Latest news with #KHA
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Anglican delegation visits historic Chinese temples in Kuching for cultural exchange
Wee (front, fifth left) in a photocall with visiting delegates at the Tua Pek Kong Temple. KUCHING (July 5): A delegation from the House of the Epiphany – Anglican Diocese of Kuching paid a visit to the historic Tua Pek Kong and Hong San Si temples today as part of a cultural exchange aimed at deepening interfaith understanding. The group was welcomed by Datuk Richard Wee, chairman of the Kuching Chinese Community Charitable Trust and president of the Kuching Hockien Association (KHA), who highlighted Sarawak's enduring tradition of religious harmony and mutual respect. 'Sarawak government has promoted religious freedom and since the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), annual grants have been provided for temples, churches, Sikh temples and others to relieve their financial pressure,' he said during an exchange session at the KHA's premises after the visits. Delegates were shown videos of previous events organised by the two temples, which showcased the vibrant and living traditions of local Taoist culture and its contribution to community life. Wee shared that early Chinese settlers from southern China had built temples as places of prayer for peace and prosperity, many of which still stand today as symbols of their contribution to Sarawak's development. He said in Sarawak, ancient temples can be seen in areas with a long history, proving that the Chinese ancestors settled down here and participated in the local development. Tua Pek Kong Temple, believed to have been built as early as 1820, is regarded as the oldest temple in Sarawak and continues to attract thousands of devotees each year. Managed by the Chinese Community Charitable Trust, it is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark bearing witness to the transformation of Kuching city over the decades. Wee noted that similar Tua Pek Kong temples can be found throughout Sarawak, many established during the opening of trade ports in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Located nearby, Hong San Si Temple houses the revered Guang Ze Zun Wang deity and holds special significance for the Hockien community. Wee said the temple regularly hosts festivals, with the annual birthday parade for the deity being the most significant. The parade involves more than 200 participating teams and has become a major cultural event, drawing diverse local communities and tourists alike. 'We hope that our visiting delegates will take this opportunity to understand the beliefs of the Chinese community as well as appreciate the beauty of Kuching,' said Wee.
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Synagogue and storefronts: One man's mark on Krugersdorp's past
In the eighth edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, which the Krugersdorp News partnered-up with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), we explore the life of one of the town's earliest, and arguably most fascinating, pioneers, Abner Cohen, who helped transform a scattering of iron shanties into the Krugersdorp we know today. Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, shared Cohen's story with the News, which started in London. Cohen was born to Jewish parents around 1860, and like many others of his time, decided to immigrate to Southern Africa, arriving in 1881. He soon made his way north toward the diamond fields and, after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand, travelled to the Transvaal Republic. Remarkably, he even took the time to learn the local 'Kitchen Dutch' (early Afrikaans) spoken by the Boers. On his journey to Johannesburg, Cohen pitched his tent on a rocky outcrop about 30km west of the town, a spot that would later become the heart of Krugersdorp. In doing so, he became the first English settler in the area. Besides the Paardekraal Monument, he built a humble wattle-and-daub hut and opened his first business, the Monument Hotel and Store. Unfortunately, the conservative Boer government under Paul Kruger viewed this as an irreverent intrusion upon sacred ground. • Also read: Through war and worship: A church's 135-year story 'He was swiftly ordered to vacate the site and was effectively cast down into the profane mining camp forming in the valley below,' Mattheyse said. Cohen made a contrite journey on foot to Pretoria to plead with the authorities for forgiveness. 'Eventually, his efforts bore fruit. He was granted a commercial stand in the newly laid-out town, where he built his Court Bar and a second Monument Hotel. His was the only commercial stand in the entire government block, bounded by Monument, Ockerse, Kruger and Commissioner streets. 'Ironically, his new saloon stood right next to the courthouse, a symbol of secular Boer authority, where a commemorative plaque marking the location still survives today. Though displaced from the original monument site, he had re-established himself in the rough-and-tumble heart of Krugersdorp's early mining settlement.' Years later, Mattheyse said, Cohen sold the Court Bar to make room for the expansion of the court buildings. He used the proceeds to purchase several erven, consolidating them into a small peri-urban estate that he proudly called Homelands. • Also read: A burning passion: The story of Krugersdorp's fire station 'Cohen felt welcome and secure enough to plant roots so close to the very monument from which he had once been evicted, which speaks volumes about the spirit of reconciliation in early Krugersdorp. 