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Talking Travel Africa 15 January 2009

Surely one of the most beautiful and evocative books ever published about elephants?
Using the metaphor of an elephant herd seeking a place of refuge, Gary Albyn, through a beautifully written 107-verse poem, follows the journey of the matriarch Thandi and her last born-calf, Lesedi. The "Great Zambezi - serpent of jade" is where the journey that will take mother and daughter through the Bushveld and open savannahs of southern Africa begins. Along the way they will meet hardships, sadness, confusion and bathing. Searching for refuge, they avoid hunters with their guns; witness the effects of over-population on vegetation, human development in the name of progress. Through Gary's moving verse, one re-visits memories of days spent amongst these wonderful animals. He creates a deeper understanding of elephants, their wisdom, how they adapt to their habitats, and how they form strong and loving bonds amongst themselves. Superbly illustrated with full-colour full-page plates of Craig Bone's paintings, this is an emotional book in which not just the words touch a cord, but the magnificent art work by this internationally acclaimed artist, adds to the sense of awe one feels when perusing this exquisite book. With Manzovo-Place of the Elephants, comes a CD of the poem recited by well-known radio, television and film personality and Shakespearian actor John Whiteley. This is a book that "feeds the soul" and has a strong conservation message: What lasting legacy will we bestow? Little, considering our history Generations hence, appalled by our greed Will quail at our confounding mystery"

The View from Here, Jen

I heard Gary Albyn recite his poem Manzovo at the South African Pavilion at theLondon Book Fair. I estimate it took about twenty minutes, and I can onlyestimate because I was so caught up in the unfolding story and rhymes that I forgotto check my watch. Gary's lilting accent brought sounds together with a depthof musicality beyond the average British English tone. His words evoke both the size and magnificenceof the elephants and the landscape which they journey across, meeting predators and gangs, flora and fauna. We are invited in to experience the wildness ofAfrica through the imagery and rhythms of his poetry, you can smell blood andfeel the heat of the sun. So much so, that an expat in the row in front of mewas in tears, and said afterwards that the poem had "taken her home".That feeling, the depth of reaction of an audience is what Gary hopes willraise awareness and bring about action, in support of his deepest passion,conservation. Gary reminded me somewhat of the character played by Robert Redford in Out ofAfrica. In his gentle voice I could hear a deep respect of the land and itsanimals, and a passion for its life and preservation. He said that as a child,"I knew I would write a book about elephants. I didn't realise it wouldtake me thirty-five years." His writing is an outpouring of his love andan expression of his whole way of being. The poem is a torch to illuminate theissues and pass on to others in his race against time.

Woman & Home - December 2008

This moving book is made up of a 110-verse poem portraying the epic travels of Thandi, the head of elephants, and Lesedi, the last of her five calves, as they roamed across the African plains. With artwork by renowned wildlife artist Craig Bone and an audio CD narrated by Shakespearean actor, John Whiteley. It's a treasure to keep or give away.

Annette Bayne, The Citizen 08 January 2009

A work of art. This is a physical and emotional journey that will move the reader in many different ways. A joint project between poet Gary Albyn and internationally-acclaimed artist Craig Bone, Manzovo is a poem that celebrates elephants, the leadership of a matriarch and highlights the need for conservation. A work of art, from Albyn's carefully chosen words to the magnificent images painted by Bone, with each experience evoking different thoughts and emotions within the reader. While Albyn's words appeal to one's love for these iconic animals, the information is also scientifically accurate. But one of the poem's primary themes highlights conservation, not just for elephants but the planet as a whole. The more you read the poem the more the layers of meaning are uncovered, making each time a richer experience. Manzovo also includes a CD of the poem narrated by radio, television and film personality John Whiteley. Manzovo will reach out to your soul's wanderlust for the African Craig wilds.

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Reviewer: Russell A. Burgos, Ph.D. teaches at the International Institute, University of California, Los Angeles USA.

I wanted to take a moment and commend you for the Africa @ War series. I am a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and one of my areas of research and teaching is conflict in the developing world. Ideally, someone will write a strategic-level analysis of warfare in post-colonial Africa, but I do believe these campaign histories and tactical histories have much to teach us, and I've been finding them especially useful in fleshing out my understanding of the scope and shape of conflict in Africa since the 1960s. Keep up the good work. Best regards Russell A. Burgos

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Hannelie Booyens, You magazine

This is Sarah Britten's third hilarious attempt to capture our country's peculiar and slightly mad zeitgeist, the first being The Art of the South African Insult, followed by McBride of Frankenmento - The Return of the South African Insult. The format of this little book is the same as before and each chapter is essentially a collection of witty comments and remarks about a specific topic taken from various media. As could be expected, Julius Malema gets a chapter of his own and so do road rage, crime, business, sport, religion and, last but not least, Zimbabwe.The book is funny."

Sibusiso Mkwanazi, Citizen

They say that the first words a person learns when taking on a new language are its expletives. If it was insults, the this book would be the perfect start for those who want to learn "South African". It is a collection of quotes by prominent South African politicians, critics and anyone who is deemed to be of social relevance. It covers what has become everyday topics that are discussed in length on blogs and opinion polls. These include Julius Malema (he has a chapter all to himself), The splitting of COPE from the ANC, freedom of speech and race, among others. The book can be read quickly. Different fonts make it simple to distinguish the quotes from Britten's snappy opinion. The most interesting chapter has to be "Only in South Africa". In short, it is material that comedians wish they could think of.

Bill Ryan, the Independent on Saturday

We are racists. We are tribalists. But, hell, we can laugh at ourselves.when we feel like doing it. These are the words of writer Fred Khumalo, one of many quoted in the newly published, highly amusing More South African Insults - a perfect Christmas stocking filler. The book, written with the interest of helping the nation along in the task of laughing at itself, is a follow-up to The Return of the South African Insult. And a lot has happened in SA since its publication, not least the rise of one Julius Malema, the ANC Youth kingpin to whom a whole chapter is devoted in the new book. Once again humour is milked from just about everything South African, personalities getting a jab include Jacob Zuma, Helen Zille, Steve Hofmeyr, Joost van der Westhuizen and Luke (The Puke) Watson. A really fun read.

CA, Sunday Tribune

"Oh, how I love Julius Malema. I can't help it. I'm besotted with his chubby little face, his gimlet eyes, his petulant lips. He's like a cross between an unshaved Britney Spears and crack cocaine, except half the talent and twice as addictive" - Chris Roper. Need I say more, this book is full of them. If you can't laugh with them, then laugh at them.

Resensie: 03 Augustus 2020
Prof. André Wessels

Move the border: A history of the greatest battles of the Angolan Border War 1966–1989
Marius Scheepers
Uitgewer: 30 Degrees South Publishers
ISBN: 9781928359791

Meer as 30 jaar ná die beëindiging van die Namibiese Vryheidsoorlog (1966–1989) – ook na verwys as die Suid-Afrikaanse (of Angolese) Grensoorlog of Bosoorlog – duur die belangstelling in dié stryd steeds voort. Hierdie uitgerekte konflik, wat deel uitmaak van die selfs meer omvangryke Suider-Afrikaanse Oorlog van 1961 (toe die onafhanklikheidstryd in Angola begin het) tot 2002 (toe Jonas Savimbi doodgeskiet is), en wat die onafhanklikheidstryd in Rhodesië/Zimbabwe en in Mosambiek insluit, asook die bevrydingstryd in Suid-Afrika, ontlok steeds veel debat en omstredenheid.
Kort nadat die destydse Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag (SAW) se betrokkenheid in Suidwes-Afrika (SWA)/Namibië en in Angola in 1989 geëindig het, het enkele boeke soos dié van Willem Steenkamp, Suid-Afrika se Grensoorlog 1966–1989 verskyn (1989, soos ook die Engelse weergawe, South Africa’s Border War 1966–1989). Daarna het gevolg boeke soos Peter Stiff se The silent war: South African Recce operations, 1969–1994 (1999; tweede uitgawe in 2004), maar dit was eers vanaf die aanbreek van die nuwe millennium dat die stroom "Grensoorlogboeke" in momentum toegeneem het. Dit het regimentsgeskiedenisse soos Paul J Els se We fear naught but God: The story of the South African Special Forces "The Recces" (2000; hersiene uitgawes in 2009) en Louis Bothma se Die Buffel struikel: ’n Storie van 32 Bataljon en sy mense (2006; met verskeie herdrukke en heruitgawes, ook in Engels beskikbaar as Buffalo soldiers: South Africa's 32 Battalion, 2008) en Graham Gillmore, Pathfinder Company: 44 Parachute Brigade (2010) ingesluit, asook persoonlike herinneringe soos Chopper pilot: The adventures and experiences of Monster Williams (2000; herdruk in 2008), Jack Greeff se A greater share of honour (2001) en Granger Korff se 19 with a bullet: A South African paratrooper in Angola (2009); en ander boeke soos Anthony Feinstein se Battle scarred: Hidden costs of the Border War (2011; met ’n Afrikaanse vertaling dieselfde jaar, naamlik Kopwond: Vergete slagoffers van die Bosoorlog) en Leopold Scholtz, Die SAW in die Grensoorlog 1966–1989 (2013; met ’n Engelse weergawe dieselfde jaar, The SADF in the Border War); en nog baie, baie ander. Kyk verder ook nog byvoorbeeld Jannie Geldenhuys (hoof van die SA Leër, 1980–1985, en hoof van die SAW, 1985–1990) se Dié wat wen: ’n Generaal se storie uit ’n era van oorlog en vrede (1993; met ’n Engelse weergawe wat in 1995 verskyn het, naamlik A general’s story from an era of war and peace, asook ’n ietwat gewysigde weergawe in Afrikaans in 2007, wat ook in Engels verskyn het); en Magnus Malan (hoof van die SA Leër 1973–1976; hoof van die SAW, 1976–1980, en minister van verdediging, 1980–1991), My lewe saam met die SA Weermag (2006; met in dieselfde jaar ’n Engelse vertaling, naamlik My life with the SA Defence Force). En dan is daar ook nog literêre werke, byvoorbeeld D Burness (red), On the shoulder of Mati: Cuban literature of the Angolan War (1996) en Jeanette Ferreira (red), Grensoorlogstories (2012).
Een van die jongste toevoegings tot die Grensoorlog-historiografie is Move the border: A history of the greatest battles of the Angolan Border War 1966–1989, deur Marius Scheepers. Scheepers, ’n prokureur van beroep, is ’n veteraan van die Grensoorlog, en was ’n offisier in 32 Bataljon. Sy vorige boek was dus ook nie toevallig Striking inside Angola with 32 Battalion (2012) nie. Sy 2020-boek, Move the border, is deels gebaseer op die MSocSci-verhandeling wat hy in 2019 aan die Universiteit van Pretoria voltooi het. Die titel van sy verhandeling was "The Battle of Indungo, 31 October 1987: An SADF military venture against SWAPO in the Angolan Border War". Minstens vier van Moving the border se 12 hoofstukke is grootliks gebaseer op bogenoemde verhandeling. Vir die doeleindes van die boekpublikasie het die skrywer egter sy fokus verskuif van ’n enkele veldslag (Indungo) na die Grensoorlog as geheel, ten einde ’n oorsig van al ses fases van die stryd (soos hy dit indeel) te verskaf.
In hoofstuk 1 word die eerste fase bespreek: die jare van lae-intensiteit-oorlogvoering, 1966–1975. In hoofstuk 2 stel Scheepers die oorlog se rolspelers bekend en hoofstuk 3 wy hy aan die verskillende wyses waarop die (Angolese) Grensoorlog geïnterpreteer (kan) word. Dit sou waarskynlik beter gewees het om hoofstuk 2 as die eerste hoofstuk in te sluit, met hoofstuk 3 dan die tweede hoofstuk. Anders sou dele van hoofstuk 3 by die slothoofstuk ingesluit kon gewees het.
In hoofstuk 4 word die gebeure van 1975 tot 1976 aan die oorlogsfront onder die loep geneem, met ander woorde die tweede oorlogsfase, wat Operasie Savannah insluit. Oorgrensoperasies in die jare 1976 tot 1980 (die derde oorlogsfase) word in hoofstuk 5 aan die orde gestel, insluitende Operasie Reindeer. Vervolgens word oorgrensoperasies in die jare 1980 tot 1984 in hoofstuk 6 en hoofstuk 7 bespreek (die vierde oorlogsfase), insluitende (om maar net enkele voorbeelde te noem) Operasie Protea, Operasie Super en Operasie Askari. Die hele hoofstuk 7 word aan laasgenoemde operasie gewy – insluitende die belangwekkende gevegte te Cuvelai. Koverte guerrilla-oorlogvoering in die jare 1984 tot 1986 (die vyfde oorlogsfase) is die tema van hoofstuk 8, waarna die semikonvensionele oorlogvoering van 1986 tot 1989 (die sesde en laaste fase van die stryd) in hoofstuk 9 bespreek word.
Nadat Scheepers in hoofstuk 9 ’n oorsig van die militêre verloop van sake in die jare 1986 tot 1989 gegee het, fokus hy in hoofstuk 10 op die aanloop tot die slag by Indungo, alvorens hy in hoofstuk 11 die gevegsgebeure te Indungo as sodanig in besonderhede bespreek. Dan volg die slothoofstuk (12), waar bepaalde vergelykende en oorkoepelende gevolgtrekkings gemaak word. Terloops, die titel van die boek, Move the border, verwys na die politieke direktief wat die SAW ontvang het om die stryd teen Swapo oor die grens en dus na Angola te neem, en in die proses dus by wyse van spreke die grens van SWA/Namibië noordwaarts te "verskuif". Die idee was immers om die stryd so ver as moontlik weg van SWA/Namibiese grondgebied te voer. Soos wat hakkejagoperasies in omvang en intensiteit toegeneem het, is die denkbeeldige nuwe grens steeds verder verskuif. Per slot van rekening het die SAW immers met verloop van tyd ook by die Angolese burgeroorlog betrokke geraak deur Unita (vroeër ook die FNLA) te steun.
Scheepers se boek sluit aan by die bestaande bronne oor die Grensoorlog, maar vul hulle ook hier en daar aan, veral wat betref die gebeure te Indungo. Deur ses fases te identifiseer gee hy ’n bepaalde struktuur aan die gebeure. Hy rekonstrueer 20 spesifieke militêre operasies, met die klem op twee operasies wat volgens hom van deurslaggewende belang was, naamlik die gevegte te Cuvelai (31 Desember 1983 tot 4 Januarie 1984) en die geveg by Indungo (31 Oktober 1987). Veral laasgenoemde geveg (asook Operasie Firewood, waartydens die geveg plaasgevind het) is tot dusver relatief gesproke deur historici afgeskeep. Dit lê nou op die weg van Scheepers – of ander navorsers – om sommige van die ander Grensoorlog-operasies en gevegte ook nog in veel meer besonderhede te beskryf en te ontleed.
Die geskiedenis van die Grensoorlog is inderdaad nog nie "uitgeskryf" nie. Verder is daar ook nog derduisende veterane (van alle vegtende partye), asook burgerlikes wat in die oorlogsone vasgevang was, wat steeds worstel met die emosionele en ander gevolge van die konflik. By baie van hulle is daar die behoefte om hul stories te vertel, of om afsluiting te (probeer) vind deur wat ander oor gemeenskaplike ervaringe skryf. By sommige is daar ’n nostalgiese terugverlang na die “heroïese” verlede, of die "goeie ou dae", of die kameraderie wat te velde met medestryders ervaar is. Gelukkig is daar ook diegene (insluitende ’n jonger geslag Suid-Afrikaners, Namibiërs, Angolese en ander) wat bloot ’n eerlike behoefte daaraan het om te probeer vasstel wat presies tydens die oorlog gebeur het. Dit sluit militêre-geskiedenis-entoesiaste van regoor die wêreld in. ’n Boek soos Moving the border is uiteraard in hierdie verband ’n waardevolle bron, aangesien dit ’n goednagevorste studie is wat feite op die tafel plaas. Of die Grensoorlog regverdig kan word, of dit reg of verkeerd was, oor wie waaraan skuldig was, daaroor kan (en moet) gedebatteer word, maar dit moet nie die bestudering en boekstawing van die militêre gebeure as sodanig beïnvloed nie. Dit mag ook nie mense ontmoedig om militêre geskiedenis te bestudeer of diegene wat daarin belangstel en ’n studie daarvan maak, in ’n negatiewe lig te stel nie. Militêre geskiedenis is immers ’n belangrike dimensie van geskiedenis in die algemeen (naas talle ander fasette), en daarsonder kan dit wat in die verlede gebeur het, nie ten volle begryp word nie.
In die geskiedenis van Afrikaanssprekende blankes is die "grens"-konsep belangrik. Vergelyk in hierdie verband byvoorbeeld die geskiedenis van die Oos-Kaapse grensboere en die nege sogenaamde grensoorloë in die Oos-Kaap in die periode 1779 tot 1878. Hou ook in gedagte dat tydens die Groot Trek van die 1830’s en vroeë 1840’s die Voortrekkers ook grense oorgesteek en verskuif het. Vroeër was die Groot Trek en die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899–1902) die mees epogmakende gebeurtenisse in die geskiedenis van die Afrikaner. Die Grensoorlog van 1966 tot 1989 het waarskynlik vir duisende Afrikaanssprekendes – en derduisende ander deelnemers – ’n epogmakende gebeurtenis geword. Daar moet egter gewaak word teen die skep van mites. Terselfdertyd moet mense wat aan die Grensoorlog deelgeneem het (in die meeste gevalle sonder dat hulle ’n keuse gehad het) – soos ook die geskiedenis as sodanig – nie verkriminaliseer word nie. Hou ook in gedagte dat alle Suid-Afrikaners ’n groot stuk geskiedenis deel, en dat ons almal van ons eie maar ook van ons gedeelde (gemeenskaplike) geskiedenis moet rekenskap gee – en wel op ’n ingeligte en gebalanseerde wyse. Kennis van en insig in geskiedenis stel ’n mens ook in staat om te kan vergewe, sonder die noodsaak om te vergeet.

Moving the border beslaan altesaam 428 bladsye, waarvan 397 bladsye teks is. Daar is ’n enkele bylae (bl 409) wat ’n lys van 20 SAW- militêre operasies (1966–1988) bevat. Ongeveer 40 foto's en kaarte word by die publikasie ingesluit. Die omvangryke saakregister (ble 417–28) sal die ernstige leser/navorser/student in staat stel om die magdom feite en ander inligting in die publikasie maklik te kan ontsluit. Verder is daar meer as 1 100 voetnote, wat ’n aanduiding is dat Scheepers die geraadpleegde bronne goed benut het. Genadiglik is dié bronverwysings inderdaad as voetnote onderaan die onderskeie bladsye geplaas en nie as eindnotas nader aan die einde van die boek nie. Die ernstige leser kan dus maklik teks en voetnote saam lees sonder om alewig agtertoe te gaan vir die bronverwysings. (Mag alle uitgewers en skrywers tog asseblief bronverwysings as voetnote hanteer en nie as eindnotas nie.)
Die redelik omvangryke bronnelys (ble 410–6) getuig van die verskeidenheid bronne wat die skrywer geraadpleeg het, insluitende argivale bronne, hoewel laasgenoemde meesal met die slag van Indungo te make het. Die res van die boek is hoofsaaklik op sekondêre werke gebaseer. Soms is daar darem ook net te veel op één bepaalde bron gekonsentreer – kyk byvoorbeeld ble 107–10 en 117–22. Wanneer verwys word na koverte operasies waarby die SAW se Spesiale Magte, ondersteun deur die SA Vloot, betrokke was, sou dit ook raadsaam gewees het om die hoogs informatiewe bron van Arnè Söderlund en Douw Steyn, Ystervuis uit die see: Uiters geheime seewaartse Recce-operasies (1978–1988) (2018) te raadpleeg, of die vroeëre Engelse weergawes, naamlik Iron fist from the sea: South Africa's seaborne raiders 1978–1988 (2014) en Iron fist from the sea: Top secret Recce operations (1978–1988) (2018).
Scheepers skryf onbeskaamd vanuit ’n Suid-Afrikaanse/SAW-perspektief. Dit is sy goeie reg, maar ideaal gesproke moet die "ander kant" ook in meer besonderhede by wyse van spreke aan die woord kom en gehoor word. Dit sou dus raadsaam wees vir die belangstellende leser om naas boeke soos dié van Scheepers ook boeke te raadpleeg wat ’n breër (of selfs alternatiewe) perspektief op die Grensoorlog verskaf, byvoorbeeld Ian Liebenberg, Jorge Risquet en Vladimir Shubin (reds), A far-away war: Angola, 1975–1989 (2015), en verder ook onder meer die werke van Gennady Shubin en Andrei Tokarev (reds), Bush War: The road to Cuito Cuanavale. Soviet soldiers' accounts of the Angolan War (2011). Nieteenstaande die kritiek wat hier en daar hier bo uitgespreek is, lewer Marius Scheepers se Moving the border: A history of the greatest battles of the Angolan Border War 1966–1989 sonder enige twyfel ’n bydrae tot die beter verstaan van die sogenaamde Grensoorlog en is dit ’n belangrike toevoeging tot die Grensoorlog-historiografie. Dit is ook verblydend dat ’n studie wat suksesvol vir akademiese graaddoeleindes voltooi is, deel van ’n boekpublikasie geword het en dat die akademiese navorsingsbevindinge gevolglik aan ’n wyer gehoor bekendgestel word. Die laaste woord oor die omstrede konflik van 1966 tot 1989 in die geskiedenis van Suider-Afrika is egter nog nie gespreek nie. Die bespreking moet dus voortgaan. Uiteraard is dit belangrik dat die debat gebalanseerd en op feite gebaseer moet wees, en dat stem aan alle rolspelers verleen moet word.

https://www.litnet.co.za/resensie-move-the-border-a-history-of-the-greatest-battles-of-the-angolan-border-war-1966-1989-deur-marius-scheepers/

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Michelle Bristow-Bovey, Cape Times

In 1981, a Bulgarian nurse, Valya Chervenyashka, accepted a post in Tarhuna, Libya, dreaming of a better life for her family. Over the next 15 years she tended to Libyan children- work for which she was honoured- until her arrest in 1998. Transferred to a Tripoli jail and charged, with four fellow Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian intern, with conspiring to infect more than 400 children with HIV, she was sentenced to death. Notes from Hell documents more than a decade of torture, cruelty and despair. This intimate account is relayed with raw honesty and emotion. A cold, sobering look at some of life's injustices.

Dries Brunt, Citizen

This horror story made international headlines. Chervenyashka, with a group of Bulgarian nurses who worked in a children's hospital in Libya, was accused of deliberately infecting children with the HIV virus. They were horribly tortured by Libyan prison authorities in order to make them confess to a crime that was not committed. If there was a crime it was the neglect of hospital staff and the atrocious conditions of medical care in that country. The nurses paid a heavy price to conceal those conditions. Eight years in prison, three times sentenced to death, they came out after an international outcry, to return to Bulgaria. This story shows brutality in its most extreme form, a willful act of cruel injustice for which the Libyan government stands accused. Reading this book will make you cringe.

Review by Kate Pirie African & Indian Explorations

Oh my - what a stunning book! I cannot thank you enough - truly fabulous and everything you want to know is in it! Every guide, management couple and camp/lodge (and me) etc should have a copy of this book, and everyone else with an interest in wildlife and the environment too. It is superb and you must be really pleased. I will make sure that all here know about the book and that it's a definite one to add to the collections. Again, I am bowled over! Thank you very much

Operation Dingo. Written by Leon Engelbrecht - Defenceweb. Saturday, 25 February 2012

Co-issued with a British publisher, "Operation Dingo" is the first of the "Africa @ War" series of which four titles have now been released: three relate to operations - "Operation Dingo", "France in Centrafrique", and "Battle for Cassinga"; and, one focussing on a high-profile unit, the "Selous Scouts".This suggests the series does not yet have focus - looking either at operations or at units - but then there is no real requirement for such focus. Maybe well the opposite. The publishers say this will be a "ground-breaking series" studying Africa's post-1945 conflicts and military players in an informative and entertaining manner, examining some of the lesser known campaigns and shedding new light on some of the better known operations." to the matter at hand then: Operation Dingo was - even to its proponents - an almost suicidal air-ground attack on two insurgent bases deep in Mozambique in 1977. Just 184 Rhodesian Special Air Service and Rhodesian Light Infantry commandos, with such aircraft and helicopter support that was available, would attack 10 000 guerillas at their base at "New Farm" at Chimoio, some 90km into Mozambique. The attack was set for November 23, the plan being a series of of air attacks followed by a parachute and helicopter assault heavily supported by air assets. The troops would move through the base, taking documents, some prisoners and arms and destroying the rest. They would be extracted by helicopter (including ten South African Air Force-crewed Alouette III's) before sunset and return to Rhodesia to reset for another attack the next day - eyebrow-raising in itself. As it was, resistance and the the size of the base forced the commandos to stay overnight and withdraw the next day. The attack on Tembué followed on the 25th. Intelligence credited the base, some 200km inside Mozambique, with some 4000 inmates. Wood, a master on the subject of the Rhodesian "Bush War", notes that estimates of the losses inflicted vary wildly, but a "figure exceeding 6000 casualties is realistic." The Rhodesians by contrast suffered two dead, eight wounded and lost one aircraft (its pilot being one fatality). Wood says in a short epilogue Dingo was "an extraordinary joint services' operation. I have found, when lecturing on it to professional military audiences, utter disbelief tat such a double blow could be struck so far into hostile territory by less than 200 troops and a collection of aircraft that, by 1977, should have been gracing someone's museum."Operation Dingo" - and the rest of the series too - is concise, concrete, educational and gripping. Read it.

Reviewer: Major Chris Buckham is a Logistics Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

In 1977, Rhodesia was engaged in a full-fledged asymmetric conflict with a number of African rebel groups (ZANLA and ZAMU) operating out of neighbouring countries (Zambia and Mozambique). In an effort to undermine and weaken Rhodesia's main protagonist in this conflict (ZANLA under Robert Mugabe) prior to the announcement of a vote for majority rule in Rhodesia, the government of Ian Smith sanctioned the execution of Op Dingo. Launched Nov 23, 1977, this mission entailed a two part strike on ZANLA training and command and control assets located in camps at Chimoio and Tembue, Mozambique. Rhodesian SAS and RLI (Rhodesian Light Infantry) forces numbering 228 soldiers supported by fixed wing and rotary wing assets armed with 20 mm cannon would be inserted 35 km inside Mozambique by parachute in order to inflict maximum damage and casualties. Following exfill, they would then be reinserted three days later 200km beyond the border to repeat the attack at Tembue. Estimates of rebel forces were 10,000 at Chimoio and 4,000 at Tembue. The attack was an unprecedented success with ZANLA losses being estimated at 6,000 (as well as huge intelligence and material losses). Rhodesian losses were one aircraft, 2 dead and 12 wounded (8 by friendly fire). Dr JRT Wood's book Operation Dingo is a well documented and researched synopsis of this event. The layout and presentation of the book is logical and of a very high quality. Woods provides a comprehensive overview of the regional environment and international climate (Rhodesia was operating under an international embargo) in order to provide context for the reader. Additionally, he goes into detail regarding the initiatives and efforts that the Rhodesian government and military undertook to overcome the challenges that the international embargo had imposed upon them. To this end, he discusses various innovations such as the Alpha bomb, the Golf bomb and the Flechette; each designed to augment their asymmetric capability utilizing easily obtained material. This, in conjunction with Rhodesia's engagement of non-traditional assets (read mercenary) is indicative of their willingness to accept and exploit the 'real politique' of their situation. The strength/core of this book centres on the doctrinal development of the Rhodesian military's counter insurgency capability. Rhodesia was faced with a number of challenges that demanded innovation. Two factors served to drive the doctrinal development: a0 it was fighting an increasingly violent insurgent war that was divided very clearly along race lines; therefore, their pool of soldiers to draw upon was limited and, b: Rhodesia was operating under a comprehensive international embargo. To counter these, they developed light, extremely mobile infantry operating under a joint doctrine that focused on parachute and rotary wing infil and exfil supported by fast air and 'flying column's' of heavily armed jeep convoys; the so-called 'FireForce" concept. Additionally, comprehensive intelligence gathering techniques were implemented and the decision making process between the political and military branches was streamlined and shortened. Woods' book whets the appetite as it touches upon a series of themes that, due to its length, were unable to be explored in depth. For example, things such as the circumstances surrounding the international crisis that Rhodesia found itself in resulting in Prime Ministers Ian Smith's unilateral declaration of independence from Great Britain and the subsequent challenges that faced Rhodesia as it progressed through the 1960's and early 1970's are identified but not extensively explored. Nonetheless, this does not detract from the focus or quality of this book; it merely raises questions and the interest of the reader. Once the background has been painted for the reader and therefore the understanding of why such a risky and breathtaking operation was necessary, Wood focuses his attention on the planning and execution of the raids themselves. The strength of the narrative comes through in this regard. The reader is led through the operational planning process of the RLI, SAS and the RRAF (Royal Rhodesian Air Force) in anticipation of the execution of Op Dingo. This is particularly interesting because it displays the maturity of the joint capability of the Rhodesian Forces, honed after nearly 15 years of asymmetric warfare. Additionally, the level of risk acceptance within the Rhodesian military and Government is noteworthy given the lack of depth of resources at their disposal and therefore the potential downside of failure. The lessons and tactics of asymmetric warfare developed and learned through the Rhodesian experience form the basis of much of the joint operational doctrine used today. Dr Woods does an admirable job encapsulating the atmosphere under which the operation was conceived and executed. Op Dingo represents one of the most stunningly, one-sided successes ever undertaken. Dr Woods' work gives the reader a valuable insight into the high pressure environment of the special ops world where the ramifications of failure are dramatic and far-reaching. A must for those wishing to understand the intricacies and challenges of this style of operation. Major Chris Buckham is a Logistics Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He has experience working with all elements including SOF. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he holds a BA in Poli Sci and an MA in International Relations. He is presently employed as a ILOC Officer with the multinational branch of EUCOM J4 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Reviewer: Russell A. Burgos, Ph.D. teaches at the International Institute, University of California, Los Angeles USA.

I wanted to take a moment and commend you for the Africa @ War series. I am a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and one of my areas of research and teaching is conflict in the developing world. Ideally, someone will write a strategic-level analysis of warfare in post-colonial Africa, but I do believe these campaign histories and tactical histories have much to teach us, and I've been finding them especially useful in fleshing out my understanding of the scope and shape of conflict in Africa since the 1960s. Keep up the good work. Best regards. Russell A. Burgos

"Just finished Out of Action by Chris Cocks. After reading Fireforce, which I thought was the best autobiography I had ever read, this sequel is something else. Absolutely the best autobiography I really have ever read, until the cheeky fellow writes a third one. For anyone who has been to war or suffers PTSD or knows what its like to live around people with it, it's a must-read. It's the only book about the aftermath of war on a man's mind I can say is out there and I'm so glad Chris had the guts to share it with people. Please, please, please read it."

LIAM NORTHFIELD

Andrew Beet, Pretoria News 11 August 2008

A descent into depravity. Former Rhodesian soldier and police reservist Chris Cocks has written a follow-up to Fireforce, delivering a shocking account of his life after leaving the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Cocks has a lot to get off his chest, and admits in Out of Action that writing down the facts of his life served as a means of coming to terms with the painful truth of the horrors he had not only inflicted on others, but also on himself. This is not an easy read. It is a story that at times not only disgusted, but angered me as a former Zimbabwean. This part of Cocks's life picks up with his move to the Lowveld of Zimbabwe with his first wife. His move to a normal life after his departure from the Light Infantry would see him working on government farms. But, he is quickly roped in as a reservist for the police anti-terrorist unit, and that is where it all came apart. In one of the horrific events he describes how he mowed down a farmer's labourers as they sat around their evening fire because they had not obeyed a curfew rule -and that despite the farmer's warnings that the men were his employees. Cocks describes how he kept marijuana joints in his ammunition pouches and hip flask when he went out on patrol so that he could get high. When he was not smoking dagga, he was- consuming vast amounts of alcohol, living his life in a constant stupor, listening to rock 'n roll and doing whatever he believed was right. He ignored reprimands from his commanders and sunk to a level of depravity that he only started crawling out of in 1995 - more than a decade after Robert Mugabe came to power. He delves into the pain of adjusting to civilian life during which he essentially became a drifter after independence and finally managed to settle down.

Lindsay Slogrove, Natal Mercury 16 October 2008

This is war and peace with a difference. In the first half, War, Cocks tells his story of his time fighting in the Rhodesian war as a stick leader in the Police Anti-Terrorist Unit. The fighting is brutal and the young men are callous and hardened. Family life is at the bottom of their list of priorities. Tops are killing, drinking and spending time with their co-warriors. It is a time of violence and hatred for their enemy; the only people close to them, their colleagues. While this portion of the story is shocking, it is the honesty and courage of the man who describes his even longer war with himself as he faces dealing with what he has become in the second half of the book, called Peace. He plunges into failed businesses, drink and drugs in his desperate fight to forget the horror of his past life and settle into the new land called Zimbabwe, where his enemy is now his equal. Cocks now run a successful business in South Africa. His examination of himself, then and now is one of the bravest stories of war, the cruelty men can inflict on each other, and how difficult it is to come to terms with peace.

CitiVibe (The Citizen) 10 July 2008

Author and publisher Chris Cocks is not your average book industry suit. The tattoos on his arms and the content of his books Fireforce and Out Of Action recall his time as a soldier in the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), a part of his life likely to still have repercussions far into the future. "I went to do my national service in 1976, for one year," says Cocks. "A few months in, the period was changed to 18 months, which messed up my varsity plans, so I signed up with the RLI for three years." Out Of Action picks up the story from 1979 onwards. It's broken up into two parts - "War" and "Peace", and covers the 15 months from there until Zimbabwe's independence. Cocks remembers having doubts about what he did for a living, and quotes the oft-heard soldier's line about staying in the army because of his bond with the men next to him on the battlefield. But he offers a new perspective, too. "You become part of a larger peer group. If you decide to jump ship, your family will suffer as a result of the stigma attached to that," he says. So he stayed involved, and suffered many of the hardships that face many soldiers outside of a war zone. "The army breaks you down completely in order to build you back up the way they want you to be," he says. "When the war is over, there's no 'decompression' period, so alcohol, drugs and abuse become problems because there is no other outlet for that aggression." Cocks himself endured considerations of suicide as he tried to be "normal". In the newly independent Zimbabwe, he had suddenly become a second-class citizen, unable to get a job and constantly yearning for times past. He survived, but Out Of Action includes the stories of those men he knew who weren't as lucky - or resolute. "They were victims of war as well. They just weren't recorded on the roll of honour," he says. Cocks, although he's now on his third marriage, is confident that he won't follow them down that road. "I've taken responsibility for myself," he says. "I don't blame lan Smith, the war or Mugabe. I need to keep working on myself for the sake of my own sanity." He's brutally honest about the process involved getting back on even keel. "To have a normal relationship, I've had to strip everything away -the arrogance, bitterness and hatred," says Cocks. "I've adapted the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step programme to my own situation."It doesn't matter what the addiction was: I needed to fix what they call 'defects of character'. That involved total honesty with myself, and then a rebuilding process." For Cocks, this process, though difficult, has obviously had its rewards, and it's the same with his books: you can't expect an easy ride, but you'll have a thought-provoking, moving journey

GW, Magnum Magazine November 2008

".it is a story of hope, of a man's triumph over his own demons. It will be of interest to anyone who lived through Rhodesia's war and transformation, as well as military history enthusiasts and collectors of Rhodesiana."

African Armed Forces Journal July 2008

Chris Cocks has done rather better in the decade since the publishing of Survival Course, reviewed on these pages in March 2000, in 1999. That book recounted his first 15 years after leaving the Rhodesian Light Infantry as a lance corporal and setting out to discover himself. The tale of his time in the RLI (1976 to January 1979) was told in Fireforce published by Galago in 1988, then and now an excellent read. Out of Action, the book under discussion is a reprint of Survival Course, first published by Covos Day, the publishing house associated with former Selous Scouts commander Ron Reid Daly. This time Cocks published under his own imprint, 30° South Publishers, in Newlands, Johannesburg, where the reviewer earlier this year met the author. Cocks is frankly an impressive man who runs a tidy office from his home. He has of late published a number of readable titles, including Kenya Cowboy and Delta Scout and has authored a third book, a regimental history of the RLI. Out of Action recounts a less pleasant part of Cocks' life, his years after leaving the RLI. After demobbing in January 1979 aged 21 he and his first wife, Carol, move to Middle Sabi where he is to be a government farm manager. He has no experience or training in farming. But he is a former soldier and this is good enough to get him his night job as a Police Anti-Terrorist Unit leader. His PATU work with a smattering of family and pub life form the bulk of the book, which is much better illustrated than Survival Course. Re-reading the book - the reviewer also reviewed the original incarnation of this work - one is struck with wonder that Rhodesia lasted as long as it did, considering the price that lan Smith asked of her people to perpetuate white rule a bare handful of years. Cocks does not ask or answer if the sacrifice was worth it, at least not explicitly. It is clear however, that he does not think so. The remainder of the book, the lesser part, is devoted to him failing at a series of other civilian jobs, making a mess of that first marriage and of his own life, in part driven by his own demons and in part egged on by drink and drugs. It is a depressing tale. But even so, it offers hope. We know that Cocks has since made good and has likely sought to make amends. He is a fortunate man. Meanwhile, Out of Action, like Survival Course, stands as a cautionary tale. US Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman was indeed right: War is hell. And sometimes, so is peace.

Pathfinder company 44 Parachute Brigade

Little known or written about before this history, Pathfinder Company of 44 Parachute Brigade owed its brief existence to one man, Colonel Jan Breytenbach, who provides an illuminating foreword to the book. Formed in early 1980 as a direct result of lessons learned in the airborne assault on Cassinga in May 1978, this unusual Company was comprised exclusively of highly trained and skilled regular soldiers, mostly recruited from foreign militaries in the recently defunct Rhodesia, as well as Britain, the United States of America and even New Zealand and Australia. Their function was to be dropped in advance of any main airborne assault to assist in the rapid and successful deployment of that force when the latter arrived at a given target, something that had not taken place at Cassinga and had almost led to disaster on the ground. The author of this unit history served in both British and Rhodesian military forces, before throwing his lot in with the South African Defence Force and becoming a member of Pathfinder Company upon its formation. In his own languid and understated style, he describes the formation of the unit, their training in South Africa and then subsequent operational deployment and finally disbandment in late 1981. Drawing upon not only his own experiences, but those of a number of his fellow pathfinders, he has written an excellent if somewhat short history of their trials and triumphs, nicely rounded out with one of the best personal photographic collections this reviewer has seen yet in any SADF related publication. Images in fact are perhaps the best feature of this large glossy publication, with the latter dominating many pages and mostly in full colour, although black-and-white images are included too. Many of these photographs are not for the faint of stomach either, as they show dead insurgents and smashed vehicles and buildings in all their vivid detail, and are not the sanitised images so often seen from official sources. This is to be welcomed as it gives a far more honest depiction of war, and the ultimate cost paid by some when it is fought, be they enemy or friend. There are also many useful colour maps showing details of the areas described in the text, as well as the areas in which Pathfinder Company fought or served. A glossary of terms and an appendix of Al J. Venter photographs taken during the attack on a SWAPO camp near Cuamato during Operation Protea are also included. The history is neatly divided into sections which make the whole easy to follow. For example, section 1 - Formation, is subdivided into commentaries on conditions prevailing in Southern Africa in 1980 and then recruitment and the formation of the unit, whilst subsequent sections detail conditions and experiences at the training camps, during operational deployment into South West Africa and Angola, in Operation Protea, and post-Operation deployments leading up to the unit's disbandment. All aspects are covered too, and what I found very interesting were the personal recollections by a number of fellow pathfinders that are included. The latter bring to life just what it was like for these foreign soldiers, how they had to adapt to a military that was essentially Afrikaans dominated and hostile in many cases to them and their unit, for no good reason other than they were uitlanders it would seem. Misused and reduced at times to conducting patrols in out-of-the-way places, they nonetheless acquitted themselves well, inflicting losses on the enemy and suffering a few casualties themselves, one of whom was the author. Earning their nickname from their somewhat irreverent attitude to spit and polish soldiering in the operational area, the latter is something that comes through in many of the pathfinders' personal accounts; their frustration at the treatment of both themselves and of the National Servicemen on operational deployment by a handful of senior officers in the operational area, and the resentment shown to them by the latter. Upon Col Breytenbach being reassigned, their unit was promptly returned to South Africa and then disbanded, its members either reassigned to 32 Battalion in some cases, or mostly taking their leave when their contracts expired. Overall, this is a well thought out and written history of a unit perhaps un-appreciated by senior SADF officers who should have known better, and a very interesting insight into the men who served with Pathfinder Company. If I have any criticism it is that the author has understated much of what he has written, and he could have perhaps gone into more detail, as this is one reviewer that would have enjoyed reading more. Highly recommended. Peter Chapman.

Garth Johnstone, The Ridge/ the Crest

"It was an honour to have faced incoming lead with them," says talismani leader Col Jan Breytenbach, who was instrumental in forming the eclectic Pathfinder Company. It was a rag-tag collection of special forces type troops assembled from a league of nations but which fought for South Africa's cause during the struggle on the South West Africa/ Botswana border in the 1980s. Their chief task was deep penetration reconnaissance to inform crack of SA troops of the strategic deployment of the enemy and where their strengths and weaknesses lay. The Pathfinders, mainly ex Selous Scouts, but also including British, USA and Australasian recruits, tended to do things their own (often unsentimental) way, and many weeks of rough bush living rendered their appearance a tad alarming.thus their nickname, the Philistines. They were battle-hardened soldiers who'd volunteered for cash and adventure, and were not keen on sitting cleaning gear and marching around the parade ground. Author Graham Gillmore faithfully tells of their adventure, victories, frustrations and disappointments. The blow by blow account will, ofcourse, make riveting reading for those who were there or served on the border at the time.

Msasa Mail

"It was an honor to have faced incoming lead together with them." Thus wrote Col Jan Breytenbach, possibly South Africa's most decorated soldier of the apartheid era, referring to the men who served with the Pathfinder Company of the SADF's 44 Parachute Brigade. Graham Gillmore was Signals Troop Sergeant in Support Commando 1RLI before joining the SADF. His book is about the operational experiences of men in the Pathfinder Company, many of whom were former members of Rhodesian Army units. In his foreword to the book, Jan Breytenbach - the first commander of 44 Parachute Brigade - wrote: "Suddenly a number of former Rhodesian soldiers were left without a job (when the monstrous misfit, Robert Mugabe, took over from Bishop Abel Muzorewa).and with nowhere to go I grasped the opportunity to use this splendid reservoir of combat-experienced operators to fill.the pathfinder company, with combat-experienced former members from the RLI, the Selous Scouts and the A.S.A." It could be said that the pathfinders were South Africa's foreign legion. Their combat experience gained in Rhodesia made them ideally suited to operate in an armed reconnaissance role beyond South Africa's borders.

AlienFTM, Arsse

Throughout the Cold War and through to today, copious histories of the Second World War were available. During the Cold War, paranoia became the norm as each side expected the other to have a spy around every corner, hoping to glean that tiny bean of intelligence that would give one side into a radioactive titans or a race to turn the other side into a radioactive hell. Nothing ever came out from behind the Iron Curtain and the Ministry of Defence maintained a permanent blanket ban on any information coming out from this side. Then the Iron Curtain came down and, following the Bravo Two debacle, suddenly military personal histories are big again. With the threat of instant nuclear Armageddon lifted, the world suddenly became a far more dangerous place as wars erupted in Europe and the Middle East and tales of soldiers' personal wars became a ten-a-penny. If you wanted any sort of history from the Cold War years, you might look at the French Foreign Legion and their operations in South East Asia and North and Central Africa or the Americans in Vietnam, but realistically, there is a big Military History hole between 1945 and 1990. I was asked if I'd like to review a book called Pathfinder Company. I assumed it was yet another story from either Iraq or Afghanistan on the 21st Century and while I was quite happy to take it away on holiday and go through the motions, I didn't expect to be any different from a large number of similar books. The book arrived and I was immediately struck by a picture which showed a pair of squaddies with the ubiquitous 1970s "Porno Tash" moustache as worn by so many squaddies of the age, haircuts to match and sunglasses of similar vintage. I realized that the book's full title was Pathfinder Company, 44 Parachute Brigade - the Philistines. I'll not claim to be intimate with all formations of the British Army, either current or historic, but I had never heard of this bunch and my interest had been tweaked. Turning to the back cover, I found a Colonel describing events in south West Africa in 1978 and how a battalion-sized parachute drop had exceeded all expectations while demonstrating how a lack of specialist Pathfinder skills might have led to disaster. Clearly all of my preconceptions about the book were wrong. The book's author is listed as Graham Gilmore, a former Grenadier Guardsman, but as he freely tells the reader, the book relies on the stories of a long list of names. The book is summarized thus on the back cover: 44 Parachute Bridage was formed [late in 1978], with the need for a specialist Pathfinder Company patently clear. Into the ranks came professional veterans from the UK, USA, Australasia, Rhodesia and elsewhere, from such Special Forces units as the SAS, Selous Scouts and the RLI. "This is their book, a collection of stories about the founding and deployment of a unit of 'Foreign Legionnaires' from different parts of the world who became welded together into a remarkable combat unit, unsurpassed by any other South African Defence Force unit in their positive and aggressive approach to battle." The book's chapters describe six periods in the history of the unit: 1. Formation of the Pathfinder company in Southern Africa in 1980 out of the death throes of Rhodesia and recruitment.
2. Acquisition of a motley collection of vehicles which they promptly equipped in the manner of SAS Pink Panther Land Rovers. The Brigadier's dislike of the unit and his struggle to keep the "band of buccaneers" out of sight and out of mind.
3. A home base found bear Pretoria for the company, but the peace-time soldiery did not sit well with qualified pathfinders doing duty in the kitchen. The company expands and improves its vehicle collection.
4. The company goes on operations in South West Africa (now Namibia) and Angola.
5. Operation Protea "to smash the Soviet-supplied radar and air defences" to help "end permanently [the threat of Cuban troops and Warsaw Pact advisors] to the border" between Angola and South West Africa.
6. Operations post-Protea and disbandment of a unit of Philistine (hence the nickname) foreign mercenaries within and disliked by a regular parachute brigade.

The book is unlike any other military history I have read. This is in part to do with the nature of the unit, a band of seriously experienced soldiers of fortune absorbed largely from outcasts from an overthrown regime as Rhodesia became Zimbabwe with a regular army. You might liken the unit to something from the French Foreign Legion, but in fact, these men all brought their experience with them and there was no need to turn them into basic soldiers. Virtually every page of the book is festooned with pictures, which means that the whole book is printed on glossy paper. The format is reminiscent of books made up from glossy week-by-week magazines saved in folders, more so because when interstitial information is provided, rather than interrupt the flow of the narrative, it is boxed into a margin of the page. All in all, the book is an easy read, giving a good insight into life in a combat unit which pent its existence defending the country that raised it. The action is fast-paced and leaves nothing to the image of counter-guerrilla combat, liberally illustrated by photos, many taken during the combat described. To sum up. If you are fed up of reading yet another recent story from the front line in Iraq or Afghanistan, this book is entirely worthy of a place on your shelf.

