Made in South Africa: A Black Woman's Stories of Rage, Resistance and Progress

by Lwando Xaso

Like so many of her generation, LWANDO XASO came of age alongside the beginnings and growth of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. Her journey into adulthood was a radically different one from that of earlier generations, marked by hope that changing perceptions would usher in a new and free society.

Made in South Africa – A Black Woman’s Stories of Rage, Resistance and Progress, is a vibrant collection of essays in which Lwando examines with incisive clarity some of the events that have shaped her experience of South Africa – a country with huge potential but weighed down by persistent racism and inequality, cultural appropriation, sexism and corruption, all legacies of a complicated history.

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2020

Reviews

[Alorah Bliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book in the Cape Town Airport before boarding my flight back to the US and nearly finished it by the time I landed. This beautifully written and comprehensive collection of essays will pull your heart strings, invoke deep self reflection, and ignite optimism for a better tomorrow. Through her introspective essay introductions, she sends a strong message that reflecting on the past is a necessary part of growth as individuals and as a society. Lwando has a talent for finding light in wake of a country, much like the US, rooted in darkness and inspiring the reader to be the change they hope to see in the world. During a time of significant divide in the US and surfacing of violent history swept under the rug, this book serves as a reminder that we must believe in the 'improbable' no matter how frustrating and difficult the path to justice. The US is right beside SA in the fight to dismantle systemic racism. We have much to learn from each other; "Made in South Africa: A Black Woman's Stories of Rage, Resistance and Progress" is not only an excellent place to start, but an essential one.

[antonia baudoin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“to south africa, the country that made me: my love for you is deep, my belief in us is unwavering and my reverence for you leaves me speechless. i take with you all the good and the bad — that is the deal.”

this quote makes my cry every time. i feel very similarly about the united states; my motivation for being so critical and demanding of my nation lies in my deep and unwavering love for my home.

i got the pleasure of meeting the beautiful ms. lwando while touring constitution hill. she inspired me that day. and she continues to inspire me long after with her words.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible read. It is current but historical; honest yet sensitive; incredibly relatable; easy to read but sometimes hard to swallow; celebrates our amazing constitution but critical of how we uphold it, but mostly it contains hope. In a country that has never been at rest, we need that

I would recommend this book to everyone living or loving South Africa.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endlessly inspirational, informative, and eloquent. It left me feeling a sense of melancholy for the tragedies of our country, yet with a strong sense of hope for the future. Lwando Xaso has a special voice that I think is missing from our general media/ narrative/ politics but is representative of so many South Africans.

Can't wait to see more from her in the future <3

[Sibusiso · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is well written and has a very worthwhile and compelling point of view, however, perhaps because the Author was launching a business related to her activism, it started reading like a sophisticated company profile by the end.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the challenges of post apartheid South Africa. A collection of thought provoking and well written essays. Definitely recommend this book.

[Benjamin Swinchoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays spoke to my soul. I will be revisiting it for years to come.

[Lwazi Bangani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and very educational read which lays bare some of the most complex subjects of this country.

In this book Lwando shares both her personal and professional experiences, aswell as making us aware of the vitality of the constitution in shaping a better South African society.

This was overall a very simple read that left me better off by empowering me with the knowledge of subjects our country needs to focus on to improve.