Discover the gripping tale of Together Apart: The Story of Living in Apartheid, that explores South Africa’s struggle against one of history’s most notorious systems of racial segregation. Through the reflections of an elder who lived through it, this book invites readers to dive into the complex and heartbreaking history of apartheid, a time when courage and resilience shone brightly in the face of oppression.

What was life like under apartheid? How did colonisation erase the rich histories and cultures of the indigenous people? From the denial of voting rights to the harsh segregation laws that controlled people’s daily lives − where they lived, worked, and even who they could marry − it spread through every aspect of life from education to sports. In the world of work, apartheid created a system of migrant labour and domestic slavery.

Meet the brave individuals and organisations that fought tirelessly for equality and justice and whose stories of strength, love and revolution are woven together showing the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.

While apartheid may have officially ended, its impact still resonates today. This book serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made and the ongoing journey toward a truly inclusive society. Together Apart is more than just a history book − it’s a call to action for a new generation to understand the past and shape a better future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Athambile Masola is a teacher, writer and poet. She is a lecturer in the Historical Studies Department at the University of Cape Town. She has published a collection of poems in isiXhosa titled Ilifa (2021, Uhlanga Press), which won the Humanities and Social Science (HSS) Award in 2022. She is the co-author of the children’s history book series, Imbokodo: Women who shape us (Jacana Media, 2022), with Dr Xolisa Guzula. Her latest book is a collaboration with Makhosazana Xaba, a collection of Noni Jabavu’s columns from 1977, A Stranger at Home (Tafelberg, 2023).

Xolisa Guzula is a senior lecturer in Applied Language and Literacy Studies at the University of Cape Town. She specialises in multilingual and multiliteracies education, teaching children to speak, read and write in two or more languages. She is one of the founders of a network of reading clubs – Vulindlela Reading Club, Nal’ibali Reading Clubs and the Stars of Today Literacy Club. She has written several children’s books, including co-authoring the Imbokodo: Women who shape us series with Dr Athambile Masola. She has translated many children’s books from English to isiXhosa including books by award-winning authors Astrid Lindgren, Niky Daly, Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni, Refiloe Moahloli and Nicholas Maritz. She won an IBBY/Exclusive Books Award for best translation of The Elders at the Door to Iinkonde eMnyango by Shayle and Maryanne Bester. Her translation of Wendy Hartmann’s book, The Singing Stone/Ilitye Eliculayo made the international honour list of IBBY 100 recommended books. Recently, she released her translation of Sello Duiker’s book The Hidden Star into Inkwenkwezi efihlakeleyo. Xolisa is a member of Bua-lit Language and Literacy Collective (www.bua-lit.org.za), focusing on social justice in language and literacy education. She is Chair of the Western Cape Committee of the Literacy Association of South Africa (LITASA).

'Together Apart: The Story of Living in Apartheid' is published by Jacana Media