In 1890, and again in 1891, David Christiaan de Waal accompanied Cecil Rhodes to the new territory of Mashonaland (now part of Rhodesia) and then wrote of his travels in a series of articles which appeared in the Cape magazine, Het Zuid-Afrikaansche Tijdschrift. These were later expanded, translated from the original Dutch by Jan H. Homer de Waal and republished, in 1896, in book form. The articles have lost nothing, and have perhaps even gained, in the translation, Here is the real Mr Rhodes - off-duty, thoroughly enjoying the informality of veldt life in the company of good friends. Here, too, is a fascinating insight into Rhodes's relationship with some of the personalities who, and the events which, characterized the southern African scene in the 1890s. De Waal was a close friend and fervent admirer of Rhodes - so much so that he was reluctant to break with Rhodes even during the acrimonious controversy which followed upon the Jameson Raid. His loyalty led to his estrangement with the Afrikaner Bond, of which he was a leading member. A senior Cape politician, de Waal's support was important to Rhodes when, as Cape Prime Minister, he was involved in the occupation and development of Mashonaland.

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