Nongqai Vol 13 No 5 - The Nongqai for May 2022

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PUBLISHER | UITGEWER

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Contents PUBLISHER | UITGEWER .............................................................................................................. 2 Contents........................................................................................................................................... 3 NONGQAI: OORSPRONG & OOGMERKE ..................................................................................... 8 NONGQAI: ROOTS & GOALS......................................................................................................... 9 Pastoor Koot Swanepoel ............................................................................................................ 10 VOORWOORD | FOREWORD ...................................................................................................... 11 WHAT IS INJUSTICE? .................................................................................................................. 11 Daily Maverick ............................................................................................................................ 11 VOORBLAD | FRONT COVER ...................................................................................................... 12 Fort Nongqai: Eshowe ................................................................................................................... 12 VROUEPOLISIE ............................................................................................................................ 13 ONS GEDENK EERSTE 50 JAAR VAN VROUE ........................................................................... 13 Sarie van Niekerk ....................................................................................................................... 13 LUCKHOFF-POLISIESTASIE ........................................................................................................ 18 Kol Louis Langenhoven .............................................................................................................. 18 POLISIEGESKIEDENIS | POLICE HISTORY ................................................................................ 20 TROU TOT DIE DOOD TOE.......................................................................................................... 20 Genl JV van der Merwe .............................................................................................................. 20 DIE SKOF TOE EK MY VUURWAPEN VIR DIE EERSTE KEER MOES GEBRUIK ..................... 22 Kol Wynand Schoeman .............................................................................................................. 22 HULDEBLYK AAN KOEVOET ....................................................................................................... 25 Roy Allen .................................................................................................................................... 25 KOEVOET: HERDENKING ............................................................................................................ 27 Gert Visagè ................................................................................................................................ 27 ZS-SAP .......................................................................................................................................... 27 Johannes Botha ......................................................................................................................... 27 ZARP: BRITSE KRYGSGEVANGENES: STAATSMODEL SKOOL PRETORIA WAS .................. 28 Jennifer Bosch............................................................................................................................ 28 SUID-AFRIKA SE EERSTE TREINROOF – PIETERSBURG........................................................ 29 Sarie van Niekerk ....................................................................................................................... 29 DROË VALLE OOR KERSTYD OP RUACANA... .......................................................................... 33 Kol Corrie Prinsloo ..................................................................................................................... 33 THE BROEDERBOND’S TENTACLES REACHED DEEP ............................................................ 34 John Matisonn ............................................................................................................................ 34 27 APRIL 1994: AO GERT VISAGE ONTHOU .............................................................................. 40 1973: CAPTAIN PAT GOVENDER, FIRST DURBAN INDIAN POLICEMAN POSTED TO SA POLICE, LAUDIUM IN 1973 RECENTLY TURNED 70 YEARS OLD ............................................ 40 Editor: Col Logan Govender ....................................................................................................... 40 Tribute by Logan Govender ........................................................................................................ 43 3 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Post Script .................................................................................................................................. 45 NATAL MOUNTED POLICE / NATAL POLICE / SA POLICE / SAPS: ALEXANDRA RD, PIETERMARITZBURG .................................................................................................................. 46 Capt Andre van Ellinckhuyzen.................................................................................................... 46 POLISIESIELKUNDE: DIE PERSOONLIKHEID VAN DIE GEHEIME AGENT .............................. 50 Dr Coert Mommsen .................................................................................................................... 50 Ratelwag aan die Kaap .............................................................................................................. 54 1972: SAP ORKES: STRIJDOMPLEIN: PRETORIA ..................................................................... 55 ZARP’e voor Krugerhuis ................................................................................................................ 56 NONGQAI TRUST | IT 002701/2018(T)......................................................................................... 58 THANK YOU! | DANKIE! ................................................................................................................ 59 WAT ANDER SÊ OOR POLISIE EN VERWANTE SAKE | ............................................................ 60 WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT POLICING AND RELATED MATTERS ......................................... 60 Randfontein-polisiekantoor het geen kluis om wapens te berg nie ................................................ 60 Masemola kundig, maar paneel skep indruk van politieke aanstelling met nasionale polisiekommissaris ......................................................................................................................... 60 General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola new Commissioner of Police - Cyril Ramaphosa ................. 61 Polisie in Gauteng doen ook goeie werk ........................................................................................ 64 New Commissioner of Police: may this be a new chapter at SAPS – EFF .................................... 65 ANC statement on the appointment of a new National Police Commissioner ................................ 67 Pule Mabe .................................................................................................................................. 67 DA questions Police Minister on SAPS’ neglect in case of murdered 6-year-old ........................... 67 Afriforum urges Police Commissioner to focus on Crime, Not Politics. .......................................... 68 Cele casts dark cloud over selection of National Police Commissioner ......................................... 69 Plaasmoord by Moorreesburg skok ............................................................................................... 70 Dr. Corné Mulder ........................................................................................................................ 70 VF Plus veroordeel gewelddadige staking van munisipale werkers wat noodsaaklike dienste lamlê ....................................................................................................................................................... 70 Fanie du Toit .............................................................................................................................. 70 Generaals op grondvlak ? Aikona! ................................................................................................. 71 Adamus Stemmet ...................................................................................................................... 71 Terwyl mense sterf in KwaZulu-Natalse vloede, is daar nie helikopters om met redding te help ... 72 Dr. Pieter Groenewald ................................................................................................................ 72 Bheki Cele must stop looting in KZN – Andrew Whitfield ............................................................... 73 Andrew Whitfield ........................................................................................................................ 73 Veedieftal buite beheer .................................................................................................................. 74 Dr. Pieter Groenewald ................................................................................................................ 74 Limpopo-plaasmoorde: Gemeenskappe moet hulself organiseer en weerbaar maak ................... 77 Marcelle Maritz ........................................................................................................................... 78 When the ANC lost its brain ........................................................................................................... 78 4 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Hermann Giliomee ..................................................................................................................... 78 Kirkwood-onrus: Boere én gemeenskap ly onder geweldpleging................................................... 81 Piet Mey ..................................................................................................................................... 81 GESKIEDENIS SA SPOORWEGPOLISIE..................................................................................... 83 KAPTEIN PIET WIESE SE HERINNERINGE ................................................................................ 83 Brig Ronnie Beyl......................................................................................................................... 83 ‘N LEWENSREIS: HOOFSTUK 17. ............................................................................................... 86 Brig Hannes Slabbert ................................................................................................................. 86 REMINISCES OF A RAILWAY POLICEMAN ................................................................................ 92 Keith Alfred Adolf Blake .............................................................................................................. 92 •

NURSE'S WRATH ............................................................................................................... 92

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COLUMBO'S CHRISTMAS DAY CASE ............................................................................... 93

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COLUMBO'S CHRISTMAS DAY CASE - CONCLUSION .................................................... 93

BRIG GAWIE GREYLING: SA POORWEGPOLISIE, SEKRETARIAAT VAN DIE STAATSVEILIGHEIDSRAAD EN SA POLISIE .............................................................................. 94 AP Stemmet ............................................................................................................................... 94 BRIG GAWIE GREYLING .............................................................................................................. 96 HB Heymans .............................................................................................................................. 96 2022-04-12: Huldeblyk Gawie Greyling. NG Kerk Bloubergstrand................................................. 97 AP Stemmet ............................................................................................................................... 97 Vlag van die Kaapkolonie ........................................................................................................... 98 KRYGSGESKIEDENIS | MILITARY HISTORY ............................................................................ 100 GROETE: MEV MARIE GELDENHUYS (SAW)........................................................................... 100 SA SEAWARD DEFENCE FORCE: REAR-ADMIRAL GUY WATERHOUSE HALLIFAX ........... 101 Mark Naude .............................................................................................................................. 101 REAR-ADMIRAL GUY WATERHOUSE HALLIFAX ..................................................................... 101 Capt Charles Ross (SAN – Ret) ............................................................................................... 101 •

SA NAVAL MUSEUM 28 March 2021 ................................................................................ 102

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SA Naval Heritage. Day by Day. Chris Bennett 28 March 2021 ......................................... 102

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Naval Heritage Trust: Day-by-Day: Chris Bennett. 27 August 2019 ................................... 102

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Commander Leon Steyn 6 August 2014 ............................................................................ 102

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Grave: Plumstead .............................................................................................................. 104

1881: FIRST ANGLO BOER WAR: MAJUBA .............................................................................. 105 ANGLO BOER WAR: ACTION AT NIEUWELANDEN (ZEEKOEIRIVIER), ABERDEEN 6 & 7 APRIL 1901.................................................................................................................................. 106 Via Peter Greef: Wes-Kaap Heliograaf - Jan 2022 - WK nr. 16 - Western Cape Heliograph ... 106 1893: THE OLD FORT IN JOHANNESBURG ............................................................................. 118 Jennifer Bosch.......................................................................................................................... 118 Photographs coloured by Jennifer Bosch ................................................................................. 119 INDIA AND THE ANGLO BOER WAR ......................................................................................... 128 5 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

BRIG-GENERAL KEVIN MOONSAMY ........................................................................................ 129 Vinesh Selvan .......................................................................................................................... 129 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 129 Childhood ..................................................................................................................................... 129 Early Military Career .................................................................................................................... 129 Career Achievements .................................................................................................................. 129 Senior Staff Appointments ........................................................................................................... 130 NKWE YA SELEFERA DECORATION FOR BRAVERY: FLIGHT SERGEANT VASUDEVAN SELVAN (SAAF) .......................................................................................................................... 132 Vinesh Selvan .......................................................................................................................... 132 1975: ANGOLA: PORTUGUESE REFUGEES ............................................................................ 132 SKELETON COAST CONVOY: PART I (SPECIAL REPORT) .................................................... 132 Tony Fernandes ....................................................................................................................... 132 PART 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 133 THE STORY OF THE ANGOLAN REFUGEES STRANDED IN THE NAMIB DESERT (AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 1975) ............................................................................................................... 133 The Rescue Operation ............................................................................................................. 135 SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE FORCE (SADF) ARMY YSTERVARK SELF PROPELLED ANTI AIRCRAFT GUN (SPAAG) .......................................................................................................... 142 Wolfgang Witschas ................................................................................................................... 142 SOUTH AFRICANS’ COMMONWEALTH WAR CASUALTIES BURIED ACROSS THE WORLD: PART FIFTY ................................................................................................................................ 152 Captain (SAN) Charles Ross (SA Navy Retired) ...................................................................... 152 •

Perth Cemetery (China Wall): Belgium .............................................................................. 152

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Potijze Chateau Lawn Cemetery: Belgium ......................................................................... 153

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Wytschaete Military Cemetery: Belgium ............................................................................. 153

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Plymouth Naval Memorial: Plymouth United Kingdom ....................................................... 154

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Fayid War Cemetery: Egypt ............................................................................................... 154

POLICE INTERNATIONAL .......................................................................................................... 156 1938: FBI ..................................................................................................................................... 156 STRATEGIESE DENKE .............................................................................................................. 157 OEKRAÏNE: NA DIE RASPUTITSA, FASE 2 - DONBASS .......................................................... 157 Dr. Willem Steenkamp .............................................................................................................. 157 INTELLIGENCE | INTELLIGENSIE ............................................................................................. 171 SPY FOR RUSSIA ....................................................................................................................... 171 WW2: OPERATION MINCEMEAT ............................................................................................... 173 RSA: STATE SECURITY AGENCY ............................................................................................. 193 •

Former State Security Agency finance clerk sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for theft . 193

NATURE CONSERVATION: CHENGETA WILDLIFE ................................................................. 194 Via Frans Bedford Visser.......................................................................................................... 194 6 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

VAN DIE REDAKSIE ................................................................................................................... 196 •

OOGGETUIEVERSLAE VAN TERREURDADE GESOEK ................................................ 196

EX AFRICA SEMPER ALIQUID NOVI – EP. 6 ............................................................................ 197 Dr. Willem Steenkamp .............................................................................................................. 197 HUMOR IN UNIFORM …. DIE JOODJIE EN DIE ASSURANSIE EIS ......................................... 207 Brig Theo Kleynhans ................................................................................................................ 207 POLICE SOCIAL EVENTS | SOSIALE GELEENTHEDE ............................................................. 209 Logan Govender....................................................................................................................... 209 REUNION OF RETIRED SA POLICE MEMBERS PIETERMARITZBURG & DURBAN .......... 209 “SEMANA SANTA” (HEILIGE WEEK) IN LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA ........................................ 211 HOE VIER DIE CHRISTENE IN SENTRAAL-AMERIKA PAASFEES ...................................... 211 LETTERS | BRIEWE .................................................................................................................... 226 NONGQAI VOL 13 NO 5B ........................................................................................................... 226 Col Logan Govender ................................................................................................................ 226 NAWOORD | AFTERWORD ........................................................................................................ 226 Dr Willem Boshoff ..................................................................................................................... 226

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NONGQAI: OORSPRONG & OOGMERKE

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NONGQAI: ROOTS & GOALS

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STAAN IN DIE LIGKRING VAN GOD SE HEERLIKHEID Pastoor Koot Swanepoel “Staan op, laat jou lig skyn! Ja, jou lig het gekom en die heerlikheid van die HERE skyn oor jou” (Jes.60:1) Jou lig het gekom!” Dis nie net die goeie nuus vir God se volk van ouds nie, dis die goeie nuus wat oor die wêreld gekom het vir alle mense in alle lande en alle tye: “Die magtige teenwoordigheid van die HERE het vir jou lig gebring”.

Die diepe betekenis van God se “HEERlikheid” lê daarin dat Hy die “HERE” is, die “HEER” en eienaar van alles en almal. Hierdie heerlikheid is soos ’n ligglans wat oral skyn en wat alle donker verdryf en wat jou met lig omvou.

Wat sien mense in jou lewe? Hulle wil nie joú sien en hoe wonderlik jou lewe is nie, hulle wil die lig in jou sien, die vrug van die Gees wat jy dra en die uitstraling van Jesus se liefde in jou.

Laat die HERE se lig jou so vul sodat dit weerkaats in ander mense se lewens sodat hulle moed kan skep, en ook kan staan in die ligglans van God se heerlikheid.

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VOORWOORD | FOREWORD

WHAT IS INJUSTICE? Daily Maverick 7 April 2022 It’s a question we’ve been mulling over for the past few months (well, years, if we’re honest).

Recently we heard a chilling take: injustice is when people give up. It really is our greatest fear. That, in the face of corruption and crimes that threaten the future of every South African, people will start giving up. They’ll stop caring, speaking up and fighting. Stop holding those responsible to account.

It is a reality that is unthinkable to us.

