A reflection on both political and personal power, this memoir from a South African activist ponders the limitations of politics as a tool to create a truly humane democracy. During her years in parliament in the 1990s, Pregs Govender made headlines when she opposed her party’s position on arms deals and the AIDS pandemic, and this book offers her insider’s look at the battles over these and other issues. At the heart of the discussion, however, are insights about the true source of lasting power, particularly for women, as it reveals that real power cannot be won by wealth, influence, or bullying, but rather from true courage and conviction. Like the writing of Antjie Krog and Mamphela Ramphele, two other outspoken South African feminists, this is an impassioned call for women everywhere to open up the debates, work through many channels, and start speaking truth to power. Pregs Govender is a visionary and courageous feminist leader. This beautiful book is an inspiration to all those working toward justice and liberation in Africa and throughout the world. GRACA MACHEL, Politician and humanitarian Love and Courage tells us how to make a revolution from the bottom up, the only way to create a true democracy - and a life we actually want to live. GLORIA STEINEM, Feminist activist and author It is a brave and telling reflection on our contemporary history and opens the space for others to speak. AHMED KATHRADA, ANC Leader, ex-Robben Island prisoner In her admirably lucid prose, her creativity, love and courage emerge and merge to connect her and the reader interested in what it means to be alive. KEORAPETSE KGOSITSILE, National poet laureate Pregs Govender’s story could not be more important to our struggles across the planet…compelling reading for anyone working to build feminist, anti-racist, anti-capitalist movements. EVE ENSLER, Author of The Vagna Monologues, founder of One Billion Rising Young feminists the world over need reminders from elders like Pregs that the source of true power comes from inner courage and principled collective action. RAJASVINI BHANSALI, Executive director, Thousand Currents A precious contribution to our understanding of African liberation history, to the documentation of the ‘struggle generation’ and to our understandings of leadership. The book also explores an activist leadership style that exemplifies what I would call the triumph of gentleness. In the face of violence, Pregs chooses integrity and quiet. JESSICA HORN, Feminist activist, writer, African Women’s Development Fund This second edition is a gift to a world facing climate change and persistent injustices. KUMI NAIDOO, Former head of Greenpeace Pregs reminds us, as Che Guevara did, that ‘The true revolutionary is guided by love’ AMINA MAMA, Former Chair in Gender Studies, African Gender Institute, University of Cape Town Pregs’s offering: the gift of love, honesty and humility. SIPHO MTHATHI, Former General Secretary, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), executive director, Oxfam South Africa An inspiration to insubordinate sisters everywhere. ELINOR SISULU, Author of Walter and Albertina Sisulu: In our Lifetime This second edition will inspire a new generation to create a world of dignity and joy. PAMELA SHIFMAN, Executive director, NoVo Foundation A shining and disturbing account of speaking truth to power. ZAPIRO, Award-winning political cartoonist Govender’s Love and Courage shows, in Nelson Mandela words, ‘that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it’. CONNIE SEPTEMBER, Former cabinet minister, SA
