Pan Macmillan is thrilled to be publishing Wandile Sihlobo’s book Finding Common Ground in April 2020.

‘My hope is that people can grow to appreciate this sector – its challenges and opportunities, but most importantly, the role agriculture can play in improving South Africa’s rural economy, creating jobs and bringing about much-needed transformation (or inclusive growth).’

Available to pre-order now, Finding Common Ground is a selection of key articles from Sihlobo’s regular Business Day column, framed with insightful commentary and context.

‘In Wandile Sihlobo agriculture has found a deeply learned and passionate sage. He writes beautifully, knows what he is talking about and cannot hide an abiding respect for anyone who works the land. He is a national treasure, a voice of reason and prophet for the future.’ – Peter Bruce, former editor of Business Day

Sihlobo is perfectly positioned to provide a well-rounded, accessible view of agriculture in South Africa. He spent his school holidays in the rural Eastern Cape, studied agricultural economics at university, has worked in private-sector agriculture, consulting with farmers across the country, and has been an adviser to government as part of South African policy making bodies.

Finding Common Ground covers the broad themes that have marked current discussions and outlines the challenges and opportunities faced by South Africa’s agricultural sector, including:

• The contentious and complex issue of land reform;
• The potential for new leadership to revive the sector;
• How agriculture can drive development and job creation
• Cannabis as an exportable commodity;
• The urgent need for agricultural policy to address gender equity and youth involvement;
• Technological developments and megatrends that are underpinning agricultural development;
• The importance of trade in growing South Africa’s agriculture; and
• Key lessons that South Africa and other African countries can learn from one another.

Ultimately, Sihlobo is optimistic about the future of South Africa’s agricultural sector and shows us all – from policymakers to the general public – how much common ground we truly have.

Watch a video of Sihlobo introducing his book:

Categories Non-fiction South Africa South African Current Affairs

Tags Finding Common Ground New books New releases Pan Macmillan SA Wandile Sihlobo