FIRST ARCHIVES COUNCIL TO PLAY VITAL ROLE

The first Free State Provincial Archives Council was launched in Bloemfontein on March 22, by the MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Mr M J Mafereka. “Knowledge is power,” he said. “And well-researched information provides this power. We thus want all researchers, students, school children and the general public to become more aware of the Provincial Archives and its essential role in the preservation of all levels of history for all communities in the province. Our five newly-appointed councillors will assist us in achieving this.” In addition to overseeing the archives function, they would shape social memory by advising on the collection and preservation of non-public records, as well as cultural heritage data of all communities, said Mr Mafereka. The Free State Archives would now move beyond offering a simple service to records researchers. Special outreach programmes focussing on less privileged sectors of society would be developed to assist them to capture and preserve their own special histories, he said. “The Council will be chaired by Zeph Senkhane, a keen promoter of social history preservation and a highly respected man in Free State educational circles. Zeph has played key roles in many sporting organisations, as well as at several schools and colleges. Other council members are Vincent Khetha, an anthropologist and social historian, who has done invaluable work in the field of HIV/AIDS research; Marie Oelofse, a full time lecturer at the University of the Free State, who is committed to capturing oral history; Mosololi Mohapi, a specialist announcer at Lesedi FM, and expert on languages, cultures, documentaries and dramas, and Rose Willis, a passionate cultural heritage researcher who has a long history in public relations, communications, marketing and community development. We are also fortunate to have Ferdi Wheeler, as our head archivist. He has more than 21 years of experience in document and material storage, as well as all levels of archives service.”

PROUD MILESTONE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

The Karoo National Park recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of an Interpretive Centre. Guests of honour included the Western Cape’s Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rejoice Mabudafhasi; Western Cape MEC for Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Tasneem Essop; Central Karoo District Mayor, Doreen Hugo; South African National Parks Chief Operations Officer, Sydney Soundy, and Paul Daphne, executive director, SANparks. The park was praised for playing a positive role in promoting a wider image for the Karoo. “The Government has a priority to ensure that marginalised communities now also have access to parks and the rich ecological knowledge they offer,” said the Deputy Minister. “We want young people to enjoy more than just the fauna and flora, they must share the traditions and culture of the Karoo. We are thus proud that the Interpretive Centre has become a reality. It has a vital role to play. In the long run it is the ecology of this region that will grow tourism and the economy.” Ms Essop emphasised that rural does not mean poor. “Identify with your surroundings, share these, take full economic advantage of the beauty of the Karoo and use it to help eliminate poverty. Discover the hidden talents and skills of all the people of this area and maximise these to develop a better lifestyle for all in this beautiful region of South Africa.”

‘TIME TRAVEL’ IN A WAGON SHED

Visitors can travel back in time in The Karoo National Park’s Interpretative Centre. A time line in the ‘Ou Schuur,’ the original wagon shed of the first farm, traces the development of the Karoo across 300 million years to the present day. Story boards crammed with information guide the visitor through history. They also include memories of people who lived on the many old farms, now part of the 80 000 ha Karoo National Park. The Centre is the ideal place to get to grips with the immensity of the Karoo.

FIRST GREEN FLAG GOES TO KAROO SCHOOL

A small Fraserburg farm school is the first in the Karoo to be commended for its commitment to the environment. Patrysfontein Primary, established near Fraserburg in 1978, to teach Gr 1 to Gr 7 farm children, this year received the Eco-School’s Green Flag. And, what makes this even more exciting is the fact that Patrysfontein Primary, which lies in an extremely isolated and poverty-stricken part of the Upper Karoo, only registered to become part of this national programme in April last year. The school committed itself to integrated environmental learning after the Eco-Schools programme was introduced by Dr Vicky Ahlmann, manager of the Riverine Rabbit Working Group. “This internationally recognised programme encourages curriculum-based action for a healthy environment. It credits schools for their efforts. Teachers are supported and helped with ideas. The South African National Eco-School programme is open to all schools. It was developed as a partnership between the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and the National Department of Education. It is funded by Nampak through WWF-SA. Last year Patrysfontein Primary focussed on its grounds and field work. Learners built a compost heap, made a vegetable garden and learned more about HIV/AIDS. This year they are concentrating on water, the Karoo river ecosystem and the riverine rabbit, one of Southern Africa’s most critically threatened terrestrial mammals.

A DAY BECOMES A DECADE

World Water Day, March 22, this year heralded the start of an international decade of water conservation. Erika Swanepoel of Cape Nature Conservation said: “The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the period from 2005 to 2015 as an International Decade for Action on Water Conservation, based on this year’s “Water is Life” theme. They have recommended a “Water for Life” theme for the next ten years. The South African Commission on Sustainable Development welcomed this. They will concentrate on all levels of water conservation in sanitation and human settlement clusters throughout the country this year. Water is the only substance on earth, which is found naturally in three forms, as a liquid (water), a solid (ice) and a gas (water vapor). Apart from air, water is the single most important element in our lives. We cannot live without it. It is simply too precious to waste,” said Erika. “South Africa is not the only place on earth where water is scarce, but we should nevertheless try to set the example in conservation. The entire country will benefit if everyone makes an effort.”

