South African author and activist Jackie Phamotse stated that her book 'The Big Five Cartel' is the most important she has written because it addresses themes that, in her opinion, many people are afraid to discuss. Phamotse emphasized that 'silence is complicity.'
This novel, which is the sixth installment in her popular 'BARE' series, aims to provoke discussion by exploring corruption, power, and the hidden mechanisms shaping daily life in South Africa. Although the story is fictional, Phamotse noted that it is based on months of research, primary sources, and conversations.
The inspiration for the book came from allegations related to the so-called 'Big Five' cartel—a drug and criminal syndicate based in Gauteng that appeared during the Madlanga Commission Investigation in 2025.
In an open letter, Phamotse explained why she felt the need to write this book. She recounted observing the intersection of power, capital, and impunity in the country for years, studying systems and documenting what many know but few publicly name. She is convinced that authors have a responsibility to record complex stories.
Phamotse also shared the personal cost of public speaking, mentioning that she had to face lawsuits, two years of house arrest, professional losses, and public condemnation. Nevertheless, she believes the price of silence is higher.
The novel focuses on criminal networks led by a mysterious figure known as the Ghost. According to the plot, these networks influence politicians and law enforcement agencies while ordinary citizens suffer the consequences. Phamotse insists that the ideas in the novel stem from extensive investigation, not conjecture, even though the characters are fictional.
She described the book as an analysis of the 'architecture of power' that exists without accountability and imposes human costs on women, men, and children who did not consent to participate. The book's release is scheduled for next month, and she once again invites readers into an uncomfortable zone through fictional storytelling inspired by real events to explore issues of power, corruption, and responsibility.
Phamotse's career is built on stories that blur the line between fiction and reality. Her debut novel, 'The Blesser's Game,' brought the phenomenon of blessing into the mainstream of South African literature, exploring the risks hidden behind a luxurious lifestyle. Since then, her works have addressed human trafficking, gender-based violence, political corruption, and the exploitation of vulnerable people. Her works have received several literary awards, including the African Literary Icon Award and the South African Prize for Best Adult Fiction, and have regularly appeared on local bestseller lists.
