April 2026 Edition
The War in Iran has developed significantly since last month’s SCN appeared. The main leadership of the mad mullahs has been accounted for, the bulk of the Iranian Navy lies at the bottom of the Gulf, and Israel continues to hammer Iran’s proxies in Lebanon - Hezbollah. But alas Iran continues to fire missiles and deadly drones across the region, their threatening nuclear programme has still not been dismantled, and the IRGC maintain their suppression and harassment of the Iranian population. Quite obviously the War hasn’t yet been won.
As we stated in last month’s SCN, it is quite clear that there must be largescale numbers of “boots on the ground” in order to defeat the regime of the mad mullahs once and for all, to liberate the Iranian (Persian) people and to defend the whole of the West against expansionist Islam. So why therefore hasn’t this been done yet? The main reason is that President Trump seems too frightened to commit ground troops in case the inevitable death tolls have a detrimental effect upon GOP performances in this year’s mid-term elections. This should not be the case however. FDR was re-elected easily in 1944 whilst WW2 was still causing high casualty rates, and George W.Bush was re-elected with an increased vote in 2004 having successfully carried out a military operation to overthrow a similar Islamic terrorist regime in Ba’athist Iraq.
Donald Trump’s reluctance to act decisively is probably also due to the lack of support which he has been receiving from other Western powers. Perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised at this lack of backing in opposing such a clear existential threat from those European nations still trapped within the EU, but surely some of them should have had the courage to join their NATO ally at a time when such an evil menace threatens them all? Their failure to join the United States and Israel in opposing the mad mullahs’ expansionist terrorist regime and assisting in liberating the down-trodden people of Iran has not only been cowardly – it has been Quisling-like!
But the current position in Britain is even more worrying in the extreme. Although Sir Keir Starmer initially seemed to have established friendly relations with Donald Trump’s administration and was on the point of committing British forces to the battle to overthrow the threatening Islamic regime in Iran, he subsequently backtracked on this support, allowing British troops only to be engaged in “defensive operations”. This highly embarrassing debacle not only exposed the criminal rundown of UK armed forces over recent decades by governments of all colours, but has also shown how firmly Starmer is now under the control of the extreme Left-wing of his Labour Party.
Bad though the current Labour Party is, it is no longer the most detestable party on the British political scene – that accolade now belonging to the Green Party! The Green Party of course began as a rather quaint and harmless party concerned almost exclusively with the environment, but over recent years it has metamorphosised into an extreme Left-wing danger espousing such diabolical causes as “open borders” for asylum invaders, rabid anti-Semitic support for “Palestine”, and trans-sexual gender ideology. So vile have these causes been that it seems impossible that any sane and decent British person could ever support them – but as the results of the Gorton and Denton and the Cliftonville KCC by-elections have shown there is currently “something rotten in the state of Britain”. Quite clearly therefore the Green Party under its current self-hating leadership is pure evil. It must be crushed!
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SPRINGBOK CLUB NEWS
The Springbok Club‘s planned trip to the Jewel Tower in Westminster last month unfortunately encountered a most unexpected problem, as the Tower turned out to have been closed at short notice on the day of the proposed visit! Instead the Springbok Club party took a most pleasant stroll through the Victoria Tower Gardens observing such sights as Rodin’s sculpture of the Burghers of Calais and the Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst Memorial, and then to the near-by Smith Square with its baroque church of St.John’s and other historic buildings, before adjourning to The Speaker hostelry for a convivial ending to a somewhat frustrating day! The Springbok Club now plans to make another attempt to visit the Jewel Tower later during the year.
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The Springbok Club’s planned country pub walk has now been finalised for Saturday 2nd May and will feature the second of the three proposed routes, namely :-
MANNINGTREE TO DEDHAM This walk is middle distance at six miles. There is also more than one pub on the circular walk. It has a riverside section and goes through picturesque Constable Country, including the famous Flatford Mill. Dedham is also an ancient and picturesque village.
If you are interested in participating in this country pub walk please contact the Club's Treasurer/Secretary, Susan Gordon, at: susangordonlondon@gmail.com
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The Springbok Club has two most interesting guest speakers lined up to address the organisation during the next few months, but most exciting of all is the news that this year’s “Raising of the Flag” ceremony has now been scheduled for Berkshire on 12th September, where a most prominent personality will be present. More information about all of these forthcoming events will be featured in next month’s SCN.