'The Monument Hotel passed through several hands, and in the 1930s, the present Majestic Hotel was constructed on the same corner. A foundation stone there still pays tribute to Cohen.' Among his many contributions to the town, Mattheyse believed that Cohen helped establish the Krugersdorp Jewish community in 1894. 'As president of the congregation, he successfully petitioned President Kruger for two valuable freehold sites for communal use. 'Cohen was on friendly terms with President Paul Kruger, but he felt slighted when Kruger granted only two stands to the Jewish community. When Cohen questioned this decision, Kruger reportedly replied that the Jewish faith only followed half of the Bible [the Old Testament as found in the Torah] and they would receive only half the number of church stands typically allocated by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.' He pointed out that, in 1903, Cohen laid the foundation stone for Krugersdorp's first synagogue, right in the town centre. 'Cohen also played a role in the development of Bulawayo and Rhodesia. Though he was not involved in the 1895 conspiracy against the Boer government, he maintained close ties with members of the Reform Committee. Some indiscreet remarks he made led to a brief period of imprisonment, and he later passed away in 1937 at the age of 77. He is buried in the Jewish section of the Old Burgershoop Cemetery.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Through war and worship: A church's 135-year story
In the seventh edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the Krugersdorp News explores the history of the town's oldest surviving church. Recently, the News, together with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), revisited some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. • Also read: A burning passion: The story of Krugersdorp's fire station KHA co-founder Jaco Mattheyse explained that before 1890, members of the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in the Krugersdorp area were served by the Pretoria congregation. However, with the establishment of Krugersdorp during the early days of the Witwatersrand gold rush, a local congregation became a necessity. 'The first congregation gathering took place on 18 November 1889 in the home of M.P.W. Pretorius, owner of the farm Paardekraal, on which Krugersdorp was established. At the time, Pretorius lived on the corner of President and Kruger Streets. The Krugersdorp congregation was officially founded on 7 June 1890. Shortly afterwards, proponent H.C.J. Becker was confirmed as its first minister on 6 September 1890, marking the beginning of a new era of spiritual life and community building in the young mining town,' he said. Mattheyse noted that the church initially ran a school in the same space where services were held, and a manse (pastorie) was built in Ockerse Street in 1891. Eventually, funds were raised for a dedicated church building, and the cornerstone was laid by Rev. Becker on 7 April 1894. The building stood on a block bounded by Rissik, Ockerse, Church, and Joubert Streets, on stands granted by the Transvaal Government under President Paul Kruger. The church was consecrated in January 1895. Among the deacons was T.J. Bedford, who later served as Market Master. The church's opening was a major event, attended by 158 wagons, along with horsemen and cart proprietors. 'The open land between Kobie Krige Street and Bob van Reenen Stadium served as a church square for Boer congregation members arriving by wagon for Nagmaal Naweek. These four weekends per year were used for ceremonies such as confirmations, baptisms and communion,' Jaco explained. 'Built in the Norman-Gothic style, the church cost £6,000. While English-speaking miners may have admired the structure, it also highlighted a cultural and linguistic divide. The sight of hundreds of Dutch-speaking white families gathering at the imposing Dutch Reformed Church echoed what historian Roy Rappaport called 'redundancy' – the repetition of built messages to reinforce shared values and identity. The planned clock was never installed, and the bells were temporarily housed in a wooden structure nearby. The church also hosted the funeral of the burgers (citizens and soldiers) of the South African Republic who died during the Jameson Raid. They are buried in the old Burgershoop Cemetery,' he continued. Becker was succeeded by Rev. F.G.T. Radloff from Hoopstad, installed on 17 December 1898. His ministry coincided with the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), a difficult period marked by civilian suffering, British-run concentration camps, and Boer prisoners of war. Rev. Radloff and his wife distinguished themselves through their compassion and service, ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of women and children in concentration camps and prisoners of war. Under his leadership, a relief committee was formed, a lasting testament to the church's mission during times of crisis. Radloff retired on 11 October 1914 and was succeeded by Rev. P.J. van Vuuren (1915–1921), whose tenure was noted for strong financial management that eliminated the congregation's significant debt. 