Understanding Africa Book 1

by Brian Ross

Overview

Anyone about to work in Africa will find this book instructive. It looks at the troubled history of the African continent south of the Sahara Desert. Readers learn of the early slave trade across the Sahara to destinations in the Middle East. This volume shows Portuguese explorers edging around the coast in search of gold, ivory and a sea route to the East. The history of colonialism is outlined with most of Africa falling under foreign control. A chapter gives details about the European powers withdrawing direct control after the second world war. The challenge to new rulers is illustrated in the chapters on Leadership and Administration. Readers learn about many instances of poor government. It is made clear how tribal beliefs often override other teachings. Brian often wrote in the present tense. When you read of the misdeeds of Libyan dictator Qaddafi (you may argue about orthography)we already know he is no more.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940033287628
Publisher:	Brian Ross
Publication date:	05/04/2012
Sold by:	Smashwords
Format:	eBook
File size:	609 KB

About the Author

Born 1928 in Bethehem, Orange Free State, South Africa. My parents were also born there. I schooled at St Henry's, Durban. I then attended Rhodes University in Grahamstown from 1945 to mid year 1946. Having been accepted by Oxford University, I sailed through Suez on a converted troopship full of young people going to study in Europe. I lived in Worcester College for two years before having to live in digs with friends. I then stdied retailing and textiles in London, visiting cotton and woollen mills in Manchester and other northern England cities. During this period I was able to visit western Euopean countries as the Cold War settled in. I made many friends in Scandinavia and the Netherlands,although many Dutch mocked my "kinder taal" of Afrikaans. In 1951 I journeyed home by boat Naples to Alexandria and then by train, bus and paddle steamer, up the Nile, ever southwards to my home in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal. I worked for the family business established by my grandfather, George Walter Ross. I did not see much of him but my Campbell grandparents were much closer and I loved them. To me the words "oupa" always hads a ring of kindness to it. I married and had many children, enjoying playing with them and telling stories I made up depending on what sort of tale they seemed to like. When my wife of 46 years died the three daughters who were now living in Australia invited me to move abroad, to Western Australia, which I did in 2005. Researched and wrote Boer War books from 2001. In Western Australia my three daughters had to go on with their lives, coping with families and the sudden appearance of an old man. Fortunately for me I met an Australian woman younger than me. Anne had a grown family. There was a happy wedding with many children and grandchildren from both sides in attendance. Reared in country WA Anne stands no nonsense and speaks her mind on many committees where she is sometimes treasurer of the outfit. I enjoy a skilled cook who is a voracious reader. How lucky is that?