TTPod 3.3: "Wake Up, This is Joburg" - in discussion with authors, Tanya Zack and Mark Lewis

Talking Transformation

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2y ago 47:57

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I've always enjoyed conversations with guests and colleagues when they've published books and material that build the understanding of our cities in an accessible and visual way. This year, I was excited to learn of the collaboration between Tanya Zack and Mark Lewis. Tanya and I have known each other for many years from my extended working period in Johannesburg. Mark I hadn't met before but I'd been struck by his vivid black and white portraits, accessible via the web, in preparing for this conversation.

Their collaboration over a four-year period - as wordsmith and photographer respectively has been packaged into a striking new book, Wake Up, This is Joburg. It's a visual and storytelling treat showcasing ten diverse spatial locations in the heart of Johannesburg and numerous characters and circumstances. The book reminds us of the vibrancy and essential role Johannesburg plays and how that manifests in contestations and collisions of culture. The book addresses transformation of people, places and spaces through vivid images and fascinating stories. Some will shock, others inspire and some will lead, inevitably to questioning contemporary urban governance polices. What is appropriate and to whom? What is government’s role and how can it do better – these aren’t the questions that were being addressed – Tanya is quick to point out it the project not about framing a policy response. But these are the questions I was left with.

The conversation, recorded two weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon passed in a flash and was one of the most enjoyable and intriguing I can remember. The personal journeys and affinity to Joburg of both Tanya and Mark, the people they engaged with and the stories and places each shared. I hope you'll enjoy the episode as much as I did recording it.

https://www.dukeupress.edu/wake-up-this-is-joburg

https://www.takealot.com/wake-up-this-is-joburg/PLID90090852

Recorded 11th February 2023

100 episodes

#Society #Pete Ahmad