Frican Odyssey Vol 3

African Odyssey Vol 3

There is a cliché the more things change, the more they remain the same. Does this aptly describe the true nature of the African continent?Vol. 1 and 2 of this trilogy take us through epic periods in African Odyssey. In Vol. 3, we finally see the 21st century ushering in optimism and the hope of better things ahead as leaders embarked on programmes of the regeneration of the African continent. The continental body, Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was transformed into the African Union (AU) with institutions and programmes aimed at helping African countries, individually and collectively, to move faster towards regeneration and development.Many countries embraced and applied democratic principles and ethos. Human rights became the rallying mantra for the masses. Economic development and technological advancement remained on the agenda of many countries. An air of renaissance became prevalent across the African continent.And yet, one wonders whether the 2019 headlines, a far cry from the optimism and hope, are a true reflection of a continent that has seem more indecencies of wars, conflicts and rape of resources than any other? Are the headlines a summary of unavoidable pains of birth or rebirth? The author embarked on an effort to capture history, connect the dots and therefore contribute to on-going regeneration efforts of various actors on the African scene. With this detailed and comprehensive scholarly work, the author challenges Africa and Africans to avoid repeating past mistakes. The Swahili adage: Life can be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards, summarises the author's instructive message for Africa, a continent whose might and greatness cannot be denied.

Burchell’s African Odyssey

The English botanist William Burchell arrived in Cape Town in June 1811 to explore the flora and fauna of the vast southern African interior. Over a four-year period, and travelling in a custom-built ox wagon, he amassed an astonishing 63 000 specimens of plants, bulbs, insects, reptiles and mammals – many not previously documented for science – as well as over 500 paintings and illustrations. While the outbound trek is well described in Burchell’s famous Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa, little has been published about the challenges and discoveries made on his return journey to Cape Town, from 1812–1815. This pioneering book traces the homeward leg of Burchell’s epic odyssey – through the arid northern Cape, the Great Karoo, the war-ravaged eastern Cape, and along the Eden-like southern Cape coast. Drawing on primary and secondary sources, including Burchell’s letters and the detailed map he created to record his trek, the authors have crafted a thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated account that encompasses both the genius of the man and the natural history of the region that so intrigued him. Sales points: Fills a major gap in what is known of Burchell’s travels in southern Africa; sheds new light on Burchell’s character and his discoveries; contains information, illustrations and watercolours not published before; coincides with the bicentenary of the publication of Vol. 1 of Travels in the Interior of Southern Africa.

African Odyssey