Sol Plaatje
Selected Writings

“In bringing together, and gently commenting upon, little known published and unpublished work by Sol Plaatje, Willan has produced something which both honours Plaatje's memory and provides readers and researchers with a material basis on which independent judgments can be made about Plaatje both as a politician and a writer. For this he deserves our thanks.”

Willie Henderson, African Affairs

“The…book succeeds admirably in achieving Willan’s primary aim: to make possible a better understanding and appreciation of Plaatje’s work, and of the political, social and personal contexts in which it was carried out. Willan’s own commentary adds greatly to the understanding and appreciation that he is anxious to advance. The book provides wonderful insights into Plaatje’s personality and his thinking, and illustrates the range of his literary style.”

Peter Randall, The Johannesburg Financial Mail

Sol Plaatje is one of South Africa’s most important political and literary figures. A pioneer in the history of the black press, he was one of the founders of the African National Congress, a leading spokesman for black opinion throughout his life, and the author of three well-known books: Mafeking Diary, Native Life in South Africa, and his historical novel, Mhudi.

These books are not Plaatje’s only claim to fame. In the course of a prolific career he wrote letters to the press, newspaper articles and editorials, pamphlets, political speeches, evidence to government commissions of enquiry, unpublished autobiographical writings, and many personal letters. Together they provide both an engaging personal record and a very readable – and revealing – commentary on South African social and political affairs during the era of segregation, from 1899 through to Plaatje’s tragically early death in 1932.

What he wrote has a unique historical importance, all the more meaningful from the perspective of the 1990s.

Sol Plaatje is one of South Africa’s most important political and literary figures. A pioneer in the history of the black press, he was one of the founders of the African National Congress, a leading spokesman for black opinion throughout his life, and the author of three well-known books: Mafeking Diary, Native Life in South Africa, and his historical novel, Mhudi.   More info →

Brian Willan has assembled and edited this fascinating collection from a variety of disparate and often obscure sources, making a comprehensive selection of Plaatje’s writings available to a wider audience for the first time.   More info →