'The next minister, Rev. Jacobus Joubert Krige – brother of Mrs 'Ouma' Issie Smuts, wife of Jan Smuts – was installed on 21 April 1922. He served faithfully for 14 years until his sudden passing from a stroke on 29 October 1936 at Paardekraal Hospital. Dingaan Street, leading to the current President Hyper, was renamed Kobie Krige Street in his honour, and a memorial was erected on the church grounds,' Jaco said. In November 1937, Rev. Archibald Thomas Martinson took over. Under his leadership, the church grew alongside the town's expanding population and the development of the West Rand. Several daughter congregations were established: • Roodepoort – 1905 • Magaliesburg – 1910 • Randpoort (later Randgate) – 1918 • Burgershoop (later Krugersdorp-West, and eventually Suiderlig) – 1920 • Krugersdorp-Noord – 1943 'The appointment of Rev. C.C. van Dyk as the first co-minister on 29 November 1941 was another milestone. He later became the first minister of the newly formed Krugersdorp-Noord congregation in 1944. During this time, the Krugersdorp congregation remained at the forefront of Christian outreach, education, and social services. Thanks to ministers like Rev. Martinson, the congregation contributed significantly to mission work, poverty relief, Sunday schools, church associations and Christian education,' he said. By 1952, the mother congregation had around 1,350 members, led by a church council of 56 elders and deacons. In October 1951, Prop. T.J. Hanekom was appointed co-minister, followed by others such as P.W. Marais (1954–1955) and Pieter Willem Marais (1962–1964). Mattheyse added that the church underwent extensive renovations between 1960 and 1961. The corrugated iron roof was replaced with slate, the tower was modified for structural stability, resulting in the removal of the original Victorian cast-iron weather vane, and the interior was updated with new ceilings beneath the hammer beam trusses and a full repaint. The original organ loft above the pulpit remains visible today. 'In the 1950s and 1960s, the church used a house near the corner of Kruger and Luipaard Streets as a manse. Like many inner-city congregations, Krugersdorp saw a decline in membership during the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, due to urban migration, demographic shifts and changing community dynamics. In 2010, the congregation merged with the neighbouring Luipaardsvlei congregation, marking the end of a significant chapter in local church history. Today, the church hall serves the Krugersdorp community as the Tower of Life, a shelter for the homeless,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
A burning passion: The story of Krugersdorp's fire station
In the sixth edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the Krugersdorp News looks at the history of a building almost every resident could recognise: The Krugersdorp Fire Station in the CBD. Recently, the News, together with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), revisited some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. One of these buildings includes the fire station located on Commissioner Street. • Also read: Exploring Krugersdorp's historic post office Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, said that the designed architecture from the late 1930s includes the fire station of 1939. He said that when selecting a site for a fire station, several critical factors were considered. Foremost was the road network of the town. The station must be easily accessible from all areas, particularly high-risk zones. Ideally, it should be situated near the town centre, along a main road, but away from areas of heavy traffic. If possible, it should also be located between the hospital and the area where the majority of the population resides. In Krugersdorp, the process of identifying and eliminating potential sites was a lengthy one, extending over several years. 'This followed the decision to build a dedicated fire station, as the Town Hall, which had housed the fire department and the library, had become too small by the early 1930s,' he said. Jaco explained that the site eventually selected was at the eastern end of Commissioner Street, where this road, via a swan-neck bend, once joined Coronation Road – both parts of Albertina Sisulu Road (the old Main Reef Road). The land had originally been an appendix to Coronation Park, but due to its narrow shape and dense stand of old blue gum trees, it was unsuitable for garden development. (This was before any plans existed to widen and extend the road that would later become Paardekraal Drive.) He continued, by constructing the fire station on this site and redesigning the surrounding area, several key town-planning improvements were achieved, including: • A site ideally suited for a fire station was created • Traffic conditions improved with the extension of Commissioner Street beyond the old Coronation Park gates. After passing the fire station on the north side, the road rejoined Coronation Road via a gentle curve • A dignified visual approach to Commissioner Street was established, enhanced by the formal landscaping and the stately trees in the background • A monumental entrance to Coronation Park – then regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the country – was constructed further east • The fire station itself became an imposing and original architectural feature, befitting its prominent location The design of the fire station thoughtfully addressed its dual function: The co-ordination of firefighting and ambulance services. 