Because we’re in the accountability business. Our mission is to Defend Truth, to shine a light on deals done in the dark and ensure that those benefiting from them are brought to justice. We can’t convict them but we can make sure every South African knows who they have elected and what they are doing with that power.

Being a South African often feels like walking a tightrope: terrifying, exhilarating, leaving most outsiders watching in awe and disbelief. And much like tightrope walking, the only way to survive is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. To keep going.

To keep fighting.

When good people like you and us stop fighting, when we give up, the bad guys win. Around the world we have seen justice won by seemingly small movements creating big change. From our own Wild Coast communities’ victory over Shell’s seismic exploration, to the extraordinary fight the Ukrainians put up to push Russian forces out of Kyiv. It is not the size or apparent strength of the bad guys that matters, but the relentless determination of those fighting the good fight.

A salute to Daily Maverick!

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Clearly the Police and Justice cluster, with all their great resources at their disposal, are grossly neglecting their legal duties. They are failing the people of South Africa! Our hats off to Daily Maverick – the conscience of South Africa! The Defenders of the Truth!

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Justice delayed is Justice denied!

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VOORBLAD | FRONT COVER

Fort Nongqai: Eshowe Die voorblad foto is waarskynlik te Fort Nongqai afgeneem. Die lid op die foto is ook ‘n lid van die Nongqai. Hulle was ‘n gedugte Mag – ook in oorlog!

Kolonie van Natal se vlag

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VROUEPOLISIE

ONS GEDENK EERSTE 50 JAAR VAN VROUE Sarie van Niekerk

Op 10 Maart verlede jaar het ek die oggend vroeg wakker geskrik met die syfer “50” wat aanhoudend in my kop gemaal het. Aanvanklik kon ek eenvoudig net nie dink wat dit nou eintlik beteken nie. Toe, asof ‘n weerligstraal my uit ‘n helder hemel, tref dit my: Gedurende 1972 het die eerste 102 dames hul opwagting in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiekollege in Pretoria gemaak om die houvas wat die manlike geslag toe reeds vir 59 jaar op die polisiemag gehad het, baie dapper te verbreek.

Net daar het ek besluit so ‘n gedenkwaardige dag in die geskiedenis van die destydse SuidAfrikaanse Polisiemag, vandag die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens, mag nie sommer maar net stil-stil verbygaan nie. Ek het sommer dadelik die telefoon gegryp en my goeie ou vriend brig. Hennie Heymans (afgetree) gebel en van my idee vertel. Hy was dadelik opgewonde. Ek het gesê ek wil ’n

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reünie hou. Net om te dink dat ek weer van my polisiekollege kollegas kan sien wat ek 50 jaar laas gesien het.

My aanvanklike p was my idee om elke maand vir Hennie verhale geskryf deur polisiedames self, in die Nongqai te publiseer. Dit was egter nie baie lank nie toe trek ons al by ‘n spesiale uitgawe van Nongqai wat die dames sal gedenk. So gesê, so gedoen. Ek het ook dadelik vir genl. Johan van der Merwe, die laaste kommissaris van die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiemag, gebel en gevra wat hy dink. Sy opgewondenheid was net die laaste bietjie aanhitsing wat ek nodig gehad het. Wat maandelikse stories in die algemene Nongqai so wees het toe uitgeloop op ons eie uitgawe elke maand te kry van ‘n Nongqai vir vroue. Dit het ook nie baie geneem vir Hennie en myself om sommer op ‘n gedenkboek oor die eerste 50 jaar van vroue in die polisie te besluit nie.

Ek het die vroue op alle moontlike maniere opgespoor, op die Facebook, dae lank gesit en bel uit lyste van die eerste groep van 1972. Die boek is natuurlik oopgestel vir alle vroue vanaf 1972 tot 2022. Almal moes net verhale oor hulle loopbane in die polisie skryf. Dit het aanvanklik maar bietjie hik-hik gegaan maar ek het elke boodskappe oral waar ek kon gesit en toe hulle eers die idee regtig aangegryp het, het die stories ingestroom.

Min mense, selfs van die hoogste range in polisie geledere het ons enige kans gegee om in die harde manlike wêreld te oorleef nie. Onder leiding van die destydse adjunkhoof van die toe Helpmekaar Hoër Meisieskool in Johannesburg, het die voormalige onderwyser Duveen Botha, toe met die rang van kol. Duveen Botha, die uitdaging aanvaar om die eerste groep vroue wat ooit as volwaardige polisiebeamptes opgelei en oor die land versprei is, die pioniers van vroue in die polisie te maak, ’n Groepie vasberade vrouens en almal wat na ons gekom het, het egter die ongelowiges wat geglo het vroue is te sag vir die werk van 'n polisiebeampte, verkeerd bewys. Dit was swoeg en baie sweet en ja, baie trane maar ons het deurgedruk en aan die einde van Junie 1972 is ons die land ingestuur. Dit was ‘n opdraande stryd, maar gelukkig is daar altyd ‘n afdraande na die opdraande.

Die jare het aangestap en die dames in die polisie het gou bewys dat die besluit wat wyle minister S.L. Muller daardie tyd gemaak het toe hy die kabinet oortuig het daar is wel plek vir dames in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie die regte besluit was. Vandag, 50 jaar later is daar duisende vroue wat hul land met groot onderskeiding dien.

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Na meer as ‘n jaar se harde werk met min slap en natuurlik die ongelooflike hulp van Hennie Heymans en die geloof van mense soos genl. Johan van der Merwe, het die groot dag vir die reünie toe uiteindelik aangebreek.

Op Sondag 20 Maart het 'n groep oudlede en hier en daar 'n dienende lid, by die polisiegedenkteken by die Uniegebou saamgekom om die geskiedkundige dag te vier. Onder die lede wat daar saamgetrek het was daar selfs ses dames van daardie heel eerste groep van 1972.

Die verlede is in herinnering geroep, ons het hulde gebring aan hulle wat vandag nie meer met ons is nie, daar is dankie gesê vir almal wat betrokke was by die eerste groep heldinne, soos sommige vandag na daardie groep verwys.

Al die onthou jy nog! Al die goeie en slegte dinge van daardie beginjare is herleef en trane het gevloei om mekaar na 50 jaar weer te sien. Dit was soos n klompie spreeus in 'n bos, ons kon net eenvoudig nie uitgepraat raak nie. Daar is ook saam uitgeëet waar daar omtrent behoorlik gekuier is. Die groepie was klein, maar ‘n groepie wat besef het waaroor alles gaan en dit behoorlik gevier het.

Ons het ook nie die dames vergeet wat die hoogste offer gebring het deur hul lewens in die polisie te verloor nie. Daar is vir hulle n kranslegging gehou en terwyl die klanke van die laaste taptoe deur

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die beuelblaser ao. Laura van Niekerk (foto), oor Pretoria weggesterf het, is daar ook hulde gebring aan hulle wat vandag nog bereid is om alles op te offer om te dien en te beskerm.

Selfs die twee predikante wat die gedenkdiens gelei het, was uit eie geledere. Een van die eerste vroue kapelane in die polisie, kol. (ds) Elmien Oosthuizen en Frieda Muller, 'n lid van die 1972 groep wat later vir 'n prediker gaan studeer het, het die voorreg gehad om die woord te bedien.

Al wat nou nog oorbly is: Sterkte aan die dames van vandag, Bly trots op julleself, trots op julle uniform en bowenal, trots om ons land te beskerm en te dien.

Ds. Elmien Oosthuizen 20 Maart 2022

Frieda Muller het ook ‘n paslike boodskap gebring 16 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Genl Van der Merwe beantwoord die saluut 20 Maart 2022.

Kranse is gelê met genl Van der Merwe wat die eerste krans gelê het.

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‘n Sestal dame-veterane teenwoordig by die geleentheid.

LUCKHOFF-POLISIESTASIE Kol Louis Langenhoven

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POLISIEGESKIEDENIS | POLICE HISTORY

TROU TOT DIE DOOD TOE Genl JV van der Merwe IN Augustus 1983 het die United Democratic Front (UDF), wat 700 verskillende organisasies saamgesnoer het, tot stand gekom. Vir alle praktiese doeleindes was die UDF ʼn front van die ANC wat dieselfde doelstellings nagestreef en die Vryheidsmanifes onderskryf het, maar geslepe buite die nasionale uitvoerende komitee van die ANC gefunksioneer het.

Die UDF het ruim skenkings uit die buiteland ontvang, wat gebruik is om die massas in verset teen die Regering te bring en die ondergrondse bedrywighede van die ANC landwyd uit te brei. Dit was uiters moeilik om die bedrywighede van die UDF wetlik aan bande te lê en die revolusionêre klimaat in Suid-Afrika het sterk toegeneem. Die UDF het sonder twyfel die doelstellings van die ANC om die Regering oor te neem, baie meer bevorder as die gewapende stryd.

Die bedrywighede van die UDF het daartoe gelei dat verskeie leiers ingevolge die Wet op Binnelandse Veiligheid vervolg is en genoodsaak was om van front te verander. Die Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) het toe die lig gesien en die doelstellings van die UDF voortgesit.

In 1984 het die ANC bekend gemaak dat die revolusionêre oorlog voortaan op vier pilare sou staan, te wete: • die gewapende stryd deur Umkhonto weSizwe • die mobilisering van die massas • die vestiging van ondergrondse strukture • die isolasie van Suid-Afrika op internasionale gebied Mnr. Oliver Tambo, president van die ANC, het terselfdertyd ʼn beroep op al die inwoners van Suid-Afrika gedoen om die land onregeerbaar te maak.

Die Regering het in daardie stadium as gevolg van buitelandse en binnelandse druk begin om sekere veiligheidsmaatreëls te verslap en om die inperkings van sekere aktiviste op te hef.

In die geledere van die veiligheidstak was daar groot kommer oor die rigting wat die Regering ingeslaan het. Tydens gesprekke met mnr. Louis le Grange, Minister van Polisie, het hy te kenne 20 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

gegee dat die Regering hoop om só groter welwillendheid by die swart gemeenskap te kweek en die internasionale druk te verlig. Ons het mnr. Le Grange herhaaldelik ingelig dat die swart gemeenskap na politieke verandering streef en dat die meeste die ANC se pogings steun om die Regering met geweld omver te werp. Die toegewings wat die Regering doen, sal geen duit verskil aan die gesindheid van die swart gemeenskap maak nie. In die praktyk sou dit die handhawing van wet en orde onmoontlik maak.

Dit was duidelik dat die Regering verwag het dat die veiligheidstak die bedrywighede van politieke aktiviste, wat voorheen deur wetlike optrede aan bande gelê was, deur ondergrondse optrede moes neutraliseer. In die praktyk was dit egter onhaalbaar.

Dr. Beyers Naudé was een van die mense wie se inperking opgehef is. Ons het oor inligting beskik dat hy in die ondergrondse bedrywighede van die ANC/SAKP-alliansie vasgevang geraak het.

Volgens inligting van ʼn informant sou hy onder meer geld aan MK-lede, onder die wet beskou as terroriste, verskaf het. Hy het ook gereeld geld voorsien aan politieke aktiviste wat in die buiteland militêre opleiding ontvang het. Daarbenewens het hy die doelstellings van die ANC/SAKP-alliansie deur pamflette en ander propagandamateriaal bevorder. Ons kon die inligting egter nie in die openbaar gebruik sonder om die informant se lewe in gevaar te stel nie.

Mnr. Le Grange het my in Augustus 1984 gevra om vertroulik met dr. Naudé te gesels en hom te probeer oorreed om sy onwettige bedrywighede te staak. Dr. Naudé het my uiters vyandig ontvang.

Hy het elke woord wat ek gesê het, noukeurig aangeteken. Ons “gesprek” het in ʼn tydrowende en frustrerende proses ontaard. Hy was kortaf en onvriendelik en ek het besef dat ek my asem mors.

Ek het min. Le Grange ingelig dat daar geen salf aan dr. Naudé te smeer was nie. Sy inperking is desondanks op 26 September 1984 opgehef.

Die geval Beyers Naudé het my telkens herinner aan hoe buigsaam mense se morele oortuiginge is. Toe die motorbom op 20 Mei 1983 in Pretoria ontplof en 19 mense, onder wie 10 burgerlikes, afgryslik sterf en 217 persone, onder wie 114 burgerlikes, ernstig beseer en vermink word, het dr.

Naudé en sy geesgenote geen enkele woord daaroor in die openbaar gerep nie. Maar elke geval waar die veiligheidstak na bewering iemand sou aangerand of gemartel het, is luidkeels in die openbaar verdoem.

Die toestand het bly versleg en kol. Piet Viljoen (later generaal) het daagliks die kommer van lede van die veiligheidstak aan my oorgedra. Ek was toe tweede-in-bevel van die veiligheidstak en kol.

Viljoen was aan die ondersoekafdeling van die veiligheidstak verbonde. Ek het dus in 1985 opdrag aan kol. Viljoen gegee om toe te sien dat ʼn omvattende verslag opgestel word oor die gevaar wat die Regering se toegewings vir wet en orde inhou.

Ek het die verslag deur genl. Stan Schutte, destyds hoof van die veiligheidstak, en genl. Johann Coetzee, Kommissaris van Polisie, aan mnr. Le Grange voorgelê. ʼn Dag later het genl. Schutte my gevra om hom na genl. Coetzee se kantoor te vergesel. Skaars is ons in sy kantoor, of genl. Coetzee bars uit: “Wat de duiwel het julle in die verslag aan Louis le Grange gesê? Hy’s woedend!” Dit blyk toe dat nóg genl. Schutte nóg genl. Coetzee die verslag volledig gelees het omdat die sake daarin reeds tevore met mnr. Le Grange bespreek is. In die verslag het ons dit egter beklemtoon dat die Regering se toegewings bloot kunsmatig is en dat wet en orde dreig om in duie te stort.

Genl. Coetzee het ons ingelig dat mnr. Le Grange hom en genl. Schutte onmiddellik wil spreek en dat die hare gaan waai. Ek sê toe aan genl. Coetzee die verslag is in alle opsigte op feite gegrond en ek is bereid om saam te gaan om ons saak te stel. Hierop was genl. Coetzee se woorde: “As jy saamgaan, is ons almal afgedank. Jy bly net hier.”

Genl. Schutte het my ná die gesprek vertel dat mnr. Le Grange hulle langer as ʼn uur uitgeskel het.

