IN PURSUIT OF DIGNITY

272pp., colour illus., paperback, Johannesburg, 2019

In a collection of vignettes Mohamed Enver Surty writes about his life experiences. He practiced as an attorney and human rights lawyer in Rustenburg from 1977 until 1994, served as a member of the Management Committee of the Constitutional Assembly and was a negotiator for the ANC on the Bill of Rights. A Member of Parliament from 1994 until 2004, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Education (2004 - 2008) and subsequently became Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (2008 -2009). He is currently serving as Deputy Minister of Basic Education in the cabinet of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Even though I have known comrade Enver for more than 24 years, I found his vignettes both absorbing and interesting. I am acutely aware of his quiet and unobtrusive but critical interventions in the negotiations on the Bill of Rights. I have enjoyed the stories that cumulatively make a fascinating narrative of how cadres from different walks of life have given unstintingly of themselves to create a better tomorrow…” Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, from his foreword

“A riveting and compelling read. This is vintage Surty: committed, transparent, humble, witty and intelligent. This book is an insight into South Africa – today, yesterday and the future. There is so much to learn here: politics, constitutional law, family and social relations. A book from an insightful, truly amazing writer.” Naledi Pandor, Minister of Higher Education and Training