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PATRIOTIC FORUM NEWS
As has often been the case in the past, the Patriotic Forum will be staging a trip to the famous Rochester Sweeps Festival again this year, to watch and enjoy some of the displays of Morris Dancing and traditional British folk music. There will be two differences to the organisation’s trips in the past this year, firstly some supporters will be attending on two days (Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3ed May), and secondly one of the leading members of the organisation will actually be performing on Saturday 2nd! Anyone interested in attending should either e-mail: swinton@netcomuk.co.uk beforehand or ‘phone: 07711188430 on the day itself to discover rendezvous arrangements.
[ We know that this event clashes with the Springbok Club’s country pub walk (see above), but hopefully supporters of both organisations will be able to choose whichever event is closer to them – or better still take part in the country pub walk on the Saturday and then attend the Rochester Sweeps Festival on the Sunday!]
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On Saturday 30th May the Patriotic Forum will be welcoming Mr. Edward Spalton, the Honorary President of the Campaign for an Independent Britain, as guest speaker. This event will be held in central London at a venue still to be decided upon, but all members and supporters will be notified of the precise location in due course. Further details about this event and others being planned for later during the year will of course be given in future editions of the SCN.
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MESSAGE FROM THE NETWORK FOR ANIMALS
We have recently received the following most worrying message about the plight of donkeys in Zimbabwe from the Network for Animals organisation which reads as follows :-
“Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster as a devastating drought brings the country to its knees. As always, in times of crisis, the animals are in serious trouble, and the rescued donkeys at our partner sanctuary are badly affected.
“Donkeys are desperately hungry as drought destroys food supplies in Zimbabwe. Please help us feed them before they starve!
“Since 2018, you have helped us support abused, beaten, starved and maimed donkeys rescued by our partner, Matabeleland Animal Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (MARES). Before they are rescued, these gentle creatures routinely endure some of the worst abuse meted out to animals, on top of being overworked, underfed and pushed to their limits.
“Many were moments from agonizing death when they were rescued, and many owe their second chance to caring people like you. But now, as they face the pain of starvation, they urgently need your help once more.
“Zimbabwe’s drought is getting worse, and there is no end in sight. We have an innovative plan to help save donkey lives. Please, the donkeys need your help now.
“With the drought predicted to stretch well into 2026, we know that this crisis is only going to get worse, so we have formulated a plan to establish a sustainable, long-term food source for the donkeys.
“Our moringa tree project aims to cultivate 4,500 moringa trees - also known as ‘Miracle Trees’ - to provide adequate sustenance to the animals. Drought-resistant moringas are fast-growing and renowned for their nutritional benefits for both humans and donkeys. All parts of the tree can be used, particularly for nutritional, medicinal, and water purification purposes. Crucially, they do not require much water, easily surviving on hardly any water after their first two months of growth.
“We have secured a 2,100-acre (863-hectare) farm with a 99-year lease near Hwange National Park. The farm is expected to yield 3.5 tons of moringa mulch annually - enough to feed 500 donkeys every year - and planting is underway. The farm has a working borehole and large-capacity water tank to ensure water is available if and when the trees require it.
“Cultivating drought-resistant Moringa trees will provide 500 donkeys with enough food for a year, every year. With food rapidly running out and no hint of rain, we have no time to lose.
“If we raise the funds, the first yield will be ready in roughly two months, so we have no time to waste. We are preparing the fields as you read this, but we must raise funds for more saplings, as well as the cost of harvesting and pelletizing the food, storing it, and rushing it to donkeys in urgent need.
“Currently, the MARES’ donkey sanctuary, which we financially support, has nearly 100 donkeys. The moringa tree will allow them to provide food for hundreds more.
“This project will not only feed these rescued donkeys during this immediate crisis but also provide a sustainable food source for many more far into the future.
“Please help us raise £12,000 to support crucial steps in this critical feeding programme immediately! Hungry donkeys need your support right now. Your donation will also secure food for hungry animals for generations to come.
“Donkeys have served mankind since time immemorial. Will you help repay their generations of service by providing food solutions for the donkeys we care so deeply about?