African Armed Forces Journal

Pathfinder Company: The Philistines by Graham Gilmore is an account of the South African Defence Force's (SADF) attempt to create a Permanent Force (PF) pathfinder company to, among other things, perform this specific task for the SADF's airborne forces. The nucleus of a pathfinder unit had already been put in place in 1976 when a small group of free-fall qualified DZ safety officers were identified to perform the function. Further training, however, saw various members of this ad hoc group transfer to Special Forces with the result that a Pathfinder Company, able to function in the way that National Service Pathfinder Companies would be able to in the mid 1980s, did not exist. Two years later in 1978, Operation Reindeer- the air assault on Cassinga- exposed the SADF to the serious limitations faced by an airborne force when conducting a parachute assault without the benefit of accurately marked DZs. In this particular case the planners had worked from incorrectly scaled photographs resulting in the DZs being too short to accommodate the C-130s and C-160s. In light of this, and the fact that the SADFs airborne capability had been expanded to Brigade level, Col Jan Breytenbach set himself the task of creating a company of Pathfinders able to fulfill the function for the recently formed 44 Parachute Brigade. In the book's foreword Col Breytenbach writes that he used an order from Gen Viljoen to create an "anti-hostage squad" as the "gap to start recruiting for. [a] pathfinder company". The story of this initial Pathfinder Company, recruited from veterans of various military organizations but with the majority coming from Rhodesia, is the subject of Gilmore's book. It must be remembered that this group, often referred to (by themselves) as "The Philistines", had nothing to do with the national service pathfinder companies created in the wake of their disbandment in January 1982. While some accounts of "The Philistines" have emerged over the years in press and the media, most natably Peter McAleese's description of the unit featured in his autobiography No Mean Soldier (1993) and Graham Gilmore's article Bush Pathfinders, published in the Orbis partwork The Elite (1986), this is the first attempt to address the unit's history in a single volume. As such, it should prove a welcome addition to anyone interested in the history of both the Bush War and the SADF. The book itself is divided into six sections, the first of which deals with the recruitment and formation of the unit. What immediately strikes the reader is the diverse backgrounds and military experience of many of the recruits. With a healthy sprinkling of Rhodesians, such as Dennis Croukamp, a Bronze Cross of Rhodesia (BCR) holder who had served both with the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI) and the Selous Scouts, and Peter McAleese, a former British and Rhodesian SAS veteran, the fledgling unit had a solid reservoir of combat experience upon which to draw. Under the auspices of McAleese, the initial selection for the unit took place in the Drakensberg and followed the lines of the old Rhodesian SAS selection. Included in this opening chapter is an account of their first operational deployment which includes both employing a disguised Land Rover "Q-Car", (undoubtedly a reference to WWI "Q ships", armed vessels disguised to look like defenceless freighters ansd so attract) as well as fully fledged ground assault on a Peoples Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) base in Angola. The next chapter discusses their move to Murray Hill just outside Pretoria and the company's assimilation into South African military culture as well as the development of the Sabre Vehicles - heavily armed, highly mobile light vehicles, usually modified Land Cruisers and Land Rovers - that were to become their hallmark. The Sabre vehicles were unfortunately neither armoured nor mine-protected making their occupants exceedingly vulnerable to landmines as the author was to discover. The ensuing three chapters then go on to deal with the Company's operational record. Operations varied greatly, often consisting of Sabre (vehicle mounted) operations, such as the insertion of a 32 Battalion reconnaissance team under Willem Ratte into Angola, interspersed with long periods of patrolling, either on foot inside Angola or in the Etosh Pan mounted on Buffels. Judging by the author's comments there were frequent periods of tension between the unit and the military hierarchy. The discussion between CSM Croukamp and Brig Badenhorst concerning the lack of discipline in the unit, real or perceived, did not auger well for the Company's future. Neither did the solution of deploying the Company in Angola on a semi-permanent basis. It gives one the impression that, rather than dealing with the issues, both sides simply wanted to wash their hands of the other. The remaining two chapters deal with Operations Protea and Daisy as well as the Company's final disbandment in early 1982. One of the strongest features of the book is its photographs, most of which are in colour and many of which have not been seen before. The book is worth its price for this alone.

Philip Garbett, the Rhosarian

There can surely be few modern (post-1948) Rhodesians whose lives were not in some way affected by' PK' and his works: this well-researched historical memoir will substantiate that. The author chronicles the European and Cape ancestry of the van der Byl family and traces it forward to the Rhodesias of the 20th century. Pieter Kenyon was born on his father's estate among the anglophile 'aristocracy' and visiting royalty on 11 November 1923 - two dates significant in Rhodesian history! He first went to Southern Rhodesia on an elephant-hunt at the age of 13. Thus began his' love affair with Rhodesia and big game hunting'. A somewhat chequered education at Rondebosch, Cambridge and Harvard, was followed in 1942 by wartime military service in South Africa, Egypt and with the British Army 7lh Hussars as a subaltern to occupied Italy. It was there that his characteristic accent and mode of speech emerged: "the second World War was the best part of my life". All these experiences served to shape the future public (and private) figure and he thereafter 'decided to make the family fortune out of tobacco in Rhodesia', and emigrated there in 1951. Like many before him, that fortune was not made, and so PK turned on a tobacco tickey to first local, then national politics, joining the Rhodesian Front as 32 founder-member in 1962 amidst African turmoil. Thus began the career of one of Rhodesia's most controversial and confrontational politicians. MP for Hartley, Parliamentary secretary to Clifford Dupont, (Deputy) Minister of Information Immigration & Tourism ("a skilled propagandist who believed in his own propaganda" wrote The Times). Minister of Foreign Affairs (sanctions-buster extraordinary, deal-maker, 'secret emissary') Minister of Defence ("like no other we had seen before. He was determined to be directly involved.") until 1 976, when relieved by lan Smith, whose right-hand man he had become, and whom he loyally supported until 1987 when the 'white seats' in the Zimbabwe National Assembly were abolished by Robert Mugabe' s ZANU PF regime. PK has been described as an extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour, a "provocateur, contrarian and eccentric" ... even "a glorious ruin "! Surely somebody who became more Rhodesian than the Rhodesians. But perhaps his ultimate accolade is to be found in the sub-title of this book ... Pieter Kenyon Fleming Voltelen van der Byl died in exile in the Western Cape on 15 November 1999 aged 76 and was buried on the family estate at Fairfield

Leon Engelbrecht, defenceWeb

"PK van der Byl, african statesman" is both very funny and quite sad. Humorous in that by all accounts Pieter Kenyon Fleming-Voltelyn van der Byl, known universally as "PK", was an "extremely colourful character with a devilish sense of humour." Tragic in that this arch supporter of Ian Smith and the November 11, 1965 Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) opposed Britain and South Africa's efforts to hand the country to Marxist nationalists, fearing that disaster would follow. And it did. PK was a bon vivant - "when the work was done he knew how to misbehave" - but also quite blunt and the publishers warn that even this biography "is likely to give offence to some because it portrays him as bluntly as he was in real life." The reviewer agrees. They add his "very nature was controversial and confrontational." The British 'The Times' newspaper called this a "man calculated to give offence" - at least to the British. But was that because he stood up tothem? Because he did not go gently into that good night Britain was determined to send Rhodesia into? Van der Byl was born in 1923 in Cape Town to Major Piet van der Byl, a minister in Jan Smuts' wartime government. PK himself served in the Union Defence Force before transferring to the British Army and receiving a commission in the 7th Queen's Own Hussars in which he served in Italy and Austria. He moved to the then-Southern Rhodesia in 1950 and quickly moved into Politics. By 1964 he was deputy minister of information and in 1968 he was promoted to minister of information, immigration and tourism, a post he held until 1974 when he became minister of defence and foreign affairs. He held the former post until 1979 but lost the defence portfolio in 1976 due to South African pressure: the latter's Prime Minister John Vorster detested him and it appears the ill-feeling was mutual. After losing defence, he retained foreign affairs and gained the public service ministry. In 1977 he regained information, immigration and tourism in addition to what he already had, though in 1978 he lost the public service job. In 1979 he was for a time transport and power minister. Wessels researched his subject well and the book is a good synthesis of interviews with PK 's brother William, his widow Princess Charlotte of Lichtenstein, his friend Lin Mehmel, former Selous Scouts officer commanding Ron Reid Daly, his secretary Marge Bassett and Ian Smith himself. There is no indication Wessels interviewed PK himself - he died in November 1999 - but he clearly had access to his records. He is no hagiographer, including much adverse comment, including that by British reporter Max Hastings, who thought PK "a sort of white caveman", a "grotesque parody of a Dornford Yates English gentleman, "appaling" and "dreadful." He certainly could be. In 1968 or 1969 he was quoted saying: "I have never met a woman with an original idea in her head," adding "no woman could do may job because she would have to command a large staff of senior men who would object and I would agree with them entirely." Wessels says PK's subsequent non-appearance at a dinner of the Business and Professional Women's Club was duly noted by the Rhodesia Herald: "He had been called away to the comparatively safe task of tracking a wounded buffalo," the paper reported... Indeed! Harold Wilson called him "this very competent brainwasher". PK responded that "Mr Wilson must realise we cannot be brought down by sanctions, but nevertheless this dangerous little man,whose conceit matches his arrogance, is still determined to try an crush us." But why? From Wessels' account it seems various British administrations were determined to punish Rhodesia for defying the crown. This accounted for the spite and malice, duplicity and lies in their dealings with Salisbury. Vorster was feeding the crocodile that was African nationalism in the 1970s, to him Rhodesia was a sacrifice to his idea of détente that he was quite willing to make. Van der Byl's defiance left him livid. Smith, at least, in the words of Henry Kissinger, took being sold up the river "like a true gentleman, "which made it worse."

David Mitchie PhD

I still have a vivid memory of a political meeting I attended back in 1979 at which PK presided. Although I was politically conscious from a young age, and had read all about him in The Herald, none of this prepared me for encountering him in person. He was unquestionably one of the most instantly charismatic people I've ever come across. When I saw you'd published a biography on him, I immediately ordered a copy and have spent the past few evenings reading it from cover to cover. Even though I realised it would ultimately be a painful story, whose ending we all know too well, I have been thoroughly enthralled by the book, and just wanted to say 'thank you' for publishing it. I certainly have a much clearer idea about where PK came from, why he was the way he was, and what happened to him after 1980. I really did find Hannes' book engrossing. It is certainly a significant new contribution to the documentation of Rhodesian history - thank you so much for publishing it.v

Aubrey Paton, Sunday Times

Notorious throughout Rhodesia for his compulsive womanizing, he cultivated what he imagined to be the languid drawl of the British aristocracy - earning himself the sobriquet The Piccadilly Dutchman at University - and antagonized apartheid politicians by referring to blacks as "munts": he was P K van der Byl. First minister of information and then of defence, "Tripod" did not marry until his late 50s because he enjoyed his bachelor lifestyle too much - huntin' (romantic conquests) shottin' (terrorists) and fishin' (for international supporters of the Smith regime). Controversial, charming, provocative and infuriating, PK is a fascinating character, byt by over-praising him Wessels does not do him justice. An invaluable cultural and political history.

Linda de Jager, producer/director of the M-Net TV series Grensoorlog

I would highly recommend anyone interested in the worldwide phenomenon of special forces to buy Recce. Fifteen years in the making, it claims to be the "definitive publication on the recces." The attention to detail in this book by Matthysen, Kalkwarf and Huxtable serves the aptitude of the special forces operator well. Often operating behind enemy lines and self-reliant, the devil for them was certainly in the detail. The book covers the origin of the South African Special Forces Brigade, awards and decorations and practically anything you can think of - from traditions to museums. My favourite chapter is "Tools of the Trade". It is painfully thorough with stunning detailed photographs, which are dotted throughout the other chapters. I miss, however, a detailed psychological perspective on the mindset of the operator. Was their ultimate "tool" not their warrioir attitude - the mind-over-matter principle? I would have enjoyed a chapter highlighting the imaginative, maverick qualities of many of those professional soldiers. This book will add value for the novice, the collector and the "outsider" looking in; not to forget the unique brotherhood of these men themselves. Those who served in South Africa's special forces are still respected worldwide for their special set of skills. The foreword by the late Major General FW Loots sets the tone of the sentiments expressed in this book: "Our special forces, although one of the youngest in the world, are by no means the least." I quote from the book Memory an Anthology: "The frail memory of man slips away and the written record always restores memory." Recce restores memory. I am always humbled when remembering that it "is blood that watered the freedom" of Namibia, to quote from the national anthem of the country of my birth.

Leon Engelbrecht, defenceWeb

The just-released "A Collector's Guide to the history of the South African Special Forces" is essential for anyone with an interest in the South African National Defence Force's unconventional troops. It is by a margin the best illustrated work yet produced on the South African Special Forces, old and new, with exhaustive detail on insignia, proficiency badges, uniforms, equipment an much else. The artwork and photography is spectacular and the captions topical and educational. The access the authors had to the Special Forces impresses in particular and this book is certainly the most up-to-date (current to October 2010) brought to print. The Special Forces has been careful to stand in the shadows since 1994, making this book a breakthrough in terms of detail on the post-1994 organisation. We South Africans have much to be proud of. From a more historical perspective, "A Collector's Guide to the history of the South African Special Forces" is a very useful addition to Peter Stiff's "The Silent War" (Galago, Alberton, 1999) and Paul Els' "We Fear Naught but God" (Covos Day, Johannesburg, 2000).

Be the first to write a review

Bob Truda, Indwe September 2009

Now a symbol of the oppressive Apartheid regime, Robben Island was home to exiled prisoners as far back as 1525, and through the years has been used as a criminal and political prison; a 'hospital' for lepers and the criminally insane; and a military base. A visit nowadays is much less daunting and includes the ferry trip from Cape Town, as well as tours of the island and the prison. "Pre-book your tickets online before you arrive," advises Fleminger. "That way you won't have to stand in the queues or run the risk of being turned away." He also recommends getting an outside seat on the ferry, as "the views of Table Bay are nearly as inspiring as the tour of the island itself"

Talking Travel Africa February 2007

Robben Island, the desolate island off the coast of Cape Town to which ex-President Nelson Mandela and his colleagues were sent, including an exclusive interview with Mtlakana Philemon Tefu who was incarcerated there for 21 years.

