Prospecting for diamonds along the Mogalakwena river, the award of the Victoria Cross to two Tasmanians caught in an ambush in 1900, attempts to create national parks in the Waterberg, a dynamite explosion on the Nek, a novel way of estimating tin grades, the tribulations of driving a Model-T Ford and the delight of early radio broadcasts; these are among tales not well known to modern residents.
A farmer discovers the downside of having illegally moved his boundary beacon and a policeman recounts the hazards of delivering ballot boxes from a remote outpost. Nearby, a new tenant endures the difficulties of establishing himself and his first home in the wilderness. Other early farmers speak of cattle auctions, drilling for water, combatting leopards, locusts, wild dogs and bush fires, and of their love for their canine best friends.
And then there are the lives: of poor people, black and white, struggling to grow up and make their living in impoverished conditions and a conservative racial environment for much of the last century; yet always managing to maak ‘n plan, to find humour in their situation, and opportunities for enjoyment and reflection in the magnificent woodland that carpets the hills, valleys and streams comprising their earthly Eden.
These stories and more are collated in this volume, gathered from personal memoirs, rare historical publications and interviews, all with the aim of informing and entertaining those privileged to live in and visit this special part of the country.
29 tales from 17 contributors make up this 300-page collection, sourced, compiled and edited by a Waterberg resident of over 20 years, illustrated with photographs, maps and specially commissioned pen & ink sketches.
- Available from your local bookshop or from the editor at yeldaw@mweb.co.za / 083 609 1425.
- Recommended retail price: R285 VAT incl.
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