From Jo'Burg to Jozi

by Heidi Holland, Adam Roberts, Tim Butcher (Contributor)

Journalists Heidi Holland and Adam Roberts approached about 80 journalists and writers based in Johannesburg and asked them to write short pieces about the city in which they work and live. They did not specify form or style - the contributors were free to express themselves how ever they wanted to. Out of this has emerged 50-odd pieces of writing that reflect aspects of the city, idiosyncratic reactions to living and working here, appreciations of small and big things, some poems, some criticisms - all will find resonance with Joburg/Jozi residents and all will be enlightening and entertaining to visitors hoping to learn something about our metropolis. Amazingly, many of the contributors expressed how much they enjoy being in Joburg/Jozi - good news for a city that consistently suffers from bad press.

Genres: Nonfiction, African Literature

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Heidi Holland was a South Africa–based Zimbabwean journalist and author who was involved in the journalism industry for over thirty years. She worked as a freelancer writer on such publications as The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, International Herald Tribune, The New York Times and The Guardian and has also worked on research projects for British television documentaries.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 2002 collection of essays of 1000 words each on Jo'burg, a much-maligned city. My favourites: 'Sport and Cars' by Darrel Bristow-Bovey (hilarious and wonderful), Max du Preez's 'On a Rock', Christopher Hope's 'Jo'burg Blues' and Rian Malan's 'Jo'burg Lovesong'. (Special meaning for me as I slowly extricate myself from this city and my hometown for a move elsewhere. I shall miss Jozi, but come back regularly for a 'fix' of its weather and wildness.)