Garden Route Living Winter 2007

Since SA ratified the World Heritage Convention in 1997, seven biologically diverse and historically significant sites in South Africa have made it onto Unesco's prestigious World Heritage Site List. In an extraordinary tribute to these sites, a series of informative pocket guides has been published. It comes as no surprise that our prized Cape Floral Region (CFR) measured up to the criteria needed to be listed. With an astounding 9 600 species, it is the richest of the world's six floral kingdoms. In addition, about 6 500 of these botanical beauties occur nowhere else on Earth. Eight regions, fragmented across the Cape, are now protected under the CFR umbrella which the United Nations deemed valuable enough to "identify, promote and protect... for the entire world citizenry". These designated areas - Table Mountain, Groot Winterhoek, Cederberg, Boland, De Hoop, Boosmansbos, Swartberg and the Baviaanskloof - contain exceptional richness of species and high degrees of endemism. Packed full of useful info, including tourist listings, maps and colour photos, this guide is the perfect travel companion for those even remotely interested in our floristic heritage.

Model Art – Aug – Sep 2013 Review: Africa @ War Volume 8:  SAAF’s Border War – The South Africa Air Force in Combat, 1966 -1989 by Peter Baxter

If, like me, the majority of readers out there have little, or no knowledge of the operations of the South African Air Force, particularly on their home continent, then you may find this title fascinating. I know I did. This particular title which is listed as Africa@War Volume 8, so there are seven previous titles in this series detailing these conflicts within the continent of South Africa in general, deals specifically with the operations of the South African Air Force against the spread of communism throughout the region via the local agencies such as the Cuban military, the Angolan based FAPLA (The People’s Armed Forces for Liberation of Angola) and Namibia’s SWAPO (South West African People’s Organisation), amongst others during the Cold War years. Early chapters provide an overview of the political background of the time against which these operations were conducted as well as a detailed background of the South African Air Force itself, its units and its equipment. Later chapters provide detailed accounts of the various conflicts, the SAAF squadrons and personnel involved and the roles undertaken by SAAF squadrons during these operations. The commentary is factual but still very readable without being flowery. This is a measure of the extensive research undertaken by the author. The book is profusely illustrated with large selection of period black and white images, all informatively captioned, depicting personnel, aircraft, locations and even some images taken during the battles themselves. These are enhanced by the inclusion of a number of maps, drawings illustrating battle tactics and a comprehensive glossary of terms. But the coup de grace, particularly for modellers, is the 16 page colour spread in the centre of the book featuring colour photos and camouflage and marking profiles of the major SAAF aircraft types complete with full colour details. This title will appeal to historians and modellers alike, particularly as there has been little written about these operations, and indeed about the activities of the SAAF in general, in the past.

Reviewer: Russell A. Burgos, Ph.D. teaches at the International Institute, University of California, Los Angeles USA.

I wanted to take a moment and commend you for the Africa @ War series. I am a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and one of my areas of research and teaching is conflict in the developing world. Ideally, someone will write a strategic-level analysis of warfare in post-colonial Africa, but I do believe these campaign histories and tactical histories have much to teach us, and I've been finding them especially useful in fleshing out my understanding of the scope and shape of conflict in Africa since the 1960s. Keep up the good work. Best regards Russell A. Burgos

Selous Scouts Written by Leon Engelbrecht - Defenceweb Saturday, 25 February 2012

"Selous Scouts" is the fourth in a new series on African conflict, "Africa @ War" and unlike the other three volumes in the series that look at specific operations, focuses on a unit, the Rhodesian Selous Scouts regiment. "There can be no doubt that the Selous Scouts Regiment fast-tracked into legend", writers author Peter Baxter, "and in doing so drew attention to itself in a manner most unbecoming of a covert reconnaissance unit in the in the special forces stable of any army. In fact, in the words of British historian and journalist David Caute, commenting in his 1983 book "Under the Skin", about the decline of white Rhodesia, the Selous Scouts were "upstarts in a hurry to describe themselves as legendary." Baxter replies that the Selous Scouts "were an elite regiment, and bearing in mind that the legend has survived three decades beyond the existence of a regiment that was operational for a mere six years, there can be few who could effective argue against that." Baxter argues that the principal weakness of the Rhodesian army and security system in general was its limited size. The response was the "fire force", a formidable combination of air and ground forces that could close with, and destroy guerilla groups. The rub was finding them. This would be the task of the Scouts. "The successful symbiosis of the Selous Scouts and Fireforce was undeniable, and remained in deadly use until the war ended. In simple terms, a Selous Scouts call-sign would be deployed covertly . after which the team would move either to an observation post, normally situated on high ground, or into an insurgent operational area posing as an incoming [guerilla] group". A fascinating primer for those interested in counter-guerilla warfare and the Scouts.

Review in: Gorilla Journal 42, June 2011 Editor: Dr. Angela Meder Stuttgart, Germany

Tamar Ron, the biologist who has been working on the conservation of the Maiombe Forest, and Tamar Golan, the first Israelian ambassador in Angola, wrote a book on their experiences in this difficult and exciting country. The fascinating stories of each author are printed in a certain type, and the different themes they cover comple ment each other very nicely.

Reviewer: Russell A. Burgos, Ph.D. teaches at the International Institute, University of California, Los Angeles USA.

I wanted to take a moment and commend you for the Africa @ War series. I am a political scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, and one of my areas of research and teaching is conflict in the developing world. Ideally, someone will write a strategic-level analysis of warfare in post-colonial Africa, but I do believe these campaign histories and tactical histories have much to teach us, and I've been finding them especially useful in fleshing out my understanding of the scope and shape of conflict in Africa since the 1960s. Keep up the good work. Best regards Russell A. Burgos

Just got a new book by Sisingi Kamongo called, "Shadows in the Sand: A koevoet Trackers Story of and insurgency War"

The book is about 300 pages long and has a chronological arrangement of a combat trackers story over 6 years in the 80's in a bush war between angola and south africa. I just got it on amazon and it looks like a good read. about 30 pages of pictures mostly of tracker lines, vehicles for bush wars, trackers and such, but plenty of discussion about the war as well. half the pictures are in color. topic covered include charge tactics, tracking tactics, and a trackers view of politics. I have not read it, but looks good. for those interested in combat tracking looks like a good read. Apparently the Koevoet was a special tracking unit on the front lines in this bush war, but I know little about it. Any history on these? 10/22/2011 10:48:20 AM so I have read little of the book, maybe 50 pages. Its an interesting backdrop, with communist forces during the cold war in namibia and surrounding countries and a noncommunist, segregated south africa. The south african police and the military dont get along, whites command blacks at that time, but blacks have the most experience and are the trackers. Trackers are always men pulled from the veld, or maybe some bushmen hunter/gatherers. most have grown up tracking to keep track of cattle and are constantly on sand. They cut for sign or get tips from villagers and as part of a larger combat tracking team, track for 2 weeks and hunt communists. the black trackers are armed with old guns, and like after busting a covey of quail, they hunts small groups and singles. they employ signcutting with vehicles, maybe several hundred or more yards at a time.They use combat tracking vehicles designed for sthe bush call cassirs I believe, much like some of our anti-personel mineresistant vehicles and have them mounted with 30 callibers. The book is not well written, in a choppy, not first language style, but it is not hard to read and not wordy. Lots of descriptions by the tracker with lots of details about names, times, who was there, and such that is not necessary, but adds validity to it. I can recommend it so far, it is a real novel read. I like all the tracking references and especially tactics.

10/30/2011 2:56:51 PM

Finally finished the book. Apparently it was translated into afrikans as well as english, which may explain the choppiness, but on the whole a worthwhile book. I learned that combat tracking in africa took place all over africa, not just where david scott donelan lived in rhodesia. the communist crap that went on during the cold war went on all over africa, and on many fronts. all over africa, indigenous trackers were used to track communists and promised many things for tracking. most got screwed and then when they returned to theeir people were frequenly persecuted by the former communists. sad really, but real effective, due to low tech, good substrate, teams of trackers well trained from childhood and motivation. It really sounds like the way many north american indiginous were used in wars on this continent. I would love to see more of this, especially in africa where I have been, but stories about vietnam trackers, south american trackers, middle east trackers and the like. the techniques werent a plentiful as I would have liked.

African Armed Forces Journal - August 2011 Shadows in the Sand, the book under review, gets its title from the tell-tale signs of disturbed earth searched for by trackers in their pursuit of PLAN insurgents. This brings us to one of the most important elements in Koevoet's success, its tracking capability. Locals brought up herding and tracking lost livestock, as well as hunting, were past masters of this subtle art. They formed the nucleus of Koevoet's success. Shadows in the Sand is a personal account by one of these skilled sign readers, Sisingi Kamongo. A six year veteran of Koevoet, Kamongo served in the unit for roughly half of its twelve year existence. His story is typical of most local Koevoet constables. Unlike his white South African Police counterpart who was able to rotate back to South Africa, the South West African Police Counter Insurgency (SWAPOCOIN) constable was in it for the duration, or until he was killed or resigned. The upshot was that many of these constables developed a wealth of operational experience, often in excess of the white counterparts. Kamongo, for example, was a veteran of some fifty fire fights. During this period he was also involved in at least three POM Z detonations. POM Zs were a favourite PLAN weapon. When being pursued by Koevoet trackers running in front of their Casspirs, PLAN insurgents would often set up a POM Z. A POM Z was a stake mounted anti personal mine detonated by means of a trip wire. A skilled insurgent would set one up quickly hoping to either kill or maim an unwary tracker and thereby slow the pursuit to buy him enough time to escape by anti-tracking. There was also the ever present danger of an ambush. Kamongo recounts how he survived an incident in which his Casspir was hit by an RPG 7 projectile, killing the car commander Naas van Zyl instantly, and severely wounding the driver. Quick thinking by a fellow constable, Josef Bernabe, saved the situation. An intriguing aspect of Kamongo's account is the insight he offers on the conflict as a Kavango, a local, who fought on the losing side. The grudging respect he has for the PLAN insurgents is noteworthy as are his criticisms of certain practices. In particular he mentions what he refers to as the "grey area" of southern Angola. While all deaths in South West Africa had to be reported, those in Angola did not. Kamongo recounts how a wounded insurgent captured north of the cutline and suspected of withholding information, was shot out of hand despite their objections. Shadows in the Sand is a remarkable book that offers us a rare insight into the mindset of a Koevoet tracker. For that alone it is worth its price. This reviewer, for one, would like to see more books of this nature. One reservation, however, is the unsuitable choice of the cover photograph. It would appear that whoever decided on it, did not think the matter through.

Leon Engelbrecht - defenceWeb

"In 2010 I heard that someone was willing to write our story. I knew I had the ability to write down my feelings and experiences, so I started to put them to paper. . It was only when I wrote them down that I began to realise what a remarkable life I'd had, because of one factor: my ability to analyse shadows in the sand."So writes former South-west Africa Police (SWAPOL) sergeant Sisingi Kamongo in Shadows in the Sand - A Koevoet tracker's story of an insurgency war, co-written with another former "Koevoet" (crowbar), Leon Bezuidenhout. Kamongo, now wheelchair bound and in self-imposed exile in South Africa, grew up in the Kavango region of Namibia, joining the police in 1984. Assigned to the police counterinsurgency unit best known as "Koevoet", Kamongo would quickly become an intimate of combat, which would continue until war's end in 1989.

Shadows in the Sand is simply written - and thus powerfully eloquent. "To anyone who thought this was an idyllic, low-key affair in a far-off African land, I can tell them the opposite. Do you know the sweet, coppery smell of blood? It is a smell that you never forget. The blood of a human smells differently from other creatures - it is the smell of a soul. If you have smelt it once you will never forget it. Do you know what the intestines of a man smell like when he has been shot to pieces? And how quickly the bloated blue flies come to feast?" Kamongo would eventually take part in some 50 or so "contacts" with People's Liberation Army of Namibia guerillas, surviving five anti-personnel mine explosions and a rocket propelled grenade attack on his Casspir MRAP vehicle. He was wounded three times, spending a total of a year in hospital recovering from his injuries - unpaid. Shadows in the Sand is well worth the reading

Jeanette Ferreira - Rapport 03.09.2011 Dr. Jeanette Ferreira is 'n skrywer en redakteur.