Ons het in die verslag telkens daarop gewys dat die Regering in gebreke bly om sekere stappe te doen – mnr. Le Grange het elke keer as volg daarop gereageer: “Met ander woorde, dit is ek, Louis 21 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

le Grange, wat te sleg is om my werk te doen.” Mnr. Le Grange het opdrag gegee dat die verslag vernietig word en gesê hy wil nooit weer ʼn woord daaroor hoor nie. Kort daarna was die Regering verplig om ʼn noodtoestand in te stel. Die noodtoestand is dieselfde jaar opgehef, maar weer in 1986 ingestel. Dit het van krag gebly totdat dit in 1990 gedeeltelik opgehef is.

DIE SKOF TOE EK MY VUURWAPEN VIR DIE EERSTE KEER MOES GEBRUIK Kol Wynand Schoeman Ek was maar skaars 6 maande uit die Polisiekollege na my basiese opleiding toe ek my amptelike vuurwapen, ‘n Webley .38 rewolwer (met wapennommer A 196), vir die eerste keer en noodgedwonge moes gebruik. In die kollege het ek, soos elke polisieman, omvattende vuurwapenopleiding ontvang. Ek het dus my vuurwapen, die hantering daarvan en veiligheidsbeginsels geken. Maar nêrens was daar ‘n fisiese inoefening, sover ek kon onthou, oor hoe om die situasie te hanteer as iemand anders ‘n vuurwapen op jou rig of poog om jou te skiet nie. Sulke opleiding sou eers later met teeninsurgensieopleiding op Maleoskop volg.

Dit was Mei 1972 en ek was op Brixton, Johannesburg, gestasioneer en het skofte gewerk. Die betrokke aand, ‘n Woensdagaand rapporteer ek vir nagskof en word as bemanningslid op die polisievoertuig gepos. My goeie vriend en kollega van destyds, wyle sersant Johan (Rassie) Erasmus (Foto) was die wyksersant en voertuigbestuurder. Beide patrolliewaens was in die polisiemotorhawe en ons moes van ‘n Ford Cortina (dit kon ook ‘n 1300 Ford Escort motortjie gewees het), vir bywoning van klagtes gebruik maak. Dié voertuig was eintlik aan die navraekantoor toegeken en op leenbasis aan ons gegee. Daar was ‘n Motorola radio in die voertuig en ons kon dus met Radiobeheer in wedersydse verbinding wees. Dit was die tyd van sanksies en Ford was amper die enigste fabrikaat wat van sy voertuie aan die S.A. Polisie wou verkoop. Dit was definitief nie die kragtige Range Rovers en BMW’s waarmee die manne vandag mee rondjaag nie. Ek kan goed onthou dat dit ‘n Woensdagaand was want ons het daaroor gesels dat dié skof en klagtes in die Brixtonwyk eintlik baie stil was. Dit was kouerig en trietsig en miskien het die weer iets daarmee te doene gehad. Ander wyke soos John Vorsterplein was egter besig. Woensdagnagte, wat ook “klein Saterdag” genoem word, was oor die algemeen altyd besig. Dit is asof die molesmakers Woensdagaande kies vir ‘n “inoefening” vir Saterdagaande se deurnagpartytjie. Dit is dan wanneer die bure kla oor die geraas of huismoles langsaan wanneer pa vir ma slaan en die kinders saam huil. Drank het nie brieke nie.

So teen 23:00 die betrokke aand besoek ons die voetpatrolliemanne in De la Reystraat Vrededorp.

Net daarna kraak die Motorola radio en vra Radiobeheer die hulp van enige voertuig wat beskikbaar sou wees om ‘n alarm-klagte (wat ‘n huisbraak kon wees), in Newtown, in John Vorsterplein se wyk by te woon. Sersant Erasmus is vinniger as ek en het die radiohandstuk beet en rapporteer dat Brixton met dié klagte sal uithelp omdat ons inderdaad baie naby was. Die perseel waar die betrokke 22 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

klagte was, was op die hoeke van Breëstraat en Wolhuterstraat, Newtown, skuins oorkant die ou groentemark en direk oorkant die area wat deesdae bekend staan as die Mary Fitzgeraldplein.

Breëstraat is sedertdien hernoem na Lilian Ngoyistraat. Johan Erasmus laat die wiele rol en skaars 2 minute later bevind ons, ons ‘n blok vanaf die betrokke perseel. Op daardie stadium hoor ons al die oorverdowende geskree van die alarm op die toonhoogte van ‘n operasangeres. Met aankoms hou ons in Breestraat stil en probeer ek eers Radiobeheer kontak met die rapport dat ons afstaan op die toneel.

Sersant Erasmus is blitsvinnig uit die voertuig en hardloop na Wolhuterstraat voor die gebou waar die voorkant van die gebou is om deur die vensterruit te sien wat binne die perseel aangaan. Toe ek uitklim skree sersant Erasmus aan my dat daar iemand binne die perseel, ‘n supermark en algemene handelaar is, wat van alles en nog wat verkoop. Die eienaar was ‘n Chinees maar was nie op die toneel nie. Ek hardloop na die betrokke venster en gryp aan die voordeur om te sien of ons daardeur toegang kon verkry. Die deur is stewig gegrendel. Ek merk toe ook die persoon geklee in ‘n blou oorpak binne die winkel op wat besig was om sigarette in ‘n streepsak in sy besit te gooi. ‘n Paar tree verder staan n trapleer direk onderkant ‘n opening in die plafon, waardeur hy klaarblyklik toegang verkry het. Die betrokke persoon (wat later die aangeklaagde sou wees), is nie bewus van ons nie en gaan voort met sy “inkopietog”. Johan Erasmus skreeu vir hom om stil te staan maar vanweë die alarm se tirade kan hy ons nie hoor nie. Sersant Erasmus kap met sy handboeie teen die vensterruit om sy aandag te trek. Die inbraakverdagte merk ons toe vir die eerste keer op en gaan vir ‘n oomblik of twee met sy “inkopietog” voort en beweeg daarna vinnig na die trapleer en begin om die trappe na bo te klim.

Dan gebeur die onverwagte baie skielik. Die verdagte gaan staan so op die derde trappie van onder en druk sy regterhand in sy broeksak en haal ‘n voorwerp uit wat ek eers met die 2de kyk identifiseer as ‘n vuurwapen en sien dat hy dit inderdaad maar skielik en onverwags, op ons rig. Ons kyk vas in die loop van ‘n wapen. Sersant Erasmus skree dat die man gaan skiet en dat ek moet padgee voor die venster en ek spring na links. Ek skrik my half deurmekaar maar besef dat ons nou sal moet kophou. Dit vat my so twee sekondes of wat om myself te konsolideer. Sersant Erasmus het terselfdertyd na regs gespring. Alles gebeur inderdaad binne ‘n paar sekondes en ek sien hoe die verdagte die sneller twee of drie keer trek. Daar gaan egter nie ‘n skoot af nie. (Dit het agterna geblyk dat die wapen se veiligheidsknip op was en dat hy klaarblyklik nie besef het dat hy die meganisme moes deaktiveer nie). Daardie breukdeel van ‘n sekonde of twee gee sersant Erasmus genoeg tyd om sy Smith en Wesson rewolwer uit te haal en vuur hy twee skote deur die glas venster op die verdagte. Ek sien dat die verdagte se kop agteroor ruk en dat hy half sy balans verloor en twee trappies afgly op die leer. Hy laat val die sak in sy besit. Hy herstel egter vinnig en begin verder na bo klim. Ek sien die koeëlgate in die venster voordat ek die skote hoor en sien die venster in krake spat.

Dan gebeur die onverwagte nog ‘n keer. Ek hoor skielik dat sersant Erasmus Grieks of ‘n vreemde taal begin praat en hy skree op my dat sy vuurwapen ‘n storing het en dat ek moet skiet. Ek het reeds my Webley rewolwer in my hand gehad en korrel op die verdagte. Terselfdertyd rig die verdagte weer sy wapen op ons en vir die 2de keer in sekondes kyk ons vas in die loop van ‘n wapen. Verstommend arrogant as ek weer daaraan terugdink. Ek voel aan dat sy wapen op my geprojekteer is. Om te verhoed dat ons, ons in tamatiestraat bevind moes ek noodgedwonge nou my wapen gebruik. Dit is hy of ek. Ek vuur twee skote op die verdagte en nog twee koeëlgate verskyn in die venster. Die verdagte verloor sy balans na die skote maar gryp die leer vas en slaag daarin om deur die plafon opening te klim. Die verdagte verdwyn buite sig en bevind hom of in die plafon of op die dak van die perseel.

Sersant Erasmus dra egter kennis dat daar ‘n staal trapleer in die aangrensende Jeppestraat is wat toegang tot die dak kan gee en begin die 250 meter daarheen hardloop. Ek hardloop eers na die polisievoertuig om ons flitse te kry en volg hom op die leer na bo. Op die dak aangekom bevind ons, ons op ‘n netwerk van sinkdakke op verskillende vlakke wat blykbaar aanmekaar gelas is. Dit is 23 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

donker en die sig is beperk. Ons weet dat die verdagte hom iewers bevind en begin beweeg in die noordwestelike rigting waar ons dink hy hom moontlik kan bevind. Om dit te kan doen moet ons op of af van dakvlak na dakvlak beweeg wat ‘n tydsame proses is. Ons probeer luister of ons die verdagte iewers kan hoor. Dit is egter doodstil. Ek voel egter ongemaklik en blootgestel oor die situasie waarin ons, ons bevind en ek dink sersant Erasmus ook, alhoewel hy niks sê nie. Ons beweeg op die dak rond met flitse en is dus ‘n maklike teiken vir ‘n man met ‘n vuurwapen. Hy kan sien waar ons is maar ons kan hom nie sien nie. Ons klim op ‘n stadium na ‘n hoër vlak en dus toe ons die lig skynsel sien wat van onder ‘n sinkplaat deurskyn. Ons beweeg in daardie rigting en kry die los dakplaat en sien die gat in die plafon (en leer) waardeur die verdagte en in en uit geklim het.

Die verdagte moet dus iewers op die dak wees maar ons weet nie waar nie. ‘n Ongemaklike situasie in die donkerte. Maar ons het ‘n Beskermer wat Sy hand oor ons hou.

Die ideaal sou seker wees om ‘n polisiehond te kry om die spoor te neem. Maar die situasie is nie ideaal nie. Polisiehandradios was nog nie so algemeen nie en ons het nie een by ons gehad nie.

Ons kon dus nie enige kontak met Radiobeheer maak nie. Ek kon ook nie terugkeer na die voertuig om radiokontak so te maak nie en in die proses sersant Erasmus alleen op die dak agterlaat nie.

Ons was op ons self aangewese. As ons iets moes oorkom sou dit geruime tyd geduur het (indien nie ure nie) om ons op die dak op te spoor. Niemand weet dat ons op die dak is nie. Dit is toe dat ons met die flitslig die bloed druppels op die sinkplaat dak raaksien wat vanaf die dak opening in ‘n oostelike rigting lei. Hier het ons ‘n goeie leidraad en ons begin dit volg. Dit neem ons na ‘n dakkamertjie bo op die dak waar die bloedspoor voor die deur eindig. Dit is duidelik dat die verdagte in die dakkamertjie skuil. Sersant Erasmus skree dat die verdagte die deur moet oop maak. Daar is egter geen geluid of reaksie nie. Sersant Erasmus deel my mee dat hy die deur gaan skouerloop en dat ek gereed moet staan om die verdagte onmiddellik te skiet sou hy enige teen aksie wou uitvoer en ons probeer skiet, as ons toegang verkry het. Hy het immers ’n wapen en het reeds ‘n paar keer probeer om ons te skiet. Sersant Erasmus was ‘n lang en lenige maar stewige boerseun en skouerloop die deur. Die deur kraak en rammel in die kosyn maar spring nie oop nie. Dit is ‘n stewige deur en was dit ek, sou ek seker soos ‘n ping-pong balletjie van die deur weggebons het.

Ek was op daardie stadium gans te maer om die deur te roer. Met sy tweede skouerloop spring die deur oop.

Dit was nie vir my nodig om op die verdagte te vuur nie. Hy lê roerloos op die kamertjie se vloer en klaarblyklik semi- bewusteloos. Sersant Erasmus deursoek die verdagte se sakke en haal ‘n 9mm Astra kortloop-pistool uit sy broeksak. Die wapen is oorgehaal maar die veiligheidsknip is op. Die Vader se Beskermende Hand en die veiligheidsknip is al wat tussen ons en skote op ons gestaan het. Die verdagte het duidelik nie besef dat hy die knip moes deaktiveer nie. Sy roerlose liggaam voel soos “dooie” gewig en ons moet die verdagte terugdra na die polisievoertuig. Dit bring mee dat ons die verdagte moet skuif van dakvlak na dakvlak en neem ons seker ‘n verdere 40 minute om by die voertuig uit te kom. Ons sit die verdagte agter die voertuig neer. In die straatlig kan ek sien dat die verdagte bloed aan sy kop en bolyf het. Ek gaan gee per radio terugvoer en vra dat die diensoffisier die toneel moes kom besoek.

Die diensoffisier, luitenant Obie Oberholzer, is ook van Brixton en daag baie vinnig by die toneel op.

Toe ek met Radiobeheer besig was het sersant Erasmus die verdagte van die grond opgelig en binne die bagasiekattebak van die voertuig gesit omdat die bewustelose verdagte op die sypaadjie onnodig aandag van verbygaande voertuie en voetgangers trek. Selfs daardie tyd van die oggend was Breëstraat redelik besig. Johannesburg is maar altyd aan die roer. Dit was een van die toevoerpaaie na die Johannesburgse middestad. Ek weet nie wat luitenant Oberholzer vir sersant Erasmus gesê het toe hy gehoor het dat die verdagte in die voertuigkattebak is nie, maar sersant Erasmus plaas die verdagte met spoed terug op die sypaadjie. ‘n Ambulans daag kort daarna by die toneel op en neem die verdagte na die destydse Johannesburgse Algemene Hospitaal in Hillbrow. Op die oog af was die verdagte na my en sersant Erasmus se mening in ‘n bewustelose en vermoedelik kritieke toestand.

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Sowat 8 weke later kry ek en sersant Erasmus subpoenas om teen die verdagte in die hof te gaan getuig. Ons was verras dat hy so gou genoegsaam herstel het om in die hof te verskyn. Die verdagte word verhoor op klagtes van huisbraak, die besit van ‘n ongelisensieerde vuurwapen en ammunisie, poging tot moord en die rig van ‘n vuurwapen. Tydens die verhoor verneem ons dat die verdagte twee koeëlwonde opgedoen het. ‘n Wond agter sy kop en ‘n skouer wond. Uit die mediese verslae blyk dit toe ook dat die koeël wat die kopwond veroorsaak het, nie die skedelbeen as sulks gepenetreer het nie maar slegs onder die vel rondom die skedel beweeg het en weer die kop aan die agterkant verlaat het. Dit was die eerste keer en enigste keer in my loopbaan wat ek van so iets verneem het. Inderdaad ‘n rare gebeurtenis. Die enigste verduideliking daarvoor was dat die ammunisie oud was. Dit was klaarblyklik ook die rede hoekom sersant Erasmus se wapen ‘n storing gehad het. Daar was niks met die wapen verkeerd nie maar die ammunisie was verouderd.

