Mhudi is a great South African novel, written by one of the country’s most famous literary and political figures. Set in the 1830’s, drawing upon oral tradition, Mhudi tells the tale of Mhudi and  Ra-Thaga, a romantic story set against a violent backdrop of war between Barolong, Boer and Matebele. Mhudi is the heroine of the tale, an inspirational figure, braver and wiser than those around her. In her words and actions she helps lay bare the roots of many of the injustices that plagued later generations in South Africa, especially in relation to land. At the same time she offers hope and redemption for the future. Mhudi is an essential read.

This new edition on Mhudi, based on the original Lovedale edition of 1930, has an Introduction by Sabata-mpho Mokae. The text is edited by Brian Willan. Both are academics at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, named after Mhudi’s author.

Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was born in 1876 and died in 1932. A Motswana, he was at various times court interpreter, diarist, journalist, newspaper editor, author, translator, and was a leading spokesman for black rights. He was one of the founders of the African National Congress in  1912 and its first General Secretary.