Who is General Jan Smutz from Gandhi, the Man and what is their importance?

General Jan Smutz was the leader of the Transvaal government, responsible for the oppression of the Indians living in South Africa. Gandhi met with the general, a Boer soldier, and informed him calmly that he was going to fight against his government, and win with the general's help. General Smuts recounts later that Gandhi did just what he said he was going to do.