Description
John Miller was one of the last four young administrative officers to be sent to Africa. In the twilight of The British Empire. He arrived in Swaziland in 1962 to take up a position in the British Colonial Service. For the next three years, his life was nothing if not varied as the Administration worked to prepare the country for Independence. During six different postings he encountered many colourful characters and unusual situations and learnt something of the ways of the proud Swazi people.
The author describes the political background and struggles between the emerging left-wing political parties and Paramount Chief Sobhuza II, who eventually outwitted everyone and led the country to independence. He went on to become the world’s longest-reigning monarch. Life was fun and adventurous but beyond the public gaze lay the dark side of Swazi life, the unseen world of superstition, witchcraft and ritual murder.
John Miller’s book is a valuable contribution to the history of one of Africa’s least-known countries, its government, culture and game and conservation management, from the viewpoint of one who was involved at a critical time of its history.
Royalties from the sale of this book will go to the Swaziland Diocese HIV/AIDS project.
