Black Beach

491 Days in One of Africa’s Most Brutal Prisons

By: Daniel Janse van Rensburg, Tracey Pharoah

Narrated by: Jason Morgan, Danny Painter

Black Beach, located on Bioko island off the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, is one of the world’s most feared prisons, notorious for its brutality and inhumane conditions.

In 2013, South African businessman Daniel Janse van Rensburg set off to the West African country to finalise a legitimate airline contract with a local politician. Within days, Daniel was arrested by the local Rapid Intervention Force and detained without trial in the island’s infamous ‘Guantanamo’ cells, and was later taken to Black Beach. This is his remarkable story of survival over nearly two years, made possible by his unwavering faith and the humanity of a few fellow inmates.

In this thrilling first-person narrative, Daniel relives his ordeal, describing the harrowing conditions in the prison, his extraordinary experiences there, and his ceaseless hope to return to South Africa and be reunited with his family. A story of courage in the face of overwhelming adversity, Black Beach demonstrates the strength of the human spirit and the toll injustice takes on ordinary people who fall foul of the powerful and corrupt.

©2022 Penguin Random House South Africa (P)2022 Penguin Random House South Africa

Fantastic story!

At times the audio sounded a bit AI. But the story is so compelling! Well, worth the listen.

Good book with a compelling story

I had met Daniel when he spoke about his ordeal at an event in Wilderness South Africa. I couldn’t wait to buy the book. I think his account of what happened was toned down a lot vs what I expected it to be. At times I was angry with him that he declined opportunities to escape putting himself and his family through more trauma then was necessary all for the sake of making a point. The point that he had done nothing wrong. Was it worth it? Was it misplaced pride? Did that save his life? I appreciated a book written by a South African as I could relate to his local recollections. Definitely worth a listen.

Crazy story well told

What a heck of story just crazy but apparently true, if you believe you are even slightly interested in this you should stop reading and start listening now.

Unbelievable survival story

Daniel van Rensburg was imprisoned in the notorious Black Beach prison in Africa for no discernible reason. His story of survival and faith inspire and the story is a twisty as a tout thriller. Incredible narration a pacing. A must listen!!