This drawing is derived from the original engraving in David and Charles Livingstone, Narrative of an Expedition to the Zambesi and its Tributaries (London, 1865). Published by virginia.edu.
Nearly two centuries ago. Sometime in the middle of the nineteenth century.
Deep inside the African bush, somewhere along the Zambezi.
Where we fought the bushwar in our time, during our generation.
African men, women and children linked by wooden yokes and chains being led off into slavery by African guards carrying guns, acting on orders of Arab slave traders.
This was before any white so-called settlers arrived.
Before the so-called colonial era, which put an end to slavery.
Then came our Boer republics, and Rhodesian UDI.
We fought a war to defend them, whites shoulder to shoulder with black and brown and yellow.
We fought for our freedom and against the slavery of communism.
You, the so-called world, called us racists. And you clapped hands when we were sold out and became slaves again.
Modern-day slaves to the Mugabes and the new African slave-masters.
Hope you are satisfied?
Sourced from Willem Ratte.