Daar was nog ‘n sogenaamde “kinkel in die kabel”. Dit blyk later dat die Chinese winkeleienaar ook ‘n siviele aksie teen die S.A. Polisie ingestel het na aanleiding van die voorval. Nie net het ons die winkelvenster, volgens hom, doelbewus stukkend geskiet nie maar die afgevuurde koeëls het een van sy vrieskaste gepenetreer. Die vrieskas het as gevolg daarvan ontvries met verlies van die inhoud daarvan. Ek en sersant Erasmus kon egter bewys dat die skote na bo na die verdagte op die trapleer gevuur is. Daar was na ons mening dus nie die moontlikheid dat die koeëls die vrieskas kon penetreer nie.

Die mense sê altyd ‘n week in die politiek is ‘n lang tyd, maar ek kan getuig dat die sekondes wanneer ‘n vuurwapen op jou gerig word, veel erger is, dit voel soos ‘n ewigheid en jy besef dat jou laaste oomblikke moontlik aangebreek het. Die hoofresep op die spyskaart daardie nag wat stil begin het, was die skietvoorval wat katastrofies vir my en sersant Erasmus kon uitgedraai het. Dit was deel van die leerskool waar ek geleer het om altyd die onverwagte te verwag en altyd paraat te wees.

HULDEBLYK AAN KOEVOET Roy Allen Agtergrond, Tydens die implementering van die VN resolusie 435 was daar 'n skietstaking verklaar. Die SAW moes uit Ovambo onttrek, na die RSA, met slegs 'n administratiewe kontingent op Grootfontein. (Ek dink dit het Merlyn Brigade geheet...) Koevoet moes ook sy kanonne v.d. Casspirs afhaal, maar die uitgeslape Genl Dreyer het die wapens naby gehou en met die uitbreek van vyandelikhede, was hulle binne 'n ommesientjie weer op die karre gemonteer!

As deel v.d. vredesooreenkoms was Swapo ook gebind om vyandelikhede staak en homself tot Angola beperk - agter 'n breedtegraad sowat 200 km diep in Angola.

Swapo wou egter sy posisie in SWA versterk en het operasies teen die PB's ge-loods. Hy het dus op 1 April oor die grens gestroom met die doel om s.g. "bevryde gebiede" in Ovambo te stig. Hulle was baie goed bewapen, spesifiek met RPG-7's en "Heat Strims" om die Casspirs uit te skiet.

Swapo het dan op 1 April, op 'n verraderlike wyse Ovambo binnegeval met 1,500 manskappe.

Gelukkig vir die RSA, was die "ystervrou" Maggie Thatcher in Windhoek, met 'n amptelike besoek en sy was baie onthuts oor Swapo se verraad - En sy het goedkeuring gegee dat ons militêr teen Swapo mag optree - Haar woorde was "F hulle op!" Die "Ons" waarvan ek praat, was die "dun blou lyn" van Koevoet... Slegs, polisiemanne!

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Die SALM het blitsvinnig gereageer en daardie selfde nag en die daaropvolgende dae ongeveer 30 Alouette "gunships" en ander krygstuig te Ondangwa met C-130's en C-160's opgevlieg. Hulle het ook 'n hele klomp Impalas opgestuur, wat doeltreffend was om ingegrawe Swapo stellings en loopgrawe te vernietig. (Gewoonlik in die SALM het jy 'n voorleidingsbeheerder gehad, wat 'grond tot lug' die Impalas op die teiken ingepraat het. 'n Duur kursus van 'n paar maande. En hier het jy dit gehad waar 'n Koevoet spanleier (Konst. Piet Hand) die aanvals-vliegtuie doeltreffend op die teiken in praat... Dit was baie desperate tye!!

Ek was toe nog in Oshakati op daardie stadium, en was 'n "Hoofinspekteur" in Swapol, so dat ek in Oshakati kon aanbly, nadat die SAW moes onttrek.. Ek het toe v.d. Veiligheidstak gewerk.

Op 'n stadium was ons bevrees dat Oshakati deur die vyand oorval sou word, en planne is inderhaas opgetrek om die vrouens en kinders wat nog in Oshakati oorgebly het, na veiligheid in Tsumeb te neem. Ek en my vrou Ida het ook op kort kennisgewing, twee keer, bloed geskenk by die Oshakati siekeboeg vir die gewondes - terwyl die Medics op aanvullings vanuit die RSA gewag het. Al die ander beskikbare Polisiemanne en 'hase' het ook bloed geskenk.

Na 9 dae van intense konflik, was dit als oor, met Swapo verslaan en teruggedryf na Angola.

Ongelukkig het die Koevoet manne 'n duur prys betaal met gesneuweldes en gewondes (verminktes.) Wat hierdie verhaal so hartseer maak is dat dit in die finale doodsnikke v.d. Bosoorlog plaasgevind het - en daardie lewensverlies was beide, onnodig en hartseer.

Die huidige: Volgende week gaan ek en Barry Swart die Koevoet kranslegging by die Voortrekker Monument bywoon, ter ere van die stryd wat Koevoet gevoer het, asook die gesneuweldes en al die opofferinge wat hulle, en hul families en kinders, gemaak het. Ek doen dit al die afgelope 5 jaar. Hoewel ek nooit die eer gehad het om in Koevoet te dien nie, het ek lekker tye gehad met my Taakmag buddies, toe hulle in Koevoet gedien het - kollegas soos Piet Stassen, Anton (Compadre) Visagie, Chris Ronne, Kol Bernie Ley en "Whiskey Fox", en ook ou "Lam Smittie".

Die diens begin om 10h00 en word bygewoon deur Koevoete, inkluis 'n klomp "buddies" wie tans in die RSA bly. Ook dan Koevoet 'medics' wie NDP's was, ouens van 101 Bn asook 32 Bn. Daar is self "bikers" wat destyds hulle Nasionale Diensplig op die Grens gedoen het. En dan ook 'n hele paar oud Takies wie ook by Koevoet ook gedien het, soos Toitjie en andere wie se name ek nie kan onthou nie, maar die diens is baie waardig, en dis lekker om weer tussen "broers" te wees...

Die kranslegging is allermins 'n "regse" gemotiveerde ding.. Dit is suiwer, om huldeblyk te bring aan gesneuwelde broers van alle kleure...

Groetnis, Roy Allen.

26 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

KOEVOET: HERDENKING Gert Visagè

Ons salueer ons Veterane – hulle is Helde.

ZS-SAP Johannes Botha

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ZARP: BRITSE PRETORIA WAS Jennifer Bosch

KRYGSGEVANGENES:

STAATSMODEL

SKOOL

Sir Winston Churchill het hier ontsnap. Let op Zarp - HBH.

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SUID-AFRIKA SE EERSTE TREINROOF – PIETERSBURG Sarie van Niekerk (Nongqai het onlangs navraag gekry oor die destydse treinrooftog in Pietersburg. Hier is die verhaal soos dit verloop het geskryf deur Sarie van Niekerk wat as Beeld joernalis die hofsaak bygewoon het) Die inwoners van die destydse Pietersburg (vandag Polokwane) het een oggend in Junie 1983 wakker geword met die nuus dat die trein wat in die nag ou geldnote vanaf Pietersburg na Pretoria vervoer, in die vroeë oggendure van 23 Junie van sowat R1,4 miljoen in ‘n uiters gewaagde treinroof beroof is. Dit was op daardie stadium die eerste treinroof in die land en ook die grootste rooftog wat nog in die land se misdaadgeskiedenis geroof is.

Volgens inligting wat op die toneel versamel is en deur die ernstig beseerde leerling kondukteur en ook die oorlaaikruier wat die rooftog oorleef het, het dit ook gou bekend geword dat daar vermoedelik drie rowers was wat met vuurwapens bewapen was en sykouse oor hulle koppe getrek gehad het.

Die rooftog is blitsvinnig uitgevoer waarna die rowers vinnig in ‘n wagtende voertuig ontvlug het.

Dit het ook gou bekend geword dat ‘n 21-jarige leerlingkondukteur, mnr. Robert (Basie) Slipper in ‘n kritieke toestand in die plaaslike hospitaal opgeneem is. Hy is later per helikopterambulans na die Eugene Marais hospitaal in Pretoria oorgeplaas waar hy kort na sy aankoms aan sy wonde beswyk het, ‘n Reuse soektog, waarby die destydse spoorwegpolisie en die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie betrek is, is dadelik van stapel gestuur. Leidrade wat op die toneel agtergebly het, het die polisie hulle eerste aanduidings gegee van wie moontlik vir die gruwelike daad verantwoordelik kon wees. Die land het gegons, dat so iets in Suid-Afrika kon gebeur was net ongehoord. ‘n Beloning vir inligting wat kon lei na die inhegtenisneming en skuldigbevinding van die vermeende rowers is gesamentlik deur ‘n groep banke in die stad aangebied wat almal geld in die possakke gehad het.

Gesinslede van die ernstig beseerde Slipper het vir sy lewe gevrees. Hulle was bang dat hy uit die weggeruim kon word omdat hy reeds belangrike inligting aan die polisie verskaf het voordat hy in ‘n koma verval het.

Na ‘n lang uitgerekte ondersoek is daar later op die spoor gekom van een persoon wat later as die baasbrein agter te rooftog gestempel is. Uit getuienis wat later tydens die hofsaak, wat in Junie 1984 in die destydse rondgaande hof in Pietersburg voor regter F.H. Grosskopf, begin het, het dit aan die lig gekom dat die “rooftog waaraan langer as ‘n maand beplan, binne enkele minute uitgevoer en veronderstel was om drie jong mans in weelde te laat leef, lelik skeefgeloop het”.

Die jong rowers was Joseph van Dyk Janse van Vuuren (destyds (20), van Armstrongweg, Bluff, Durban, Stefanus Johannes van Greunen (destyds 34), van Doornkraalstraat, Ladana, Pietersburg en Hermanus Johannes de Nysschen (destyds 34), van die plaas Rietfontein naby Pietersburg, het bykans ‘n jaar later in die rondgaande hof in Pietersburg verskyn waar hulle skuld beken het op die treinroof wat toe die grootste nog in die Suid-Afrikaanse misdaadgeskiedenis was Ten opsigte van die dood van mnr. Slipper het hulle skuld beken op ‘n aanklag van strafbare manslag.

Twee van die rowers, Van Dyk Jansen van Vuuren en Van Greunen, het op 3 Desember 1983 die trein, wat possakke vol ou note van Pietersburg na Pretoria vervoer het, tussen die Eerstegoudstasietjie en die Geyser-stasietjie beroof en in ‘n wagtende BMW waarin De Nyschen by Sandrivierstasie vir hulle gewag het, op die vlug geslaan Ladanna met ‘n bedrag van R1 424 400. Hulle het 29 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

die geld tussen hulle verdeel en hul klere en die possakke in ‘n boorgat op De Nyschen se plaas gegooi.

So het die destydse treinrowers van Pietersburg gelyk. Die voorblad van Beeld het die rowers se foto’s landwyd as hoofopskrifte gehad.

Op die foto regs word mnr, Johan van Greunen deur sy skoondogter, mev. Ursula van Greunen ondersteun nadat sy seun aan die treinroof skuldig bevind is. Links op treinrowers die foto mev.

Annette van Vuuren, wie se man ook skuldig bevind is.

Die los foto links is die van mev. Dina de Nysschen, wie se man ook skuldig bevind is.

Vir Van Vuuren, wat slegs R700 per maand verdien het, het sy skielike rykdom hom in staat gestel om binne die eerste maand R400 000 te bestee, hy het al sy skuld vereffen maar ook twee BMW motors gekoop en ‘n deposito op ‘n huis betaal. Van Greunen het net R17 000 van sy geld bestee.

Die res het hy in ‘n blik trommeltjie versteek.

De Nysschen, die boer wat die grootste deel van die buit gekry het, het ondermeer ook ‘n BMW gekoop, agt volstruise wat gevrek het en plaaswerktuie. Hy het R5 000 bestee tydens twee besoeke aan Sun City, geld aan sy swaer geleen en ‘n bedrag van R14 500 aan sy broer mnr. Albert de Nyschen, gegee.

Mnr. William Ralphala, ‘n oorlaaikruier het in sy getuienis in die hof getuig hy was ook die aand aan diens op die trein. Hy het getuig hy was doodbang gewees. Hy was selfs bereid om saam met Sipper uit die trein te spring, maar dat van Greunen hom voorgekeer en vasgebind het. “Ek het nie daaraan gedink dat ek kon doodgaan as ek sou spring nie. Toe die man die vuurwapen op my rig wou ek net 30 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

wegkom. As die leeu daar is, gee jy nie om in watter rigting jy hardloop nie,” het hy met handgebare in die hof getuig.

Mnr. Hendrik Jordaan, rekenmeester van (die destydse) Barclays Bank in Pietersburg, waar van Vuuren vir meer as vier jaar voor die roof gewerk het, het getuig Van Vuuren het in sy hoedanigheid as kassier gehelp om die pakke geld per trein na Pretoria te versend. Van Vuuren was vertroud met die verpakkings prosedures. Van Greunen, die enigste een van die drie rowers wat getuig het, het gesê hy het groot geldelike probleme ondervind. Hy het die voorstel van Van Vuuren en De Nysschen gesien en dit as ‘n kitsoplossing vir sy geldelike probleme gesien.

In kruisondervraaging deur adv. E. Jordaan, vir die staat het mnr. Hendrik Jordaan erken dat Van Vuuren die geheime kennis waaroor hy beskik het – wat nie vir die gewone man beskikbaar was nie, tot sy eie voordeel misbruik het.

In die voorvonnis verrigtinge, het adv. Theo Grobbelaar (die latere regter Grobbelaar) gesê hy hoop nie sy kliënte se liefde vir peperduur motors sal tot verswarende omstandighede bydrae nie.

In sy uitspraak het regter Grosskopf vir Van Dyk as die brein agter die hele rooftog gebrandmerk.

Die beskuldigdes is al drie tot 25 jaar gevangenisstraf gevonnis. Hulle het hul vonnisoplegging sonder enige emosie aangehoor voordat hulle met die trappe af na die aanhouselle geneem is waarvandaan hulle weggeneem is om hul vonnisse te gaan uitdien.

Die bankman was die baasbrein agter die treinroof. Hier is twee van die beskuldigdes

Passasierstrein: Kondukteurswa 31 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Die foto links is die van mev. Sipper, die leerlingkondukteur wat in die voorval so erg beseer is dat hy later aan sy beserings beswyk het. Die foto onder is die van mnr. Basie Slipper met sy aankoms by die Eugene Marais hospitaal in Pretoria waarheen hy per ambulanshelikopter oorgeplaas is, maar kort daarna aan sy kopbeserings beswyk het. Die foto regs is van die trommeltjies waarin die geld oorspronklik Vervoer is.

Regs ‘n skematiese voorstelling van hoe en waar die destydse treinroof tussen Pietersburg en die destydse Potgietersrus uitgevoer is.

32 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Foto links is die van mev, Annette Slipper, die foto onder is geneem toe haar man, Basie, per helikopter ambulans by die Eugene Marais hospitaal in Pretoria aangekom het war hy later dood is.

(Hennie vir interessantheidshalwe: Ek was die oggend besig om te pak om Pietersburg toe te gaan vir die hofsaak wat die volgende dag sou begin. Toe kry ek ‘n boodskap van die polisie af dat daar gedurende die naweek (hierdie was ‘n Sondagoggend) ‘n driedubbele moord in Germiston plaasgevind het waarin ‘n baie bekende sakeman van die stad saam met twee van sy familielede in hul spoghuis doodgeskiet is. Ek moes toe eers die driedubbele moord doen voor ek Pietersburg toe kon gaan. In my haas om alles gedoen te kry toe vang die verkeersdepartement my nog vir spoed en beboet my met R800. Dit was so laat teen die tyd dat ek klaar was dat ek toe eers die volgende oggend halfvyf in die pad geval het om negeuur in Pietersburg te wees.)

DROË VALLE OOR KERSTYD OP RUACANA...

Kol Corrie Prinsloo Hierdie storie is so 'n paar jaar gelede geplaas toe ek op my voetspore gaan terugloop het in Ovamboland en meer spesifiek Ruacana...

Die Valle is droog hierdie Kerstyd. Maar tog, die belofte is in die lug met die reënwolkies en die reënbui in die verte op die agtergrond. Daardie rantjies op die foto lê links in die rigting van Chitado.

Waar ek, Swaer Bertie Steyn en die gevegspan iewers in 1988 in die bek van hoefystervormige rantkompleks ingery het. En agtergekom het oor onderbrekings in ons kort-afstandstelle en opgewonde Kubaanse stemme dat ons dopgehou word. So naby aan Ruacana was 'n verkennerselement van die Kubaanse voorhoede, wat toe later tot stilstand geskiet is deur ons eie 61 Meg en ondersteuningselemente.

Iewers tussen Techipa en Calueque.

Bertie het gedink dat dit ek en die oudAngolese in die gevegspan was wat ons taking vir die dag bespreek het in Portugees.

Ons moes 'n wapenopslagplek (cache) gaan lig, so agt of wat kilometer verder aan. Tot ek onmiddellik en baie duidelik oor die langafstandradios van die Casspirs en die Blesbok die opdrag gegee het om te onttrek. Suidwaarts - Kunene se rigting, om so gou moontlik oor die brug net wes van die Ruacana damwal te kom en eie bodem te bereik.

Ek het nie omgegee vir die stofstreep wat ons vir die Mig 23's gelos het nie! Ek meen, ons was 33 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

bospolisiemanne, nie konvensionele vegsoldate nie... Wou nie dat ons agterhoede toegetrek word deur die Kubane in daardie hoefyster nie! 'n Paar dae later het die agt Mig 23's vir Calueque gebom. Oor hulle pakslae naby Techipa. En Fidel Castro het aan Generaals Cintras Frias en Miguel Leon opdrag gegee dat, indien Pretoria weerwraak neem op die Calueque aanval, die Migs op grootskaal moes aanval. Ruacana se basisse en lughawe, Oshakati se basisse en Ondangwa se Lugmagbasis. En dan opvolg met 'n grond inval oor die grens suidwaarts. Ek het hierdie episode in een van die kortverhale in my boek "Ruacana Verlange" beskryf.

Gelukkig het almal koelkop gebly en is die vyandighede gestaak. Genoeg was genoeg! Hierna het alles begin afskaal... totdat SWAPO anders besluit het op 1 April 1989. En sodoende is die finale hoofstuk van die Grensoorlog geskryf toe ons hulle ook tot stilstand moes skiet...

Terwyl ek op daardie rotse voor die droë Ruacana valle gesit het, het ek vir 'n wyle aan daardie moeilike dae van 1988 gedink. Dit was ook 'n droërige jaar gewees toe. Maar die reën het weer gekom en die Valle het bly loop. Dit sal weer loop. Daar sal altyd weer water afkom met die Kunene.

Soos daar vrede gekom het in Suidwes... Totsiens Chitado in die verte - sal daardie rantjie hoefyster nooit vergeet nie. Wonder of daardie Kubane ons gevegspan sou aanvat of eerder laag bly lê het?

Maak nie saak nie. Dit was vyf en dertig jaar gelede, en ek is hier om die storie te vertel...

THE BROEDERBOND’S TENTACLES REACHED DEEP John Matisonn | 21 April 2022 Below the top political jobs, the Broederbond worked through multiple clandestine processes to ensure appointments in the civil service, the judiciary, politics, academia, the church, the police, city councils, town clerks, MPs, sports associations and the all-important Bantu Administration Boards that regulated life in the black townships.

DA policy head Gwen Ngwenya has come under attack by prominent Stellenbosch historian Professor Hermann Giliomee and Jan Bosman, the secretary of the present Afrikanerbond (the successor to the Afrikaner Broederbond), for characterising the ANC’s cadre deployment as “the Africanisation of the Broederbond”.

Both men make the revisionist claim, in Politicsweb and Rapport, that the Afrikaner Broederbond (AB) did not influence appointments or help less qualified loyalists get jobs over better qualified nonmembers.

Bosman went further, dismissing the investigative reporters who sacrificed their safety to disclose the Broederbond’s outsized role as motivated by “personal grievances”, and Ngwenya’s use of their books as “not proper research”.

Giliomee avoided such offensive and inaccurate slurs, but rejected many of her claims as “without evidence”, swatting away reports that people’s careers were upended as “a few dissidents [who] expressed mainly moderate criticisms and were side-lined because of that”.

In fact, the evidence shows that the Broederbond operated far more effectively than Luthuli House’s deployment committees, that its jobs influence was infused with ideology and that it helped members into jobs across a far broader front than the civil service, though it did that too.

Hendrik Verwoerd 34 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Dr Hendrik Verwoerd described its mission in 1942.

“The AB must gain control of everything it can lay its hands on in every walk of life in SA. Members must help each other to gain promotion in the civil service or any other field of activity in which they work with a view to working themselves into important administrative positions.”

Its first chairman, Henning Klopper, declared victory in a speech after 20 years in power. By this time the Speaker in Parliament, Klopper said the Broederbond “has given the country its governments. It has given the country every Nationalist prime minister since 1948. It has given us the republic, even though indirectly. It has given us two state presidents.

“We support the state, we support the church, we support every big movement born from the nation.

“Every time, a leader could be chosen for the nation from the ranks of the Broederbond. When we lost Dr Malan, we had advocate Strijdom. When death claimed him, we had Dr Verwoerd.”

The Broederbond had supplied then Prime Minister John Vorster and would supply his successor, Klopper continued. “The AB gives leadership in every facet and sphere… Everywhere Broeders are manning the frontlines.

“Ask the people of Rhodesia. The republic is behind us. And who is the republic? It is the Broeders of the Broederbond.”

Charles Bloomberg Charles Bloomberg, the first journalist to break the organisation’s secrecy and its most scholarly author, dissected its achievements.

“Among the AB proposals adopted by the party are Christian-nationalism as the movement’s official ideology, the conversion of SA from a monarchy to an independent republic outside the Commonwealth, rigid parallel development of the races, and the Afrikanerisation [of other sectors].”

Below the top political jobs, the Broederbond worked through multiple clandestine processes to ensure appointments in the civil service, the judiciary, politics, academia, the church, the police, city councils, town clerks, MPs, sports associations and the all-important Bantu Administration Boards that regulated life in the black townships.

The way the Broederbond did it was shrewd, subtle, clandestine and all-encompassing. Honed by years of evading Military Intelligence and later Sunday Times reporters, each breach of secrecy led to further measures to prevent the truth from coming out.

The author of several monumental Afrikaner histories, Giliomee also dismissed what he called the “strange preoccupation” of South Africa’s World War 2 military intelligence with the Broederbond for thinking it could be a danger to the anti-Nazi war effort.

But prominent Broeders had close ties to Nazi Germany and fervently prayed for a German victory, in the war in which 334,000 South Africans fought against Hitler and at least 11,000 were killed. On one day alone, 21 June 1942, 10,722 South African soldiers were captured and made POWs. Dr Piet Meyer, a member of the Broederbond secretariat from 1935 to 1942, studied at the Nazi Anti-Comintern school in Berlin, befriended Hitler’s chief of staff, Rudolf Hess, who taught him to ski, set up brotherly ties between Afrikaner and Nazi youth associations, and was a general in the paramilitary pro-Nazi Ossewabrandwag. He would go on to chair the Broederbond from 1960 to 1972, while also chairman of the SABC. 35 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Another Nazi sympathiser and later senior Broeder, the clergyman Dr JD (Koot) Vorster, was convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for violating the Official Secrets Act by preparing details of Allied naval secrets with other pro-German conspirators.

Vorster told the author of a biography of his brother John, later prime minister and president, that both brothers were in full political agreement. During the war, the Vorster brothers were members of the Ossewabrandwag.

“We in the OB wanted to create an organisation that would be able to take over the country at the right time and then enter into negotiations with the Germans” to obtain a republic, Koot Vorster said.

In 1944, a Military Intelligence report concluded: “There are prominent positions throughout the Civil Service which are held by Broederbonders, and the fact that some of these are vitally connected with the war effort is a cause for the gravest concern…” This may all be lost in the sands of history, but it is clear Military Intelligence’s interest in the Broederbond was hardly inappropriate.

True Afrikaner heroes It’s hard not to read in Giliomee’s writing an attempt to reclaim Afrikaner heroes from the embers of apartheid, instead of recognising that the true Afrikaner heroes were the anti-apartheid dissidents who risked everything to expose the Broederbond.

Bosman rejects Ngwenya’s claim that the Broederbond gave jobs to Broeders, on the grounds that her sources are “work published decades ago by people with grievances”, journalists who “made it their hobby to disclose the unholy scheming and corruption of the organisation. In this process, many sensational reports containing half-truths or distorted information were published worldwide.

“To rely on a book written in 1979 and to refer to articles in 1970 by two editors who appear to have had personal grievances is, to our mind, not proper research.”

This criticism of the professionalism of Ngwenya, a respected scholar, would indeed be serious if it were true. But it’s not.

The journalists who broke the Broederbond stories, Charles Bloomberg and Hennie Serfontein, were close friends of mine who separately arrived at the principled conclusion that the Broederbond was dangerous, and made enormous sacrifices to expose it.

They had no personal grievances against the Broederbond, but once they wrote about it they were victimised and feared for their lives. Their prime advisers were the brilliant Afrikaner theologians Professor Albert Geyser and Dr Beyers Naudé, whose principled anti-apartheid record is well known.

All four of these men suffered for their hand in exposing the Broederbond to sunlight. Geyser lost his university and church positions and was convicted in an ecclesiastical court of heresy. His father, Petrus, was expelled from the Broederbond, his wife, Cecilia’s car suddenly swerved and overturned because a tie rod had been removed. Cecilia never recovered, spending the rest of her life in and out of institutions. Nuts on the steering mechanism of Geyser’s own car were loosened. Nobody was charged for these crimes.

Naudé was banned and harassed for the rest of the apartheid years. Bloomberg fled the country in fear of his life, living an itinerant life dotted with brilliant accomplishments as well as insecurity and poverty. Serfontein had a difficult life in South Africa, finding freelance employment keeping the Dutch informed about the long fight in South Africa’s Dutch Reformed Churches to prove that apartheid was indeed not Christian. Among his innumerable slights, denying baptism to his daughter stung his family the most.

36 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Now Bosman blames the victims!

‘The Super-Afrikaners’ There were two other key figures unravelling the Broederbond’s workings, Ivor Wilkins and Hans Strydom, the authors of The Super-Afrikaners, Inside the Afrikaner Broederbond. Their book is a result of a massive document dump that fell into Wilkins’ hands unsolicited, because the Sunday Times, for whom he worked, had the reputation of exposing the secret society from the time of Serfontein and Bloomberg.

Wilkins didn’t have a grievance — he simply had the good fortune to pick up the phone when a Broeder member called to spill the beans. Wilkins roped in Strydom to help because of his long experience of Afrikaner politics. As their publisher, Jonathan Ball, explained, their newspaper editor was leaned on to stop publishing their exposés, fuelling the reporters’ desire to put the story down in a book.

Serfontein, Bloomberg, Geyser, Naudé, Wilkins and Strydom did not expose the Broederbond’s workings because they were aggrieved, but because the evidence of its distorting influence on government and society was overwhelming, and because conscience-stricken members saw its danger.

But unlike the ANC’s deployment committee’s minutes, no Broederbond minutes will show an appointment being determined. Bosman throws sand in our faces, arguing that the AB “could in no way give instructions to its members. The Executive Council of AB did not have that kind of power…

“It can be unequivocally stated that the AB had no policy or any mechanisms or procedures whatsoever for identifying members and recommending them for appointment in the public service.

The AB never followed a policy of appointing members of the AB to senior or influential positions, nor did the AB’s highest structures or head office decide on appointments in the public service.

“Never were judges or their appointment discussed or even hinted at during meetings. The government’s Public Service Commission was responsible for appointing officials in the public service. This commission would simply not have tolerated being prescribed to about whom to appoint and whom not.”

Rewriting of history A more audacious rewriting of history would be hard to find.

The Broederbond decentralised power, both to branches or cells and to professional bodies. The Executive Council interacted with the government at the very highest level — directly with the prime minister and Cabinet. Broederbond meetings were sometimes held in the tax-funded official residence of the prime minister.

Lower-level appointments were pressed through other channels.

The methods used were extensive, from circulars listing vacancies along with instructions to make contact with officials through their private addresses and to mark correspondence “personal,” to meetings of local branches and extensive use of professional organisations where appointment decisions were made.

