Footprints

Author: David Hilton-Barber

Footprints - on the trail of those who shaped Tzaneen's history

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 facts 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 rich cultural heritage and, above all, the strength and determination of the many people who have left their footprints here.’ Mboweni, having been born not far from Tzaneen, is one of these. Other names that enliven the pages include Dr Mamphela Ramphele; John Murray, the 11th Duke of Atholl; writers Rider Haggard, John Buchan and TV Bulpin; geologist Hans Merensky; and a fascinating array of current occupiers of Tzaneen and its majestic surrounds.

About the author:

David Atherstone Hilton-Barber is a fourth generation member of settler stock. After completing his BA Hons degree at Rhodes University, he trained as a journalist following in the footsteps of his maternal great-grandfather, Frederick York St Leger, founder and first editor of the Cape Times. He later became a public relations consultant and for 15 years was involved in a wide range of programmes for the public and private sector. He retired to Tzaneen in 1989 to his wife’s family property, Kings Walden.

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