Book Review: 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa

From that sporting hero who fell from grace, to the unearthed shady dealings by some senior politicians, this book goes that extra mile to shed light onto the characters behind events that have both shaped and influenced our country and society into what it is today.

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50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa

By Alexander Parker

Published by Jacana Media

Price: R128

AVAILABLE NOW AT EXCLUS1VES.CO.ZA

Since the early 1990's, the reconciliation and unification of all races had become the mantra that was chanted, as the country tried to shake off its dark past, and focused on not just the evolution of social structures, but also strived for equal participation for all in the economy.

Since then, South Africa has embarked on a new narrative, one on which the country could forge ahead as a nation.

In this process of realisation, quite a number of individuals, through their rather infamous impact on society, sports, business and politics are aptly presented in a satirical form in "50 people who stuffed up South Africa".

It really came as no surprise when author Alexander Parker picked disgraced police commissioner Jackie Selebi, and fire brand ANC youth league leader Julius Malema among individuals who stand out for having "stuffed" up South Africa.

In the book, Parker has managed to recount some the most outrageous moments in our history, by using a light mix of crude humour, elements of an exceptionally serious nature and to some degree has questioned the mental state of some characters.

Former sports heroes who fell from grace in one big ball of flame, the ramblings of a neo-Nazi sympathiser all did get their piece in the book, and most will definitely not be forgotten.

I think this is a must read, and could well be the first of many sequels to come.

Win a book voucher with BusinessLIVE and Exclus1ves.co.za. To enter, please answer the following question:

Name one of the 50 people who according to Alexander Parker's book, stuffed up South Africa?

*SMS the word 'review'and your answer to 33756. The contest closes at 10am on February 22. Text messages are charged at R1.50 per entry. Free messages do not apply. Readers can enter as many times as they like.