Cover 1122

The vertiginous decline in political leadership from Nelson Mandela to Jacob Zuma has engulfed South Africa in a serious crisis over the past ‘lost decade’. Based on his personal experience of the key protagonists, former British ambassador to South Africa Lord Renwick introduces the reader to an astonishing array of rogues and villains, ministers taken captive, crimebusters who are criminals, investigators who don’t investigate, prosecutors who don’t prosecute, red berets, black hearts and compulsive liars, alongside some heroes and an authentic heroine.

The book reads like a crime novel as Renwick explores the ingenuity, audacity and impunity with which the South African state has been looted on an unimaginable scale, and how Bell Pottinger, KPMG, McKinsey and others became complicit in this process.

But, in the end, this is an uplifting story, as a remarkable press, judiciary and civil society combined to ‘save South Africa’ and its constitution under serious threat. Now, as Cyril Ramaphosa takes the reins, How to Steal a Country looks ahead to a brighter future, though Ramaphosa will find that his greatest challenges are within his own party.


Reviews

‘A mind-boggling story of epic greed, theft and corruption and how South Africa was pulled back from the brink by a free press, courageous judges and civil society.’

Wilbur Smith

‘Mandatory reading for those wanting to understand how South Africa and the Mandela vision came perilously close to total destruction. Reads like a thriller.’

John Battersby

‘I am very honoured that this book is dedicated to me.’

Thuli Madonsela
Show more

Share this book

Buy this book

  • Hardback, 336 pages
  • ISBN: 9781785903618
  • 3 April 2018
  • £18.99

  • eBook
  • ISBN: 9781785903748
  • 3 April 2018
  • £15.99

About our eBooks


Similar titles:

A Short History of South Africa
Ad & Wal
Helen Suzman
The End of Apartheid