What does it take to deceive those closest to you? How do you lead a double life and not lose yourself? Is there ever a point of return?

These are the themes – and more – that Jonathan Ancer explores as he tells the tales of some of South Africa’s most unusual and successful spies: from the navy superspy on the Russian payroll to the party girl who fell in love with Cuba, from the accidental mole in the heart of Pretoria’s war on the frontline states to the idealistic students used and abused in apartheid’s intelligence war. Their journeys into the shadow world of espionage raise questions about conscience, trust, forgiveness and the very notion of truth in a country that was at war with itself.

From the author of Spy: Uncovering Craig Williamson, this new book gets under the skin of what it takes to betray those closest to you – and what it is means to be betrayed.

Shouts:
‘Ancer masterfully deconstructs the secret world of spies … A book filled with intrigue, deceit and subterfuge.’ Jacques Pauw

‘This was an era of great deeds by good men and women, and betrayals by those who were gripped by greed and adventure … The most vivid and accessible account to date of the workings of the apartheid forces to thwart the struggle for freedom in our land.’ Mkhuseli Jack

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Ancer is a journalist who has worked as a reporter at The Star, a features writer for magazines, the editor of Grocott’s Mail and a crossword columnist for the Cape Times. He has produced podcasts and is the co-founder of the.news.letter. He has won awards for breaking news, feature writing and creative writing, and is the author of the highly regarded Spy: Uncovering Craig Williamson. Jonathan has four children, one wife and the largest collection of Billy Bunter books in South Africa.

Betrayal: The Secret Lives of Apartheid Spies is published by NB Publishers