WWII Espionage in South Africa with Evert Kleynhans

In this episode of the Underground Strategy podcast, we’re joined by military historian and professor Evert Kleynhans from Stellenbosch University. Known for his research on South African military history, Evert walks us through the fascinating and often-overlooked story of German espionage networks in South Africa during WWII. He explains the role of the Ossewabrandwag and shares insights into Smuts’ complex balancing act of politics, security, and wartime priorities.

Evert also gives us a look at his upcoming work on South African POWs, particularly those who escaped and evaded capture during WWII, providing a unique lens on military resilience and survival. We conclude with Evert's take on South Africa’s most impactful military commanders, whose strategies and decisions have left a lasting mark on both regional and world history.

For further reading on Evert Kleynhans and South African military history, check out his publications below:

Hitler’s South African Spies - https://amzn.to/49TuXi5

Naval War in South African Waters - https://amzn.eu/d/h8IM3Gu

Recommended reads on South African WWII history:

OB: Traitors or Patriots? by George Cloete Visser - https://amzn.to/4091UDL

Robey Leibbrandt: 'n Lewe van Fanatisme by Albert Blake - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49447236-robey-leibbrandt

A Military History of Modern South Africa by Ian van der Waag - https://amzn.to/4fThYyl

And a look at Evert’s most influential South African commanders:

Dan Pienaar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Pienaar

Roland de Vries - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_de_Vries

Evered Poole - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evered_Poole

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