into what it is today. But My Cape Malay Kitchen is also a book about flavourful food, richly spiced curries, indulgent cakes and decadent desserts. Cariema's refreshing approach to food showcases many of the much-loved Cape Malay vintage recipes as well as a selection of modern dishes, and is ideal for anyone who needs a little inspiration in the kitchen.

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Here is an all-in-one travellers' guide to one of the most extraordinary and beautiful places on Earth. It offers detailed maps, travel information and a photographic field guide in a single, handy volume. The travel guide section offers a regional map and 12 detailed satellite maps of all tourist areas; info on how to get around, where to stay, road conditions, climate and best season to visit; and background info on the history, people, topography, geology and archaeology. The field guide section includes check lists and over 500 photos of the plants, animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects one is likely to see; info on the nutritional value and medicinal uses of plants; habitat preferences of large mammals, and interesting animal and bird behaviour. A comprehensive index for easy reference rounds off this essential guide for visitors and tourists to East Africa.

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When André de Ruyter took over as Eskom CEO in January 2020, he quickly realised why it was considered the toughest job in South Africa. Aside from neglected equipment, ageing power stations and an eroded skills base, he discovered that Eskom was crippled by corruption on a staggering scale. Fake fuel oil deliveries at just one power station cost Eskom R100 million per month; kneepads retailing for R150 a pair were purchased for R80 000; billions of rands of equipment supposedly housed in the company’s storerooms was missing. Faced with police inaction, he was compelled to plunge into a world that was foreign to him – a world of spies and safe houses, of bulletproof vests and bodyguards. In Truth to Power, De Ruyter tells the behind-the-scenes story of how he launched a private investigation that exposed at least four criminal cartels feeding off Eskom. While fighting this scourge, he had to deal with political interference, absurd regulations, non-paying municipalities, unfounded accusations of racism, wildcat strikes, sabotage and a poisoning attempt. De Ruyter takes the reader inside the boardrooms and government meetings where South Africa’s future is shaped, with ministers often pulling in conflicting directions. He explains how renewable energy is the cheapest and quickest solution to our power crisis, in spite of fierce opposition from vested coal interests. De Ruyter candidly reflects on his three years at the power utility, his successes and failures, his reasons for leaving and his hopes for the future. As someone who worked at the highest levels of the state but is not beholden to the ruling party, he is uniquely placed to speak truth to power.

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How does a gemsbok stay cool in the desert? Why should you never pick up a bullfrog? Which predators have the cleverest hunting techniques? Why do animals leave droppings in the veld? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this informative and entertaining book for young nature lovers. Jam-packed with fascinating facts and photographs of animals in the wild, it introduces younger readers to the wide diversity of Africa’s wildlife, from mammals and birds to reptiles and insects, and much more. Additional fact boxes, did-you-knows and fun activities make this a book that can be enjoyed over and over again – whether at home or on an African safari. Sales points: Perfect companion on trips to the game reserve; colourful, interactive book recommended for 8–12-year-olds; striking photographs and illustrations of Africa’s diverse wildlife; packed with fun facts and activities.

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This is a collection of 101 jaw-dropping stories, as told by the very people who experienced them - first-hand accounts of sightings, scrapes and encounters in one of Africa's greatest National Parks. It details hair-raising experiences from the Kruger Park's roads, camps, picnic sites and walking trails, such as: An enraged elephant flips a car onto its roof; A lioness prises open a terrified couple's car door; A fleeing impala leaps through an open car window; A Hyaena snatches a baby from a tent; A tourist takes a bath in a croc-infested dam...A bedside book, a travel companion, a dip-into, read-anywhere compilation of joyful encounters laced with terrible warnings. Wherever you are, this book will transport you directly into the bush.

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On a hot summer’s day, the animals wandered, they roamed and explored, they galloped and soared, in search for the perfect tree for their needs. Many trees were falling one by one, from the force and destruction of what the elephants had done. And some of the trees that had stood the test, had patches of bark missing from the rhino’s unrest. And looking more closely at the top of the trees, sat fish eagles in waiting to soar and fly free. Will the animals find the perfect tree?

