By Thabo Peyi
Apr 7th, 2025
4 min read
5 South African Books you must read!
South Africa is a country known for its storytelling. With our melting pot of cultures, heritage, and diverse backgrounds, it provides the perfect foundation on which our rich and purposeful literature is built, allowing for more South African books with substance.
From stories about life under apartheid to sporting triumphs and overcoming intercultural barriers, to name just a few captivating topics, few countries can offer such deeply rooted and ingrained narratives in their storytelling while keeping them authentic.
Here are five South African Books you should read:
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Cry, the beloved country
Dubbed one of the greatest and most impactful books to come out of South Africa, Cry, the Beloved Country was written by Alan Paton and published in 1948. Set in apartheid-era South Africa, it follows a Zulu priest from a village in Natal who embarks on a journey to Johannesburg to visit his ill sister and search for his son, who finds himself embroiled in a very serious matter. Along the way, he discovers the full extent of South Africa’s apartheid system—crime, racial injustice, poverty, and more. This novel explores themes of love, grief, compassion, and resilience.
In 1995, Cry, the Beloved Country was adapted into a film starring the legendary James Earl Jones and South African television icon Vusi Kunene, a familiar presence in many homes.
Disgrace
Written by J.M. Coetzee and published in 1999, Disgrace is set in post-apartheid South Africa. It follows the life of a university professor who teaches Romantic poetry and lives what some would call a very normal life. However, in the midst of this, he develops a keen appreciation for one of his students and begins an intimate relationship with her, which ultimately leads to his dismissal from the university where he lectures. As a result, he is forced to move to a rural farm with his daughter. As he begins his new life, an unexpected incident occurs, challenging him to face life-altering struggles, including love and various societal barriers.
Chaka
The legend of Shaka Zulu is one of the most frequently told stories in South Africa, and the novel Chaka, written by Thomas Mofolo, was first published in 1925 in Sotho. The first English translation was released in 1931. This novel plays an important role in how modern society portrays Shaka Zulu. Thomas Mofolo’s book revolves around the rise and fall of Shaka, from his strict and abusive upbringing to his rise to power and eventual downfall, driven by his lust for power and his efforts to maintain it. Mofolo blends historical facts with folklore to capture the essence of the Zulu kingdom and Shaka Zulu himself.
Long walk to freedom
Published in 1994, Long Walk to Freedom takes us through the life of the late, great Nelson Mandela. From his upbringing in rural South Africa to his 27 years in prison and his rise to become a globally revered civil rights activist, the book captures the trials and tribulations of his long and impactful fight for equality in South Africa. It explores what it takes to persevere against the odds, how to overcome struggles, and provides insight into Nelson Mandela’s vision for a democratic South Africa. If you’re looking for inspiration, this book is a must-read!
Coconut
Written by Kopano Matlwa, Coconut is a contemporary novel that explores the desire to fit in. It follows the lives of two Black girls growing up in a predominantly white community while attending an affluent private school. The book takes us through their various challenges as they struggle to belong in a society where they are different from everyone else. It delves into the common experience of being seen as “too white for the Black kids, too Black for the white kids” as they attempt to balance their traditional values in a world that prioritises Western ideals.
South African books are not only a constant reminder of how far we have come as a nation and the struggles we have surpassed, but they also serve as a gateway to the soul of who we are as citizens today and provide a blueprint for the future. These five must-read books are a testament to our country’s progress. From apartheid-era South Africa to modern-day discussions and cultural folklore, these books highlight aspects that have helped shape us. With options for different audiences, including fiction, contemporary viewpoints, and autobiography, these books are the perfect starting point to discover the rich tapestry of South Africa.
5 South African Books you must read!
Thabo Peyi
Apr ,7th, 2025
4 min read
South Africa is a country known for its storytelling. With our melting pot of cultures, heritage, and diverse backgrounds, it provides the perfect foundation on which our rich and purposeful literature is built, allowing for more South African books with substance.
From stories about life under apartheid to sporting triumphs and overcoming intercultural barriers, to name just a few captivating topics, few countries can offer such deeply rooted and ingrained narratives in their storytelling while keeping them authentic.
Here are five South African Books you should read:
Cry, the beloved country
Dubbed one of the greatest and most impactful books to come out of South Africa, Cry, the Beloved Country was written by Alan Paton and published in 1948. Set in apartheid-era South Africa, it follows a Zulu priest from a village in Natal who embarks on a journey to Johannesburg to visit his ill sister and search for his son, who finds himself embroiled in a very serious matter. Along the way, he discovers the full extent of South Africa’s apartheid system—crime, racial injustice, poverty, and more. This novel explores themes of love, grief, compassion, and resilience.
In 1995, Cry, the Beloved Country was adapted into a film starring the legendary James Earl Jones and South African television icon Vusi Kunene, a familiar presence in many homes.
Disgrace
Written by J.M. Coetzee and published in 1999, Disgrace is set in post-apartheid South Africa. It follows the life of a university professor who teaches Romantic poetry and lives what some would call a very normal life.
However, in the midst of this, he develops a keen appreciation for one of his students and begins an intimate relationship with her, which ultimately leads to his dismissal from the university where he lectures.
As a result, he is forced to move to a rural farm with his daughter. As he begins his new life, an unexpected incident occurs, challenging him to face life-altering struggles, including love and various societal barriers.
Chaka
The legend of Shaka Zulu is one of the most frequently told stories in South Africa, and the novel Chaka, written by Thomas Mofolo, was first published in 1925 in Sotho. The first English translation was released in 1931.
This novel plays an important role in how modern society portrays Shaka Zulu. Thomas Mofolo’s book revolves around the rise and fall of Shaka, from his strict and abusive upbringing to his rise to power and eventual downfall, driven by his lust for power and his efforts to maintain it. Mofolo blends historical facts with folklore to capture the essence of the Zulu kingdom and Shaka Zulu himself.
Long walk to freedom
Published in 1994, Long Walk to Freedom takes us through the life of the late, great Nelson Mandela.
From his upbringing in rural South Africa to his 27 years in prison and his rise to become a globally revered civil rights activist, the book captures the trials and tribulations of his long and impactful fight for equality in South Africa. It explores what it takes to persevere against the odds, how to overcome struggles, and provides insight into Nelson Mandela’s vision for a democratic South Africa. If you’re looking for inspiration, this book is a must-read!
Coconut
Written by Kopano Matlwa, Coconut is a contemporary novel that explores the desire to fit in. It follows the lives of two Black girls growing up in a predominantly white community while attending an affluent private school.
The book takes us through their various challenges as they struggle to belong in a society where they are different from everyone else. It delves into the common experience of being seen as “too white for the Black kids, too Black for the white kids” as they attempt to balance their traditional values in a world that prioritises Western ideals.
South African books are not only a constant reminder of how far we have come as a nation and the struggles we have surpassed, but they also serve as a gateway to the soul of who we are as citizens today and provide a blueprint for the future. These five must-read books are a testament to our country’s progress.
From apartheid-era South Africa to modern-day discussions and cultural folklore, these books highlight aspects that have helped shape us. With options for different audiences, including fiction, contemporary viewpoints, and autobiography, these books are the perfect starting point to discover the rich tapestry of South Africa.
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