History is the witness of the times , the light of truth, the life of memory, the witness of life.
Cicero, de Oratore

Preface Welcome to the Department of History. Our Department has a long and distinguished history. Founded eighty-six years ago it continues to attract top-class academics and produce outstanding and innovative students. It has been led by several eminent intellectuals and seminal thinkers on South African society such as W.M. Macmillan, J.S. Marais, and more recently, Philip Bonner. The history students that we have taught are to be found in leading positions in the media, the civil service, diplomacy, universities, research, business and many other fields. Over the last decade and a half, the History Department has developed a focus on the social history of Africa, for which it has become renowned, as well as maintaining its expertise in world history. Our members have published numerous books and articles in distinguished academic journals. Now, in the new millennium, our Department offers a wide variety of courses taught by some of the world's leading Africanists and Europeanists. Professor Peter Delius Head of Department, History University of the Witwatersrand