In a Different Time

It is the final years of Nationalist rule, and four ANC cadres steal across the border into South Africa. They left as students after the Soweto riots of June 1976; now they return as soldiers, a specialist unit reporting to Chris Hani. Their mission: to carry out acts of war in the country of their birth. On the other side, a police hit squad operates in deepest secrecy, relentless, and a dark conspiracy unfolds. When the four are eventually captured, they face the ultimate penalty. Narrated by their lawyer as the trial progresses, this compelling true story is an insider’s account of one of the most dramatic political court cases of the previous era. In a Different Time is a tale of men driven to extremes for an ideal. It paints a picture – at times poignant, at times devastating – of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. Of people with unwavering commitment to their cause; and of a mother who never loses hope.This is a story of the foot soldiers, and of the terrible price they paid.

Born in Durban, grew up in Eastern Cape, educated at Michaelhouse, Rhodes and Warwick(UK). Practised law at JNB Bar for 15 years. Legal counsel to Cosatu. Involved in Peace Accord in the early 90s. Head of Monitoring Directorate of IEC in 1994. International consulting for UN as election operations expert in Mexico, Haiti and other places. Director of Programmes at International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance in Sweden. Back in SA, co-founder and Executive Chair of the Resolve Group (management consultancy).