Jackie Phamotse's 'The Advocate': a gripping sequel unveiling heritage, power and corruption
Their rooibos farm in Clanwilliam - a legacy forged through blood, sweat and generations - is under threat from within and without.
In the shadow of a flawless facade, the Coal family's empire is crumbling.
Luna Parks' fragile marriage stumbles on a powder keg of secrets and betrayals, and the arrival of an unwelcome guest sets off a chain of events that could tear the family apart.
Meanwhile, the Fletcher family's sinister grip on the town continues to tighten, forcing Cameron Coal into an impossible choice: can love save the farm, or will it be its ultimate downfall?
These are the haunting questions that drive 'The Advocate', the highly anticipated new novel by award-winning South African author Jackie Phamotse.
The book, a sequel to 'The Tea Merchant', is set for release next month and promises to deliver an even darker, more compelling exploration of power, corruption and the human condition.
Phamotse described the novel as 'a story about survival and truth, about how far people will go to protect legacy and whether love can endure when tested by greed and injustice.'
Speaking to 'Independent Media Lifestyle', Phamotse reflected on the journey that led to the new book.
''The Tea Merchant' has done extremely well - it is currently nominated at the South African Book Awards and the Sunday Times Awards.
That recognition is a huge milestone for me. It proves that I'm committed to my craft and that my resilience is a cornerstone of who I am.'
The author explained that the overwhelming response to the first novel sparked the decision to continue the story.
'The inspiration came from readers who kept asking what happens next, and from my own desire to dig deeper into these characters and their world. 'The Advocate' picks up right where 'The Tea Merchant' left off.
"This time, the stakes are higher, the tension is sharper, and the consequences are deadly.'
Beyond the family drama at its heart, Phamotse weaves into the novel a broader social and historical commentary - particularly around rooibos, a crop tied deeply to SA's identity.
'We've always wondered who truly owns the rights to rooibos tea, and what our archives say about it,' she said.
'Every South African household has rooibos, yet so little is known about its origin. This series educates us on that history and why it is important to fight to preserve the rights of the Khoi and San people, who were the original custodians of this plant.'
For Phamotse, storytelling is inseparable from advocacy.
"The rooibos industry is not just an economic asset; it is a part of our cultural heritage. The Khoi and San have harvested this unique tea for centuries, yet their contributions have been erased."
"Through my writing, I want to honour their legacy and highlight why protecting it matters for future generations.'
Reflecting on her growth as a writer, Phamotse said: 'Since my debut, my voice has evolved significantly. I'm bolder now, less afraid to tackle tough themes or challenge my readers. My vision has shifted, too - I am more interested in the intricacies of human nature and social justice.'
Her fearlessness often attracts both acclaim and criticism, but she embraces that tension.
'Many people don't agree with how I tell my stories. But that is the whole point - someone has to do the unthinkable."
"I have never been a 'safe' writer, and I do not plan on becoming one. My writing is about shaking things up, about forcing readers to think critically about the systems we live in.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
7 minutes ago
- The South African
'Supernatural' star Misha Collins to attend Comic Con South Africa
Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and activism will be thrilled as Misha Collins, beloved actor and humanitarian, is set to attend Comic Con South Africa this year. The actor is best known for his iconic role as the angel Castiel in Supernatural , the longest-running US sci-fi TV show. Collins will bring a rich blend of acting, activism, and creativity to the event, according to Comic Con. Misha Collins' impressive career also extends beyond the actor recently portrayed Batman villain Harvey Dent, also known as Two-Face, in the CW's Gotham Knights . South African fans might also recognise him from popular series like 24 , ER , and Charmed . In 2022, he hosted the Emmy-nominated PBS series Roadfood , highlighting his versatility. However, it is Misha Collins' activism that truly sets him apart. As the founder of Random Acts, a nonprofit inspiring global kindness, he has mobilised thousands worldwide. His charity showcase, GISH, broke Guinness World Records as the largest international scavenger hunt. It raised millions for causes close to his heart. Collins brings more than acting and charity to Comic Con South Africa. He is a New York Times bestselling author of Some Things I Still Can't Tell You , a poignant poetry collection. His podcast Bridgewater topped Apple's fiction charts for two years running. Misha Collins also founded The Art Department, acclaimed for transforming public spaces with innovative art projects. A reminder of his passion for creativity and community engagement. Comic Con South Africa offers a unique opportunity to meet a bright star who uses his voice for positive change. Misha Collins' presence promises to energise attendees and champion the power of creativity for social impact. Tickets are selling fast. Fans eager to meet Misha Collins should act quickly to join this memorable celebration of fandom and philanthropy. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
37 minutes ago
- IOL News
Nduduzo Makhathini's 'Tiny Desk Concert': a soulful journey through Black aesthetics
