Rogues, Sinners and Saints—Our Afrikaner, Indigenous and Slave Ancestors

COVID-19 turned life upside down, leaving me feeling trapped at home in Melbourne, Victoria. In the midst of it all, my only escape was my computer and long discussions with my wife, Dedrie, and our Chihuahua. This unexpected downtime provided an opportunity for reflection, prompting me to delve into our South African family history and uncover the captivating yet complex narrative of our past.As I gathered the compelling stories of our ancestors, I discovered deeply moving tales of resilience and reinvention. They spoke of courageous individuals desperate for safety, daring adventurers propelled by their ambitions, and those who confronted danger with unwavering strength. Each narrative reflects the extraordinary circumstances that led individuals to make remarkable, yet often regrettable, choices to survive.I immersed myself in the rich tapestry of my ancestral history, which mirrors South African history from the beginning of colonisation until the dismantling of Apartheid. I discovered a diverse cast of characters: some were rogues and renegades, while others wielded considerable influence as 'movers and shakers,' and a few became symbols of resistance, even martyrs. That is the reason for the title of this book: ‘Rogues, Sinners and Saints—Our Afrikaner, Indigenous and Slave Ancestors.’Our stories include disturbing subjects—murder, cruelty, family violence, violence in the Apartheid state, mental health, and the darker moments in our own family life. These shared stories connect the generations. Telling our stories of violence and abuse is as necessary for healing as are the stories Aboriginal People in Australia and Khoisan People in South Africa are telling.This collection of stories was inspired by the individuals I uncovered in the extensive historical records found in South African and Dutch genealogical archives. Read more