Mamphela Ramphele, successful businesswoman and one of few outspoken black voices, offers both indictment and inspiration. In her new book she touches upon: the distrust between South Africa’s people, incomplete reconciliation and violent crime, the failure of schools and the government’s skills programs to educate South Africans, globalization and how South Africa is failing to fill its place in Africa and the world, the costs of Black Economic Empowerment and ‘transformation’ in the private sector and in government, problems of leadership in South Africa.

Despite her spirited criticisms of mistakes made, Dr Ramphele remains upbeat about what can be achieved. Her insights into the lingering insecurities of some black South Africans and the psychology behind many of the failures of government are completely fresh. With great empathy she helps us understand why we act the way we do. At the same time she urges South Africans to overcome their immaturities and aim for excellence. Her new book is a powerful call to action.