East author releases debut political book
From a lifelong fascination with politics to publishing his first book, Herman Pretorius believes South Africa’s future depends on citizens understanding their democracy.
A 34-year-old author has made his mark by turning years of political analysis into his debut book.
Born and raised in Pretoria, Herman Pretorius grew up in Murrayfield and Muckleneuk before settling in Ashlea Gardens, where he currently lives.
Pretorius says he was raised in an academic household, and that has definitely influenced his work.
His father was a history professor at the University of Pretoria, while his mother taught computer science at UNISA.
He credits them with shaping his passion for knowledge and his belief in pursuing meaningful work.
“A defining feature of my childhood was seeing the satisfaction both my parents took from their careers.
“That sense of contribution and excellence shaped how I think about my own work,” he says.
Although he studied law, Pretorius soon found himself drawn more deeply into politics and public debate.
He says for a short while, he pursued a degree in opera at UCT, but by 2018, he had decided to commit fully to political analysis.
“I wanted to understand this amazing and complicated country God created here on the southern tip of Africa.
“I believe in making South Africa work, and I believe it can be a truly successful country,” he says.
Pretorius says he discovered his love for writing at an early age, often creating stories as a child.
“A school friend told me recently that he always knew I would end up writing a book,” he says.
That prediction came true this year with the release of his debut work, Rule Breakers: How the 2024 Election Campaign Changed South Africa Forever.
The book unpacks the watershed national election in which the ANC lost its majority for the first time since 1994.
He explains that the book analyses the key parties, their successes and missteps, and why the outcome was so unprecedented.
“Too often, political analysis is vague and imprecise. I wanted to explain in detail how we got the result we did,” he says.
East author Herman Pretorius releases debut political book
Pretorius admits that through his writing journey, he faced challenges.
He says self-doubt was his biggest obstacle, but he pressed on by reminding himself why the project mattered.
“As long as I could explain to myself or my wife why I was writing the book, I had something to hold on to when doubt made the whole thing seem either silly or too ambitious,” he says.
Pretorius adds that he is grateful for the support he’s been receiving, and it is encouraging.
“As a first-time author, it is scary to put a project of years into the public eye. However, the feedback has been wonderful,” he adds.
In his free time, Pretorius enjoys reading, history, music, and film.
He advises young and aspiring writers to start with the questions they want to answer.
“Writing, like music, is about building tension and curiosity and then delivering a satisfying resolution,” he explains.
Pretorius adds that Rule Breakers is only the beginning of his writing journey.
“The writing bug has bitten and is refusing to let go,” he says.
The book is available at Protea Books in Hatfield, Exclusive Books, and Graffiti Books.
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