The book gives a historical and political background of the three South African territories from the period before European settlement, during the settlement and the British intervention. It then describes the European, Coloured and African population and the government administration, European administration and native administration. All this recognised the Native Authorities (the chiefs, sub-chiefs and headmen). The final aspect of native political organisation is native representation of Native interests. In its conclusion, an ultimate aim is given of building a local government and later a local legislature.
