Book review: War Party by Greg Arde

There is a story behind every book I read and as an avid reader, picking up a book to me means unraveling a mystery. This book was gifted to me by my village dad. In 2023, my dad was working on a high profile case in Kwa-Zulu Natal that had him very stressed out. He had to spend time in Kwa-Zulu Natal for close to six months. Then one day he pulled up and gave me Greg’s book.

He then went on to share why it was important for me to read this book. At first, I was very apprehensive about the title. The title of the book will indeed incite a bit of anger I must say. I do believe that the anger stems from all the political developments in South Africa. However, anger aside Greg’s book will have you pondering about power dynamics, violence and corruption deeply.

Yes, it is that intense. 

We take for granted the concept behind ‘’politics being a dirty game’’ and underestimate the truth in this. Politics indeed is a dirty game and not for the faint-hearted. Greg clearly unravels how the African National Congress’s political killings are breaking up South Africa. He reveals the crime and violence in the taxi industry. He exposes the IFP-ANC warfare in KZN, corruption and the failed policing. 

The crucial aspect of Greg’s findings is that corruption is the root of all these developments. The reality we cannot escape from is that corruption is not a system. Corruption is associated with greedy leaders who have been accustomed to misusing state resources for their own benefit. Here is where I find it very interesting, is that because the greed has heightened it incites violence within the ANC. Therefore, you discover why all these killings take place in the first place.

I think what frustrates me about greed is the number of innocent lives lost due to the violence. Another perspective I can share from reading Greg’s book is that African leaders are misaligned and  have lost all interest in African affairs. Instead, they are invested in bettering their own lives. I was more interested in discovering solutions; however, the author warns if the warfare in KZN does not end, this warfare threatens to spread across the country, which is my concern.

This review is meant to persuade you to read the book and make reading a habit. It is also meant for you to take an interest in political affairs and to think critically about political developments. I also shared this review to encourage you to vote in the upcoming national elections. 

I highly recommend that you read Greg’s work. It is an easy and informative read. 

Please also share with me what book you are currently reading?    

I am just making reading fashionable. 

Lets not make this political but be encouraged to get active in political developments and please get angry. Africans are not angry enough. 

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