Beloved African

by Jill Baker

Beloved African is a story of a great and enduring love -- in the early days of Rhodesia -- of the builders, educators, the history, the triumphs and the troubles of that beautiful country. The story is remarkably intact. It draws upon Nancy Hammond's precise memory for detail; upon hundreds of letters written and lovingly preserved since the early 1900s; on the headmaster's annual reports from Tjolotjo, Mzingwane, Goromonzi and Domboshawa to his Head Office, from 1936 to the early 1960s; and upon a series of tape recordings with John the "Beloved African", 18 months before his death in South Australia in 1996. John Hammond was one of Rhodesia's great educators -- loved, respected, and sometimes misunderstood by black and white alike. The extraordinary role he played is woven against a background of increasing tension as he strode the political and educational stages, fighting for the extra time he needed to educate his schoolboys and girls to the point where they would be in a position to lead the new Zimbabwe with wisdom and integrity. The agonies of what subsequently occurred and the effect it had on him are woven through a wonderful tale of the continuing love story and partnership between John and Nancy. The book gives a not always popular view of what life was like to those who were determined to try and make it work, but whose efforts were so often thwarted by political duplicity.

464 pages, Hardcover

Published January 4, 2001

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

This is Jill Baker's first book, although she has had numerous articles and critiques published during her career in radioo, television and tourism. Jill is very happily settled in Adelaide, Australia, but confesses that like anyone who has ever lived in Africa, she has inescapable moments of yearning for the land of her birth.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is primarily the story of a Rhodesian educationalist of great vision and moral rectitude who dedicated his life to preparing his African students for the responsibilities that would be thrust upon them with the attainment of the country's Independance.

As told by his wife, Nancy, it is also a story of love and devotion. Although John Hammond takes centre stage it is evident that without her he would have struggled to pursue his goal.

The book affords a fascinating insight into an aspect of "colonial rule" that has hitherto been ignored. Here was a white man who grew up in Rhodesia, spoke the language and understood and respected African culture and tradition. He encouraged his students to achieve as individuals but not to neglect their responsibilities to the community.
Given enough time he felt he could succeed but not only time was against him - so were a tardy administration, troublesome staff and finally the politicians. The explanation for the tragedy that became Zimbabwe is evident in these pages.

[Alexis Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant but true

This book brought such powerful memories back to me. As a Rhodesian, I had to read and enjoy the wonderful story of the Hammond family and I found myself back in my home country once again. Thank you for sharing their story.