“With a cold, dry winter around the corner, it has never been more important to get the animals fed than right now!
“Together, we can provide a life-saving food supply for the desperately hungry donkeys of Zimbabwe.
“Gloria Davies (and Max and Flora!)
“CEO and Founder, Network for Animals
“P.S. In Zimbabwe, drought is causing crops to fail and animals to starve. Please, help us plant nutritious, fast-growing, drought-resistant moringa trees now so we can feed starving donkeys.”
For more details about the Network for Animals organisation, or to make a donation to help their campaign for the donkeys, visit their web-site at: https://networkforanimals.org/
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SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY DRUGS SCANDAL
We have recently been alerted to a most devastating report which appeared in The South African newspaper of 2nd March 2026. It reads as follows :-
“MAJOR DOPING ALLEGATION AGAINST SPRINGBOKS.
“A leading overseas publication has suggested that drug-testing infrequency related to the Springboks casts a cloud over World Cup wins.
“In a bombshell ‘exclusive’ published by renowned UK publication The Telegraph on Monday, it is alleged that South African rugby – and by association the Springboks – have the ‘highest number of convicted dopers in rugby, yet a sixfold decrease in testing coincided with the 2019 and 2023 (World Cup) triumphs’.
“Referencing relatively recent ‘doping’ cases linked to Springboks such as Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Elton Jantjies, Sbu Nkosi and Aphiwe Dyantyi, the article suggests that this is just the tip of the iceberg, implying a major issue with both failed tests – and a lack of testing – for South African players.
“The article is sure to cause a real uproar as it effectively alleges that South Africa is guilty of having the ‘most convicted dopers’ while simultaneously suggesting that testing has rapidly declined, further implying there should be a big question over the Springboks’ recent domination in world rugby.
“The article, framed as a special sports investigation, implies that there is some sort of deep-rooted problem in South African rugby.
“’South Africa is the nation with the highest number of convicted dopers in rugby with 89 violations in that time, which is around 20 per cent of the entire total worldwide,’ part of the article reads
“’But, despite this, testing in the country dropped markedly after the Springboks retained the World Cup in 2023.
“’According to figures published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), the number of tests carried out within rugby by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) fell from 785 in 2015 to just 127 in 2024.
“’Over the same period, the equivalent number of tests conducted by UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) rose by almost 25 percent from 998 to 1,241.’
“The article further suggests that South African rugby has been plagued by doping scandals ever since the game turned professional, referencing old Craven Week cases and incidents involving the likes of Johan Goosen, Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bjorn Basson.
“More currently, the ‘exclusive’ story suggests an apparent decline in testing ‘raises questions about whether any players might have avoided detection while the Springboks were on their way to winning back-to-back World Cups and Rugby Championships, and a Test series against the British and Irish Lions in 2021’.
“There was also an allegation levelled at the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), suggesting there had been a slump in the regularity of testing.
“’The sixfold decrease in testing between 2015-24 also meant rugby went from accounting for almost 30 percent of SAIDS tests across all sport to just 12 percent,’ the article added.”
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COVID-1984 VACCINE INJURIES PROTEST
It seems a long time ago now since the Covid-1984 paranoia gripped the world. In spite of the fact that most people now accept that this variant of the ‘flu virus was relatively mild and that all the lockdown nonsense and the compulsory wearing of ridiculous facemasks was totally unnecessary, one worrying side-effect of this paranoia still remains – the harmful effects which the vaccine that was hastily rolled-out still has on so many who agreed to be vaccinated. We have recently received a powerful article about this ongoing problem from the Rebel News Network, which reads as follows :-
“On Sunday, a large crowd gathered in the streets of London to demonstrate in solidarity with those harmed by the COVID vaccines.
“I encountered numerous people at the rally who either knew a vaccine-injured person or suffered an injury themselves from these ‘safe and effective’ shots, including those who initially supported the mass injection campaign.
“The protest moved through the city under the watchful eye of the London Police, with participants chanting and carrying placards displaying slogans and photos of vaccine victims.
“Watch my full report at : https://www.rebelnews.com/_they_lied_people_died_vax_injured_brits_march_in_london_to_expose_jab_fallout?utm_campaign=sw_covidprotest_031125&utm_medium=email&utm_source=therebel
“People suffering from vaccine injuries have been entirely abandoned by the political and media elites, who used their power to coerce individuals to participate in this unprecedented and unethical medical experiment.
