The Afrikaner’s Decline: The Ledger of Loss

Set in the early 1930s, "The Ledger of Loss" follows Jan de Wet, a farmer turned clerk, as he navigates the economic ruin of South Africa's Great Depression. After losing his farm to drought, Jan moves to Pretoria's slums, where he uncovers corruption at Volksbank, leading to its collapse and community unrest. His journey is marked by flashbacks to his family's struggles, starting with his grandfather's compensation for slaves in 1833, and his father's battles with disease and war, all chronicled in a tattered ledger. Jan, supported by his wife Elsabe's fierce loyalty and their son Pieter's hopeful eyes, rallies his neighbors to demand schools and jobs, defying the "poor white" stigma. The narrative builds tension as they plant a community garden, symbolizing renewal, while whispers of division threaten their unity, hinting at future segregationist policies. The book delves into resilience and redemption, set against the Carnegie report's revelations about Afrikaner poverty. It explores how loss can forge purpose and community, offering a window into a pivotal time in South African history, with echoes of modern struggles.