The Roots of Black South Africa by David Hammond-Tooke

David Hammond-Tooke's book is eminently readable; and is written in a fresh, jargon-less format which makes it a great reference work for learners of all ages.

By the beginning of the last millennium Bantu speaking peoples had migrated into the region of Africa now known as South Africa – settling on the eastern side where climatic conditions were similar to those further north. Dependent on their relationship to cattle and geography, the groups settled either into widespread family based homesteads, or into larger 'city' based societies. The inherent differences between these forms of settlement and farming methods employed led to the widely diverse cultures now experienced in South Africa – though all can be traced back to a similar origin. Hammond-Tooke's magnificent book provides an insight into the development (government, religion, family, marriage, witchcraft, & medicine) of these cultures.