The Plot to Save South Africa by Justice Malala

Loading player...
In this episode, journalist and author, Andrew Harding interviews Justice Malala about his new book – The Plot to Save South Africa.

Today it seems as if the defeat of apartheid was inevitable, but Chris Hani’s assassination on the Easter Weekend of 1993 nearly tipped the country into all-out war. Now, bestselling Justice Malala tells the story of the week that followed the ANC firebrand’s murder by Janusz Waluś in riveting, cinematic fashion.

In this meticulously researched new book, the reader is taken into the thought processes and consequential actions of the key players – from Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, the police investigating the murder, dangerous right-wingers like Clive Derby-Lewis, and leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa, Bantu Holomisa and Tokyo Sexwale. On the 30th anniversary of Hani’s death, this book tells us just how close South Africa came to civil war and how Mandela and De Klerk – despite provocation and despite their own fears, failures and doubts – chose the path of peace.

We hope that you enjoy the episode.
23 Apr 2023 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

OBF 2025: Wamuwi Mbao interviews Foluso Agbaje (The Parlour Wife)

Pagecast was at the 2025 Open Book Festival, where we spoke with authors about their writing journeys and the stories they share with readers. In this first episode, Wamuwi Mbao interviews Foluso Agbaje about her moving novel, The Parlour Wife. Set in Lagos in 1939 during the start of World…
9 Sep 17 min

Behind Prison Walls by Edwin Cameron, Rebecca Gore and Sohela Surajpal

In this episode of Pagecast, Shaun de Waal interviews Justice Edwin Cameron about his book, Behind Prison Walls. More about the book: Since the Zuma presidency weakened crime intelligence, violent crime surged, with murder rates rising over 75%. South Africa faces severe femicide, and most murderers evade justice. Prisons fail…
31 Aug 40 min

The Shadow State by Jeff Wicks

This week on Pagecast, Qaanitah Hunter is in conversation with Jeff Wicks to talk about his new book, The Shadow State. More about the book: On 23 August 2021, a quiet, hardworking single mom was shot down as she drove home. Her name was Babita Deokaran, chief accountant at the…
24 Aug 39 min

These Heavy Black Bones by Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell

In this episode of Pagecast, Keanan Hemmonsbey interviews Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell about her prize-winning memoir, These Heavy Black Bones. More about the book: This is not a story about making history. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was once a double British Champion and the first Black woman ever to swim for Great…
17 Aug 31 min

Rubies and Rain by Busisekile Khumalo

This week we have the incredible Sue Nyathi chatting with Busisekile Khumalo to discuss her novel, "Rubies and Rain." More about the book: Ruby has to deal with the news of her father’s death and her sex scandal simultaneously trending on social media. Vimbai has been captured and Nosihle returns…
27 Jul 32 min