I-Go-Books – förlag

The world's oldest and greatest ultra-marathon, the Comrades Marathon is a South African institution that is internationally-recognised for the body-sapping challenge it poses and the camaraderie it fosters among its thousands of participants from all over the world. Run between the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, and the coastal city of Durban, the race alternates annually between the up run from Durban and the down run from Pietermaritzburg. It was born from an idea dreamed up by First World War veteran Vic Clapham, who wanted a living memorial to those South African soldiers killed in the Great War. Clapham, who had endured a 2 700-kilometre route march through sweltering German East Africa, wanted the memorial to be a unique test of the physical endurance of the entrants. The constitution of the race states that one of its primary aims is to "celebrate mankind's spirit over adversity". First run in 1921, the Comrades Marathon has been held every year since, except from 1941 to 1945 when it was stopped during the Second World War, and in 2020-21, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Thirty-four runners entered the first race; today over 20 000 athletes sign up each year to test their endurance in this iconic ultra-marathon, which has become known as the "Ultimate Human Race". It captures the story and the images of this remarkable event, spanning 100 years, which appeals not only to runners but to those captivated by the triumph of the human spirit. Spiced with stories of bygone days and fun anecdotes, the book also looks at everything that goes into making this massive event a smoothly-run, world-leading exhibition of the best that South Africa has to offer.

Who has earned Africa’s brotherhood, friendship, and loyalty? As the battle for influence in Africa rages on, Africans have been caught in the middle of major economic and military powers at each other’s throats once again. In recent years, many have often struggled to fully understand and grasp the geopolitical landscape, global balance of forces and the struggle for power, influence, and dominance on the world stage. As a result, this book seeks to break down the historical geopolitical dynamics that have given rise to current global political issues, dissect major geopolitical developments over the last few years and attempt to locate Africa’s position in the global balance of power.

When the Springboks smashed the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town in 2021 to celebrate their emergence from Covid-19 lockdown, it was exactly 130 years since they had played their first match, also against the British Lions. There has never been a dull moment in between as the Boks have taken South Africans on a roller coaster ride of success and setback but, more importantly, there has always been rich entertainment. Springbok history boasts a treasure trove of tales about colourful characters and riveting dramas and seasoned rugby scribe Mike Greenaway has brought a host of them back to life in his meticulously researched book. The tales in this collection begin in the 1890s and cover every era of Springbok history right up to the present day. The Fireside Springbok is a hardcover coffee table book. Richly illustrated, there are cartoons by the much-loved Dr Jack while rare black-and-white photographs capture the mood of the historical chapters and award-winning photographers supplement the modern inclusions. This book is a collection of heart-warming stories that will bring a smile to a reader who is perhaps ensconced in an easy chair, maybe next to a glowing fire and enjoying a favorite tipple. The book will hit the shelves two months before the Springboks leave for France to defend their World Cup title in September this year.

In this timely follow-up to The Fireside Springbok, Bok to Bok details the electrifying Springbok campaign at the 2024 Rugby World Cup. Featuring Mike Greenaway's analysis as well as the words from various Springbok Team Players and Coaches, perfectly complemented by the images of Steve Haag and other photographers. Discover the story behind the Springboks' rugby success in this riveting account showcasing their unwavering dedication to uplifting South Africans through the sport they love. Dive into the heart of a team that plays not just to win, but to unite and inspire a nation. The legendary All-Black captain Richie McCaw once said that an advantage the Springboks enjoyed was the responsibility they felt to play for the greater good of their country. McCaw came to that conclusion after sharing a room with Bok captain John Smit for a week before a game for the Barbarians. McCaw was spot on. The deep urge the Boks feel to help South Africans endure hardships by winning rugby games is at the heart of how in 2023 they defended the World Cup title they had won in 2019. That 2019 win for Siya Kolisi's team was unexpected and the players were thrilled to see what the win meant for a country that suffers more than most. Kolisi's men have said they went to France with greater pressure on them compared to Japan four years before. This time they knew millions of their countrymen were counting on them to bring home the Webb Ellis Cup. There was expectation of happy times and that gave the players a strong responsibility to deliver. That sense of duty explains why the Boks, on three weekends in a row, finished on the right side of one-point victories over the best teams in the world. To win one game by one point could be luck, but to do it three times in a row is not. France coach Fabian Galthié said after his team had lost to South Africa in the quarter-finals: "One point can be nothing but also everything.* Never were truer words said because when it truly mattered, the Boks dug deep and found a way to get over the line with their noses in front. Again and again and again. When the final whistle sounded to spark mass celebrations in South Africa, SuperSport commentator Matthew Pearce encapsulated the moment perfectly.