BEING THERE, backstories from the political front

264pp., paperback, Reprint, Jonathan Ball, Johannesburg, (2025) 2025

ISBN: 9781776193813

Tony Leon's account of critical moments in recent South African and world history, including the formation of the Government of National Unity following the 2024 elections and a reappraisal of some South African and world leaders, such as FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela and Harry Oppenheimer.

Former leader of the Democratic Alliance, the Official Opposition in South Africa's Parliament, Tony Leon was an MP for 20 years. Later he served as South African Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Currently he is Chairman of Resolve Communications and lives in Cape Town. His books include Future Tense, reflection on my troubled land; On the Contrary, leading the opposition in a democratic South Africa; The Accidental Ambassador: from Parliament to Patagonia and Opposite Mandela; encounters with South Africa's Icon.