Desmond Latham

The History of South Africa podcast which I’ve been producing for two years and has reached episode 123, has suddenly experienced a surge of listenership — and interest from people like East Coast Radio.

The station is launching a platform for podcasters, and I’ve been honoured by being asked to join this project along with fantastic storytellers like Gcina Mhlope.

Francois and the folks at Iono.fm have also helped out over the last two years, as we all emerged from the dreaded ‘demic blinking in the bright sunlight of freedom from lockdowns, masks and interminable family meetings with the president.

It’s been a busy few months for the podcast – and for me. I’m traveling a great deal for business and have been in Australia, Turkey and the U.S.A. over some months. Fortunately there’s been time to check out some historical connections – like this bronze head moulded by Malvina Hoffman and located in Chicago’s incredible Field Museum.

There is a lot to do in the coming weeks. One of the most important is to pay the bills, so I’m going to have to mention the Paypal donate button more regularly say the experts. I now am the proud father of 6 podcasts, three are in production which means a lot of time and energy is spent pulling the research together, generating scripts, and recording.

Filthy lucre is required I’m afraid, so expect a little more hard sell on the ‘casts — I promise to keep any marketing or funding grovel short and sweet.

I’ve also been filming in Cape Town and had an opportunity to visit a few cultural sites there. Here’s a bit of a touristy picture of the mountain, seeing that the History of South Africa series has covered the growth of the port since 1652.

A startlingly clear and still day on the water.