Describes the participation of black people in the South African war (Boer war) of 1899-1902.

Introduction: perspectives and place -- Colonial state, imperial army and peacekeeping -- The politics of patriotism -- Arms and patriotism: town guards and district militia -- Moving Lord Kitchener: military transport and supply work -- The republican guerrilla war in the countryside -- Martyrdom, myth and memory: Abraham Esau's war -- Treason offenders and their antagonists -- Peace and reconquest.