Hitler’s Spies is the story of the intelligence war in South Africa during the Second World War. It is a read filled with suspense, drama and dogged persistence. In 1939, when the Union of South Africa entered the war on Britain’s side, the German government secretly reached out to the political opposition and to the leadership of anti-war operators and movements like the Ossewabrandwag.

During the course of the Second World War, the Lowveld was an important corridor for antigovernment groupings to carry information and keep contact with the German spy ring in Lourenço
Marques. Locals provided safe houses and members of well-known families - now long dead - operated in support of the Nazi endeavour. These were people directly opposing the Smuts government of the day and the fact that South Africa was in allegiance with England fighting against Germany.

These are all mentioned in the new book, Hitler’s Spies, by the military historian, Dr Evert Kleynhans. Kleynhans, once head boy of Lowveld High, is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Military History at the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch University.

• All are welcome to join Mpumalanga Heritage on Saturday 12 June from 15h00 for the launch of this book at Nagkantoor.
• Marius Bakkes will be talking to Kleynhans.
• There will be time for questions and copies of the book will be on sale.
• The cost is R50 per person. A cash bar will be available.