About this book
Greetings in all 11 official South African Languages: Sanibonani (isiZulu); Molo (isiXhosa); Hallo (Afrikaans); Thobela (Sepedi); Dumela (Setswana); Lumela (Sesotho); Abusheni (Xitsonga); Sanibona (SiSwati); Avuwani (Tshivenda); Salibonani (isiNdebele); and Hello (English)
This book is based on the original Who is Agile? In South Africa book which was published in 2016. This version has been adapted to highlight a view of Who is Agile in South Africa that is more representative of our country’s diverse demographics.
We are at a pivotal time in history, where, as a society, we need to make a concerted effort to create a more diverse and tolerant society. We need to redress the imbalances of the past, not only from a global perspective, as is evident from the “Black Lives Matter” movement, but importantly, from a South African perspective. We must do this, not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is explicit in the preamble of our constitution:
We, the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of our past; Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to: Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
May God protect our people.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso. God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa. Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika.
The idea for the book evolved after numerous conversations around racial inequity in the SA Agile Industry. To ensure alignment with what we wanted to achieve, a brainstorming session was held, and a vision was set out to build a more transformed community of practitioners, where “Race is no longer a concern in the Agile industry” and where everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality or social class feels welcome, supported, heard and included in the agile community.
It was recognised that, while the original book features some of the most impressive minds in the industry, however, the book, being a “South African” version, was not representative of the demographics of the country.
This iteration of the book will strive for more inclusion but will remain a community effort which aims to highlight bright minds, both new and old, who are striving to create better businesses, more engaged teams, improving value delivery, and making work more enjoyable; where people come to work not because they have to, but instead because they want to make a difference through more purposeful businesses.
It is said that South Africa is “Alive with Possibilities”. This great nation has an incredibly rich heritage filled with difficult times and times of greatness. As a nation, we have had our share of challenges but through sheer will and determination, we repeatedly rise to fight the good fight.
South Africa has some of the most scenic places on earth, such as Table Mountain, which has proudly been included in as one of the official new 7 natural wonders of the world. There is also the Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering just under 20,000 square kilometres (7,500 sq/miles) and housing the most iconic wildlife, including the Big Five, that include the Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant and the Cape Buffalo.
South Africa also has some of the most delicious food in the world. This may be attributed to the spice route in the 15th to 17th centuries, where European countries such as Portugal and Spain were transporting spice from India by ship. The trip had to circumnavigate Africa and rounded the Cape of Good Hope (Cape Town), where some of the spices were traded for precious metals such as Gold. This has influenced South African cuisine, which is rich with flavour and aromas. To pair all the delicious food, South Africa also has some of the most stunning wines in the world. Given our fertile South African soil, we created our unique varietal of wine, the Pinotage, which is a cross between a Pinot Noir and Cinsault and is an earthy yet deliciously dark fruity wine.
Besides the natural beauty, South Africans love adventure and South Africa is home to interesting extreme activities such as one of the Gold Reef City Roller Coasters, the Tower of Terror, which is ranked 1st in the world in terms of the highest number of G-forces the ride pulls on your body (6.3G) as well the Bloukrans Bungee Bridge, which is the highest commercial bungee jump, at 216 meters (709 ft).
Most importantly, South Africa has some of the smartest, warmest and friendliest people across the globe. Some of whom we will showcase in this book.
A key ethos of this book is that it is written by the community, for the community.
All proceeds from the sale of this book will go towards improving transformation within the South African Agile community.