Standing on Street Corners: A History of the Natal Midlands Region of the Black Sash by Mary Kleinenberg and Christopher Merrett
The Natal Society Foundation hosted a book launch on Saturday, 16 May 2015 at the Tatham Art Gallery to launch their new book Standing on Street Corners: A History of the Natal Midlands Region of the Black Sash co-authored by Mary Kleinenberg and Christopher Merrett. The guest speakers were Di Oliver and Paula Krynauw.
Mary Kleinenberg was a former regional chairperson and present Black Sash trustee. Christopher Merrett is an academic historian, writer and publishing editor.
The book, a handsome thread-sewn hard-cover with dust jacket, was launched to mark the 60th anniversary of Black Sash in South Africa on 25 May. The book contains numerous photographs of the personalities and activities of local Black Sash since the mid 1950s when the branch was formed as well as lists of members and those associated with the organisation.
According to the Publishers, The Natal Society Foundation, this book looks specifically at the Natal Midlands (Pietermaritzburg) region and the distinctiveness of its contribution. Like other regions it supported the liberation struggle through public protest and educational campaigns aimed at exposing iniquitous apartheid legislation.
Sylvia Vietzen in her review of the book said “this is a most impressive book”. It tells how a relatively small group of women took a stand against the apartheid government’s serious encroachment on the rights and freedom of the people of this country.