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News - Date: 10 April 2009
The removal of two copper plaques from monuments of historical value caused several organisations to voice their sadness and displeasure once again. The concern about the lack of preservation of historical sites is also voiced.
Last year in October, the copper plate on the national monument, Fort Hendrina, was removed. Fort Hendrina is the only remaining one of three forts used by the Rijdende Grenswacht during the Anglo Boer War. The wording on the copper plate interpreted the importance of this national monument in the context of the history of South Africa.
The copper plaque in Voortrekkerplein commemorating the trek of Louis Trichardt to Lourenco Marques also disappeared in October last year. The trekkers under leadership of Louis Trichardt resided in the proximity of Schoemansdal between September 1836 and May 1837. In August 1837, the trekkers undertook the difficult trek to Delagoa Bay, together with guides from the Buys people and the Shangaans. On April 13, 1838, they arrived in Delagoa Bay. A total of 52 people survived the arduous epic trek.
Both these monuments are on the property of the Makhado Municipality in the centre of town in Louis Trichardt.
“We urge the municipality to take steps urgently to replace both these copper plates and their original wording,” the Chairpersons Association stated in a media release. The CA said that they had personally appealed to the municipality and had written letters, asking the municipality to at least report the case to the police.
“No steps have been forthcoming,” states the CA.
The loss of the two copper plates was preceded by the terrible destruction of the historical site of Schoemansdal by fire. On September 30 last year, fire wiped out the information centre, museum, house and two huts. Precious cultural goods of the Afrikaans, Buys and Venda communities were lost to future generations.
“The burnt-down remains of Schoemansdal tell the story of the earlier total destruction during the 1800’s. We appeal to the Department of Art and Culture that the reconstruction process will soon see the town restored to its former glory,” states the CA.
The Zoutpansberg Skirmishes and Heritage Foundation expressed their “grave concern about the lack of proper care for historical sites. Tourists are often directed to historical sites and the lack of maintenance on the sites reflects very badly on our area,” states the Foundation. They also urge the municipality to replace the copper plaques and address cultural vandalism and lack of proper monitoring of historical facilities.
The Hlanganani Concerned Group also expressed their concerns.
“As a community, we believe that every historical site must be preserved, respected and protected by the local authorities. Hence our concern because the plaque contained valuable historical information of our ancestors in and around this area,” the group states.
Linda van der Westhuizen has been with Zoutnet since 2001. She has a heart for God, people and their stories. Linda believes that every person is unique and has a special story to tell. It follows logically that human interest stories is her speciality. Linda finds working with people and their leaders in the economic, educational, spiritual and political arena very rewarding. “I have a special interest in what God is doing in our town, province and nation and what He wants us to become,” says Linda.
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