Brought to you by The Festival of Books, with Pam Golding Properties Knysna.
Last night, Knysna played host to an interesting and thought-provoking evening at The Moorings, Premier Hotel, as guests gathered for “Road to the Ballot”.
The event brought together three leading investigative journalists from News24, Pieter du Toit, Jeff Wicks and Kyle Cowan, who shared their insights into South Africa's political landscape, organised crime, corruption and the state of our democracy as the country looks towards its next election.
Each journalist unpacked the stories behind their books, offering an inside look at some of the people, events and networks making headlines in South Africa.
Pieter du Toit, author of The Dark Prince, explored the political career of former Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the networks of patronage and loyalty surrounding his rise through the ANC.
Jeff Wicks, author of The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die, spoke about the life and tragic killing of Babita Deokaran, the Gauteng Health Department whistleblower whose efforts to expose corruption ultimately cost her life.
Kyle Cowan, author of Mafia Land: Inside South Africa's Darkest Cartels, took a closer look at organised crime in South Africa, exploring the links between criminal networks, the taxi and construction industries, and the growing challenges facing law enforcement.
The discussion was followed by an opportunity for guests to reflect on the issues raised and engage with the journalists. It was a reminder of the important role investigative journalism plays in uncovering stories, asking difficult questions and keeping those in positions of power accountable.
Pam Golding Properties Knysna was proud to be associated with the evening and to support The Festival of Books in bringing events like these to our community.
Thank you to News24 and the three journalists for an engaging evening, and to everyone who joined us.
The Festival of Books – Let your imagination take flight.
