Here is an idiosyncratic view of one of South Africa's loveliest districts. History is certainly revealed, but the book is much more than dry-as-dust fact and chronologies. The mountains and valleys and abundant vegetation of the northern Drakensberg have inspired many people. Their stories enliven almost every page.As Tito Mboweni states in his foreword: "This is a book about Tzaneen, the vast splendour of its mountain ranges, the historical events that shaped its history, its ric...

This is book is a cameo of Len Hobson's memories of growing up in the 1930s, the early days of farming in the Karoo, his youthful exploits, his exposure to the poverty of the poor whites at that time and his grief at losing his sibling and later, two of his wives. More than all his achievements as a botanist, a brilliant horticulturist and a pioneer in the development of the sub-tropical fruit industry, Len Hobson is a humble soul who has never lost touch with the simple side of life. He i...

The concession to mine gold at Tati was granted to a British baronet,Sir John Swinburne, by Lobengula, last king of the Matabele. Althoughcalled by colonial imperialists as a "savage king" and a "native despot",Lobengula was "exceedingly wellmade (in height about 6 ft 10 inches),corpulent, with a commanding presence and, when in a good temper,having a kind heart and a full appreciation of humour".The gold at Tati, which was discovered by the geolo...