“Despite their good intentions, those injured by these injections have been silenced, ignored, and dismissed by the very people who convinced them to ‘do the right thing’ and take the shots.
“But has anyone taken responsibility for this failure of public policy? Will anyone be held accountable?
“Please share this video far and wide and follow our efforts to get the other side of the story at RebelNewsUK.com — that’s where you can see my latest reports from the UK on government overreach, censorship, mass migration, and ‘woke’ culture in a critical way that you just won’t find on state-approved media outlets like the BBC.
“Yours truly,
“Sammy Woodhouse “Rebel News
“P.S. Rebel News isn't a large corporation, and unlike the BBC, we don't get any government money. We're 100% viewer funded, so please consider chipping in if you can! Just go to RebelNewsUK.com.”
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RED CHINA PLUNDERING SOUTH AFRICAN RESOURCES
The Dear South Africa on-line platform of Rob Hutchinson has recently carried a most disturbing report about how a mining conglomerate from Red China has been allowed to operate in the Soutpansberg region of the Far Northern Transvaal by the “new” South African authorities, and is now developing 10 new open-cast coal mines, not only plundering the land of natural raw materials but also causing great environmental damage. The article in question reads as follows :-
“Ten new open-cast coal mines to be developed in the untouched Greater Soutpansberg Coalfield located in the far northern Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, will supply a mega industrial complex being developed on the edge of the coal-pits.
“The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ), a 60km2 China-South Africa state-backed steel manufacturing industrial zone – the largest such industrial development in South Africa’s history – will drive the strip-mining of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve for coal.
“MC Mining, owned by Chinese coal producer Kinetic Development, has illegally broken ground on what it calls its ‘shovel-ready’ flagship Makhado Colliery – despite the fact that the decision on an appeal against its environmental authorisation is still pending. MC Mining’s commencement of mining activities is thus unlawful and constitutes egregious and ongoing breaches of Section 24F of NEMA.
“The scheme to turn the wild heart of Limpopo into another Sacrifice Zone for coal and steel is extremely high-risk with grossly skewed benefits in favour of foreign industry interests.
“The project carries an immense cost to the sensitive environment and scarce water resources, poor rural communities, local farming, tourism and the emerging potential of the biodiversity economy. The MMSEZ will cannibalise South Africa’s ailing steel industry and the public purse, given the eye-watering cost of developing the zone’s supporting infrastructure.
“Therefore I encourage you to have your say right away. All comments count.
“Thank you for being democratically engaged, active and responsible.
“Rob Hutchinson
“Founder, Dear South Africa”
To contact Dear South Africa and to have your say go to :-
https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/livinglimpopo/
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INDIAN BBC PRESENTER AIMS TO RETURN HOME
An article in the 11th April edition of The Daily Telegraph reveals that Amol Rajan, the Calcutta-born BBC presenter who for some unknown reason has been allowed to present a number of BBC programmes, including the corporation’s flagship quiz programme University Challenge, now wished to return home to India with his family.
We wish Rajan well in this regard and trust that he will be able to find a prominent position in Indian broadcasting, where of course his talents will be far more appropriate and appreciated. We trust also that the BBC will now start to appoint British broadcasters to all their prominent positions – especially as presenter of University Challenge – as there is surely more than sufficient talent amongst the British people themselves!
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SEARCH SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST RELATIVES
Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. Please use the search request form at :-
http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/emails.php?id=emails_from_SCN
Also check :-
https://www.bellemodel.biz/uruguay/uruguay.php?id=uruguay_from_letter_uy
(This site is for people who have considered emigrating from South Africa, specifically to Uruguay.)
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BOOK OFFERS
“LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALFRED JAMES TOMLINSON: MEMOIRS OF AN AFRICAN PIONEER AND BSAP OFFICER" is now available at Amazon.com, and can be shipped to anywhere in the world. This book contains excerpts from Lieut. Tomlinson's writings detailing his experiences as a member of the BSAP in Southern Rhodesia, where he rose from the rank of an ordinary trooper to retire as the commanding officer. It also includes the personal story of Majaqaba Ncube, a man who was enslaved by Lobengula when his entire village was massacred by the chief's soldiers. After he escaped, Lieut. Tomlinson saved him from certain death and gave him a job. They lost contact and were reunited after 45 years, when Majaqaba presented Lieut. Tomlinson with an earthenware jar.
