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Being There: Backstories from the Political Front
In Being There, Tony Leon goes behind the scenes, reflecting on how history is made, both here and around the world, through his unique mixture of anecdote and informed opinion.
His vantage point ranges from a ringside seat in the recent formation of the government of national unity (GNU) – recounted in detail here for the first time – to close encounters with the likes of Harry Oppenheimer, Ariel Sharon, Yasser Arafat and Boris Johnson, and reappraisals of FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela and Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Leon writes of the dangers of modern politics, from the purgatory of social media to the perils of political fundraising in tough times. The challenge of leadership, in a world often led by populist grifters or uninspiring time-servers, runs like a golden thread through the book.
Written with his customary blend of humour and flair, and with an eye to the future and what the present and the past can tell us about it, Being There is both important and highly readable.
His vantage point ranges from a ringside seat in the recent formation of the government of national unity (GNU) – recounted in detail here for the first time – to close encounters with the likes of Harry Oppenheimer, Ariel Sharon, Yasser Arafat and Boris Johnson, and reappraisals of FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela and Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Leon writes of the dangers of modern politics, from the purgatory of social media to the perils of political fundraising in tough times. The challenge of leadership, in a world often led by populist grifters or uninspiring time-servers, runs like a golden thread through the book.
Written with his customary blend of humour and flair, and with an eye to the future and what the present and the past can tell us about it, Being There is both important and highly readable.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
45 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 5, 2025
Tony Leon writes well. He uses big words and treats his reader as an intelligent one. His telling of his and the DA’s part in the formation of the GNU is very interesting mainly because of how often they were ready to pull out of negotiations altogether. If not for the pleas from top business leaders they probably would have, but so
much was at stake had this union not happened. He refers to his dealings with leaders around the world and mentions lessons learned from his time in Argentina.
The reader gets glimpses of the man himself, his family and some of his friends. His part in the negotiations for the GNU is a culmination of his political career and shows how much respect many politicians have for him. He does not leave the reader feeling optimistic about the future, but there are occasional glimmers of hope.
much was at stake had this union not happened. He refers to his dealings with leaders around the world and mentions lessons learned from his time in Argentina.
The reader gets glimpses of the man himself, his family and some of his friends. His part in the negotiations for the GNU is a culmination of his political career and shows how much respect many politicians have for him. He does not leave the reader feeling optimistic about the future, but there are occasional glimmers of hope.
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this read. A standout quote by Senator Robert F Kennedy, at a speech given at UCT in June 1966… This was built upon by Tony in wrapping g up this book. “..hope that the reader of this book.. will convert ripples of hope into waves of purpose that crash through the barriers of cynicism, prejudice and ignorance”. Indeed. How relevant is this wish to SA and to the larger world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Very good read from a very well-read and articulate author whose opinions I really appreciate and enjoy
July 18, 2025
A thoughtful, well-written memoir from one of South Africa’s most prominent political voices.
I especially enjoyed the sections covering the run-up to the formation of the Government of National Unity, rich in insight and historical detail. I would have liked more on Tony's encounters with key leaders and political personalities. The final part of the book felt slower and somewhat meandering, but overall, Tony’s writing is clear, intelligent, and very readable.
I especially enjoyed the sections covering the run-up to the formation of the Government of National Unity, rich in insight and historical detail. I would have liked more on Tony's encounters with key leaders and political personalities. The final part of the book felt slower and somewhat meandering, but overall, Tony’s writing is clear, intelligent, and very readable.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews