From My Hilltop: A Living History of South Africa

This unique book is narrated by Professor Marula – an old and wise tree and Elder Statesman in South Africa. He recalls the changing scene in the country over his long life time.””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 realised 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 with 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)[email protected] FROM THE PROLOGUE – as narrated by Professor Marula””You will notice that we are situated on top of a mighty hill. From our vantage point – if you turn to your left and right and turn around – you will see rolling hills, tall thorn trees, rocks, anthills and of course the gleaming network of rivers twisting themselves like snakes through the valley below. Don’t be afraid as they are not really snakes! From our vantage point you will observe just how beautiful the scene is. Truly a magnificent sight! A scene of tranquil Africa, free, independent, innocent and working to its own norms and survival – following the Rules of the Southern African Plains we work in seasons and not in days, months or years.In the far off distance as we look south we will see two great oceans meeting at the very tip of our continent. Warm and cold waters fight each other for control of this crossing point in Africa. This battle has been raging since the beginning of time – and they will fight forever””CONTENT OF THE BOOKPrologueLesson 1 – The Southern African PlainsLesson 2 – New creaturesLesson 3 – The movement northLesson 4 – Shots and crossesLesson 5 – New RulersLesson 6 – Justice and crimeHistory timelineSome personal notesProfiles of leading South AfricansMeetings with the youthHeads of StateTop ten South Africans — ISBN13: 9781539870661