“On account of its cross-sectional membership, the Broederbond has operatives in organisations ranging from farmer co-operatives, village management boards, and the Afrikaner equivalent of the boy scouts, to the parliamentary Cabinet,” Bloomberg wrote. “In politics, the Broederbond works through the NP [National Party]; in cultural affairs, the FAK [Federasie van Afrikaanse 37 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Kultuurvereniginge]; in religious matters, the DRC [Dutch Reformed Church]; and in the economic field, through the FAK’s Economic Institute. It is heavily entrenched in the top echelons of all these bodies.”

Key to its influence on appointments — and policy — were caucuses, where Broeders met privately before official meetings to map their strategy, then appeared to act independently when the time came.

The caucuses — by their nature unminuted — discussed appointments and policy positions.

Afrikaner critics understood the stratagem best. Professor A van Selms of the University of Pretoria complained: “There is no point in arguing or discussing matters with them in the meeting. They cannot talk and act in accordance with their own insight and conscience. They are bound before they come to the meeting.”

Before the leaks ended the practice, AB circulars to branches listed appointments, including private unlisted contact details and instructions such as “mark the letter personal, and send it to his private residence, not his office”.

From the 1940s until leaks showed its circulars ran the risk of press exposure, a “Help Mekaar” column listed jobs with Broeder contacts for follow-up.

Bantu Administration Boards This circular on 12 January 1973, explains Broederbond thinking about its role in appointments to the Bantu Administration Boards, a key institution in the implementation of apartheid: “Because the composition of these boards is of such great importance in promoting the policy of separate development, friends [members] who are involved in these organisations (town councils, chambers of commerce and industry, agricultural organisations) must use their influence to ensure that well-disposed persons are nominated for the boards.”

Its interest in the judiciary was not exempt. An October 1969 newsletter warned Broeders to be on their guard against public servants and magistrates “whose attitude is not right” and might have made “wrong recommendations”, resulting in the appointment of “hostile persons”.

“It is expected of civil servants such as magistrates to make recommendations for certain appointments. Where the attitude of the officials is not right, wrong recommendations are often made and hostile persons are appointed.”

General HJ van den Bergh, while head of the Security Police, handed in a list of policemen to be accepted as Broederbond members. For “further police training” for Broeders at the SA Police College a confidential contact was provided.

The books by the four journalists offer detailed sourcing from circulars covering field after field. The organisation set out to “exert a positive influence in the coming elections” to the SA Nursing Council, with the name of the Broeder to contact.

Medical congresses, the Agricultural Union, the Public Servants Association and the National Woolgrowers’ Association were all in its sights.

An urgent 1972 Cape municipal election message said “determined planned action is urgently necessary to ensure control… It is equally important that central control over the Cape Municipal Association and the United Municipal Council will be in the right hands.”

38 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Rugby clubs It seemed the rugby clubs were just as important: “… all divisions are requested to use their influence to ensure that the management of local rugby clubs is entrusted to reliable and competent persons, and that… rugby union and SA council reps… can be judiciously selected.”

Interested members were enjoined to “consult” a local contact at a postal address and mark the letter “personal” for vacancies in the Springs municipality, followed by a similar note for Vryheid.

“Broeders who are involved with granting state and other bursary loans” were asked to lend a hand.

By 1977, 24 university and teacher college rectors, 468 school headmasters, 16 judges, 67 magistrates, 154 bank managers, 59 secretaries (today’s directors-general or deputy directorsgeneral) and 22 newspaper or magazine editors were Broeders.

The decision to reverse policy and allow TV into South Africa in 1976 is an example where the Broederbond took the lead. It had been policy to block TV for fear of its American influence, especially in undermining apartheid.

First, the Broederbond conducted an investigation into its desirability. The Broederbond investigation was chaired by Dr Piet Meyer, head of the Broederbond. Its conclusion was that it was time to reverse policy and introduce TV. Once that was settled, the government launched an official, tax-funded commission on the same subject. It was chaired by the chairperson of the SABC, who happened to be Dr Piet Meyer, chairman of the Broederbond.

It will surprise no one that the government commission under SABC chairperson Meyer reached the same conclusion as the Broederbond commission under Broederbond chairperson Meyer.

John Matisonn is a former senior United Nations elections official, Independent Broadcasting Authority councillor, and long-time political and foreign correspondent. He is the author of Cyril’s Choices, An Agenda for Reform; and God, Spies and Lies, Finding South Africa’s Future Through its Past.

This article first appeared in the Daily Maverick. https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/the-broederbonds-tentacles-reacheddeep?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=ec84aa2c51EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_21_09_45&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db99ec84aa2c51-130042309 •

Talle lede van die SAP en SAW was lede van die AB – hierdie stuk “geskiedenis” word geplaas vir rekorddoeleindes.

•

As iemand wat in Durban groot geword het, het ek waardering vir wat die AB vir ons Afrikaners in Durban gedoen het. Ek was nie lid van die AB nie. Van genl Keevy af, was al die kommissarisse van polisie behalwe een, lede van die AB. Dat die AB groot invloed gehad het – ook op die SAP kan nie buite rekening gelaat word nie. Dis tyd dat een of ander oudlid “iets” oor die rol van die AB in die SAP skryf – met die doel om ons in te lig oor die edele motiewe, ideale, doel, doelstellings en doelwitte van die AB en sy rol in die SAP.

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27 APRIL 1994: AO GERT VISAGE ONTHOU Vandag presies 28 jaar gelede omstreeks 05:30 staan ek en my Kollege peloton in Bosman straat reg voor die Pretoria Brandweerstasie waartydens die straat plek-plek met lemmetjies draad afgekordoneer was.

Die massas mense wat per treine en busse na Pretoria se treinstasie gearriveer het en van daar af te voet in hul hordes afbeweeg het na die Uniegebou vir die inhuldiging. Dit het vir my gelyk soos die Comrades Marathon, van hulle het in ‘n drafstappie beweeg terwyl ander al singende geloop het.

Met die eerste klomp wat gearriveer het en wat nog tot vandag nog in my geheue is het die een student sommer sy vuurwapen getrek en gespan. Ek het gedink hier kom nou moeilikheid en ons het na die agterkant van die lemmetjies draad beweeg net vir ingeval daar iets sou plaasvind.

Die bewegende skare was darem rustig en ek kon sien dat hul heel vreedsaam was op daardie stadium met hul knopkieries en Sambokke.

Ons moes die Brandweerstasie wat as sleutelpunt beskou was, beskerm net vir ingeval die plek aan die brand en of beskadig sou word deur vandalisme. Alles het vir die 14 ure heel glad verloop na ‘n lang dag op die voete.

1973: CAPTAIN PAT GOVENDER, FIRST DURBAN INDIAN POLICEMAN POSTED TO SA POLICE, LAUDIUM IN 1973 RECENTLY TURNED 70 YEARS OLD Editor: Col Logan Govender Retired Captain, Pat Govender honoured by fellow SAPS members Captain Pat Govender turned 70 on 2022-03-19. He was the first Indian policeman from Durban to come to Laudium in 1973. He worked tirelessly amongst the Laudium community for 31yrs. He was a father figure to his junior members and always made time to mentor and encourage them. To date, even at the age of 70, his heart is with S.A. Police Service as well as his community. He always made time for his wife, kids and his extended family even through his busy career. He is an amazing example of a true warrior that showed that even through the apartheid era his loyalty and wonderful personality has contributed to his successful career.

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Written by: Captain Danny Moodley

Pictured with Capt Govender is Rajen Pather who came all the way from Durban, Danny Moodley, Maryanne Dada and family members

Captain Pat Govender with his family.

The team thanked Haroon’s Printing for their sponsorship. The article was written by Captain Danny Moodley. Publication courtesy of Laudium Sun.

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Platoon photograph: Platoon 20 of 1974 Photograph courtesy of Professor (Major General Govender Third row from left, 4th Captain Pat Govender Another prominent member of this platoon is Professor (Major General George Doraval Govender, 2nd Will the family of Captain Pat Govender, kindly contact Logan Govender, WhatsApp or email Logan10521@gmail.com Logan Govender

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CAPTAIN MAC RAMSAWAK SUNKER : A KIND AND HUMBLE SOUL Tribute by Logan Govender

Photograph Captain R Sunker As Captain Sunker’s friends and former colleagues we are deeply shocked and saddened by his passing.

I am humbled that Monica asked me to pay tribute.

Captain Sunker and I worked with each other, but for only short periods at Mountain Rise and thereafter at Plessislaer. I regret not getting to know this kind and humble soul better then.

A few years ago, it was laid upon my heart to visit the retired members that I worked with. When I decided to visit Captain, he was overjoyed and eagerly looked forward to my visit.

On the day in question as I walked down the long pan handle leading to his home I was confronted by the vicious barking of Captain’s dog, this nearly made me change my mind and turn back but I heard the familiar warm greeting by him and before I could even get seated, I had a steaming hot cup of tea in my hand.

It was not long before we started chatting about what he was doing in his retirement and I was amazed that he was still an active member of the Divine Life Society of SA. 43 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Sunker at this late age had obtained several certificates in Hindu Studies from various Institutions and was still busy with other Hindu Studies. He was an active member of a Satsang Yoga group at that stage. When we visited police members in Durban whilst on an outing Captain performed something he learnt, touching the ground with his open palms flat on the ground whilst he bent over with both his feet spaced apart from each other, without bending his knees. (Members were amazed by this feat as he was well over 70 years old then.)

It soon became evident that he was not resting on his laurels in his retirement. Sunker successfully completed a 6 weeks Sewing Course at the Sivananda Skills Centre on 28 March 2013.

He also successfully completed a Certificate in Hindu Studies at The Ramakrishna Centre in 11 May 2015. Certificate in Bhagavag Gita Studies at The Ramakrishna School in 23 April 2016. He successfully obtained a Certificate in Religious Educare which he wrote on 30 July 2016. He also walked the Fire regularly at the local Temple on Good Friday.

He later spoke about his joining the SA Police at the advanced age of 33 years, (the age requirements at that stage were between 18-35 years). The basic police training is extremely strenuous yet he persevered and successfully completed it in December 1973. By this time, I was amazed by all his achievements. But wait for it, there is still another, he was compelled to complete Matric, Std 10, at the very advanced age of 53 years old in 1993 in order to be promoted to the rank of Captain. By this time, I was truly amazed by all these achievements that required diligent and conscientious prolonged study.

Sadly, he went through much in the past few months. He spent prolonged stays at the various hospitals and every time I called and obviously being an active individual was not happy being there.

On more than one occasion I was forced to call the PRO’s of the various hospitals requesting them to explain to him the extended stays as the doctors won’t speak or discuss the nature of illness or treatment with non-family members.

Image Funeral Notice Captain always spoke about his grandson who is apparently a Specialist in Gauteng. Unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to meet or chat with him. This led me to believe that he loved him much. He also often spoke of his niece, Monica and Charmaine Pather who always visited and assisted in everything he required.

My thanks and appreciation to these ladies.

I revert to what I mentioned earlier that I regretted not getting to know him intimately whilst I worked with him, as we later became such good friends in the past few years with the exception of the last two months, I was unable to reach him.

Thank you, Sir, for your kind friendship, humility and simplicity. I will miss you, also your friends from the retired SAP social club. I am also sure Drs Ranjith Rajpaul; Seedat and Vather also will. I salute you. Thank you for serving and your dedication and devotion. There is so much more I can say about him but space won’t permit.

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sunker family. May his soul RIP. 44 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Lastly, I wish to thank Constable Preshie Govender from SAP, Radio Control, Colonel Khandai, Jerome de Villiers, Daniel Seevaraj, Umesh Deoparsad, Colonels Naleen Maharaj and Johnny Govender, Brigadier Bala Naidoo and Captain Sada Pillay for their kind assistance to Captain in his time of need.

Logan Govender

Post Script

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NATAL MOUNTED POLICE / NATAL POLICE / SA POLICE / SAPS: ALEXANDRA RD, PIETERMARITZBURG Capt Andre van Ellinckhuyzen

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POLISIESIELKUNDE: DIE PERSOONLIKHEID VAN DIE GEHEIME AGENT Dr Coert Mommsen Hierdie artikel is geskryf, vryelik vertaal geskryf en saamgestel deur Coert Mommsen, D.Phil., M.A. Kliniese Sielkunde en EEG Tegnikus Donderdag 31 Maart 2022 14:46 Die Persoonlikheid van die Geheime Agent Een aand, nie verskriklik baie lank gelede, het ek deur die Net geblaai en op ‘n advertensie afgekom van iets wat ek nie kon glo nie. Dit was ‘n advertensie van die CIA wat mense gewerf het om vir hulle te werk. Watse soort werk, het ek gewonder? Die CIA was vir my altyd (waarskynlik vanweë die invloed van die media) ‘n voorbeeld van ‘n gesofistikeerde, goed funksionerende organisasie Toe ek een middag vir my dogtertjie gewag het buite die kleuterskool, was daar ‘n Kalahari boer wat op ‘n radioprogram vertel het van sy ervaring. Hy het byekorwe op sy plaas gehad. Hy vertel hoedat hy ‘n paar ronde beton kegels langs mekaar gebou met ‘n tuit na onder en ‘n blik-bakkie onder dié se bek. Hy het die kegels (Omtrent skat ek, sowat ongeveer ses-agt voet in deursnee) só gebou om dou gedurende die nag te versamel in die blikkies onder die tuitbekke sodat sy bye bedags daar kan kom drink.

Soos ek afgelei het, was die kegels ’n tydjie voltooi toe daar eendag ‘n lang slap motor by sy plaas opgedaag. Toe hy by die voordeur uitgaan, het ‘n paar mans in swart pakke by die motor uit gewriemel en nadat hulle hulself voorgestel het en die oom gevra het wat hy vir hulle kon doen, het hulle laat blyk hulle stel eintlik belang in die ronde objekte op sy grond sou graag daarna wou gaan kyk. Ek onthou nie die verdere detail van die program nie.

Wat ek egter kon aflei was dat die mans waarskynlik geheime agent was en daar onsekerheid bestaan het oor die ronde vorms in ‘n ry opsy plaas. Uit die ruimte ver bo die aarde het hulle waarskynlik die vorms per satelliet bemerk en was aangesê om te gaan ondersoek instel... Dadelik het dit my laat dink aan daai Vrydagaand met die Kubaanse Missiel-krisis in 1962. Interessante situasie wat ontstaan het na die “Bay of Pigs” gebeure destyds. Ek dink die Amerikaners het toe besef hoe gevaarlik ‘n klein eilandjie soos Kuba vir hulle kon wees. Veral toe hulle missiel lanseringssilos op die eiland gemerk het.

