David Atherstone Hilton-Barber is a fourth generation member of 1820 settler stock. After completing his BA Hons degree at Rhodes University, he trained as a journalist following in the footsteps of his maternal great-grandfather, Frederick York St Leger, founder and first editor of the Cape Times. He later became a public relations consultant and for 15 years was involved in a wide range of programmes for the private and public sector. He retired to Tzaneen in 1989. He has written four books, a history of Tzaneen, a history of Haenertsburg, a history of the Tati Concession (the first gold rush in Southern Africa) and a biography of Len Hobson. he is presently researching two other historical projects. He also writes for local and national media on conservation and local government.