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Do you know how to think about the future? All our decisions are about the future, whether it’s tomorrow, next year or the next decade, yet our choices are often undermined by desires, expectations and common mental mistakes – making assumptions, worrying about things we can’t control, missing signals because we’re distracted by the noise. But if you can learn how to think, you can learn how to look ahead. Isaac Newton said: ‘If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ In Thinking the Future, Clem Sunter and Mitch Ilbury teach us the futurist’s art of decision-making by reimagining seminal concepts from some of history’s greatest thinkers. They encourage foxy, flexible mindsets and reject the popular but misleading self-help tenet that you can decide your fate through the relentless pursuit of a single goal. An uncertain world demands a more dynamic approach. The point is not to forecast one outcome but to plot multiple scenarios of what could happen. Using scenario-planning techniques, we can all harness the power to work towards the future we want, avoid the ones we don’t, and prepare ourselves for the possible risks and opportunities no matter what transpires.

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In his annual presidential address on 8 January 1986, ANC president Oliver Tambo called on South Africans to make apartheid ungovernable through armed action and militant struggle. But unknown to the world, on that very day, the quiet-spoken mathematics teacher and aspirant priest turned reluctant revolutionary had also set up a secret think tank in Lusaka, which he named the Constitution Committee, giving it an ‘ad hoc unique exercise’ that had ‘no precedent in the history of the movement’. Knowing that all wars end at a negotiating table, and judging the balance of forces to be moving in favour of the liberation movement, Tambo wanted the ANC to hold the initiative after the fall of apartheid. Assisted by Pallo Jordan, he instructed his new think tank to formulate the principles and draft the outlines of a constitution that could unite South Africa when the time came to talk in the fledgling days of freedom and democracy. The seven-member team, including Albie Sachs, Kader Asmal and Zola Skweyiya, started deliberating and reporting to Tambo. In correspondence, they typically addressed him as ‘Dear Comrade President’. Drawing on the personal archives of participants, Dear Comrade President explains how the purposeful first steps were taken in the making of South Africa’s Constitution. Why and how did this process happen? What were the first written words? When and where were they put on paper? By whom? What values did they espouse? And how did the committee’s work fit into the broader struggle? This book answers these questions in new, paradigm-shifting ways.

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Zambia and Malawi are home to 240 known snake, lizard, terrapin, tortoise and crocodile species. Snakes and other Reptiles of Zambia and Malawi is the first field guide to describe every species of reptile known to occur in this region – including 14 endemics and several new discoveries. Comprehensive descriptions of each order, suborder, family, genus and species. Species descriptions cover identifying features, behaviour, prey and predators, reproduction, range, and danger to humans. Accounts are supported by stunning colour photographs and up-to-date distribution maps that draw on over 16,000 recorded observations. Dichotomous identification keys guide users to the correct genus and species. Introduction includes clear diagrams of morphological features and unpacks the region’s biogeography and diverse habitat types, different venom types and the basic principles of snakebite treatment. This comprehensive field guide – the first of its kind for the region – will appeal to both experienced herpetologists and nature enthusiasts in general. Sales points: Definitive guide to the 240 known reptile species of Zambia and Malawi; authoritative text by leaders in the field; up to date, including several new discoveries; supported by excellent colour photographs; accessible to both scientists and laypersons.

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Now in its fifth edition, Sasol Birds of Southern Africa has been brought fully up to date by its expert author panel, with additional contributions from two new birding experts. Greatly enhanced, this comprehensive, best-selling guide is sure to maintain its place as one of Africa’s most trusted field guides. Sales points: More than 800 new illustrations. Scan and play bird calls using free downloadable app. Fully revised text (with latest species records), maps and plate annotations. Fresh input from new contributing authors. Comprehensive coverage of the region’s birds.

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