Wys jou net, het ek gedink en later weer besef, hoe belangrik inligting vir ‘n land se welsyn (Intern en Ekstern) is. ‘n mens hoor baie stories oor die Amerikaanse situasie,. Ek het eenkeer gehoor (Ek weet nie hoe waar dit is nie) dat as iemand die woord “President” in ‘n telefoongesprek sê, die intelligensiediens dadelik op die gesprek in zoem. In ‘n artikel in Time tydskrif het ek gelees die CIA versamel daagliks die volume inligting per dag gelykstaande aan ‘n volledige stel Ensiklopedie Britannica plus ‘n paar “Gone with the Winds”.

Daar is in die geskiedenis van Suid Afrika baie voorbeelde van hoe goeie intelligensiewerk die skaal na óf oorwinning, óf vrede, laat tiep het. Steeds is die werk van die intelligensie-beampte elke oomblik van die dag van kardinale belang en kon dit krisisse soos die Julie 2021 onluste voorkom het.

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Watter soort mens moet ‘n intelligensie- beampte wees, het ek al gewonder? Definitief nie die James Bond tipe nie, het Alex Younger, hoof van die Britse Geheime Intelligensie Diens laat blyk volgens ‘n berig in die “Guardian” van 8 Desember 2016. Young meen M16 agente reis wel na verskillende dele van die wêreld, maar iemand wat só immoreel is en wat die die wet so dikwels oortree as dié karakter, sou nie welkom wees in M16 nie. Hy meen verder: "Vir te lank - dikwels as gevolg van die fiktiewe stereotipes wat ek genoem het - het mense gevoel dat daar 'n enkele kwaliteit is wat 'n MI6-beampte definieer, of dit nou 'n Oxbridge-kwalifikasie is of 'n vaardige hand-tot-hand vegter is.

Dit is natuurlik geheel onwaar. Daar is geen standaard MI6-beampte nie.” https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/08/james-bond-would-not-get-job-with-real-mi6says-spy-chief ‘n Webblad wat vereistes vir beroepe uiteensit, gee die volgende eienskappe waaroor ‘n spioenasie beampte moet beskik: “Om 'n spioen te wees, pas nie in by die glans- en glorieryke beelde soos deur films en televisie deurgegee word nie. Spioenasie is baiemaal 'n lae-intensiteit, onder-die-radar, vermoeiende en ondankbare werk. Dit is egter beslis nie ‘n beroep vir die vreesagtige, huiwerige of ontoegeweide persoon nie. Die werk vereis dat jy sekere praktiese en risiko-vermydende eienskappe het of ontwikkel.” https://work.chron.com/cia-spy-training-18536.html Die blad lys die volgende eienskappe as belangrik: 1.

“Kulturele aanpassing

Om “Grys te raak” verwys na die vermoë om deel te word van jou omgewing. Dit gaan egter veel dieper as dit. Dit help indien jy vlot is in ʼn verskeidenheid tale en jy kan inpas by ʼn reeks kulture sonder om agterdog te lok. Jy moet ook ʼn goeie storieverteller wees met ʼn breë opvoedkundige agtergrond en eerstehandse ervaring met verskillende soorte mense...

2.

Goeie observasie vaardighede

Een van die mees belangrike eienskappe van ʼn geheime veiligheidsbeampte is die vermoë om relevante inligting te versamel en dit is waarom hierna verwys word as intelligensiewerk. As ʼn spioen is dit van groot belang dat jy beskik oor skerp sintuiglike waarnemingsvermoëns. Jy moet hierdie voortdurend ontwikkel deur die aanleer van vaardighede oor die versameling, evaluering en oordra van krities belangrike inligting.

Intelligensie agentskappe soek na ʼn sterk akademiese rekord om jou waarnemingsvaardighede en vermoëns te bepaal en jou vermoë om inligting akkuraat te vertolk. Vorige prestasies in professionele beroepe in professies wat jou observasie vaardighede of ʼn agtergrond in navorsingswerk kan ʼn stewige basis skep waarop jy kan steun om jou dienste as geheime agent uit te voer.

3.

Interpersoonlike Vaardighede

Eienskappe van ʼn geheime agent sluit ʼn natuurlike aanpasbare en sterk vermoë om met ander oor die weg te kom. “Natuurlike” in dié sin dat hy/sy oor die vermoë beskik om sosiaal met mense oor die weg kan kom. As ʼn geheime agent neem verskillende vorms aan hierdie moet jou in staat stel om met ʼn wye verskeidenheid persoonlikheidstipes oor die weg te kom. Jy mag byvoorbeeld een dag nog met vrywilligers by ʼn sopkombuis kommunikeer, vakbondleiers die volgende dag en skatryk donateurs by ʼn welsynsbyeenkoms die volgende aand.

4.

Onafhanklike funksionering

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Terwyl jy bedrywig is met spioenasiewerk in die veld, is dit van die grootste belang dat jy jou kalmte behou en onafhanklik te werk. Jy moet toegewyd wees aan jou rol en jou agentskap deur na jouself om fisies en psigies om te sien en te streef na die nougesette toepassing van die opleiding wat jy ontvang het. Spioenasie aktiwiteite sluit in dat jy vinnig op jou voete kan dink en blitsbesluite ten opsigte van jou veiligheid en jou sending moet neem sonder bystand van jou seniors. Jy moet tegnologies georiënteer wees en op jou eie kan werk met gevorderde instrumente soos bespiedingsen afluister apparaat” https://work.chron.com/cia-spy-training-18536.html Die webblad CIA Careers - How we Hire beskryf die minimum vereistes om te kwalifiseer vir ‘n CIA agent as volg: Om oorweeg te word vir ‘n aanstelling by die CIA moet jy: “Fisies in die VSA of een van sy gebiede wees wanneer jy aansoek doen ‘n VSA burger wees of iemand met ‘n tweeledige burgerskap wees Ten minste 18 jaar oud wees Bereid wees om na Washington DC area te verhuis, Moet jy geskik wees om volledige sekuriteits- en mediese evaluerings insluitend ‘n agtergrondsondersoek, ‘n poligrafiese onderhoud en fisies- en psigologiese ondersoek suksesvol te slaag” https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire/ Dit is dus duidelik dat jy taamlik sigbaar moet wees (en ten minste vir ‘n wyle in die VSA bly) en as voorwaarde vir jou aanstelling (Belangrike eksterne faktor), ‘n poligrafiese onderhoud slaag (belangrike integriteitsfaktor) ‘n fisiese ondersoek slaag (Belangrike liggaamlike faktor) en ‘n psigologiese ondersoek (Belangrike intrapsigiese faktore).

Met ander woorde daar moet vasgestel word of jy wel aan verskeie faktore wat verband hou met vorms van sigbare en onsigbare konsekwentheid, voldoen. Die noue verband tussen ‘n mens se sielkundige samestelling en jou gedrag moet optimaal wees vir jou werkgewer en jou eie oorlewing.

Die CIA verwys na die belangrikheid van deursigtigheid en wanneer jy aansoek doen om aanstelling, kan die volgende jou diskwalifiseer: Gebrek aan opregtheid ‘n Gebrek aan opregtheid of oneerlikheid in enige stadium van die aanstellingsproses is die nommer een rede waarom ‘n kandidaat gediskwalifiseer sal word Onwettige dwelmgebruik of misbruik van voorskrif medisyne Om te kwalifiseer vir aanstelling, mag jy nie onwettige dwelms of voorskrifmedisyne gebruik het vir die afgelope twaalf maande nie. Aanstellings kan afgekeur word indien kandidate beheerde middels óf Dagga gebruik het. Alhoewel sekere state die gebruik van dagga gewettig het, bepaal Federale wetgewing die aanstelling van kandidate wat gebruik maak/gemaak het van beheerde substanse insluitend Dagga Kriminele of onetiese gedrag Onlangse betrokkenheid by kriminele of onetiese gedrag of misdaad kan kandidate diskwalifiseer vir aanstelling. Die aflaai van kopiereg materiaal kan ‘n kandidaat ook diskwalifiseer vir aanstelling Gebrekkige responsiwiteit

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Deurlopend in hierdie proses word daar van ‘n kandidaat verwag om snelle responsiwiteit aan die dag te lê. Indien daar ten tye van die aanstellingsproses enigiets is wat ‘n negatiewe invloed op jou responsiwiteit mag hê, word aanbeveel dat jy wag met jou aansoek tot jy gereed is.

Assosiasie met die CIA sosiale media Vir jou eie veiligheid of indien jy belangstel in, of aansoek gedoen het by die CIA, moet jy nie die agentskap op die sosiale media volg nie. Hierdie sluit in die pos van enige inhoud, volg van, of bevriending van rekenings of die laaik of deel van inhoud of kommentaar” https://www.cia.gov/cia-requirements/ Dit blyk dus duidelik dat van die bekendste geheime organisasies in die wêreld, duidelike, deursigtige en logiese beginsels het waarop hulle funksionering gefundeer is. Die sjarmante, gladde “playboy”-en-boef kombinasie wat die media skep is dikwels redelik ver verwyderd van die werklikheid.

Ter bevestiging hiervan is die inhoud van artikels in “Time” tydskrif van circa 1975: Na nege maande se ondersoek van die CIA deur die VSA kongres, het die senaatskomitee openbaar dat middelvlak CIA agente Nixon se opdragte om alle gifstowwe en biologiese wapens moet vernietig, geïgnoreer. ‘n Huiskomitee het strydend gedreig om hof toe te gaan indien Gerald Ford weier om sekere hoogs geheime CIA dokumente oor te lewer.

Die berig lees verder: “DIE SENAAT. In die ou Senaat koukus kamer het tien lede van die verkose komitee Die Direkteur William Colby en die Adjunk Direkteur van vir wetenskap en tegnologie, Sayre Stevens ondervra oor 11 mg skulpvis gifstof en 8 mg Kobra gif wat die vorige Meimaand in ‘n CIA stoorkamer ontdek is (TIME 22 Sept.) Niemand kon daarop aandring dat die bestaan van die gifstowwe as sulks só gedronge was nie, maar die komitee wou weet waarom die dodelike substanse gepreserveer was.

Buitendien het die ondersoek gesorg vir luisterryke materiaal. Ten einde die Senatore se kommer te dramatiseer het die lid Walter Mondale in ‘n stadium ‘n foto van die gifstof houers aan die vergadering getoon.

Pynlike dood. As aanloop het Colby openbaar dat die agentskap ʼn super geheime navorsings projek met die kodenaam M.K. Naomi, begin deels om teenmiddels te vind teen chemiese en biologiese middels wat moontlik deur die KGB gebruik kon word. Die vorige CIA direkteur Richard Helms, het gesê ʼn KGB agent het gifpyle en gifsproei gebruik in ʼn sluipmoord op twee Oekraïniese vryheidsleiers in Wes Duitsland . Die CIA was ook op soek na ʼn plaasvervanger vir die Sianied Lpil, die selfmoord kapsule wat in die tweede wêreldoorlog gebruik is. Sianied neem 15 tot minute om te werk en veroorsaak ʼn erge pyndood as gevolg van versmoring. Volgens Colby het CIA agente nie kans gesien vir daardie soort lot nie.

Navorsers wat gewerk het in die VSA weermag se laboratorium te Fort Detrick, Md., het vorendag gekom met die skulpvis gifstof. Nadat ʼn mens die gifstof mondelings of deur middel van ʼn speldeprik toegedien is, ervaar hy/sy ʼn kielierige sensasie in die vingers en lippe en sterf binne tien sekondes as gevolg van ʼn pynlose verlamming. Volgens Colby het die U-2 loods Gary Powers die gifstof, wat in die groewe van ʼn boortjiepunt gepers was en versteek was binne ʼn silwer Dollar muntstuk saam met hom geneem toe sy vliegtuig oor Rusland afgeskiet is in 1960. Hy het besluit om dit nie te gebruik nie.

Die CIA het ook te voorskyn gekom met ʼn verskeidenheid James Bond-tipe wapentuig in terme waarvan die skulpvisgif en ander gifstowwe gebruik kon word as ammunisie. Colby het ʼn pistool wat lyk na ʼn .45 Colt met ʼn “vet” teleskoop oorhandig aan die Voorsitter, Frank Church. Hierdie pistool 53 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

vuur ʼn pyltjie met ʼn gifstofpunt, akkuraat tot op 250 vt. Die pyltjie is klein – die breedte van ʼn menslike haar en ʼn kwart duim lank en ontwerp om bykans opspoorbaar te wees. Die gif laat geen spoor van die toksiese middel in die slagoffer se liggaam agter nie.

Moord instrument. Church het na die pistool verwys as ʼn moordwapen wat so “doeltreffend is” as wat jy kan kry. Die agentskap het ook twee ander gifpyltjie-pistole ontwikkel asook ʼn vulpen wat dodelike gifpyltjies kan afvuur en ʼn silinderkop-boud wat ʼn gifstof vrystel wanneer dit verhit.” http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,913459,00.html Samevatting: Wanneer ‘ mens kyk na die moordmiddele wat deur die Amerikaners en ander moondhede ontwikkel is, dink jy onwillekeurig aan die etiese dilemma wat hierdie (en ander aktiwiteite) vir die geheime agent kan skep, veral na aanleiding van veral, die etiese persoonlikheidstrekke wat van hom/haar reeds by aanstelling verwag word.

Hoe neem jy die besluit om iemand dood te maak? Laat jou bevelvoerders die so ‘n besluit moeiteloos aan jou oor en was dan hul hande in onskuld? Na die uitvoer van ‘n opdrag is dit oplaas die agent self wat met skuldgevoelens moet stry en dié uiteindelik na die graf neem.

Of, Indien hy/sy ontbloot word en moet boet vir sy/haar daad, sal dit nie help om te sê: ”My baas het gesê ek moet dit doen nie”, of: “Dit was my plig teenoor my land nie”. Nee, as dit op die lappe kom, sal die media jou verskeur. Die moeilikste vanuit ‘n sielkundige oogpunt is sekerlik om met die skuld saam te leef. Dag na dag, jaar na jaar, wanneer jy vir jou kinders uit die Bybel lees of verkies word as ‘n kerkraadslid of wanneer jy van iets soortgelyks wat met jou gebeur het lees of hoor. ‘n Belangrike faktor om ook in gedagte te hou wanneer jy die beroep kies, is dat jy jou hele lewe deur deel sal wees van jou agentskap. Nooit sal jy jou vryelik kan uitspreek oor enige aangeleentheid wat verband hou met jou opdragte of aktiwiteite nie. Jyself sal waarskynlik deurentyd (solank as wat jy lewe) dopgehou en beluister word. Hierdie is te verstane, solank jy dit net besef, aanvaar en hiermee gemaklik is.