'Dit was 'n broederoorlog' "Jy is jonk. Jy moet versigtig wees. Baie van hierdie manne rondom ons sal nie alles deursien nie." Bokant ons het 'n gunship gedans, gespeel soos 'n jong arend. Ek het nie verstaan wat hierdie man vir my probeer sê het nie. Maar dit sou profetiese woorde word in die lewe van Sisingi Kamongo, 'n Kavango wat tydens die Grensoorlog lid was van Koevoet, die elite- Suid Afrikaanse Polisie- teen-terrorisme-eenheid, gedurende die Suidwes-Afrika-Angola-Bosoorlog in die 1980's. (Sy boek Skadus (sic) in die sand, uitgegee deur 30° South Publishers, het pas verskyn. Die Engelse weergawe het die titel Shadows in the Sand). Kamongo is gebore in 1965 in die landelike gebied van Ndonga Muramba in Kavangoland in die noorde van die destydse Suidwes-Afrika. Kamongo oorleef 'n POMZ-anti-personeelmyn, maar die skrapnel in sy rug kon nie verwyder word nie omdat dit te naby sy rugsenuwee is en die risiko dus te groot dat hy die gebruik van sy bene kon verloor. Die gevolg is dat sy bene in 2003 onder hom padgee. Vandag is hy rolstoelgebonde en leef van R1?000-ongeskiktheidspensioen per maand in Radium in Limpopo waar hy 'n gemeenskapsleier en sokkerafrigter is. "Ons het vir bitter min geld ons lewens [sic] op die spel geplaas. Die blankes het 'bos pay' gekry, maar ons swart lede moes sien kom klaar met 'n karige salaris," skryf hy. En bykomende "kopgeld" vir gevange of dooie insurgente. Tog was hy trots om deel te wees van hierdie eenheid: "Die olifante was voorwaar op pad water toe." Telkens is daar ook in Kamongo se weergawe die gebruiklike oorvereenvoudiging - en teenstellende opvattings - van die komplekse onderliggende motiewe wat tot die Grensoorlog gelei het. Hy verwys na die opposisie as "die kommuniste" wat hulle teengestaan het en "ons moes [...] betaal vir 'n stryd wat sy oorsprong ver in Moskou gehad het". Die ander kant daarvan is 'n ou man in 'n kraal naby Nkurunkuru wat sê die Kavangolede van Koevoet word beskou as moordenaars wat apartheid gesteun het. Retrospektief skryf Kamongo hulle "was vasgevang tussen die twee kante waarvan nie een van ons veel verstaan het nie" en dat hulle van politiek niks verstaan het nie. Elders moes 'n gevange insurgent hoor: "Wat weet jy as kommunis van die Bybel?" Sy antwoord was dat hy 'n wedergebore Christen is, waarop hy 'n tien minute lange gebed doen. Die betrokkene het later ook by Koevoet aangesluit. Groot dele van elke afdeling is saaklike uiteensettings van wapentuig, taktiek en kontaksituasies. Hierdie soort inligting sal insiggewend wees vir lesers wat nie die Grens beleef het nie, maar meer oor die oorlog te wete wil kom. Aan gewoon menslike waarnemings is daar egter genoeg vir die leser wat bereid is om daarna te soek; oomblikke wat nie lig vergeet kan word nie, en wel om uiteenlopende redes. By meer as een geleentheid pleeg 'n insurgent selfmoord ten einde nie in Koevoet se hande te val nie ("Wel, ons het probeer. Alweer (sic) kopgeld en ons hoef nie eens die skietwerk te gedoen het nie.") Sulke bloedlose sinisme is nie die uitsondering nie: "Het ons hulle geskiet vir geld? Tien rand vir elkeen in die span?" en "... ons het drie koppe om te tel". Kamongo gee ook toe ondervraging het soms die "perke oorskry". Daar is verwysings na 'n "elektriese opwekkertjie" en houe met 'n graaf op die gevangene se sitvlak. Hy voeg by dat gevangenes nie as gevolg hiervan gesterf het nie en ook nie uit helikopters gegooi is nie, want "helikopters was skaars en duur" en dit sou praktieser wees om die gevangene te skiet. Aan ligter oomblikke ontbreek dit weliswaar nie. In die hitte van die geveg draai 'n adjudant-offisier net op die regte oomblik sy kop. Skaars drie meter van hom af staan die dood in die vorm van 'n insurgent met 'n SKS-granaat. Toe doen die verskrikte man die enigste ding wat hy kon. "Sit neer daai fokken ding," bulder hy op die insurgent, "voor jy iemand seermaak! As ek hier afklim, donner ek jou dood!" Die twee fotoseksies bevat nie veel van waarde nie. Party foto's is so swak dat dit eintlik maar kon gebly het. 'n Duidelike foto van Kamongo ontbreek - wat seker verstaanbaar is omdat hy en sy Kavangomakkers nie by almal gewild was en steeds nie is nie. Maar een duidelike foto wat die bloed laat stol, en sekerlik van die vreesaanjaendste oomblikke vir 'n insurgent verteenwoordig het, is die toneel wanneer die spoorsnyers begin hardloop?.. Toegelig met Kamongo se verstommende vermoë om uit die geringste, onbedagsame tekentjie in 'n spoor tyd, plek en identiteit af te lei, kan mens aanneem hierdie spoorsnyers van Afrika was een van die SA offensief se mees gedugte wapens. Kamongo het met die hand sy verhale opgeteken in 'n skool¬oefeningboek met blou lyntjies. Sy Kavango-Afrikaans is volgens die inleiding "oorgesit in standaard Afrikaans (sic)". Maar dit is regtig nie Standaardafrikaans nie. Daar is nie kritiek te lewer op die taalversorging nie, want daar was geen taalversorging nie. Die titel bevat 'n spelfout, die bandteks "spog" met verskeie, en daar is 'n magdom op elke bladsy. Wat 'n klaaglike jammerte, en dit in so 'n uiters waardevolle boek. Kamongo se Kavango-Afrikaans sou eerder reg laat geskied het aan sy herinneringe. Hopelik vergoed Kamongo se laaste, waar woorde vir sy uitgewery se agtelosigheid: Die wêreld moet weet dat hierdie oorlog 'n broederoorlog was... Almal het gedink hulle het die goeie stryd gestry - en hulle was almal reg.

Michael Hartnack, Spectator

"Once in a lifetime comes a book which must force a total shift in the thinking person's perception of an epoch, and of all the prominent characters who featured in it . This is the best informed book that has yet been produced on Rhodesia-Zimbabwe"

Michael Hartnack (independent reviewer) March 2006

Researchers' bible on Rhodesian UDI crisis. Once in a lifetime comes a book which must force a total shift in the thinking person's perception of an epoch, and of all the prominent characters who featured in it. Such a publication was Alexander Solzhenitsyn's 1973 "Gulag Archipelago" which made liberal commentators such as the BBC's Alistair Cooke abandon their long-cherished view of the West's Second World War ally, Josef Stalin, as a "tough but fair" Soviet ruler. His record was as bad as Hitler's, admitted Cooke. After decades of meticulous research, Dr Richard Wood of the University of Durban Westville has produced a history of the fateful years 1959-1965 in the long Rhodesia-Zimbabwe crisis. It is not going to be possible for anyone, ever again, to write anything about the country, or any of the key personalities in the crisis, without detailed reference to it. Wood, formerly of the University of Rhodesia, has painstakingly combed through British cabinet minutes and Commonwealth Office records, now released for public consumption. His unprecedented access to the papers of the last Rhodesian prime minister, lan Smith, has not made him unduly subject to bias, though he is justly cynical of the "liberation historians" who have liberally applied whitewash or tried to create an aura of vainglory around the sordid deeds of Robert Mugabe and his associates these past 40 years. Attempts to equate Smith and Mugabe have been wildly overworked by contemporary writers anxious to appear non-racist and even-handed in their censures. The two men were, in reality, very different in personality, values, styles of rule and the "levers of power" at their political command. But anyone who has had dealings with Mugabe must be struck by this lament about Smith by former British High Commissioner to Rhodesia Sir Jack Johnston: "It was like banging ones head on a brick wall to try and break through the stubbornness and self righteousness of Smith's parochial arguments .. Smith made these arguments with the ardour of a zealot and met any challenge with a more emphatic assertion." This is so exactly how Mugabe browbeats anyone who dares to demur about his disastrous current policies. It is not, alas, an "easy read" either in style, or content, or presentation. The 500 page double-column volume looks like a high level text book, which is exactly what it is. The marvel is that its half-million words got into print at all - Wood's previous tome, "The Welensky Papers" (1984) required sponsorship by South Africa's Oppenheimer Foundation. He has further volumes 1965-70 and 1970-80 in preparation. They will be immensely welcome. Again and again Wood demonstrates inaccuracies and distortions in previous sources and memoirs, as well as exposing a wealth of new material. Space permits just one of innumerable revealing examples from his cross-examination of the British records. As prime minister, Alex Douglas-Home appalled his Commonwealth Office chiefs by telling lan Smith, then (Southern) Rhodesian Minister of Finance, at a meeting in London on October 31, 1963, "not only could Southern Rhodesia declare herself independent, but would be within her rights to do so." The Whitehall mandarins deliberately withheld the minutes from their Rhodesian colonial subjects. Douglas-Home, like Macmillan before him and Wilson after him, went on to temporise and prevaricate over dominion status for Southern Rhodesia, for fear of causing newly independent African states to walk out of the Commonwealth. It is clear from Wood's research that the aim of successive British Governments, at the instigation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, was to manoeuvre into power a regime acceptable to the Organisation of African Unity, regardless of its character. The respectability of "majority rule" was a figleaf to be abandoned with the first retreat of that regime from constitutional government. Effective power came to be vested in an even smaller minority than the 293 000 Rhodesian whites (of whom less than 30 000 are left in Mugabe's Zimbabwe today). The country's institutions fell into the hands of those who ignored their original social and economic purpose in the quest to make them a source of easy status and profit. British policy aimed to withhold a "diplomatic free lunch" in Africa from the Russians and the Chinese. More importantly, policy makers were motivated by the new national religion of "Commonwealthism" which was grafted onto the British collective psyche in place of lost pride in empire, said that cynical and sinister genius of British politics in the 1959-65 era, Enoch Powell. Without "Commonwealthism", the British upper classes would have faced a social revolution infinitely more drastic and menacing to themselves than the one that did take place in the wake of the 1956-57 Suez debacle (and the sudden demise of Britain as a great power). Conscription ended, then came The Pill and The Beatles. The sex scandal surrounding John Profumo, minister for the army, who has recently died aged 91, gave impetus to youth revolt and the birth of "The New Multi-Racial Multi-Cultural Britain". Having unilaterally dissolved the 1953-63 Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Whitehall and Westminster effectively turned Rhodesia into what it is today under the name of Zimbabwe: a satellite and protectorate of South Africa. In the circumstances - although they were of their own making - the British could not trust the Rhodesians to stay out of the evil ambit of apartheid if given full independence, any more than the Rhodesians trusted them not to impose a Black Nationalist regime that that would reduce them to living in Rhodesia on suffrance. Such had been the lot of racial and religious minorities to the north, from the Ugandan Asians to Zambia's Lumpa sect, Ethiopia's Falasha Jews and Malawi's Jehovah's Witnesses. The impasse was hopeless. It was just faintly possible that some supreme feat of statesmanship might have averted the tragedy that has continues to unfold in Zimbabwe. Perhaps -just perhaps - an American-style presidential system might have been introduced, with a black-white pair or triumvirate elected as running mates. Perhaps there might have been a system of proportional representation, favouring parties that had candidates drawn widely from different racial groups. Perhaps Rhodesia's long foretold demographic-ecological crisis might have been delayed enough for a strong civil society to emerge, along with a black lower middle class. Perhaps - perhaps - But the balance of probabilities was that with the African population increasing at an inexorable four percent a year, extremism was almost certain to win, as it was likely to do had whites been increasing at four percent a year while African numbers stagnated or declined. Inspired by "progressive" theoreticians the world over, all African nationalist factions - not just Mugabe's -punted the simple line that "bourgeois" white Rhodesians were parasites, an unnecessary evil, and their dispossession would automatically uplift blacks. It had to be demonstrated to ordinary black voters that this was not so before forces of moderation would mobilise, but by then it was too late: Having gained power, an authoritarian nationalism was determined to hang onto it at any cost in human suffering or economic ruin. But it is not Wood's business to moralise, theorise and ponder what might have been. His duty as a historian was "to tell us what actually happened". He has done so. There is going to be no getting out of it by anyone, ever again. This is the best informed book that has yet been produced on Rhodesia-Zimbabwe.

