In a surprising turn of events, Jonathan Ball Publishers has made the decision to remove the controversial book “The Outsider,” an alleged unauthorized biography of ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, from the market. This move comes in light of recent revelations that Mashaba himself had funded the book to the staggering amount of R12.5 million.
The book, authored by prominent political commentator Prince Mashele, purported to delve into the life and career of Mashaba without his direct involvement or approval. However, it has now come to light that the ActionSA leader played a significant role in financing the project. This revelation has left both readers and the publishing industry in a state of shock.
Jonathan Ball Publishers, in a statement released on Monday, expressed their surprise and disappointment at not being made aware of Mashaba’s financial contribution during the signing of the book deal with Mashele in 2022. The publishers consider this a serious breach of trust and a material non-disclosure by the author. Consequently, they have taken the extraordinary step of pulling the book from circulation.
The funding of the book has raised concerns about potential ulterior motives and allegations of money laundering. The reported sum paid to Mashele far exceeds the typical payment range for ghostwriters or authors, which usually falls between R250,000 and R350,000. Such an exorbitant amount of money allocated to a supposedly unauthorized biography raises questions about the true nature of the project.
The withdrawal of “The Outsider” has generated a considerable amount of public interest and speculation regarding the motivations behind Mashaba’s funding of the book. Some have speculated that Mashaba may have sought to exert control over the narrative presented in the biography, turning an unauthorized work into a self-commissioned hagiography.
Others have pointed to potential money laundering activities, as the enormous sum far exceeds industry standards and raises suspicions about the true origins of the funds. The book’s author, Prince Mashele, now finds himself at the center of the controversy. Mashele had built a reputation as a respected political commentator, providing insightful analysis on South African politics.
However, his involvement in this book and the subsequent revelations about Mashaba’s funding have tarnished his image and raised questions about his integrity as a writer.The publishing industry as a whole has also been affected by this scandal. It serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and disclosure in the author-publisher relationship.
Publishers rely on authors to provide accurate and complete information about their projects, and any material non-disclosure can have severe consequences for all parties involved. Jonathan Ball Publishers’ decision to remove “The Outsider” from circulation demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the trust of their readership and upholding the integrity of their publications. While the withdrawal may disappoint those who were eagerly anticipating the book, it underscores the publisher’s dedication to ethical practices within the industry.
As the controversy surrounding “The Outsider” continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether any legal actions will be taken against the involved parties. The motivations behind Mashaba’s funding of the book and the potential implications of such a significant financial contribution are likely to be subjects of further investigation and public scrutiny.
The withdrawal of “The Outsider” from the market, due to the revelations of Herman Mashaba’s substantial financial support, has caused a stir in the publishing world. The undisclosed funding raises questions about the true nature of the book and has sparked concerns about money laundering.
The integrity of both the author and the publishing industry as a whole has been called into question, emphasizing the importance of transparency and disclosure in such endeavors. The aftermath of this scandal will undoubtedly have lasting implications for all parties involved.
Mboma Mboma