Publications

Books

N3TC is proud to be associated with a number of authors and photographers who have painstakingly researched and published a number of outstanding books about our region and its people.

About Drakensberg Passes

When Gillis was asked what prompted him to write about the Natal passes he cited his first book “About Van REENEN”. The Van Reenens Pass is by far one of the busiest in Africa and played a major role in the establishment of the village dating back to the 1850’s. He was swamped with enquiries regarding the passes in and around Van Reenen which resulted in a number of tours being organised to ride the passes . The passes visited included Mullers Pass, Normandien Pass, Collins Pass, De Beers Pass, the original Van Reenens Pass, Tintwa Pass, Bezuidenhouts Pass, Retief Pass and Oliviers Hoek Pass. The interest shown prompted Gillis to do the research required to write a book about the origins of these passes.
Email: gillisvan@gmail.com

About Van Reenen

Gillis was fascinated by the history of the Little Church but could find very little documented stories, and decided to do his own research. This soon spread into other sites such as the Kidston Memorial, Moorddraai, Klipgat (Ingula) Nelsons Kop and many others. He decided it was time to write a book on Van Reenen, and started some serious research. The book covers the origins of the Little Church, reveals the true story behind the Rachel de Beer saga, as well as the circumstances leading to the deaths of the Pretorius family at Moorddraai. Three pioneering families of Van Reenen: the Portsmouths, the Bloys and the Dillons, are also featured, each with their own unique and fascinating history. Read about the Kidston air-crash and the airplane that was involved in twelve fatal crashes around the world.

Email:

gillisvan@gmail.com

The Sentinels Cranes of South Africa

The Sentinels is a photographic festival celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of cranes. Daniel travelled through the heart of South Africa’s ‘crane country’, meticulously documenting these birds in their natural habitat. Sharing with us timeless images of cranes at rest and in action as they go about their daily routines, he draws us deep into the private lives of these flagship species, even revealing intimate details of their nesting activities. Towards the end of the project, Daniel brought in local ornithologist David Allan to ensure that the volume was underpinned by a scientifically rigorous text.

The Sentinels provides an unmatched window into the allure and wonder of South Africa’s cranes and the enchanting places they call home.

Website: www.hphpublishing.co.za

Email: ddolpire@me.com

Secrets of the Mountains and Hills

This book is intended as a photographic journey that takes you from the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains, across the interior of KwaZulu-Natal and into the Eastern Free State

While it should be useful to the tourist, it is not intended to promote individual hospitality, art or craft outlets but to give a broad over-view of an area. It is a series of short photo-essays that offer a little history, some anecdotes, cultural and environmental features as well as introducing a few places that you may not know about.

Email: stephenpryke@mweb.co.za

Travels in the South -
A History of South African Roads

This richly illustrated roads history book, answers to the axiom, the future is based on the shoulders of the past. This well-known saying has been supported by persons such as Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton and Nicolo Machiavelli and others. Malcolm Mitchell had the idea of writing a “definite history of roads in South Africa” book for a while. “It was prompted by a remark by my previous boss, Ed Massey, who said it’s important for people to write down their lifetime professional experiences for the next generation before they die and the information is lost,” says Malcolm. Dr Mitchell talks highly of his co- author, Brian Downie, who went to a great deal of trouble to source and accurately reference many magnificent road pictures, and in addition wrote the chapter on bridges, the “glamorous part of roads”. Brian also played the leading role in sourcing sponsorship from many organisations to make the publication of this book a reality.
Email: mally2@vodamail.co.za and Email: downie.brian@gmail.com

Mnandi - A taste of Mpophomeni

“We are what we grow, cook and eat. Mpophomeni’s gardeners and cooks are an example of what South Africa can and should be. Through the pages of this delightful book, readers will come to love and admire a remarkable and resilient community. The recipes so generously offered are not only delicious but also inspiring and insightful – each one allows a reader to taste a piece of the story.” Anna Trapido

Email: mnandi@cowfriend.co.za
Web: Mpophomeni Conservation Group — Mnandi

About Cranes

Fifty years ago our National Bird, the Blue Crane, was a common sight in South Africa’s grasslands, today it is rare. The KZN Crane Foundation, was formed to understand why and find ways to reverse this trend.

Email: terry.sandy67@gmail.com