'Two separate but equally-sized garages were provided – one for fire engines and one for ambulances – arranged so that the operations of the two services would not interfere with each other. Separate entrances and exits were created for each,' he explained. Further, the control room on the ground floor was strategically positioned so that the person on duty, behind a soundproof counter, could oversee the entire station. From this point, they had full visibility of the main entrance, the receiving room, the staircase to the upper level, and the engine and ambulance bays at either end of the curved watch room. This ensured the duty officer was truly at the heart of the station. The interior layout also reflected the need for rapid response to emergencies. Features such as a circular staircase, semi-circular corridors, and wide doorways helped to eliminate obstructions and facilitate quick movement during alarms. 'The ground floor also included various offices and utility rooms. Upstairs, the first floor housed a recreation room, mess room, and reading room, along with single men's quarters. A collapsible glazed partition separated the mess and recreation rooms, allowing them to be combined into a single large space for social events or lectures. Additional rooms and a drill terrace were also planned on the upper floor, with a drill tower to be erected later behind the station,' he added. Jaco continued that the enclosed yard was paved and drained to a sump, allowing it to be used for pump training exercises. East of the station, but within the same block, cottages were built for brigade officers. These faced the now-vanished extension of Commissioner Street. With their attractive surroundings and nearby (now abandoned) sports facilities, the station was seen as an ideal place for firefighters to live and work. 'The plans were prepared by the town engineer's department under Mr AS Posthumus. Mr SJ Eloff was the general contractor for the buildings. The estimated total cost of the project was about £15 000, around R30m in today's terms. 'The building still serves its original purpose, though some alterations have been made, such as the bricking up of the Commissioner Street-facing doors. It has also recently been repainted,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Krugersdorp's concentration camps remembered
The fourth edition of the Echoes of Krugersdorp series takes a heartfelt look at a significant chapter in history – the role of concentration camps in Krugersdorp during the South African War, more commonly known as the Second Boer War. Recently, the Krugersdorp News teamed up with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA) to revisit some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. ALSO READ: Exploring Krugersdorp's historic post office Jaco Mattheyse, co-founder of the KHA, shared that to truly understand the events, we need to journey back to 1899 to 1902 and the eight months after the outbreak of the Second Boer War. Many tens of thousands of women and children were forcibly moved into the concentration camps as part of the Scorched Earth policies, where the British destroyed Boer farms as part of their efforts to win the war. Historical background In June 1900, following the annexation of the Orange Free State, British troops under Major-General Archibald Hunter entered Krugersdorp without resistance. Magistrate JC Human officially handed over the town's administration, and martial law was put in place. A public ceremony was held on Commissioner Street in front of the old magistrate's court, where the Union Jack was hoisted, marking the beginning of British military control. 'The British garrison set up its headquarters in Kilmarnock House, located at the corner of De Wet and Begin streets in Krugersdorp North. Additionally, a blockhouse was built on the hillside of Monument to supervise the town, manned by seven soldiers and four black men who acted as servants and watchmen. This blockhouse still stands today, nestled in the park across from Monument Primary School at the corner of Sarel Oosthuizen and Sarel Potgieter streets,' Jaco mentioned. He continued by explaining that under martial law, movement was strictly regulated. Public gatherings were not allowed, and permits were needed for those wishing to travel or even access the railway platform. As the war broke out, the closure of shops led to shortages of food and necessities. Thankfully, a few stores like Hompes and Seehoff, Harvey Greenacre, McCloskie, and Te Water reopened after the British occupation, offering much-needed support to the struggling townspeople, many of whom had depended on gold mining operations, which were halted. 'In response to these challenges, the Krugersdorp Women's League was formed. Initially focused on alleviating poverty, the league expanded its efforts to support residents of the newly established Krugersdorp concentration camp. In October 1901, a health committee was re-established to monitor public health in line with pre-war regulations. Under Proclamation 21 of 1900, all infectious diseases had to be reported, with doctors receiving a fee of 20 cents for each case. Proclamation 10 of 1901 assigned the responsibility for investigating sudden or suspicious deaths to the resident magistrate, and all births and deaths needed to be officially registered,' he explained. Jaco noted that with the annexation of the South African Republic (ZAR), all citizens became British subjects. Townspeople were prohibited from supporting the Boer commandos. Each household received a permit after an inventory of their belongings was taken to prevent provisions from reaching Boer fighters. Nonetheless, several elderly residents at the time, such as Dr Van der Merwe, Magistrate JC Human, and Mr MWP Pretorius, managed to sneak intelligence to the commandos by tying notes to stray dogs, as detailed in our previous article on the Krugersdorp Club. Human was placed under house arrest for his involvement but continued to assist the Boer forces discreetly. Life in Krugersdorp during the war was incredibly difficult. With little steady income and scarce money circulating, townspeople faced daily struggles for survival. 