Des Latham, fraycollege’s podcasting facilitator and host of “The History of South Africa” podcast, has been nominated for a DSTV Content Creator Award in the Podcast of the Year category, celebrating his dedication to bringing the region’s complex history to life.
Latham launched his podcast two years ago as a passion project, never expecting it to attract a wide audience. “I feel a bit like I’m in the wrong room,” he admits. “This started as a labour of fascination. I’ve always had a deep interest in history.”
“The History of South Africa” podcast has garnered a diverse listenership, spanning South Africans of all ages and backgrounds. “It’s been incredibly satisfying to see people from all walks of life engage with these stories,” he notes. His aim was to revisit history from multiple perspectives, integrating African oral histories and primary sources to present a rich, unfiltered narrative.
Latham’s approach involves meticulous research, combining oral histories, archival material, and original documents. “I scour second-hand bookstores for rare, old books and journals,” he explains. “I have a library filled with hard copy source materials, from the diaries of Henry Francis Fynn to accounts by Gandhi and Churchill.” This painstaking attention to detail results in a storytelling style that feels both authentic and engaging.
Latham admits that the podcasting market is saturated. His secret to standing out lies in his disciplined process: every week, he starts from scratch, crafting 4,000-word scripts based on extensive research. “It’s like drama, scripting and drama,” Latham says, describing his focus on rendering historical events as compelling narratives. He argues that most listeners won’t tune in unless the content is structured and captivating—unless it’s a celebrity who draws them in. “The rest of us, we really have to knuckle down, tighten up our presentation technique, and focus our thoughts.”
Latham believes this kind of preparation and precision sets his podcast apart in the marketplace. While many podcasters overlook the value of crafting structured narratives, he sees a growing space for high-quality, story-driven content. His nomination is a testament to his commitment: even in an oversaturated market, a disciplined and dramatic approach can make a podcast truly stand out.
