From my Hilltop – A living history of South Africa / 17

(Narrated by Professor A Marula – An Old Tree) Dedicated to all of those who have roots in South Africa. Professor Marula’s story: “From my hilltop I have looked down on the living history of South Africa. From my early days understanding the rules of the Southern African plains I realized just how much I loved the country and its peoples. We lived in a magnificent world – each species knowing their role in the circle of life in Africa. As I aged and became a professor I enjoyed meeting the leaders of the species and discussing the changes that were taking place in South Africa. I prepared lessons on the changing landscape in South Africa and I am privileged to share these with you in the book. I do so love the country and even if I say so myself I am a student of nature, of politics and of human development. Over the years I have stored vast amounts of documents in my trunks – interviews with political figures and tribal leaders. In my latter years I enjoyed meeting with both black and white leaders in South Africa. Sharing our thoughts on the developments in the country made me feel as if I was given the status of an elder statesman. My story covers what I have seen from my hilltop over a span of approximately 500 years – a very long time. The development and sustainability of the country rests with the youth and the leaders of tomorrow. My story gives hope that the ‘tomorrow’ will include a place for everyone in a dynamic, honest, healthy and vibrant country. I do hope that you enjoy my story. Please feel free to contact me at my email address. Kind regards, Professor A Marula, (Sclerocarya birrea) profmarula@hotmail.comJohn H, Sydney, Australia "I learned more about South Africa by reading your book than ever before. An excellent historical reading experience." George C, Toronto, Canada "Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out (having had a 'sneak preview' already, I know that it will be good)." Tannis S, Manitoba, Canada "A compassionate read. The Professor is indeed an elder statesman in the country." Margaret H, Gauteng, South Africa “As someone whose connections with South Africa - up to now at least – have been vicarious, via sport (mostly cricket and rugby), Stan Daneman’s e-book on the history of Southern Africa is eye-opening. Told via the appealing metaphor of a personified marula tree (‘someone with long-established roots in South Africa’), the work concentrates on the history of southern Africa from the coming of the Europeans – or, in the language of the first European (Dutch) settlers, ‘Uitlanders’. It was they who, after many millennia, set in motion the events that brought radical and rapid change to the land. This history is told – as befits a personified tree - from a romantic rather than a clinical, academic point of view. Using the skills of a poet, Stan Daneman informs and illumines via engaging the reader’s imagination. Serious students of history may find this narrative style insufficiently academically rigorous, but those like me, whose knowledge of South African history is, at best, sketchy, should find this an excellent introduction not just to facts but to feelings. In this e-book, Stan Daneman gets behind the undisputed incidents to explore the culture that made, and was made by, them." Bob Little, writer, author and broadcaster " > Reader reviews and ratings "Simply outstanding. A great read!" John H, Sydney, Australia "I learned more about South Africa by reading your book than ever before. An excellent historical reading experience." George C, Toronto, Canada "Looking forward to reading your book when it comes out (having had a 'sneak preview' already, I know that it will be good)." Tannis S, Manitoba, Canada "A compassionate read. The Professor is indeed an elder statesman in the country." Margaret H, Gauteng, South Africa “As someone whose connections with South Africa - up to now at least – have been vicarious, via sport (mostly cricket and rugby), Stan Daneman’s e-book on the history of Southern Africa is eye-opening. Told via the appealing metaphor of a personified marula tree (‘someone with long-established roots in South Africa’), the work concentrates on the history of southern Africa from the coming of the Europeans – or, in the language of the first European (Dutch) settlers, ‘Uitlanders’. It was they who, after many millennia, set in motion the events that brought radical and rapid change to the land. This history is told – as befits a personified tree - from a romantic rather than a clinical, academic point of view. Using the skills of a poet, Stan Daneman informs and illumines via engaging the reader’s imagination. Serious students of history may find this narrative style insufficiently academically rigorous, but those like me, whose knowledge of South African history is, at best, sketchy, should find this an excellent introduction not just to facts but to feelings. In this e-book, Stan Daneman gets behind the undisputed incidents to explore the culture that made, and was made by, them." Bob Little, writer, author and broadcaster ISBN: 9781908941091