The collection consists mostly of papers relating to Lestrade's lifetime study and teaching of Bantu languages. A large number of papers deal with the problem of the classification of Bantu languages and the unification of the various orthographies with which Lestrade was concerned for many years. These papers take the form of minutes and reports of the various committees and there is also correspondence between Lestrade and the numerous people involved, especially Professor C M Doke, Professor of Bantu Languages at the University of the Witwatersrand. In each language section there are papers on grammar, phonology, vocabulary, oral literature etc. Among the various lectures and articles are not only those pertaining to Bantu languages, but many on the subject of other European and Oriental languages with which Lestrade was so familiar. The correspondence section contains letters to publishers and letters re the Duggan-Cronin Gallery in Kimberley where Lestrade was asked to give his advice. Papers on Bantu education include reports from the S A National Council for the Blind-Braille Committee on Bantu Languages. Some interesting material is found in the TSS of trials in the Supreme Court. Many well known anthropologists, missionaries, tribal chiefs etc. were called as witnesses. Among these were Sol T Plaatje, Isang L Pilane (Paramount Chief of the Bakhatla) etc. The archaeological papers deal mainly with Lestrade's visit, in 1934, to Mapungubwe and includes his ethnological report. There are also many maps (mainly language oriented) of different areas of the world. The photographs consist mainly of portraits and groups of various tribes and of the site at Mapungubwe.