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Legends: People Who Changed South Africa for the Better
We have a lot to be positive about in South Africa.
With all our problems, it’s easy to feel bleak. But hold those thoughts, because Legends might be just the tonic you need to drive off the gloom. This book tells the stories of a dozen remarkable people – some well known, others largely forgotten – who changed Mzansi for the better.
Most South Africans are proud of Nelson Mandela – and rightly so. His life was truly astounding, but he’s by no means the only person who should inspire us.
There’s King Moshoeshoe, whose humanity and diplomatic strategies put him head and shoulders above his contemporaries, both European and African. And John Fairbairn, who brought non-racial democracy to the Cape in 1854. Olive Schreiner was a bestselling international author who fought racism, corruption and chauvinism. And Gandhi spent twenty years here inventing a system of protest that would bring an Empire to its knees.
Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa.
Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa.
And then there’s Miriam Makeba, who began her life in prison and ended it as an international singing sensation; Steve Biko, who shifted the minds of an entire generation; and Thuli Madonsela (the book’s only living legend), who gracefully felled the most powerful man in the land.
Engagingly written and meticulously researched, Legends reminds South Africans that we have a helluva lot to be proud of.
With all our problems, it’s easy to feel bleak. But hold those thoughts, because Legends might be just the tonic you need to drive off the gloom. This book tells the stories of a dozen remarkable people – some well known, others largely forgotten – who changed Mzansi for the better.
Most South Africans are proud of Nelson Mandela – and rightly so. His life was truly astounding, but he’s by no means the only person who should inspire us.
There’s King Moshoeshoe, whose humanity and diplomatic strategies put him head and shoulders above his contemporaries, both European and African. And John Fairbairn, who brought non-racial democracy to the Cape in 1854. Olive Schreiner was a bestselling international author who fought racism, corruption and chauvinism. And Gandhi spent twenty years here inventing a system of protest that would bring an Empire to its knees.
Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa.
Legends also celebrates Eugène Marais’s startling contributions to literature and natural history (despite a lifelong morphine addiction); Sol Plaatje’s wit, intelligence and tenacity in the face of racial zealots; Cissie Gool’s lifetime fighting for justice and exposing bigots; and Sailor Malan’s battles against fascists in the skies of Europe and on the streets of South Africa.
And then there’s Miriam Makeba, who began her life in prison and ended it as an international singing sensation; Steve Biko, who shifted the minds of an entire generation; and Thuli Madonsela (the book’s only living legend), who gracefully felled the most powerful man in the land.
Engagingly written and meticulously researched, Legends reminds South Africans that we have a helluva lot to be proud of.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting, well-researched, insightful and occasionally humorous. By covering legends from different eras chronologically, the book took me on a journey through South Africa’s history. I also found it refreshing to read about South Africans being shown in a positive light.
I found the writing quite filmic, particularly at the beginning of each chapter, as the descriptive detail meant I could ‘see’ the action taking place. The telling of Moshoeshoe’s story, for example, reminded me of scenes from the new DStv series Shaka iLembe.
I found the layout very effective, including pictures within the text and certain information in a box/sidebar when appropriate.
I noticed that several of the legends the book covers – such as Fairbairn, Schreiner, Gandhi, Marais, Plaatje – were all journalists or writers. This shows the difference members of the fourth estate can make in society.
I found the writing quite filmic, particularly at the beginning of each chapter, as the descriptive detail meant I could ‘see’ the action taking place. The telling of Moshoeshoe’s story, for example, reminded me of scenes from the new DStv series Shaka iLembe.
I found the layout very effective, including pictures within the text and certain information in a box/sidebar when appropriate.
I noticed that several of the legends the book covers – such as Fairbairn, Schreiner, Gandhi, Marais, Plaatje – were all journalists or writers. This shows the difference members of the fourth estate can make in society.
October 18, 2024
A book every South African should read
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews