Book Reviews

What are democracies meant to do? And how does one know when one is a democratic state?’ These incisive questions and more by leading political scientist, Steven Friedman, underlie this robust enquiry into what democracy means for South Africa post 1994.

This book illustrates how stress impacts all facets of our lives and is having devastating effects on the global economy. Stress is both good and bad for you. Small, appropriately timed doses ignite success, help us overcome challenges and grow; but in excess, stress breaks us down. Stress on an ongoing basis is one of the biggest challenges faced by the human race.

The book is intended to be a guide and knowledge resource on critical aspects of how organisations should be managed and what specific discipline and culture must be developed in order to deliver on their value propositions and objectives as stated in their vision statements. It is also intended to provoke and elicit critical reflections on the issues discussed.

Democracy Works explores how we can learn to nurture and deepen democracy in Africa to ensure economic growth and political stability. Making democracy work relies on much more than having free and fair elections. It depends on what happens between elections. It relies on the systems and institutions of government. Very importantly it hinges on what politicians want to do with the power they acquire, beyond the power itself.

The informal business sector is the next great frontier of Africa and it is undergoing an economic revolution – a new world of small people doing big things, transforming the continent. Prepare for this new generation, prepare for the Afripolitan Generation.

Developing an impactful corporate social investment (CSI) strategy and approach with real potential to positively change people’s lives can be a tricky exercise. Those grappling with how best to approach CSI will find thought-provoking insights in this book that will contribute positively to how they view, shape and execute their CSI strategy.

The author tackles the millennia-old money curse and focuses her attention on this issue in her book because it manifested in her family. Her father grew up with wealth, yet by the time he passed he was financially dependent on his children.

John Kinsley has written a book that presents two macro-economic challenges facing the world today. There are two broad economic challenges facing economies around the world today: the one is ageing demographics (particularly in established economies) and the other is inequality.

Take control of your practice, make more money and get your life back. The author, Rudi Jansen, has kindly made this book available as a FREE download on BusinessBrief website.

Bonang Mohale is a highly respected South African businessman, who is known as much for his patriotism and his active role in seeking to advance his country’s interests as for the leading role he has played in companies like Otis Elevators, Shell South Africa and South African Airways, among others. Developed over 30 years of business experience, his insights have motivated change in organisations and individuals alike.