TOPIC:

I suspect that in the years ahead relics of the Colonial era in South Africa will be best preserved in private collections, with documentation and research being undertaken mainly by private individuals.

Brett

Brett Hendey wrote: I suspect that in the years ahead relics of the Colonial era in South Africa will be best preserved in private collections, with documentation and research being undertaken mainly by private individuals.

Brett

Brett, sadly so.

Cheers,

Mark

Which is probably not a bad thing considering the total lack of interest by the current SA Government in all things Colonial!!!!

At least these artifacts will be preserved for us that are interested.

Adrian

Thank you for all your observations. Yes, it is clear that for the preservation of Boer history and culture the SA authorities cannot be relied upon. This is shortsighted from their perspective and very sad for those who value that history but whatever is said or done it is very unlikely that this government will change attitude by itself. So we can sit down and be miserable because of it or do something about it ourselves. It would e.g. be great if it were possible to organize per region a group of people who can spend some free Saturdays cleaning, restoring and preserving historic sites. (I am sure this already happens on a smaller scale but organizing this on a national scale would make a difference) Especially by involving young people, this would go some way in instilling a sense of community and keeping memories alive. Perhaps it will also show the authorities that Boer history and culture will not just fade away by them ignoring it. If this can be done by simultaneously mobilizing the press (local and foreign) and getting sympathizing expats involved with donations and lobbying, I think it would not be impossible to shame the government into some positive action in this regard.

There are other things that can be done. People outside South Africa have little or no clue what the Boer War was about. The sieges, Generals and Kommandante, the extent of the guerilla war, the bloc house lines, concentration camps, expeditions into the Cape, the deportation of POW’s, etc remain a closed book to many. One idea to overcome that ignorance (and I am sure there are plenty more) could be a series of ABW based documentaries and /or a film or two. Imagine a movie based on “Commando” by Deneys Reid or one based on De Wet’s action near Sannah’s post.

I know it is easier said (especially by someone like me writing from Europe) than done, but let’s start somewhere. Is there any person or organization who can be the catalyst for getting this off the ground?

Hi,

In 2000 we started a group – namely SAHPA – South African History Protection Association....collected items in private capacity as principle to show to family and friends and learn more about who we are. My wife and I are in the process of making this an official organisation which we will use as a platform to educate the “young” ones – therefore we agree the key of protecting and preserving our history is through educating the youth of our nation. Making documentaries, road shows and going out to restore and clean the monuments are a priority. The “old” ones (the collectors) have the knowledge – so we need them more than anything else to help educate...

If it is appropriate – we will start in Gauteng as the first branch – HQ, but need help in the other provinces – who will volunteer?

Hello everyone,

My name is Morten Kriek, originally from The Netherlands.
My Boer ancestry sparked the desire to build a collection of Boer-side ABO items.

I started the creation of a website ( www.boerenoorlog.com ) where I will list all items from my collection. It is early days, and the site is not ready, but feel free to take a look. Any recommendations are welcomed.

Best regards,
Morten