Who is Jan Christiaan Smuts from A Sparrow Falls and what is their importance?

Jan Christiaan Smuts is the Prime Minister, he is also a General, although he is a small man with hands that are almost fragile. The demeanor of a philosopher or a scholar is accentuated by his neat and pointed beard. Despite his small frame, he carries a vital force and has an awesome presence and power of character. He has a compelling voice, and is a knowledgeable botanist. Actively interested in the preservation of the African wildlife, he is a staunch supporter in Parliament for Sean and Mark while they strive to make the lands at Chaka's Gate and the Bubezi River Valley a National Park. Jan Smuts is so impressed with Mark when they first meet that he also gives him the position of warden in the National Park lands once they are ratified.