Category: Blog

On the shelf: Mbulelo Mzamane read by Mwelela Cele

Mwelela Cele reads from ‘The Impact of Black Consciousness on Culture’ a chapter by Mbulelo Vizikhungo Mzamane in the essay anthology “Bounds of Possibility: The Legacy of Steve Biko and Black Consciousness” edited by N. Barney Pityana, Mamphela Ramphele, Malusi Mpumlwana & Lindy Wilson, (D. Phillip Publishers, 1991). Music: AnaCaptainslogue by Noir Et Blanc Vie…
On the shelf: Darryl Accone read by Noxolo Chalale

Noxolo Chalale reads a short excerpt from ‘Chapter 1’ of the third section of “All Under Heaven: The Story of a Chinese Family in South Africa.” This trans-generational memoir in four parts (Sea, Sky, Earth and Fire) is authored by Darryl Accone (D. Philip Publishers, 2004). Music: ‘No.7 Alone With My Thoughts’ by Esther Abrami.…
On the shelf: Sara Ahmed read by Asandele Sondiyazi

Asandele Sondiyazi reads parts from ‘A Willfulness Archive’, the introduction to Sara Ahmed’s “Willful Subjects” (Duke University Press, 2014). Music: ‘Consciousness Rabbit’ by pATCHES. On the shelf is a video series featuring excerpts from The Commune’s wide-ranging collection of books, read by the people who love them. For this title and more, visit thecommune.org.za. The…
On the shelf: Maneo Mohale read by Lweendo Hamukoma

Lweendo Hamukoma reads Night Jasmine, a poem by Maneo Mohale found in Everything is a Deathly Flower (uHlanga Press, 2019) on page 21. Music: Dream Escape by The Tides On the shelf is a video series featuring excerpts from The Commune’s wide-ranging collection of books. The Commune is a radical, community-centred bookshop in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.…
On the shelf: Linton Kwesi Johnson read by Fezokuhle Mthonti

Fezokuhle Mthonti reads Seasons of the Heart, a poem by Linton Kwesi Johnson found in Selected Poems (Penguin Books Ltd, 2006) on page 83. Music: Kallimachou by Dan Bodan On the shelf is a video series featuring excerpts from The Commune’s wide-ranging collection of books. For this title and more, visit thecommune.org.za. The Commune is…
Featured book: Silvia Federici – Beyond the periphery of the skin

In a time of ecological crisis, it is unsurprising that questions of the body have become a focal point within contemporary radical politics. One of the great strengths of Silvia Federici’s peerless work in this regard is to remind us that bodies have multiple histories. There are the histories of techniques of capturing and disciplining…
Launch event: We’d like to thank Sun Xa Experiment

The Commune extends our deepest gratitude to the amazing Sun Xa Experiment for their energetic and mesmerising performance. Sun Xa Experiment is a 7 piece ancestral spiritual band that tells the stories of who we are as the global community without race, colour or nation. With their music written in IsiZulu, Sesotho and English their…
Launch event: We’d like to thank our panelists

We would like to thank Qhakaza Mbali Mthembu, Dr. Danai Mupotsa, Thapelo Mohapi and Mbuso Ngubane for accepting our invitation and taking time to participate as panelists in the launch of The Commune on Saturday the 28 of September 2019. Our event could not have been the success it was without our panelists generous participation.…
Launch event: We’d like to thank Charles Leonard

The Commune would like to extend our thanks to Charles Leonard for providing the soundtrack to the revolution. Charles Leonard is a DJ, editor, broadcaster, journalist and an obsessive collector of vinyl. He has been collecting vinyl for five decades now and he loves sharing records from his eclectic, vast collection. Charles’s approach with his…
Launch event: A roaring success

We hosted an event on the 28th of September to mark the opening of The Commune. The event included a panel discussion with panelists Dr. Danai Mupotsa, Qhakaza Mbali Mthembu, Thapelo Mohapi and Mbuso Ngubane. Entertainment was provided by the amazing Sun Xa Experiment and DJ Charles Leonard.