South African Border Wars

Much has been written about the South African Border war which is also known as the Namibian War of Independence. While the fighting was ostensibly about Namibia, most of the significant battles were fought inside Namibia’s northern neighbour, Angola. South Africa’s 23 year border war has been almost forgotten as the Cold War ebbed away and bygones were swept under the political carpet. South African politicians, particularly the ANC and the National Party, decided during negotiations to end years of conflict that the Truth and Reconciliation commission would focus on the internal struggle inside South Africa. For most conscripts in the South African Defence Force, the SADF, they completed matric and then were drafted into the military. For SWAPO or UNITA or the MPLA army FAPLA it was a similar experience but defined largely by a political awakening and usually linked to information spread through villages and in towns. This was a young person’s war which most wars are – after all the most disposable members of society are its young men. Nor was it simply a war between white and black. IT was more a conflict on the ground between red and green. Communism and Capitalism. The other reality was despite being a low-key war, it was high intensity and at times featured unconventional warfare as well as conventional. SADF soldiers would often fight on foot, walking patrols, contacts would take place between these troops and SWAPO. There were many conventional battles involving motorised heavy vehicles, tanks, artillery, air bombardments and mechanised units rolling into attack each other. The combatants included Russians, American former Vietnam vets, Cubans, East Germans and Portuguese.

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  • Peter Truax
    Excellent, detailed narrative history
    Des has done it again with this series, being his most contemporary story to date and one interspersed with his own personal background as a veteran. His well-researched narration brings the listener from far back in the late 19th century through to our current lifetime, and all throughout tying together stories of war, politics and daily life across a wide span of geography and time. Though best suited to those inclined to an interest in military history, it is easily accessible to any student of history or African affairs and the general audience - Des is a compelling storyteller! Come and enjoy the show!
  • Alisabatu
    Thank you Des!
    Border Wars sounds like Boerewors! Sometimes I’m like wait, what? 😄 I love Des Latham’s History of South Africa podcast and I’m enjoying this one too!
  • sensitive ears
    Excellent podcast
    I listened to Des' podcast about the Falklands War and that led me to this one. Both are well-researched and narrated in a way that is easy to listen to and comprehend.
  • Zambitex
    Excellent podcast!
    Baie dankie, Des! Excellent podcast series. Most enjoyable and thoroughly informative.
  • lincoln76
    Great podcast
    Des does a great job with the information and personal accounts of events. Very interesting topic to learn about. Des if you read this I hope maybe in the future if you find time you could do a series just about Rhodesia and Fire Force operations.
  • BrokeHatchetRanch
    Fantastic
    Des is a great narrator, telling a wild story with some first hand accounts sprinkled in throughout.
  • K-zip
    Great story telling
    The narrator does an excellent job retelling the story of the Bush War
  • 🕵🏼‍♂️history detective
    Excellent
    As near as I can tell Des Latham is about as near perfect an embodiment of reporting as it gets. He tells the story with next to no agenda and doesn’t curate the facts.
  • Karooninja
    A great listen while at work.
    This was sent to me via a friend and I am loving it.
  • Mexsurprise
    Wonderful podcast, superb narration. No hate.
    This podcast explores various aspects of these historically important conflicts, that are often overlooked in the west. The podcaster (Des Latham) couldn’t be more impartial, especially considering that he and the continent that he clearly loves, were profoundly effected by these events. So, if you have even a casual interest in the history of Southern Africa, it’s peoples, and their experiences, I cannot possibly come up with enough positive superlatives to fully explain how much I recommend this podcast! Most people would be significantly more measured in their treatment of others, if only we were more willing to examine our collective histories, and try to understand the human experience from new perspectives. Thank you Mr. Latham, for generously sharing your experiences and time with the world. We are all better off for your outstanding work.
  • qwethan
    Great podcast!
    Just started listening and it is great!
  • 18D/NRP
    Another Great Podcast from Des Leatham
    It’s great to hear the history of this conflict presented this way. It is an excellent adjunct to my study of this region of Africa and its history. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing these podcasts.
  • Derlemke
    Ready for Another Great Podcast
    I’ve listened to Des Latham’s other 2 podcasts. I’m very excited for this new podcast. Cheers.
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