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"THE SAINTS" – a unique documentary in support of the book on the brief history of the RLI.
DVD available along with other premium titles of historical interest from Msasa Enterprises. Visit www.rhodesianvideos.co.za or write to msasavideos@gmail.com for more information. UK contact telephone: 07865088212.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.329: Mr. CLYDE BURGESS of Amanzimtoti.
Clyde Burgess (his christian name might be spelt slightly differently) was one of the famous Burgess triplets who were born at Amanzimtoti circa. 1948 and who featured in an advertising campaign for a Unilever washing powder at the time! One of his triplet brothers (he was not identical to the other two) was Alan Burgess who was the subject of this section in the September 2002 Edition of the SCN. Unlike his two triplet brothers Clyde remained in Amanzimtoti during his adulthood however, but it is believed that he sadly experienced a problematic domestic life. It would however be very interesting to learn where he – indeed all of the Burgess triplets – are now located.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
The Rhodesian Study Circle web-site contains a number of collections, mainly philatelic, from not only Southern Rhodesia but also from the surrounding former British colonies. It can be accessed at :-
https://www.rhodesianstudycircle.org.uk/collect/online-resources/
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SOUTH AFRICA AS IT REALLY IS
Sir,
Some of the material circulated by the TAU and others about the current situation in South Africa is misleading, if only by omission. South Africa has the world's third-highest murder rate. Worse than Haiti. But most of those killed are Black men, shot or stabbed by other Black men. Not White farmers.
That in no way belittles rural killings. But when a farmer is murdered, look at stats for the district and you’ll find far more Black people have met a violent end.
Whites make up 8% of the population, and less than 4% of murder victims. Urban or rural, they are safer than South Africans on average.
This is also true of the so-called “femicide”. The press would have us believe there’s an epidemic of murder against women in South Africa but they make around 10% of the dead. Again, most are Black men.
Many messages use the word “trapped” in reference to White people. Gaining residence in another country is not easy and one could equally say that Brits are trapped in UK, Americans in the US.
But White people here do have a self-inflicted disadvantage: few can speak a Black language, creating perhaps a sense of isolation. Sadly, the same applied in Rhodesia whereas, in Kenya, long before independence in 1963, most could get by in Swahili.
Given the choice to leave, it is likely more Black South Africans would feel like moving. Chronic unemployment, violence in the townships, no wall or electric fence keeping safe homes in the suburbs. Government, alas, does little to address these problems.
This is Africa — tough and unpredictable — not an appendage of Europe or North America. But we choose to live here, and the White minority has an easier time of it than most.
Yours etc.,
Geoff Hill, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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FRIENDS OF THE SPRINGBOK
Sir,
At least someone, Donald J. Trump, is taking note of how Whites in general and Afrikaners in particular are being treated in "the Rainbow Nation” by the ANC in their 31st year of total failure.
Where are the Peter Hains and the left-wing-liberal governments of Sweden, Denmark and Norway now? Heads well below the parapet despite numerous warnings from conservative Whites in the Republic of South Africa that this would come to pass.
If you want to stay up to speed on South African events go to YouTube and look for the commentary by :-
[1] Businessman Rob Hersov - especially on the channel BIZNet.
[2] Col Chris Wyatt - retired US intelligence officer based in Pennsylvania. Well travelled around the world and a staunch friend of South Africa
Yours etc.,
A.Banfield, Hertfordshire, U.K.
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REMEMBERING PETER FISHER
It is now over a year since the late, great, Peter Fisher, the former Chairman and subsequently Honorary President of the Springbok Club, died (see obituary in April 2025 SCN) - but he is not forgotten!
A member has recently informed us about a most moving interview with him which appeared on his local Petersfield Shine Radio web-site shortly before he died, in which they report on his continuing voluntary environmental work for his local community even when aged 85. This report and interview can be accessed at :-
https://shineradio.uk/2025/02/peter-fisher-takes-an-interest-because-he-lives-here/
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