50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans

50 Flippen Brilliant South Africans, originally published in 2012, is the second in the 50 People series.

What does it take to be a flippen brilliant South African? Simple: sheer brilliance and a good story. So, whether naughty or noble, crazy or controversial, here are 50 of the most talented, successful, inspirational, intriguing, fascinating Saffers to have walked the planet...

Of course, there are the great statesmen (Mandela, Luthuli, Smuts), the landmark achievers (Charlize Theron, Chris Barnard) and the incredible talents (Miriam Makeba, Irma Stern), but the lesser-knowns will also make a case: such as Ntshingwayo Khoza, the conqueror at Isandlwana; Ampie Roux, the atom-bomb creator; Ryan Sandes, the world's best trail runner... As will the honorary inclusions (Churchill, Rodriguez, Gandhi) and the previously scorned (Mbeki, Shaka). But how exactly does Winnie Madikizela-Mandela qualify? From space adventurers (Mark Shuttleworth) and fighter pilots (Sailor Malan) to entrepreneurs (Elon Musk) and environmentalists (Ian Player), this is a raucous celebration of the country we call home, and the perfect partner to the other 50 People books - proving that you just can't have the bad without the good...

'Clever, informative, witty, well-researched, engrossing.' - Gorry Bowes Taylor, Fine Music Radio 'Hits exactly the right note; entertaining and informative even if you don't agree with every choice. The bonus of this compilation is that even with famous characters you'll learn something new.' - Business Day 'A fantastic book.' - Jenny Crwys-Williams Short-listed for the Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award 2013 The other books in the 50 People series are: - 50 People Who Stuffed Up South Africa (2010)- 50 People Who Messed Up The World (2017)- 50 Who F***ed Up South Africa: The Lost Decade (2020)