Native Affairs in South Africa – Reply to Hostile Propaganda by Political Agents (1948)

Native Affairs in South Africa: Reply to Hostile Propaganda by Political Agents is a fascinating and historically significant South African government pamphlet published in London in 1948 by the Public Relations Office of South Africa House. Produced as a response to criticism of South African racial policies during the post-war period, this scarce publication offers modern readers a revealing insight into the official narrative and political messaging employed by the Union Government on the eve of the apartheid era.

Issued in conjunction with the “Meet South Africa” exhibition in the United Kingdom, Native Affairs in South Africa seeks to counter criticisms relating to land allocation, education, labour relations, trade unions, pass laws, housing, health, wages, and political representation of Black South Africans. Presented in a “The Leaflet” versus “The Truth” format, it provides a remarkable primary source for historians, researchers, students, and collectors interested in twentieth-century South African politics and race relations.

Today, documents such as Native Affairs in South Africa are valued not for the viewpoints they promote, but as important historical artefacts that help illustrate the political climate, official government policy, and public relations strategies of the period. Ephemeral publications of this nature were generally produced in limited numbers and were often discarded after use, making surviving examples increasingly difficult to obtain.

An important addition to collections focusing on Africana, colonial history, apartheid studies, political propaganda, government publications, and South African social history.

Condition – Very Good 

Original 1948 paper brochure. Complete as issued with 7 pages. Foxing present to covers and pages, together with light age toning and handling wear consistent with age. Staples remain sound and the pamphlet is structurally complete and attractive.