If you paid even a moment’s attention during high-school history class, you probably know that 1910 brought about the Union of South Africa, that the 1948 general election ushered in apartheid, and that the Rainbow Nation was born when Madiba triumphed in the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.
Spoilt Ballots dishes the dirt on these pivotal turning points in our history. But it also sheds light on a dozen lesser-known contests, starting with the assassination of King Shaka in 1828 and ending with the anointing of King Cyril at Nasrec in 2017.
Spoilt Ballots dishes the dirt on these pivotal turning points in our history. But it also sheds light on a dozen lesser-known contests, starting with the assassination of King Shaka in 1828 and ending with...
Matthew Blackman has written on South African art, literature and history. He has a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of East Anglia. He is the co-author, with Nick Dall, of Rogues’ Gallery, Spoilt Ballots and Legends. He lives in Cape Town with two dogs of nameless breed.
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Nick Dall has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town. He’s written about everything from coelacanths to circus acts, but it’s the barely believable tales of our past that get him most excited. He is the co-author, with Matthew Blackman, of Rogues’ Gallery, Spoilt Ballots and Legends.He lives in Cape Town with his wife and kids.
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