Pretoria Boy: The Story of South Africa's 'Public Enemy Number One'

Peter Hain has had a 50-year political career, fighting against apartheid in South Africa and corruption in Britain. He was framed for bank robbery and nearly assassinated by a bomb, and used British parliamentary privilege to expose looting and money laundering in President Jacob Zuma's administration. His book "A Pretoria Boy" tells his story and his passionate activism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Icon Books Ltd

Doreen (Baroness) Lawrence

Doreen (Baroness) Lawrence, a stalwart anti-racist and anti-apartheid campaigner, has had a remarkable 50-year journey of unwavering activism. From her early days fighting for the freedom of Nelson Mandela to exposing his betrayal under Jacob Zuma, her story is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice. Baroness Lawrence's dedication to the cause of equality and human rights has been unwavering throughout her career. She has tirelessly campaigned against racism, apartheid, and all forms of discrimination, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and standing up against injustice. Her unwavering spirit and determination have inspired countless individuals and organizations to join her in the fight for a better world. Baroness Lawrence's legacy as an anti-racist and anti-apartheid campaigner will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Sir Trevor McDonald

Sir Trevor McDonald, a renowned broadcaster, has presented a powerful and timely story of Peter Hain's political life. Hain's journey spans from his early days in Pretoria to his ascent to the House of Lords in Britain. This captivating narrative explores Hain's unwavering commitment to fighting South African apartheid and modern-day corruption. Hain vividly recounts his experiences growing up in a family deeply affected by the apartheid regime, including the arrest and harassment of his anti-apartheid parents, the hanging of a close white family friend, and his enforced exile in London in 1966. Despite the challenges and dangers he faced, Hain remained committed to his cause. He organized militant anti-Springbok demonstrations, becoming a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. His activism led to him being labeled Public Enemy Number One in the South African media. Hain narrowly escaped jail for disrupting all-white South African sports tours and was framed for bank robbery, narrowly escaping assassination by a bomb. However, his resilience and determination remained unwavering. Hain used his British parliamentary privilege to expose looting and money laundering in President Jacob Zuma's administration, informed by his government's deep throat. His revelations likely influenced Zuma's resignation, marking a significant turning point in South African politics. Hain's political career is a testament to his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His journey from Pretoria to the House of Lords showcases his remarkable resilience and the impact he has had on shaping the political landscape of both his native South Africa and Britain. Sir Trevor McDonald's portrayal of Hain's life in A Pretoria Boy is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of highlighting the stories of individuals who have made a significant difference in the world.

Peter Hain

Peter Hain has had a dramatic 50-year political career, spanning both Britain and his native South Africa. This is the story of that extraordinary journey, from Pretoria to the House of Lords. Hain vividly describes his anti-apartheid parents' arrest and harassment in the early 1960s, the hanging of a close white family friend, and his enforced London exile in 1966. Despite the challenges and dangers he faced, Hain remained committed to his cause. He organized militant anti-Springbok demonstrations, becoming a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement. His activism led to him being labeled Public Enemy Number One in the South African media. Hain narrowly escaped jail for disrupting all-white South African sports tours and was framed for bank robbery, narrowly escaping assassination by a bomb. However, his resilience and determination remained unwavering. Hain used his British parliamentary privilege to expose looting and money laundering in President Jacob Zuma's administration, informed by his government's deep throat. His revelations likely influenced Zuma's resignation, marking a significant turning point in South African politics. Hain's political career is a testament to his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His journey from Pretoria to the House of Lords showcases his remarkable resilience and the impact he has had on shaping the political landscape of both his native South Africa and Britain. Peter Hain's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice, fighting for equality, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. His journey serves as an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive difference in the world.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785787638