Journey to Jo’Burg cover art

Journey to Jo’Burg

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About this listen

This is the story of love, commitment and the flowering of the human spirit against the background of South Africa’s apartheid.

Frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to Johannesburg to find their mother, who works there as a maid. Their journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid – the pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.

The opulence of the white “Madam’s” house contrasts starkly with the reality that Naledi and Tiro face – that their baby sister is suffering from starvation, not an incurable disease.

This edition of Beverley Naidoo’s classic story includes a special “Why You’ll Love This Book” introduction by Michael Rosen, former Children’s Laureate.

©1985 Beverley Naidoo (P)1985 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Classics Geography & Cultures Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Multicultural Stories Fiction Africa

Critic reviews

“ This story is compelling”
TES

“inspirational tale…”
Network

“Growing awareness of the sufferings of South Africa’s black children brings renewed point to Beverley Naidoo’s Journey to Joburg, a story for young readers, the more searing for its gentleness, that makes them ask questions we must learn to answer.”
Guardian
All stars
Most relevant
It was amazing! Would recommend this book to ages from 11-17.overall the book was really good

Should win "Best Book of 2025"

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A gripping, heartfelt journey of two siblings desperate to find their mother in Joberg, set off on foot to bring their mother back to save their I'll baby sister. They encounter the harsh reality of racist South Africa for the first time. A must read or listen!

Excellent heartfelt story of a journey!

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I love it when they save their sister but sad when the woman’s baby dies

Epic

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