James Mitchell, the Star 10 November 2005

"Whatever legacy survives in Zimbabwe is being demolished as I write," asserts Dr Richard Wood in his acknowledgements. That includes historical records, but this is a magnificent attempt, by the indefatigable biographer of Ian Smith, to fill the gap, at least for the immediate years leading to Rhodesia's UDI in 1965. It includes some delightful sidelights, such as British Prime Minister Harold Wilson trying to phone Smith on the eve of UDI, but being frustrated by the fact that the phone system closed down for the night! Appallingly small print, but that means a huge amount packed in

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Bruce Dennill, the Citizen

Of it's time. This to-the-point guide - Cocks includes a "top ten attractions" blurb for each province, but otherwise sticks to contact details for stay, eat, watch shows and so on - contains much more information than a single visitor will be able to use during the course of the soccer tournament, which is just as it should be, of course. Locals would do well to use this resource going forward, as it cuts out several steps usually required in tracking down a suitable answer to the question, "What shall we do this weekend?"

Margaret Lane, Reviewer's Bookwatch

'South Africa has much to court the modern world traveler. "South Africa: 2010 Travel Guru" is a guide to South Africa and what can be experienced through it. With plenty of full color photos and a good deal of references of where to find such attractions, Kerrin Cocks gives reader a solid and very thorough understanding of South Africa's tourist destinations. "South Africa 2010" is a choice and solidly recommended read which shouldn't be missed.'

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Written by Leon Engelbrecht at defenceweb Tuesday, 03 July 2012

A dry but rich account of time spent with the famous 32 Battalion. Marius Scheepers was a national service signals officer (9C) with the unit from late 1982 to late 1983. This placed the young officer in a unique position, alongside the commander to know what was going on and where. As 9C he was also required to keep records and report. Here he puts this knowledge to good use. Scheepers also had the SANDF documentation centre declassify many relevant documents, adding detail so often missing from other accounts, especially regarding operations Snoek and Dolfyn, anti-People's Liberation Army of Namibia area-operations in south Angola. Although he was not part of it - his term of service had by then ended - Scheepers gives a good account of Operation Askari (January 1984), including a reproduction of an official assessment of its success. "The year 1983 can generally be regarded as the pivotal year in the Angolan bush war. During this period the war zone in southern Angola was firmly secured by our SADF forces." http://www.defenceweb.co.za

Lisa Johnston, Getaway

Swaziland's landscapes range from dramatic mountain peaks to lush green valleys and bushveld plains, making it hard to believe its Africa's third-smallest country. It measures just 175 kilometres north to south and 115 kilometres from east to west - perhaps these 'village-like dimensions' is why the people are so friendly and laid-back. As Fleminger writes in the introduction to his guide: 'Just like Aesop's tortoise who won the race against the rushing rabbit, time in Swaziland moves at snail's pace, steady and slow.' He admits to having had his heart stolen by the charming mountain kingdom and this informal and light. The information, however, is concise and relevant, with chapters on each region and the country's rich history. There are suggested itineraries for every budget and plenty of ideas for things to do, from river rafting and mountain biking to hiking and horse-riding trails. Lists of places to stay range from backpacker accommodation to five-star hotels. This is touted as the first guide specifically on Swaziland to be published internationally since 1983 and is a good, easy-to-read source of information on South Africa's tiny neighbour.

Lisa Witepski - Freelancer Magic kingdom

It feels as if I'm being hugged by nature. That's the only way I can describe the depth of peace that descends when I look about me-left, right, forwards and back-and am met on every side with a seemingly endless vista of rolling green. The infinite horizon which has so beguiled me is, perhaps, the greatest hallmark, and most remarkable asset, of Swaziland. That, combined with the country's syrupy pace-Swazi time makes ordinary African time, legendary for its languor, appear to rival a New York minute-creates an ambience which is entirely unique. It may be more chilled than a winter Sunday in Cape Town, but at its heart is a tranquillity, rather than a laziness, that you just can't help surrendering to. Don't get me wrong. It's not as if nothing happens in this little kingdom; far from it. But, like the best fairytale kingdoms, it's enchanting-and relatively unknown. Think about it: apart from King Mswati's approach to nuptials-which make Elizabeth Taylor's seem conservative-how much do you know about Swaziland? If your answer is 'not much', you're not alone; nor can you be blamed. It's been a while-two decades, in fact-since Swaziland was last granted a dedicated travel book of its own; usually, it's had to make do with a few pages sandwiched between the Big Five boastings of larger sub-Saharan countries with whom it can barely compete. If we were talking Hollywood, Swaziland would be a starlet, blessed with talent and good looks, but lacking the PR power and clout of the heavy hitters. Until now, that is, and the release of Swaziland Southbound Travel Guide by David Fleminger. We predict that with its own showcase, Swaziland is poised to start hitting back. And it has plenty of ammunition with which to do so. Round One: game parks. Yes, every African country can boast a nature reserve (or seven), and most are truly impressive. But conservation in Swaziland has a story that would impress even the most hard-bitten, green-washed cynics. It's the story of Ted Reilly, a visionary whose family farm, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, is now the flagship of Big Game Parks, and who is largely to thank for arresting wildlife poaching in the country. Mlilwane is, of course, a tribute to the spirit of conservation; but more than that it's an ode to nature's bounty. We're talking silver rivers, undulating valleys and scenery that startles. It's also just one of several nature reserves: for such a small country, Swaziland has an astonishing percentage of land under protection. For similarly spectacular scenery, visit Malolotja Nature Reserve, Hawane Nature Reserve, Mantenga Nature Reserve and Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve. The latter, especially, deserves special mention: although I became accustomed to literally drawing my breath at the new revelation of beauty with every bend in the road, Phophonyane stands out as one of those extra special places where you can feel your soul sing. But enough about pretty places. Swaziland's Round Two is culture. We're talking all types of culture, here: move over Paris and Milan, the country has its own fashion week. It also has outstanding live performances at one of the most memorable venues you're likely to see: House on Fire. Take the eccentricity and warmth of the Market Theatre, and amplify its heart exponentially, and you have an idea of just how special and laid back this place is. I think that this is because it's been built with love, colour and passion: lyrical verses line the walls, and mosaics splash vivid hues across imaginatively designed walls that wouldn't appear out of place in Barcelona. It's also an ideal spot to do some shopping: the quirky creativity that seems to run deep in Swaziland's veins (no kitsch zebra prints here, thank you very much) appears to have its source here. Visit Baobab Batik, Gone Rural and Zoggs Handicrafts for one-of-a-kind items with true character. There are also plenty of treasures to be found at Mantenga Craft Centre: look out for delicate, organic-inspired pottery, whisper-soft mohair weaves, and singular carvings that will tickle your sense of humour even as they delight your eye. There's nothing twee or clichéd about Swazi crafts: from baskets to blankets and inimitable soapstone carvings, they're design items in their own right. Of course, no discussion of Swazi crafts would be complete without mention of Ngwenya Glass or Swazi Candles-so be sure to visit these landmarks, too. Oh, and if it's living culture you're looking for, you'll find it here. The Swazis maintain a vibrant connection with centuries-old traditions, which means that rituals like the Umhlanga Festival are still highly respected and a major highlight on the Swazi calendar. Swaziland's next great draw card: adventure. I tried my hand at caving in the Gobholo caves-a strange choice for a self-confessed claustrophobe-and found it to be extraordinary. The soft darkness of the caves, hugging to themselves billions of years of the earth's secrets, high-pitched squealing of the bats and-most importantly-the triumph of navigating channels only as wide as my shoulders made it an experience I'll never forget. But, if earth isn't quite your element, you can always try your hand at white-water rafting, or any of the other many daredevil activities offered by Swazi Trails, from quadbiking to rap jumping. The next offering: glamour. It may not be Monaco, but like any kingdom, Swaziland has its glitzy side. Here, it comes in the form of the Royal Swazi Sun; the Grande Dame of gambling. What I'll remember most from my Swazi sojourn is its gentle pace; a polite decline to join in the stresses of the modern world. As Rod de Vletter, my host at Phophonyane, commented, Swaziland seems to attract an entirely different sort of person: those who enjoy opening their hearts, minds and eyes, and the result is an experience that's vastly different to the African safari stereotypes that we've become used to-and far richer.

About the book

Published by Southbound, an imprint of 30° South Publishers, David Fleminger's Swaziland Southbound Travel Guide takes a fresh, new look at a country that truly deserves one. Fleminger's chatty and informative style will make you feel as though you have a guide with you all the time-one who keeps you laughing. Most importantly, he covers every element of the country-from its history to politics and, of course, the landmarks and attractions that set it apart-in extraordinary depth. Don't think of visiting Swaziland without it.

Africa Talks May/June 2009

"Once again author David Fleminger has excelled with his latest guides.Thus the reader can be assured of the latest information."

Georgina Haupt, Saturday Star 11 July 2009

"David Fleminger's Swaziland, a Southbound Adventure, is an indispensable guide. It's the first travel guide written about the country since 1983... For an insider's guide to Swaziland, visitors are advised to take one along before entering the country."

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Book reviews: The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain

The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain

Review by Patricia McCracken

Farmer's Weekly - 26 September 2014

English 1820 settler Jeremiah Goldswain found himself involved in three Frontier wars, and observed the impact of the Cattle Killing and a Boer uprising. His original account is renowned for its energy, characters and action, but its rough-and-ready jumble of language has made it of mainly academic interest. Now Goldswain's great-great-grandson has effectively re-mastered it to make it much more readable. It is a pity that it has no index. This cannot be a completely authentic document, but like an historical re-enactment, it breathes new life into a fascinating piece of heritage.

The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain. Reviewed by Steven Lang. Grocotts Mail - 11 September 2014

I doubt there is any better description of what life was like for the 4 000 British settlers who came to the Albany area in 1820. The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain is a vivid, first-hand account of a young sawyer's journey from Great Marlow in England to Grahamstown on the Eastern Frontier. The Chronicle is unique in that it was written by an artisan who evidently had very little formal education. Most accounts of early life in Grahamstown reflect the lives of senior military or government officials and show us the settler life from a rather privileged point of view. Goldswain's Chronicle, on the other hand, describes much of the day-to-day existence of brave artisans and common workers who came out to the Cape in search of a better life. Most of the Chronicle reflects the rather mundane tribulations that Goldswain and his fellow settlers had to deal with, but because the descriptions are so lively, the book makes for fascinating reading. It reveals how much life has changed not only in physical respects such as having to search for stolen oxen for several days before continuing with a journey that today would take less than an hour, but also in terms of our customs. For example, before Jeremiah could marry the 22-year old Eliza Debenham, she had to have written permission from her father as well as consent from the leader of the Hyman Settler party.

Large sections of the book are taken up with wars between the British Settlers and the indigenous populations. The Goldswain Chronicle uses a term to describe the locals that would certainly not be acceptable today. A footnote explains that the use of such a word today is 'actionable', but at that time it was 'simply a descriptive term for a particular ethnic group'. The conflicts claimed the lives of many people on both sides and while history tends to reduce the human losses to facts and figures, Goldswain's frank accounts reveal the horror of relatively minor skirmishes. He tells the story of how a group of wagoners volunteered to go in search of the body of British settler adjutant, John Armstrong, who had been missing. They'd hoped to find him alive. "But alas, poor man, he found that he had fallen among murderers. He must have defended himself most desperately for several of his fingers were broken and his arms were much bruised, and also his head. Several assegai wounds were found on his body; one or more had gone through his heart." Jeremiah Goldswain wrote his Chronicles in the 1850s and 90 years later Una Long transcribed the settler's memoirs virtually word-for-word into two volumes. She remained faithful to his original text only making the smallest changes for purposes of clarity. Ralph Goldswain, editor of The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain, has revised the original text to make it more accessible to the general reader. He explains in the introduction that the original text was difficult to read because his ancestor used very little punctuation and spelled out a large proportion of the words phonetically according to his own Buckinghamshire accent. The Chronicle of Jeremiah Goldswain is a fascinating book that anyone who is even mildly interested in the history of the Albany region should read.