A Home on Vorster Street: A Memoir by Razina Theba is out now from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

‘This intimate personal story reminds us of humanity’s ability to continue with the business of living, that life can be full, fun and meaningful even in times of deprivation, and that it is crucial to keep family legacies alive for the next generation.’ – Karabo K Kgoleng

‘Razina Theba’s A Home on Vorster Street splits your sides, enriches your soul and evokes all the reasons why we love our diversity and who we are.’ – Ronnie Kasrils

As a young girl, Razina Theba makes her way every day to the tiny family flat on Vorster Street in Fordsburg. It is here, just outside of the Johannesburg city centre, where she grows up, playing in the Yard with countless cousins, learning to enjoy perfect syrupy paan and the best way to brew chai for her bajee. It is also where she observes her family’s harassment by the Security Branch, as well as her parents’ determination to make their business at the Oriental Plaza a success.

In A Home on Vorster Street, Razina witnesses the ebb and flow of a tight-knit neighbourhood trying to survive the forces of apartheid and, ultimately, where she learns of the value of family love and the enduring comfort it provides.

At times funny and charming and, at others, painful and tender, this dazzling collection of stories is a spirited exploration of a colourful Indian–Muslim family bound by loyalty to their culture, community, religion and each other.

About the author

Razina Theba is an attorney and divorce mediator. Her background is primarily in law, but she has an undergraduate degree from Wits University, for which she majored in English Literature. She went on to complete an LLB degree in 2000 at Wits and practice as a labour law lecturer for a number of years. She has no formal training in creative writing. This is her first book.

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags A Home on Vorster Street Jonathan Ball Publishers New books New releases Razina Theba