Scott Balson

Subtitled 'The Lost Tribe Of Africa' this is a history of the Griqua people. The Griquas were the descendants of the original Hottentot people of the Cape and the white people either passing or settling there. They are thus distinct both in lineage and in appearance from the 'Coloured' people descending from the mixed blood of the Bantu and white peoples. This is a sympathetic treatment of people who have always been marginalised by those in power. Today they survive as distinct communities. The author has done considerable research into their history. The factual side of the book is wrapped in a fictional narrative to popularise it within the community that it deals with. There are no other histories of the Griquas that I know of. Although not an academic treatment of Griqua history this does cover the area in fair depth.

Since writing that some years ago. There is John Shephard's IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAKENSBERG which gives coverage to Griqualiand East and it people. Also Samuel James Halford's THE GRIQUAS OF GRIQUALAND, A Historical Narrative Of The Griqua People. Their Rise, Progress, And Decline. Halford was mayor of Kokstad for over 30 years, so although he was not an academic this is a formal treatment of Griqua history.… (mais)