South Africans are generally well informed about the major milestones that occurred in the history of the country. However, the finer details leading up to these events are generally only known to the avid readers of history as the details leading up to these events are scattered over a multitude of publications.
In the book I have collected all the bits and pieces from various publications so that the history leading up the reviewed events can be read as one story and hopefully give the reader a better understanding. In the book I have focused on four vastly different major events and researched the history leading up to them.
The first chapters try to answer why the Dutch settled at the Cape of Good Hope and not the Portuguese who discovered it. It also looks at early contact between the indigenous and the seafaring interlopers before the arrival of Van Riebeeck.
The next section is a completely different story and concerns the Moravian Missionaries. These missionaries were the first to establish a mission station at the Cape, viz. Genadendal, intended to proselyte Khoikhoi people. It takes the reader back to 9th century in Eastern Europe where the movements found its roots.
The next section moves to Natal and looks at the earliest contact with the Nguni people. It goes on to investigate the reasons behind to Imperial Government annexing Natal when it already had enough trouble in their widespread colonies around the world. I am sure that India will come to the readers mind immediately. But they had their hands full in trying to control the frontiers closer to home, the Eastern Cape Frontiers. What pressure was brought to bear on the Cape Administration and from where?
The final chapter covers the life of a famous Voortrekker leader and tells in broad terms how they took possession of land long occupied by the various indigenous tribes.
About the Author
Inno Monsma was born in Holland and immigrated as a young boy. Most of his education was received at CBC Boksburg and went on to become an associate member of The Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. Inno spent most of his life working in the chemical industry in financial and management positions. He retired in 2002 as managing director of a chemical distribution company. Inno’s interest in South African history was re-ignited when the country became a democracy.
