PREMIUM: Meet Michael Charton: SA’s practical, storytelling historian with a message of hope

LONDON — Former chartered accountant Michael Charton epitomises the dividends which flow from following your passion. His second career as a practical, storytelling historian is booming, with a diary so heavily committed he often spends less than half his week at home in Cape Town. I caught up with Michael in his Johannesburg hotel room to find out more about the man whose message draws from the past to offer hope for the future – one resonating with South African audiences. What transpired is a discussion ranging from his empathy with #RhodesMustFall supporters through to insights on SA's turbulent modern era. Charton also offers sensible advice for each of us to help make SA a better country. Fascinating. – Alec Hogg

Crossing to Johannesburg now and it's a warm welcome to Michael Charton who is making a huge name for himself in not just the city but all over SA, for taking an unusual approach towards the country's history. Looking at the past and finding ways that perhaps there are lessons we can learn to apply to the difficult times the country is going through right now but let's find out more about Michael himself. What drew you to this line of work, Michael?

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