Mike van Graan will be in conversation with Stephen McGown whose story is captured in Six Years with Al Qaeda, published by the Daily Maverick, and which story is being adapted into a solo play by Mike.

While riding his motorbike through Mali on his way home from London to Johannesburg, Stephen McGown was taken captive in Timbuktu by Al Qaeda. For the next six years, he was held for ransom by Al Qaeda in the Sahara Desert. This conversation will cover Stephen’s story, his survival over the six years, his conversion to Islam and his current faith status, and the learnings that he took from the experience.

Stephen now makes much of his living from motivational talks and conversations such as these. The audience will be invited to pose questions too. Stephen’s book will be on sale at the event.