Days of the Generals by Hilton Hamann

Days of the Generals by Hilton Hamann is a revealing work of South African military and political history, offering first-hand perspectives from senior figures within the former South African Defence Force (SADF). Originally published by Zebra in 2001, this paperback edition runs to 242 pages and is based largely on interviews conducted by Hamann with six former generals: Magnus Malan, Constand Viljoen, Jannie Geldenhuys, Georg Meiring, Hein du Toit and Chris Thirion.

The book examines the role of South Africa’s military establishment during some of the most turbulent decades in the country’s modern history. Hamann explores the SADF’s involvement in Angola, Namibia and Mozambique, as well as the broader regional conflicts and security concerns that shaped South African foreign and domestic policy during the apartheid era. The accounts provide insight into the thinking of senior military commanders and their understanding of the conflicts in which they became involved.

A particularly interesting feature of Days of the Generals is its exploration of subjects that remained controversial long after the events themselves. Hamann investigates covert operations, secret meetings, strategic alliances, the armed struggle against apartheid, South Africa’s military capabilities and its nuclear programme. The book also considers the often complicated relationship between military leaders and politicians, providing a perspective on the security establishment from within.

Hamann’s approach makes Days of the Generals valuable not simply as a military history, but also as a source for understanding the political and strategic environment of southern Africa during the Cold War. The generals’ testimony inevitably reflects their own perspectives, making the book particularly useful when considered alongside other accounts of the Angolan War, the South African Border War and the final years of apartheid.

For readers interested in South African history, military affairs, the SADF, the Border War and the political history of apartheid, Days of the Generals provides a fascinating collection of insider accounts and contested perspectives. This 2001 Zebra paperback is an important addition to collections focusing on southern African military and political history.

Condition: Very good – Shelf wear on covers including light scratches and creasing. Discolouration on text block edges.