South African jazz maestro Nduduzo Makhathini captivates audiences on NPR's iconic 'Tiny Desk Concert' stage. Image: Instagram South African jazz musician Nduduzo Makhathini recently performed on NPR's 'Tiny Desk Concert' series. Known for its intimate set-up in Washington, DC, the series showcases live music in a casual atmosphere where artists can connect with audiences. Makhathini took to the tiny stage accompanied by bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere and drummer Kabelo Mokhatla. The trio delivered stripped-down versions of Makhathini's profound ancestral invocations and meditative pieces in a captivating 20-minute set titled "Ntu Sonicities Devotion Suite in Five Movements". Each piece focused on concepts such as meditation, identity and victory. The performance featured five distinct segments: "Kuzodlula", which revolves around the idea of stillness, "Omnyama", which explores the depth of Blackness through the lens of African deities, "Equidistant Passage", a reflection on Black aesthetics, "Izinkonjana", a song highlighting grace and transcendence and "Imvunge", a celebration of victory. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ During the concert, Makhathini shared insights into his selection of songs. "It is truly a blessing for us to share this music and the stories that are intrinsic to the music, to the sound and of course this enunciates, as part of a bigger project, of what we think of as Black aesthetics and the peculiarities of such a subject, in a sense that Black aesthetics can escape the idea of Black biography, and so the sounds that we play are everything that we are, we were before and to become in the future," he said. Central to his performance were three key themes: rituals, ongoing rehearsals and material for study. Makhathini described rituals as a way to explore what occurs in moments of transition, highlighting transcendence over a history filled with hardship. "One is ritual, and the idea of ritual really allows us to think about what happens in between this idea of liminality. It allows us to think about transcendences, as this thing that lifts from all of this catastrophic history, so what really lives when all of this has happened." "The other subject I've been working with is what I call an 'ongoing rehearsal', and this really goes against the idea of a rehearsal as a practice to seek perfection, but a rehearsal as recurring moments of knowing that it is impossible, but doing it anyway. So rehearsal as a space for emptying as apposed to that of acquiring." Lastly, he spoke about "material for study," which allows for reflection on knowledge. "It produces ways for us to reflect and think about study really is and study in this context, unlike the conventional way, where we think of study as a base where we are acquiring knowledge, but this is a space where we are rehearsing knowledge and are willing to give it up anytime." "So it's a modality of surrender study as a mode for emptying, so these are some of the things I intrinsic in the sound and the rest of it is really invocations of our ancestral lines and the things that live in us." So far, the episode has racked up close to 80,000 views in just two days. Watch Makhathini's performance below:
The Citizen
37 minutes ago
- The Citizen
The Corrs bring their first-ever tour to South Africa this November
Do not miss The Corrs' first-ever tour in South Africa this November! Experience nostalgic hits live at two amazing venues. For the very first time, legendary Irish family band The Corrs are headed to South African shores. Fans can look forward to a double-dose of nostalgia and timeless hits when the group brings their Talk On Corners Summer 2025 Tour to SunBet Arena, Time Square, in Pretoria on 22 November 2025, followed by a second performance at Grand Arena, Grand West, in Cape Town on 25 November 2025. Ireland's first family of music Formed in Dundalk, Ireland, in the early 1990s, The Corrs quickly became one of the most successful pop-rock groups in the world. The sibling quartet, Andrea (lead vocals, piano, tin whistle), Sharon (violin, vocals), Caroline (drums, piano, vocals), and Jim (guitar, keyboards, vocals), fused contemporary pop with Celtic folk elements, creating a unique sound. Their 1995 debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, was a global hit, paving the way for the record-breaking Talk On Corners (1997). With hits like Runaway, What Can I Do, So Young, and their iconic cover of Dreams, the band sold over 40 million albums worldwide and became radio favourites across Europe, the US and beyond. ALSO READ: 'If I ever hear you speaking English, know that I'll kill you' – Letta Mbulu on how they raised their kids in exile Reflecting on Talk On Corners Now, nearly three decades later, the band is celebrating the impact of Talk On Corners with a global tour. After their triumphant 2023 return to the stage in Southeast Asia and Australia, the band sold out arenas across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, reigniting their magic with fans old and new. Andrea Corr reflected: 'To be able to honour Talk on Corners with a tour all those years later was truly amazing, and to follow that with a summer of outdoor shows has been incredible.' Caroline added: 'Talk on Corners really changed our lives… There was a time when Radio 1 kept playing it and playing it.' For Sharon, touring again with her siblings has been a highlight: 'After spending a few years touring solo, it's been a total thrill to be back on the road with my family.' New album With a new album in the works and global tour dates lined up, South African fans can expect not only their classic hits but also a taste of what's to come. One thing's for sure, Pretoria and Cape Town are in for an enchanting musical journey this November. Ticket details The Big Concerts Fan Club pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Thursday, 21 August and runs until 08h59 on Friday, 22 August. General public sales will officially open at 09h00 on Friday, 22 August, through Ticketmaster and Big Concerts. Fans are warned not to purchase tickets through Viagogo or other secondary resellers, as these are not legitimate and will not guarantee entry.
