Jackie Phamotse's 'The Advocate': a gripping sequel unveiling heritage, power and corruption

In the shadow of a flawless facade, the Coal family’s empire is crumbling.

Their rooibos farm in Clanwilliam - a legacy forged through blood, sweat and generations - is under threat from within and without.

Luna Parks’ fragile marriage stumbles on a powder keg of secrets and betrayals, and the arrival of an unwelcome guest sets off a chain of events that could tear the family apart.

Meanwhile, the Fletcher family’s sinister grip on the town continues to tighten, forcing Cameron Coal into an impossible choice: can love save the farm, or will it be its ultimate downfall?

These are the haunting questions that drive “The Advocate”, the highly anticipated new novel by award-winning South African author Jackie Phamotse.

The book, a sequel to “The Tea Merchant”, is set for release next month and promises to deliver an even darker, more compelling exploration of power, corruption and the human condition.

Phamotse described the novel as “a story about survival and truth, about how far people will go to protect legacy and whether love can endure when tested by greed and injustice.”

Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Phamotse reflected on the journey that led to the new book.

“‘The Tea Merchant’ has done extremely well - it is currently nominated at the South African Book Awards and the Sunday Times Awards.

That recognition is a huge milestone for me. It proves that I’m committed to my craft and that my resilience is a cornerstone of who I am.”

The author explained that the overwhelming response to the first novel sparked the decision to continue the story.

“The inspiration came from readers who kept asking what happens next, and from my own desire to dig deeper into these characters and their world. ‘The Advocate’ picks up right where ‘The Tea Merchant’ left off.

"This time, the stakes are higher, the tension is sharper, and the consequences are deadly.”

Beyond the family drama at its heart, Phamotse weaves into the novel a broader social and historical commentary - particularly around rooibos, a crop tied deeply to SA’s identity.

“We’ve always wondered who truly owns the rights to rooibos tea, and what our archives say about it,” she said.

“Every South African household has rooibos, yet so little is known about its origin. This series educates us on that history and why it is important to fight to preserve the rights of the Khoi and San people, who were the original custodians of this plant.”

For Phamotse, storytelling is inseparable from advocacy.

"The rooibos industry is not just an economic asset; it is a part of our cultural heritage. The Khoi and San have harvested this unique tea for centuries, yet their contributions have been erased."

"Through my writing, I want to honour their legacy and highlight why protecting it matters for future generations.”

Reflecting on her growth as a writer, Phamotse said: “Since my debut, my voice has evolved significantly. I’m bolder now, less afraid to tackle tough themes or challenge my readers. My vision has shifted, too - I am more interested in the intricacies of human nature and social justice.”

Her fearlessness often attracts both acclaim and criticism, but she embraces that tension.

“Many people don’t agree with how I tell my stories. But that is the whole point - someone has to do the unthinkable."

"I have never been a ‘safe’ writer, and I do not plan on becoming one. My writing is about shaking things up, about forcing readers to think critically about the systems we live in.”

Phamotse’s own life experiences continue to shape her storytelling. She spoke candidly about how her period under house arrest became a turning point.

“It was transformative,” she said. “That time forced me to confront my demons, to reassess my priorities. It gave me clarity and urgency. I realised my words could inspire, heal and disrupt. From then, my commitment to amplifying marginalised voices grew even stronger.”

She added, “As a South African woman, I have faced scrutiny and challenges that could have silenced me. But I chose to turn that pain into power. My writing is my activism - it is how I fight back, how I create space for women’s stories.”

Women’s empowerment remains a central theme in Phamotse’s work and personal mission.

“We have made progress in SA,” she acknowledged, “but systemic oppression is still a reality. We need more representation, more equity and more justice. We must create spaces for women to tell their own stories, to amplify their own voices.”

Her advice to women is simple but powerful: “Find your voice. Trust your instincts. Never be afraid to speak truth to power. Courage comes from conviction, and we need to support one another to thrive.”

Phamotse’s activism extends far beyond literature. She is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts around education and economic empowerment, often merging her activism with her storytelling.

“Balancing all of it - author, activist, philanthropist - is not easy,” she admitted. “But for me, they are connected. Writing is how I inspire. Activism is how I act. Philanthropy is how I give back. All three feed each other.”

And she is not slowing down. Alongside the release of “The Advocate”, Phamotse is preparing for a new Showmax series directed by Vusi Twala, and planning research for her next book.

“I’m leaving South Africa to work on a story about court irregularities, judges and lawyers’ ethical conduct. It is tough, but necessary. That book should be completed by March 2026."

"Each of my books has its own place in literature, and from the BARE series onward, I know I have shifted the publishing world in my own way.”

Ultimately, Phamotse sees her work as a legacy-building project - not only for herself, but for the communities whose stories she champions.

“My passion is to use my platform to amplify voices that have long been silenced. ‘The Advocate’ is not just entertainment; it is an education, a mirror and sometimes a warning.”

She hopes readers will leave the book challenged and inspired.

“I want women to read this and feel empowered to stand firm in their truth. I want South Africans to think critically about power, legacy and justice."

"Most importantly, I want readers to remember that silence has never solved anything. Change comes from courage.”