'Formal education was halted; the local Dutch Reformed [NG] Church school closed when the war began. In 1901, the British established an English-medium school. In response, local leader Mr JH Grundlingh created a private Dutch-medium school that served 100 learners, employing Miss F van Binnedyk and H Putten at five pounds per month,' he shared. The Krugersdorp concentration camp Jaco explained that, although relatively small compared to others, the Krugersdorp Concentration Camp was marked by its own tragedies. Located at the base of Monument Hill, the site now occupied by Dr Yusuf Dadoo (formerly Paardekraal) Hospital and Coronation Park held over 6 000 women and children by the end of 1901. 'The camp was unsanitary, overcrowded, and poorly managed, experiencing severe outbreaks of measles, pneumonia, and dysentery. The situation was worsened by malnutrition and contaminated water. October and November 1901 were particularly tragic, with a heartbreaking total of 105 deaths during those months,' he narrated. 'After the administration transitioned from military to civilian control under Mr Tomlinson and Dr Aymard, conditions improved. The Ladies' Commission of the town increased its support to camp families, focusing on food provision. Rations were distributed in two categories: Class 1 [surrendered or British-employed] and Class 2 [families of active Boers], with Class 2 receiving fewer rations. When available, additional maize meal and milk [for children under two] were also provided. Unfortunately, family size was not considered in rationing, resulting in widespread malnutrition. There were also reports of contaminants in the food. Families often had to scavenge for firewood or cow dung for cooking. Some women found work with British soldiers, taking on tasks like laundry in exchange for better treatment,' he concluded. Jaco commented that a large tent in the camp doubled as a church and school. For many Boer children, this was their first formal education, taught in English, part of Britain's policy to anglicise Afrikaners. Many teachers remained in South Africa after the war, forming the core of the emerging education system. 'According to 89-year-old Rachel Lindhout-Fourie, her grandfather 'Oom Klasie' helped bury victims, who were initially interred at the camp site and later reburied at Burgershoop Cemetery. The graves, uniform and unnamed due to the reburials, are said to contain up to four bodies in each grave, accounting for the estimated 1 800 dead.' The surviving Boer women and children were released from the concentration camps in November after the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in May 1902, which formally ended the Second Boer War. Krugersdorp's native refugee camp Jaco claims that, less widely acknowledged, is the existence of one of the largest native refugee camps in the region. In July 1901, many black residents of the western Transvaal sought refuge with British forces. To enforce the displacement of Boer women and children, black farm labourers were also removed and resettled. 'The native refugee camp was first established on the farm Roodekranz No 83 IQ near Krugersdorp, and later moved to Waterval No 74 IQ due to better water access. Farming began under a self-sustenance policy, and by September 1902, the British government had negotiated a crop-sharing agreement with the landowner, Mr AHF du Toit. The camp housed 3 382 people in December 1901. Of these, 1 288 black men served the British Army, while a small number worked in private homes,' he said. Jaco explains that conditions were dire in these camps, often worse than in the white camps. Disease and famine claimed many lives, with pneumonia, measles, and dysentery being the leading causes. Missionaries, such as Reverend Farmer, reported on November 23, 1901, that they had to work hard all day, but the only food they got was mealies and mealie meal in the camp, and they had to buy this with their own money. Meat is unavailable at any price, and they were not allowed to shop freely. 'The camp was abolished in October 1902. Some inhabitants refused to return to Boer farms, hoping instead for better lives under British rule. However, famine persisted in the region, and the Krugersdorp grain depot was retained to support the devastated black communities,' he stated. Aftermath of the war Jaco stated that the war reshaped Krugersdorp society. Assistant Resident Magistrate Lt Phillips took over administration as families and prisoners of war returned. For the first six months post-war, repatriation and reconstruction dominated public life. He added a commission under the Assistant Resident Magistrate processed Boer claims for war damage compensation. Although aid, such as food and farming equipment, was available on credit, many Boers fell into severe debt. 'Large numbers of impoverished Afrikaners settled near the Burgershoop Brickfields, where they began producing hand-moulded clay bricks used in many early Krugersdorp buildings. This clay was sourced from the wetlands near what is now Harlequins Rugby Club. Today, little physical evidence remains of either the white or the native camps. The white campsite became Coronation Park in honour of King Edward VII's coronation in 1902. The native camp area was absorbed into the old Krugersdorp Game Reserve, and all that remains there are a few graves in the veld,' he concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
