Fallout
by Peter Hain
Muswell Press, £14.99

FORMER anti-apartheid activist Peter Hain continues his successful run as an author of political thrillers with his latest novel Fallout. 

Unlike his previous “conspiracy” trilogy, which were based around poaching and the illegal trade in animal horns and skins in post-apartheid South Africa, this story takes us back to the final years of apartheid.

The book stands alone as there is no direct link to the characters in his previous novels.

This story is set largely in China, Zimbabwe, South Africa and London, where a trio of rogue intelligence officers conspire to supply South Africa with nuclear weapons.

Accidentally interacting with the plotters are a number of apparently ordinary people who over time become irreversibly drawn into the plot, in some cases with tragic consequences.

Hain’s wide experience of international travel helps him to bring to life people and places in those very different locations, cultures and political systems.

As one would expect from such a distinguished activist, the story paints a realistic and terrifying picture of the apartheid death squads. It also reflects on the tangled web of international intrigue which surrounded the constant breeches of UN sanctions against South Africa.

Cold war tensions abound and Hain shows a broad understanding of international relations and conflict resolution as he tells the tale.

Essential to the plot is the idea that rogue elements in China, opposed to the reforms of the 1980s, would conspire with others in the west to fulfil their ambitions.

Sadly, I do not understand why Hain would suggest that the Chinese government had previously supplied apartheid South Africa with enriched uranium for their nuclear weapons programme.

It doesn’t seem necessary to the story and there is no evidence that it happened. In fact the People’s Republic of China had no diplomatic relations or trade ties with South Africa and supported the ANC (South Africa) and Zanu (Zimbabwe) in their armed struggle to defeat apartheid providing them with both weapons and training.

Aside from that quibble, it must be said that this is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read. As is clearly Hain’s intention, the book delves deep into the problems facing newly independent Zimbabwe, the regional tensions affecting the struggle of the ANC, the explosion of internal resistance following the Soweto student revolt in 1976, the re-establishment of trade unions accompanied by massive strike waves, and general unrest in the townships, alongside a significant increase in successful armed actions by Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the ANCs armed wing.

Of course, what is not in dispute is the extent to which Britain, Germany, France and Israel, supplied weapons and nuclear technology to the apartheid regime despite UN sanctions.

All these events take place in the cold war environment where the actions of the villains threaten regional and global peace.

As Hain builds the images of his central characters, we share with them their personal and professional tensions and deep moral dilemmas. As he weaves the story, Hain, as he has on previous occasions, provides powerful examples of the contribution of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

No spoilers here, but readers will be pleased to know that this is not an apocalyptic tale. The plotters are eventually defeated in their efforts.

For those who experienced those struggles against apartheid and the manoeuvres of M15, M16 and the CIA, in supporting the apartheid regime, it brings back strong images of our successes and failures.

For those involved in today’s struggles, without that prior experience, it may provide answers to some of the anomalies they face day by day when considering the actions of governments and the shady dealings of the intelligence services.

For all potential readers I highly recommend it as a thrilling read.