This South African author delves into the complex issues of race and reconciliation within a post-apartheid society. His writing examines the deep societal scars and seeks pathways toward healing through education and dialogue. With a focus on the transformative power of learning, he aims to inspire readers to reflect on the past and build a more equitable future. His work offers a profound examination of persistent challenges and the hope for societal change.
This is an innovative and accessible study of how decolonization is engaged with, subverted, and transformed as a curriculum change project in universities since the #RhodesMustFall movement, based on interviews and insights from ten universities with over two hundred academic teachers.
Race, intimacy and leadership on divided university campuses
Focusing on the concept of intimacy, the book explores how various forms of closeness—emotional, spiritual, psychic, intellectual, and physical—can significantly impact leadership development in young people. It presents innovative theories aimed at transforming leadership practices in higher education globally, highlighting the importance of fostering deep connections to inspire effective leadership.
Celebrating the remarkable contributions of teachers in South Africa, this book highlights the stories of over 100 individuals who have impacted students' lives despite systemic challenges. It showcases the diverse educational landscape, featuring teachers from various backgrounds and school types, including those under apartheid. Jonathan Jansen offers insightful commentary, categorizing inspiring teachers and their unique approaches to fostering student success. The royalties support future educators, exemplified by a bursary recipient pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree, marking a significant milestone for his family.
'It is probably the question I get asked most often by students: how did you achieve what you did? There is an urgency to the question and more than a little self-interest. If I can figure out how he made it, the student reasons, then maybe I will know how to chart my own path. It was always difficult to provide a simple answer to a long and complex journey. So I often leave the inquiring student with a pointer here or a caution there. Never enough to really account for lessons from learning and life...' --Jonathan Jansen. Jonathan Jansen doesn't regard the achievements he has made in academia and his contributions to public intellectual life as his own--rather, he sees these accomplishments as a product of the hard work and sacrifices of family, friends, teachers, colleagues, and mentors around him. Jansen recounts, in his indomitable way, how the people in his life invested love, direction, encouragement (and even money) to make his journey possible--in the hope that his story may give inspiration and direction to generations of young people taking their first steps in adult life.
The book explores the profound impact of communication styles on emotions and relationships. Professor Jonathan delves into how different ways of speaking can either soothe and heal or ignite conflict and passion. Through various examples and insights, the text emphasizes the importance of mindful communication in fostering understanding and connection among individuals. It serves as a guide for readers to enhance their conversational skills and navigate the complexities of human interaction effectively.
The book pays tribute to Professor Jonathan Jansen's mother and all mothers in South Africa who raise families and build communities under challenging circumstances. It serves as a heartfelt anthem that challenges vulgar stereotypes of mothers from the Cape Flats, highlighting their resilience and strength. Through this compassionate narrative, the author honors the often-overlooked contributions of these women, offering a deeper understanding of their lives and struggles.
Offering daily wisdom to his children and students, Jonathan Jansen shares insightful advice through his popular Twitter campaign. His Letters to my children cover a variety of topics, including politics, relationships, and personal growth, encouraging young South Africans to become compassionate, thoughtful citizens. Jansen emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo and living life fully, while his engaging approach combines modern media with timeless guidance. This book compiles the first 160 Tweets, reflecting his role as a moral voice in contemporary society.
Focusing on the resilience and strength of mothers in challenging environments, the book pays homage to Jonathan Jansen's mother and all similar figures in South Africa. It seeks to counter negative stereotypes of mothers from the Cape Flats, celebrating their vital roles in nurturing families and fostering community. Through heartfelt narratives, the work highlights the dignity and contributions of these women, elevating their stories and experiences.
Focusing on education and the social realities of South Africa, this collection of articles highlights the complexities of the nation’s challenges. The author, Jansen, evokes a range of emotions, from horror to inspiration, while emphasizing the significant impact of individual actions in addressing societal issues. Through these insights, readers are encouraged to reflect on the transformative potential of education and personal responsibility within a broader social context.