I highly recommend almost anything by Nadine Gordimer. One that is post change and is amazing is House Gun, but there are many, many that are terrific. Just reread July's People recently which is a picture of what could have easily happened were it not for the leadership of Mandela and his colleagues.

Also, on the plane, read Disgrace, by J. M. Coetzee. It is short, dense,painful and extraordinarily good.

Have a great time, it is a special place.