Previous Books by Melanie Verwoerd
When We Dance: A Memoir
In When We Dance, Melanie writes of her upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa, her political conversion and her groundbreaking work as South African ambassador and CEO of UNICEF Ireland. For the first time, she also writes about her relationship with the late, much-missed broadcaster Gerry Ryan, including the difficult days and weeks leading up to his untimely death. She writes tenderly and passionately about her relationship with the man who has been the great love of her life. When We Dance is both the tale of a life well-lived and a moving love story. It will bring a tear to your eye - and joy to your heart.
The Verwoerd Who Toyi- Toyied
Melanie shares the gripping story of her political awakening and international career. When she openly supported the ANC, the Verwoerds disowned her and her family, even once she serves in parliament under Mandela. Melanie becomes SA ambassador to Ireland and eventually heads UNICEF Ireland – until the love of her life, Irish celebrity broadcaster Gerry Ryan, dies unexpectedly. The controversy surrounding his death leads to her dismissal…
This is the inspirational love story of a modern woman who made her own choices and lived by her own truth. It also goes to the heart of media, politics and power in the modern world.
“Beautifully written …. extraordinary and brave” -- Roger Moore
“A lyrical love story” -- Desmond Tutu
“Will find readers among South Africans of all political persuasions ... a winning combination of intrigue, tragedy and humour” -- Jean Els (bestselling South African author)
21 at 21: The Coming of Age of a Nation
Im 2015, it had been 21 years since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. To mark the "coming of age" of the nation, Melanie Verwoerd and Sonwabiso Ngcowa travelled across South Africa collecting the life stories of people born in 1994.
These "born frees" relate their personal journeys, dreams and hopes for the future of the country. The brutally honest voices of these 21-year-olds, challenging and disturbing, as well as funny and hopeful, give an invaluable insight into modern day South Africa.
“This book is filled with the beautifully told life stories of young adults born in 1994. Their courage, humour and determination give a remarkable insight into South Africa 21 years after democracy. It will leave no one untouched” - - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Our Madiba: Stories and Reflections From Those Who Loved Him
Meeting Mandela in 1990 changed Melanie Verwoerd’s life dramatically. After his death people from all walks of life, kept approaching her with stories of how meeting him had impacted on their lives.As her personal tribute to Madiba, Melanie started collecting these anecdotes and asked those who had stories of meetings with Mandela to send these to her.
The result is a moving tribute to Madiba, with a rich mix of glimpses into Mandela’s soul. Uniquely this book gives ordinary South Africans an opportunity to share their stories of meeting their beloved Madiba, often in the most unexpected way. Mandela’s housekeeper, one of his bodyguards, the boy he met in a hotel lift, the girl whose birthday he shared and many others write about the lasting impression meeting Mandela left on them. The book includes special contributions by Archbishop Tutu, Angelique Kidjo, Francois Pienaar, John Carlin and Richard Attenborough.
These sometimes astonishing, always inspirational stories reveal aspects of Mandela’s personality, from humility to humour. It might make readers laugh and sometimes cry, but will always inspire.