Only a few hundred years ago, before Europeans settled in Africa, it was a continent of abundant wildlife of every variety.
Sadly, subsequent intensive farming and hunting decimated the herds leading to species’ extinctions or threats to the existence of some of Africa’s most magnificent animals.
However, there is hope! In an inspirational account, Dr Dean Allen will tell members of U3A Helderberg and any interested visitors about the attempts being made to restore that balance to some degree.
As an example, he will explore conservation measures being undertaken in the Eastern Cape, an area which once supported large herds of elephants.
His address will describe the reintroduction of this species to areas where they once roamed freely over 200 years ago.
Dr Allen is a renowned author, lecturer and historian, and an international motivational speaker.
His work on the history and politics of the British Empire, especially that pertaining to South Africa, has been widely published.
His best-seller, Empire, War and Cricket in South Africa, immediately comes to mind and members may recall his fascinating address some years ago on this subect.
He has taught at universities in South Africa, Ireland, Australia and his native England, and is currently based in Port Elizabeth, having been commissioned to write a book on the story of conservation and wildlife tourism in the Eastern Cape.
Besides being an ambassador for Nelson Mandela Bay and the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), he is a columnist for HeraldLIVE and presents the popular Frontier Land podcast at Algoa FM.
He has also received the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Researcher of the Year Award.
Dr Allen’s books will be on sale after the talk, which takes place on Wednesday October 2, at the Dutch Reformed Church, 82 Firmount Road, Monte Sereno, Somerset West, at 10am.
There is no charge for members; visitors pay R20 at the door. For more information, contact Denise Fourie at 072 211 1173.
