Local writer tells the true story of the Khoisan
Pieter recently handed over a copy of his book to King Khoisan SA, who is camping on the grounds of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The 67-year-old Pieter Pretorius believes his book, Die Ballade van Koos Sas gives new hope to a stumbling Khoisan community.
According to the Strubens Valley author, it touches on the search for freedom and the disregard for Khoi mythology, which puts the protagonist on the wrong track.
Pieter recently handed over a copy of his book to King Khoisan SA, who is camping on the grounds of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The book is now available in hard copy and on eBooks at https://peglegproduction.co.za/Die Ballade van Koos Sas.
“Koos Sas has now been given a formal burial at Donkerhoek in Montagu; his remains are no longer kept in the museum.
“The post of Die Ballade van Koos Sas has reached 52 000 engagements on Facebook and his story is still being told in the museum under great curatorship,” said Pieter.
Years ago Pieter produced two short films on the Khoisan for the SABC, and came across the story of Koos Sas by chance.
“This prompted me to write a book on Koos Sas and to incorporate his beliefs into the book,” said Pieter.
The book tells the story of a Khoi farm worker from Touws River, Koos Sas, who longs for the freedom that his ancestors had. While working on the farm he comes to the realisation that Southern Africa has been divided into farms belonging to individual owners.
British imperialism and the power of law bring him into conflict with society and before long, he becomes notorious in the colony.
His situation is complicated overnight after meeting a Khoi girl who herself has sought refuge in Vryheid.
The search for freedom is exacerbated by Koos’ fleeting disregard for the Khoi mythology, which puts him on the wrong track.
