As humanity faces impending global environmental challenges and intensifying inequality in cities around the world, the task of assessing our relationships to urban rivers like the Jukskei, and the nonhumans that inhabit it, takes on renewed urgency. Johannesburg from the Riverbanks: Navigating the Jukskei is the first book to critically look at the role of the Jukskei River in the cultural, social, political and scientific life of the city of Johannesburg.
This unique book brings together a wide range of disciplinary perspectives to examine the multiple, and sometimes conflicting, relationships that Johannesburg has to one of its key rivers. This treasure trove of a book tells stories of how Johannesburg and the Jukskei River make each other. A sparkling compendium of chapters and images by artists, activists, scientists, urban planners and historians will make you think about the river in new ways.
The launch of this HSRC Press title took place across three strategic locations in Johannesburg from July 31 to August 2, 2025. These carefully chosen venues, all situated near water sources, aligned perfectly with the book’s themes and HSRC Press’ partnership with the Water for the Future initiative and Alexandra Water Warriors.
Launch 1: Exclusive Books Rosebank – July 31, 2025
The inaugural launch took place at the popular Exclusive Books store in trendy Rosebank, attracting over 150 attendees. The event exceeded expectations and generated significant enthusiasm for the book.
Launch 2: Victoria Yards Community Library – August 1, 2025
The second launch was held at the community library in Victoria Yards, where Water for the Future collaborated with HSRC Press to create an engaging experience. To encourage participation from the children’s book club, organizers held a bookmark design competition, successfully integrating the local community into the launch festivities.
Launch 3: Alexandra Mall and Jukskei River – August 2, 2025
The final Johannesburg launches combined literary celebration with environmental education. Held at Alexandra Mall, the event featured a guided tour along the Jukskei River Green Corridor, showcasing restoration sites and concluding with a viewing of the Sibusiso Sangweni Mural—a powerful tribute to environmental stewardship and artistic activism.
These launches successfully anchored the book within Johannesburg’s urban landscape, highlighting the city’s historical relationship with water sources and reinforcing the connection between literature, community, and environmental consciousness.
