Spin doctor writes political fantasy novel

The Book Lounge and Karavan Press launched Nick Clelland’s novel, Good Hope in Spin Street on Thursday April 29.

The Oranjezicht spin doctor became a Member of Parliament in 1999 at the age of 27. In 2007 he moved to New Zealand where he served as the media and marketing manager for the Auckland City Council before serving as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Auckland for two years.

After returning to South Africa in 2009 he was Chief of Staff in the office of Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, going on to become an adviser to Premiers Alan Winde and Helen Zille and former business partner of Tony Leon.

In conversation with financial analyst and media personality, Refilwe Moloto, Clelland said he wrote the book during the pandemic imagining a future where the Western Cape is an independent country. Named the Good Hope Territory, it’s a picture-perfect place that is well-functioning, pristine, safe and prosperous and where citizens have jobs and agree to be tracked by drones and only those with qualifications are permitted to vote.

Gordon Laing from Marina Da Gama with Leanne Mitchell of Noordhoek and Michael Cardo of Gardens.