SPECIAL WEEK FOR BIRDERS

BirdLife South Africa has announced an annual National Bird Week. As South Africa celebrates Arbour Day, Water Day, World Environment Day and many other national and international conservation days, BirdLife South Africa believes that birds should be honoured on a national basis. “They are among our most visible natural living resources,” says Erika Swanepoel of Cape Nature Conservation. National Bird Week will be held in the first week of May each year, starting from May 1 to 7 this year. The first Saturday will be National Bird Day. The 2005 Bird of the Year will be the endangered blue crane. During the week the focus will be on birds, birding, conservation, bird habits and habitats. “Birds are an indicator species. By conserving birds and their habitats, we will conserve other biota, such as mammals, plants, reptiles and fish,” said Erika. A broad spectrum of South Africans will be encouraged to participate in BirdLife South Africa’s National Bird Week and there will be special educational programmes for schools, bird clubs and individual birders.

NOTE: Lawson’s Birding Tours has launched a Birding Academy. The company’s wide experience in bird tours has proved there is a real need in SA for a specialist course to train a wide spectrum of people from casual birders to those needing to upgrade their professional skills.

NEW ON THE BOOKSHELVES

A man who once practised as a GP in Williston, has now written a book on Simonstown’s Admiralty House. Boet Dommisse moved back to Cape Town from the Karoo in 1960 and after he retired from the University of Cape Town, became increasingly involved in researchisng the history and culture of Simonstown. The end result is a book entitled Admiralty House – Simon’s Town. It covers the history of the house from 1744 and has fascinating stories about the many interesting people who have stayed in or visited Admiralty House. The full colour, hard-cover book has more than 300 illustrations. It costs R250 plus R20 for postage and packing.

KEEN INTEREST IN CHURCH VISITS

The beautiful ’Klipkerk’ in Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein, has an odd link with the Karoo. One of the ministers of this Bloemfontein North Dutch Reformed Church, Ds A F Louw, and his brother, Willie Hoffman Louw, grew up on the family farm Achtertang, in the Colesberg district. During the Anglo-Boer War, Willie was executed as a Cape Rebel in Colesberg on November 23, 1901. His name appears on the town’s memorial to Boer soldiers, while his brother’s name appears on the cornerstone of the church. This stone, which was laid on February 13, 1923, guards a “secret of time.” Behind it are seven coins, The Friend and Die Volksblad (the town’s English and Afrikaans language newspapers), a copy of Die Kerkbode (The Dutch Reformed Church’s own monthly magazine) and a copy of the manuscript of the first translation of the Bible into Afrikaans. The ‘Klipkerk,’ a landmark in Bloemfontein, is one of the churches visited during a programme of historic tours conducted by the Bloemfontein Heritage Association, run by researchers Joan Abrahams, Noreen van Arkel and Rose Willis. The church occupies a key place in Afrikaner history and the cultural historic development of the city. It is an architectural icon, designed by Gerhard Moerdyk, and constructed from indigenous materials, such as dolerite, which was quarried only a short distance away in Collins Street. The church is also a milestone in the development of religious, outreach and mission programmes of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Free State. Other churches in the programme include the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals, the Greek Orthodox and Presbyterian churches and the Synagogue.

EVENING SERVICE

Father Brian Williams, from St. Conrad Catholic Church, in Dysselsdorp, now conducts a service in the library hall in Prince Albert every first and third Saturday at 17h00.

DANCED WITH A PRINCESS WHO BECAME QUEEN

He was young, handsome and 27 years old. He was also a decorated war veteran. He’d been Mentioned in Despatches for leading an escape from a POW camp in Italy in 1943. And, he was also a ballroom dancing champion, so Corporal Cyril Florintino Aquadro, generally known as Fury, was invited to the Ball held in Bloemfontein’s City Hall on March 8, 1947, to welcome the Royal Family to the Free State. In the magic of the evening he found himself dancing with a princess destined to become Queen of England in five years time. At the time of the Royal Visit to South Africa King George VI was critically ill, but few knew it. This year, on the 58th anniversary of the Royal Visit, Fury Aquadro, now 87, shared his memories of that evening with a group of history buffs doing a “royal tour” through the city to commemorate the 1947 visit. “I’m sure I only got invited because I could dance,” he said with a grin. “The princesses were not allowed to dance with commoners. They were only allowed to ‘take the floor’ with decorated veterans and I was delighted to be among the selected few. It was indeed a night to remember.” Fury hasn’t lost his looks, nor his sense of humour, but he was not able to join the tour as he had recently broken his ankle. Yet, leaning on an elbow crutch, and favouring his sore leg, he shared his memories of the night with the group. One asked if he had hung up his dancing shoes. “Not a chance,” he said with a wink. “Just let me get rid of this plaster and you’ll see!”

