Leach´s new book sparks huge interest

The long-awaited book on the controversial events that occurred towards the end of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) in the remote northern part of South Africa, has seen the light.

Well-known local historian and author Charles Leach finally released his book, titled The Legend of Breaker Morant is DEAD and BURIED.

Harry Harbord ‘The Breaker’ Morant was the commander of ‘A’ Squadron of the Bushveldt Carbineers, a predominantly Australian regiment of the British army. Morant vowed revenge when his best friend, Captain Percy Hunt, was killed in August 1901.

What followed was “a series of callous murders and trumped up accusations – leading to arrests, court marshalls, and executions, the result of which still reverberates today,” writes Leach. The book brought to light that no fewer than 35 known murders had been committed. The objective of the book is to expose  “the premeditated murder of unarmed, sick and captured prisoners, witnesses, civilians and children.”

Lieutenants Morant and Handcock were executed before a firing squad in February 1902. This incident, “despite having occurred some 100 years ago, is alive and well and has certain proponents in Australia launching appeals to the British government to have Morant and Handcock pardoned for murder – the most recent appeal having been in 2011,” says Leach.

Professor Louis Changuion is of the opinion that this book may well change the minds of some who might be supporting the “pardon” effort.

Leach’s book may be the last word on the Breaker Morant debate and the matter might be laid to rest. “Either that, or the book might provoke the opposite - it might lead to a completely new debate. I wait with interest to see what the reaction will be,“ Changuion said at the launch on 31 March at the Lalapanzi Hotel.

Changuion declared Leach as having become the authority in the world on the Breaker Morant episode.

“Many self-acclaimed experts on the Busveldt Carbineers and Breaker Morant have set aside the truth in favour of a popular Australian legend ... your disciplined research, along with the fact that your family have lived in the area for generations, make you a unique fountain of knowledge. Even those who disagree with you, acknowledge and respect your knowledge,” states a letter by Andries Pretorius, living in Australia.

SANParks applauded Leach on his publication that will promote tourism and heritage, since many of the events and atrocities took place in and around the areas that are current national parks (Mapungubwe and Kruger National Park).

“It is also of significance that the heritage in the rural areas of our country is ...  protected and this important publication will further elevate the need for this to be preserved for current and future generations,” Joep Stevens said on behalf of South African National Parks. SANParks, as well as many other speakers, acknowledged Leach’s contribution as tour guide of the Zoutpansberg Skirmishes tours which, to date, has seen more than 4 000 tourists of varied nationalities.

Part of the function had a military flavour. Doug Connell explained the symbolic meaning of the ceremonial stand that he had made for the occasion. The canon shell ‘gong’ was hit by a ‘gong’ striker made from a piece of warthog tusk found in the Soutpansberg. Various uniformed people and descendants of the murder victims struck the ‘gong’ and toasted, while a candle in remembrance of the fallen burnt.

The close to 300 guests indicated the interest that many people had in Leach’s research and book. Leach acknowledged more than a hundred people who were part of a concerted effort to make the “true South African story” known.

The book is dedicated to Leach’s supporting spouse, Bev. The design and layout were done by Laura van Zyl .

News - Date: 09 April 2012

Linda van der Westhuizen

Linda van der Westhuizen has been with Zoutnet since 2001. She has a heart for God, people and their stories. Linda believes that every person is unique and has a special story to tell. It follows logically that human interest stories is her speciality. Linda finds working with people and their leaders in the economic, educational, spiritual and political arena very rewarding. “I have a special interest in what God is doing in our town, province and nation and what He wants us to become,” says Linda.

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