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Historian · Sociologist · Author · Former International Diplomat

Dr Jongi
Joseph Klaas

A Cambridge PhD leading the reclaiming and restoration of South African history, heritage and national memory.

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Dr JJ Klaas portrait
Dr JJ Klaas
At Arch Ocean View being developed as a heritage center of the Cape Wars
Dr JJ Klaas
Diplomat at the United Nations Security Council in 2011-2012

The Author

A Shepherd Boy
Who Walked to
Cambridge

Dr JJ Klaas is a Historian, Sociologist, Author, and former International Diplomat with a PhD from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. His work is dedicated to reclaiming South African and African history from an indigenous perspective.

In 2015, he published his first book, Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit. In 2023, he directed the first documentary of Nkosi Maqoma, and in the same year he published the peer-reviewed book Triangle of One Hundred Years Wars, regarded as a groundbreaking contribution to the decolonisation of South African history.

In 2024, he organised the commemoration of King Sandile, who fought in three wars of resistance against colonialism. In 2025, he successfully hosted the 75-year commemoration of HH Majiza Secondary School in Keiskammahoek. He is currently chairing the restoration of the Mgwali Heritage Mission, built by Reverend Tiyo Soga in 1857, and during the historic King Hintsa commemoration on 12 May 2026 he presented the significance of South Africa’s longest African wars of resistance.

University of Fort Hare, South AfricaBachelor of Pedagogics
University of Oklahoma, USAMaster's Degree · Fulbright Scholar
University of Cambridge, United KingdomMPhil & PhD in Sociology · Mandela Magdalene Scholar
Rhodes University, South AfricaFormer Faculty Member
"Jongi Klaas redefines the telling of history — his stories have a soul, they live in you."
— Professor Ncedile Saule
Eastern Cape hills
In Deliwe/Cthcart on of the battlefields of War of Ngcayechibi, with Professor Malizo and Mr Zola Nazo
History manuscripts
Exploring Mzimvubu River in Port St Johns
African landscape
On a book tour in 2024 at Walter Sisulu University
Books and knowledge
In Mthontsi mountain/Mt Misery during the shooting of the documentary on Nkosi Maqoma in 2023
African landscape
In line with Nelson Mandela's motto "it is in your hands" — despite the most challenging circumstances, one remained focused to the possibilities of a better future.
— Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit

Literary Works

The Books

Groundbreaking works that reclaim, retell, and redefine African history from the inside out.

Triangle of One Hundred Years Wars

2023

Triangle of One Hundred Years Wars

Dr Jongi Joseph Klaas

Peer-Reviewed · UJ Press

Triangle of One Hundred Years Wars

A gripping and riveting South African historiography chronologically articulated through an endogenous lens. Chronicles the amaXhosa's visionary leadership through their wars of resistance in the Eastern Cape — regarded as a groundbreaking work in the decolonisation of South African history.

UJ Press → Bookshop.org → ResearchGate →
Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit

2015

Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit

Dr Jongi Joseph Klaas

Memoir · Autobiography

Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit

A deeply personal and gripping South African story — from a rural Eastern Cape childhood through poverty, apartheid, and broken homes to a Cambridge doctorate. Raw, honest, and unforgettable. A powerful reminder that despite all odds, a better future is always possible.

AbeBooks → Goodreads → Google Books →
Historic manuscripts
Library of knowledge
Robben Island
Historic manuscripts
Meeting Nelson Mandela at the University of Cambridge in year 2000
Historic manuscripts
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a resort of emperor Haile Selassie
Eastern Cape
Dr Klaas is a sociologist, historian, and explorer — his research interest anchored on unearthing the forgotten history of South Africa.
— Daily Maverick

Appearances & Engagements

Events

Book launches, lectures, commemorations, and speaking engagements — where history comes alive.

African landscape event

"When I wrote about history, more than anything, I wanted it to live — to breathe."

12
May 2026
Eastern Cape

Heritage · Commemoration

King Hintsa Historic Commemoration

Presented the significance of South Africa's longest African wars of resistance during the King Hintsa commemoration.

Past
2025
Commemoration
Keiskammahoek

Heritage · Community

75-Year HH Majiza Secondary School Commemoration

Led the successful commemoration of HH Majiza Secondary School's 75-year legacy in Keiskammahoek.

Past
2024
Commemoration
Eastern Cape

Heritage · Commemoration

King Sandile Commemoration

Marking the legacy of King Sandile, who fought in three of the longest wars of resistance in Africa.

Past
2023
Documentary
South Africa

Film Direction · Cultural Heritage

Nkosi Maqoma — 150-Year Commemoration Documentary

Directed the first documentary of Nkosi Maqoma, capturing the heritage of resistance.

Past
3
Nov 2023
Grahamstown

Book Launch

Triangle of One Hundred Years Wars — Official Launch

Cawse Library, St Andrew's College, Grahamstown, South Africa

Past
2016
National Tour
South Africa

Book Tour

Memoirs of Relentless Pursuit — South African Book Tour

Nationwide tour including television and radio appearances

Past

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Get in Touch

Contact

For speaking engagements, media enquiries, book orders, and scholarly collaborations.

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Let's Start a Conversation

Whether you're a student, educator, journalist, event organiser, or a curious reader — Dr Klaas welcomes meaningful dialogue about history, identity, and the African story.

Scholarly library
LocationSouth Africa · Eastern Cape
Emailinfo@drjongiklaas.co.za
Books AvailableBookshop.org · AbeBooks · UJ Press · Google Books