The Song of Africa

This is the story of Ivan Bender, growing up in a new resources rich country - Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), during one of the most violent periods of African history from 1948 to 1980. After a threatening encounter with a crocodile, an Ndebele warrior is assigned the job of being Ivan's guardian. A strong friendship develops between the warrior and the boy.

Ivan's father is stricken by malaria and the family is forced to move to the city. There, two black waifs are taken into the Bender home. One, Enock, in time becomes a notorious guerrilla known as "One Eye". The other, Amos, becomes a policeman and a member of the Selous Scouts - a highly effective government anti-terrorist group. Ivan goes to the assistance of refugees fleeing from Katanga during the civil war erupting in Zaire. He meets a young girl, Chantelle, and a romance develops. Ivan's life becomes filled with adventure.

The facts are politically accurate. Many of the events described are also true and are based on the author's and family experiences, though, on occasion literary license has been used.

Isaac Benatar (LL.B) is a law graduate of the University of London. He was born in Zimbabwe in 1943. Elected Youth Mayor of the city of Salisbury during 1965-66. Became public prosecutor in Rhodesia from 1970 to 1980. He emigrated to the United States in 1980.