RICHARD W. MSIMANG

The Natives of South Africa have sent a deputation to England to present a Petition to His Majesty King George V., praying for the exercise of his right of veto, on behalf of their people by disallowing a law radically changing the ownership and occupation of land in South Africa, the law called the Native Lands Act, 1913. . . These peaceful and painstaking methods have all failed, now the deputation is come to make its final appeal. The leaders have had and are having a difficult and responsible task in leading a large mass of people whose methods of resisting or displaying dissatisfaction is and was to resort to arms. The leaders have done great service to the Union in educating these large masses to peaceful constitutional methods---the task is a difficult one; the people's patience is exhausted, their loyalty sorely strained, their hearts are exasperated and bleeding with discontent and mistrust. . . We, therefore, ask for a Royal Commission to enquire into the whole question of native grievances in South Africa and their relation to the Empire. Land to the Native is as dear as blood, it is his backbone. Enlisting sympathy and assistance in the cause of the Deputation now in England, and I trust we shall not appeal in vain.

- Richard W. Msimang, "Native Lands Act, 1913: An Appeal To The People Of England", Tsala ea Batho [The People's Friend], June 13, 1914.