Wanted Dead and Alive

The Case for South Africa’s Cattle

by Gregory Mthembu-Salter

Given what we know about climate change, should
we still be raising and eating cattle? And how do we weigh the cultural
and economic value of cattle against their environmental impact? This
engaging book brings history, science, economics and popular culture
together in a timely discussion about whether current practices can be
justified in a period of rapid climate change.

Journalist Gregory
Mthembu-Salter first encountered South Africa’s love of cattle during
his own lobola negotiations. The book traces his personal journey
through kraals, rangelands and feedlots across South Africa to find out
more about the national hunger for cattle. He takes a broad sweep –
drawing on such diverse sources as politicians involved in land reform,
history, braai-side interviews with cattle farmers and abattoir owners,
conversations with his mother-in-law, and analysis of cutting-edge
science.

£29.00

About the author

Gregory Mthembu-Salter

Gregory Mthembu-Salter is a journalist, researcher and writer,
specialising in Africa’s political economy. He moved from the UK to
South Africa in the mid-1990s and lives in Scarborough on the Cape
peninsula. As a journalist, he has written for the Mail & Guardian,
The Africa Report and specialist African politics and economics
publications. He has served as a member of the United Nations Group of
Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo, appointed by the UN
Security Council, and has conducted research there and in South Africa
for numerous organisations, including the World Bank, the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UK government,
non-governmental organisations, and research institutes. He is a
research associate of the South African Institute for International
Affairs. In the UK, he established and DJ’d at a club in Bristol for
several years and continues to DJ from time to time. He is married with
three alarmingly grown-up sons.

Review

‘Passionately and colourfully, Gregory Mthembu-Salter walks us
through history and causes us to look at our future differently,
perching us uncomfortably on the horns of multiple dilemmas.’

President Cyril Ramaphosa

‘An intelligent, lovely read – with well-researched historical background.’

Mphuthumi Ntabeni, author of The Broken River Tent

‘This eye-opening book takes the discussion back to first
principles … and it suggests a possible route to satisfying both human
and climate justice.’

Mandi Smallhorne, President, South African Science Journalists’ Association

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