KAROO LADS ALSO ESCAPE

Two Karoo men were among the three who escaped from an Italian prisoner of war camp with Corporal Cyril Florintino ‘Fury’ Aquadro in 1943. “One was Bill Mason from Middelburg and the other a chap from Colesberg called Chris, but his surname escapes me,” said Fury. When captured on June 21, l942, he was serving with the 4th Brigade, Signallers Company in No 1 Platoon attached to the UMR Infantry of the 2nd S A Division Garrison of Tobruk. “For over a year we were shunted from place to place,” said Fury. “Water was scarce. Many times we only got only half a bottle and had to use it for washing as well. Several men traded their watches for more.” On August 20, 1943, Fury escaped with three other men from a camp on a farm at Ceregnola, near Foggia. For 36 days the four hid during the day and walked at night. Chris became extremely ill and Fury managed to sneak into a town full of Germans to get medicine for him. “Eventually we met Canadians of the 8th Army. They looked after us until we met South Africans at Bari. There Chris was sent to hospital and the rest of us to Taranto, a transit camp. Later, we sailed for Sicilly, then the Yanks flew us to Cairo and we were sent to St John’s Rest Camp at Alexandria. Later still we flew home from Cairo, landing in South Africa on November 9. We were then given three months’ leave.” Fury brought his diary, detailing the escape, out in his boot.

ROUND-UP TAKES KAROO OUT TO AN OIL RIG

Dorren Jackson, presently a merchant marine deck officer on-board an oil rig off Tripoli in Libya, recently discovered Round up and found it brought him a breath of home. “I have just had the pleasure of reading some of your past Round-ups. They give a fascinating insight into Karoo life, and all that it means to have lived there and experienced that area! Round-up has given me a wonderful glimpse of Karoo places, incidents and stories.” Dorren is the elder son of Lionel Gordon and Betty Jackson. “We were raised on stories of the Karoo told by my grandmother, my Aunt Heather, my dad and other relatives. They were exciting tales, including some about my grandfather, who set up a Karoo lamb business to serve the rest of the country. I remember childhood visits to Beaufort West and Matjiesfontein. Sadly, drought forced our family to move to Cape Town in the 1930’s. My parents and aunt, now all in their eighties, spent a holiday in the Karoo about six months ago. For them it was like ‘going home.’ I did a similar trip late last year on my trusty old BMW off-road motorcycle. I covered over 2 000kms. What a wonderful experience. I met the most friendly, charming, hospitable and helpful people when I tried to find the farm, Amsterdam, just outside Victoria West, where my dad and aunt spent part of their childhood. It was well off the beaten track, but easy to get to. I also stopped, at Nelspoort, hoping to discover a farm called Bleak House, which my Gran had often spoken of, and perhaps more about the Jacksons from that part of the Karoo, but drew a blank. I believe there is also a book written about the family. I’d love to know more and to hear from anyone who knew my family in that area.”

BARNARD STILL ON CENTRE STAGE

Christopher Deary, 11, a pupil at The Kings Christian School in Ruimsig on the West Rand, and an active member of the Florida Sea Scout group, recently had to research a famous person to qualify for a badge. He chose Chris Barnard and through his grandfather, Keeble Mackenzie, in Mtubatuba, appealed to Round-up for help. Keeble says: “My daughter, Christopher’s mother, was born with a heart defect. She clearly remembers the first heart transplant. It happened when she was a little girl. She was fascinated by such progress being made in medical science. This technology is the reason she is with us today, and the proud mother of three children. Professor Barnard’s name often comes up in our family. Christopher’s project gained him a pat on the back and a badge. In Bloemfontein, Angela Edwards, 13, a Grade 7 pupil at Eunice Primary School, also chose to research Professor Chris Barnard for a project. Her project was a winner as well and earned her excellent marks. “I really admire Professor Barnard and what he achieved particularly because he came from such a humble background,” said Angela.

CANCER OPERATION LINKS TWO GIANTS OF HISTORY

An operation at Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town once linked the lives of two men who made indelible impressions on South African history. The patient was a gentle, deeply religious black man. The surgeon, also a religious man, was destined to attain world fame as a pioneer heart surgeon, but that lay in the future. What made the occasion unusual was that both men had roots in the Karoo. The patient. Robert Sobukwe, was a son of Graaff Reinet. Born there in 1924, he attended the local mission school before going to Fort Hare University and taking a job as lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. He became secretary general of the ANC Youth League but, when he felt the ANC had moved too close to the Communist Party, he broke with the organisation and founded the PAC (Pan African Congress). The surgeon, Professor Chris Barnard, was a son of Beaufort West. That day Barnard removed Sobukwe’s cancerous lung. Barnard later described Sobukwe as a humble man, a great Christian and a true gentleman. The operation signalled the start of a true friendship – they had more in common than their roots in the Karoo. Years later, when Sobukwe died on February 27, 1978, Professor Barnard paid for his three children to come from America, where they were in exile, to attend their father’s funeral.

ON THE TRAIL OF A HERO

Shaun van Wyngaard, who lives in New Zealand, is looking for information on his great-great grandfather, who was a policeman in Beaufort West in the 1800’s. “My uncle says he was quite famous because he tracked a murderer into the mountains and single-handedly captured him. Apparently, a monument was erected somewhere in Beaufort West in recognition of this deed. I wonder whether the local museum or police archives has information. Maybe the local newspaper published something.”

The world would be a better place if wise people had more power and powerful people more wisdom