The Special Collections Book of the Week this week is:

Forgotten Heroes: A history of black rugby 1882-1992, by Abdurahman (Manie) Booley.

The role of Black rugby and its history during periods of oppression is coloured with the joys and sorrows of struggling communities and individuals who contributed to the development of this sport. Weekend sports events served as family outings and places where social and political ideas could be initiated, discussed, tested and exchanged. More importantly, these events served to cushion the effect of the socio-psychological onslaught of entrenched racism, discrimination and the toll of daily life under apartheid.

It was in this quagmire of inequalities, discrimination and racism, underdevelopment and marginalisation that the ‘forgotten heroes’ were bred and nurtured. They consisted of a breed of players, administrators, coaches and spectators who pooled their years of experience and knowledge, all sharing the same passion for the sport, prepared to face any challenge and possessing the necessary will to win and survive at all costs.

Catalogue Access: https://UnivofPretoria.on.worldcat.org/oclc/41325578

This book is available at Special Collections, housed on level 5 of the Merensky 2 Library, and is part of our Africana (ZA) Collection.

The Special Collections unit of the Department of Library Services plays a stewardship role in the acquisition and preservation of the Library's rare and valuable information resources, making them accessible to students, staff and researchers, as well as safeguarding them for future generations.