Die geheime agent moet aanvaar dat hy/sy eintlik ‘n soldaat binne ‘n besondere soort slagveld is en dat jy jou moet weet wat van jou verwag gaan word, dat jy jou moet vereenselwig met die visie, missie en ideologie van jou agentskap.

Ratelwag aan die Kaap

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1972: SAP ORKES: STRIJDOMPLEIN: PRETORIA

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Lt-kol Jefferson 55 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

J.G Strijdom Square was unveiled in 1972 by the widow of the late Prime Minister of South Africa.

Built on the grounds of an old market place, it is home to a bronze bust of the Prime Minister Advocate J.G Strijdom, sculptured by Coert Steynberg. Nearby is a statuary group of charging horses above a fountain - a symbol of the republic striving for independence. https://cityseeker.com/pretoria/183545-j-g-strijdom-square

ZARP’e voor Krugerhuis

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NONGQAI TRUST | IT 002701/2018(T)

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THANK YOU! | DANKIE!

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WAT ANDER SÊ OOR POLISIE EN VERWANTE SAKE | WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT POLICING AND RELATED MATTERS

Randfontein-polisiekantoor het geen kluis om wapens te berg nie Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Kobus Hoffman VF Plus-LPW: Gauteng 30 Maart 2022 Die VF Plus het die Gautengse polisiekommissaris, Elias Mawela, versoek om dringend ʼn behoorlike kluis aan die Randfontein-polisiekantoor te voorsien om die meer as 800 vuurwapens op die perseel veilig te bewaar.

Tans word die wapens in ʼn kantoor met ʼn sekuriteitshek geberg.

Die wapens wissel van handwapens, outomatiese gewere, jaggewere en selfgemaakte gewere wat by die polisiekantoor ingehandig is.

Daar is ook geen brandblusser in die kantoor in die geval van ʼn brand nie.

Die onreëlmatighede is tydens ʼn oorsigbesoek van die gemeenskapveiligheidskomitee van die Gautengse wetgewer ontbloot.

Om wapens in ʼn kantoor te berg, is uiters onverskillig en verhoog die risiko van wapendiefstal.

Die polisiekommissaris moet dadelik optree om die wapens te skuif of ʼn behoorlike kluis aan die polisiekantoor te voorsien.

Indien van die wapens wat in ʼn misdaad gebruik is wegraak, kan dit die uitkoms van ʼn hofsaak ernstig benadeel.

Masemola kundig, maar paneel skep indruk van politieke aanstelling met nasionale polisiekommissaris Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Dr. Pieter Groenewald, VF Plus-leier, 31 Maart 2022 Die VF Plus verwelkom die aanstelling van lt.genl. Fannie Masemola as nuwe nasionale polisiekommissaris omdat hy bewese kundigheid en twintig jaar ervaring as polisielid na die pos bring.

Lt.genl. Masemola was onder meer nasionale adjunkhoof van polisiëring waar hy ook ‘n leierskaprol by openbare orde polisiëring vertolk het.

Dit is nog altyd die standpunt van die VF Plus dat ’n kommissaris van polisie wat verantwoordelik is vir die operasionele funksionering van die polisie, ’n ervare polisielid moet wees.

Dit is nogtans jammer dat president Cyril Ramaphosa nie sy woord gestand gedoen het oor die aanstelling van ’n paneel kundiges om ’n aanbeveling oor ’n kommissaris te maak soos wat hy in die parlement teenoor die VF Plus se leier (dr. Pieter Groenewald) onderneem het om te doen nie.

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Die feit dat ’n paneel aangestel is bestaande uit twee ministers (polisie; Bheki Cele en basiese onderwys; Angie Motshekga) en drie direkteurs-generaal onder voorsitterskap van oud-minister Sydney Mufamadi, skep die indruk dat dit eindelik net nog ’n politieke aanstelling is.

Die teenwoordigheid van die enigste kundige oor operasionele polisiewerk, genl. George Fivaz, is nie genoeg om die paneel ware kundigheid te gee vir die aanstelling van ’n nasionale polisiekommissaris nie.

Die res van die paneellede sou doen wat die president van hulle verwag het.

Lt.genl. Masemola het wel ervaring, maar die geheimhouding rondom die paneel skep die indruk van ’n politieke aanstelling.

Die regering se Nasionale Ontwikkelingsplan (NOP) vir 2030, bepaal die paneel moet saamgestel word uit onafhanklike kundiges juis om te verhinder dat ’n politieke aanstelling gedoen word. Hierdie geleentheid is verbrou.

Die VF Plus wens lt.genl. Masemola nogtans sterkte toe.

Hy het ’n groot taak op hande en sal die polisie weer as ’n eenheid moet saamsnoer nadat faksies ontstaan het weens onenigheid tussen minister Cele en die vorige kommissaris, Khehla Sitole.

Dit sal gedoen moet word om misdaad effektief te bestry en ek sal in die parlementêre portefeuljekomitee vir polisie beding vir die samestelling van spesialis-polisie-eenhede om toe te sien dat dit wel gebeur.

General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola new Commissioner of Police - Cyril Ramaphosa 31 March 2022 - 12:00am My fellow South Africans In the State of the Nation Address I spoke of our initiatives to strengthen the criminal justice system.

I said we would make resources available to recruit and train an additional 12 000 new police personnel to ensure that the South African Police Service urgently gets the capacity it needs.

I also said we would be giving attention to the re-establishment of community policing forums to improve relations and coordination between local police and residents of the areas they serve.

I said we would take a more inclusive approach to assessing the threats to our country’s security and determining the necessary responses. We will do this so that we don’t have a recurrence of the unrest of July 2021.

In the past few weeks, we have reinforced our criminal justice system through the appointment of: - A new Head of the Investigating Directorate (ID) of the National Prosecuting Authority; Adv Andrea Johnson - A new Director-General of State Security, Amb Thembisile Majola and - Five permanent Directors of Public Prosecutions in five provinces where these positions had been occupied by Acting Directors.

- Adv NR Khanyane , Mpumalanga - Mr L Mzukisi, Northern Cape 61 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

- Adv N Somaru, Free State - Adv N Bell, Western Cape - Adv Makhari-Sekhaolelo, North West In addition, the South African Police Service has begun the recruitment of 12 000 constables, who will present themselves to different police training colleges around the country from tomorrow.

Government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster is at the centre of our efforts to deal with criminality and secure justice for victims of crime.

This an effort in which we are joining hands with all sectors of society, and communities in particular.

Stability and cohesion within the JCPS Cluster is a prerequisite for the fight against crime.

One of the key national positions in which we want citizens and our men and women in blue to have absolute confidence is that of the National Commissioner of Police and the leadership of the Police The National Police Commissioner is expected to work alongside the Minister of Police, colleagues and peers in the JCPS Cluster, the women and men of the South African Police Service, community structures, business and the private security industry to make the country safer.

Little over a month ago, I announced that National Commissioner General Khehla Sitole and I had reached an agreement about the termination of his role as National Commissioner with effect from today, 31 March 2022.

I wish to thank General Sitole once more for his service to the nation over many years in the SAPS and I wish him the best in his future endeavours.

Following my announcement on 25 February 2020 of General Sitole’s departure, I initiated a process for the appointment of a new National Commissioner of Police.

I did so in line with the powers entrusted to me by Section 207 of our Constitution which directs the President to appoint a National Commissioner.

The National Commissioner is appointed at the level of Director-General in our administration.

I appointed a selection panel to advise me on the appointment of a suitable person to lead the SAPS comprising of: - Prof Sydney Mufamadi as Chairperson; - Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga; - Minister of Police General Bheki Cele; - Retired Former Commissioner of Police Mr George Fivaz; - Director-General in the Presidency Ms Phindile Baleni; - Director-General of the National Treasury, Mr Dondo Mogajane, and - Director-General of State Security Ambassador Thembisile Majola The selection Panel was convened to draft a short-list of candidates who would be considered for the vacant post of National Commissioner of Police.

Twenty-four possible candidates – all of them currently serving as Lieutenants-General or higher – were invited to apply.

Five short-listed candidates were interviewed, with the interviews focused on the following critical competencies: - Strategic capability and leadership; 62 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

- Programme and Project Management; - Financial Management; - People Management; - Community confidence level; - Change Management; - Problem solving and analysis; and - Integrity.

In addition to evaluating candidates on the basis of these competencies, the Advisory Panel assessed candidates within the broader societal, strategic, operational and reputational context of the South African Police Service.

The Advisory Panel was guided in part by the decisive role the police service has in respect of nation-building and the ongoing national efforts to strengthen democracy and to entrench the rule of law.

The Panel also noted the need to bring the police closer to the communities they serve and to rebuild the trust relationship.

The selection process produced a select group of candidates who I can assure South Africans, were equal in their commitment to making South Africa a safer place.

I thank the Advisory Panel for their application to this process and I welcome recommendations they have made on the South African Police Service of the future; recommendations on which we will reflect in Cabinet and in the JCPS Cluster.

Fellow South Africans I now wish to introduce General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as our new National Commissioner of Police.

General Masemola has been a Deputy Police Commissioner with an outstanding record of achievements in policing across South Africa.

This includes helping with the de-escalation of violence in KwaZulu-Natal after our first democratic elections in 1994.

General Masemola also brings to this position his experience in drastically reducing cash-in-transit crimes in the period around 2016.

General Masemola played a leading role in coordinating security for all elections since and including 1994.

And he led the securing of major national and international events in our country, including United Nations Summits, Climate Conferences and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Most recently, General Masemola served the nation as Chairperson of the NATJOINTS on COVID19, which coordinated government’s efforts across different sectors nationally and internationally to keep all of us safe.

The weight of the nation’s expectation resting on the Commissioner’s shoulders will be matched only by the weight of the support government will place at the disposal of the Commissioner.

A stable, capable and capacitated South African Police Service is our surest guarantee that our constitutional rights will not be violated by criminals.

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Just as we have done tonight with the SAPS, we will be taking further steps to restore stability to all our security structures, including filling critical vacancies in the State Security Agency and Crime Intelligence.

Commissioner, Be assured of our full support and backing as Cabinet and as government.

I want to call on the leadership as well as the rank and file of the South African Police Service to pledge their support to you as well.

You have the weight of the nation’s expectations resting on your shoulders, but I am confident you are more than up to this task and responsibility.

Tonight, I call on all South Africans to also offer our support to our new National Commissioner as he assumes his duties, because we can only eradicate crime if we work together.

I thank you.

Issued by The Presidency, 31 March 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/new-commissioner-of-police-may-this-be-a-newchapt?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

Polisie in Gauteng doen ook goeie werk Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Kobus Hoffman VF Plus-LPW: Gauteng 1 April 2022 Alhoewel die publiek se vertroue in die polisie laag is, verrig die polisie in Gauteng ook goeie werk soos met die onlangse inhegtenisneming van honderde mense vir ernstige misdade.

Tydens dié operasie, Kae Moloa, is 1250 verdagtes in hegtenis geneem wat verbind word met misdaad soos geweld teen vroue en kinders.

Die oplettendheid van polisiebeamptes het ook gelei tot die inhegtenisneming van twee vermeende motorkapers Woensdag in Lilianton, Boksburg.

Hulle was in besit van polisie-uniforms, ongelisensieerde vuurwapens en ammunisie.

Hulle word ook verbind met ʼn motorkaping wat speurders van die Jeppe-polisiekantoor ondersoek.

Polisiebeamptes word dikwels gekritiseer vir hul onbevoegdheid en onvermoë om die veiligheid van Gauteng se inwoners te verseker, maar dit is onregverdig om alle polisiebeamptes oor dieselfde kam te skeer.

Daar is wel baie beamptes wat doeltreffend is in die uitvoering van hul taak en die VF Plus bedank hulle daarvoor.

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VF Plus sal voortgaan om druk te plaas op Gauteng se polisiekommissaris, lt.genl. Elias Mawela, om polisiebeamptes te bemagtig met die nodige opleiding en toerusting om hulle in staat te stel om hul werk deeglik te verrig.

New Commissioner of Police: may this be a new chapter at SAPS – EFF 01 April 2022 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the appointment of General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the new Commissioner of the South African Police Services (SAPS), amid a general turmoil in a unit that is meant to fight crime in South Africa.

General Masemola has a long history of security in South Africa, dating back to the dawn of our democracy in 1994. He was part and parcel of the ushering of peace in politically charged sectors of our society, namely Kwa-Zulu Natal after the democratic transition.

The unique character of National Elections in South Africa, which are ordinarily smooth and without incidents of violence in our country can be credited to his role as a pragmatic, stern, and a fair agent of the law, and who prioritizes security above unnecessary displays of force.

The EFF has long noted that South Africa has become a haven for criminals to do as they please, with disturbing levels of Gender-Based Violence, a murder rate which is spiralling out of control, and the rise of public assassinations across all spheres of society. General Masemola, as someone who has been lauded for reducing the rate of cash-in-transit heists in the year 2016, the EFF expects Commissioner Masemola to deal with this spate of violent crime decisively.

Commissioner Masemola is confronted with a great task, one which will require him to ignore the self-obsessed meddling of Minister of Police Bheki Cele, who will undoubtedly seek to impose his will on the Commissioner and undermine his administrative authority.

As such, the EFF calls on the newly appointed Commissioner to fiercely resist the disruptive influence of Bheki Cele and focus on the task at hand, which is drastically reducing crime and ensuring perpetrators fear the arm of the law in South Africa. It must be under his tenure that the gang-wars in the Cape Flats in the Western Cape, must be put to an end, and innocent lives are protected from being recruited into gangsterism and drug abuse.

Under Commissioner Masemola, we call for the women and children of South Africa to find comfort and justice at our Poli. Stations, and not be re-traurnatised, ridiculed and abused further.

The factionalism and criminality within SAPS must also be rooted out, and this includes the participation of police in .sh-in-transit heists, as well as the smuggling of arrns from within the police for. to criminals themselves.

The EFF is hopeful that this will be a new chapter in the fight to combat criminal activities in South Africa, and that our streets will no longer be places of crippling fear and injustice.

Issued by EFF, 1 April 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/new-commissioner-of-police-may-this-be-a-newchapt?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

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ANC statement on the appointment of a new National Police Commissioner Pule Mabe 1 April 2022 The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the appointment of Lieutenant General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the country's new National Police Commissioner.

In its election manifesto, the ANC identified fighting crime as one of its top priorities. President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address also pronounced on the seriousness and commitment of his administration to prioritise and fight crime.

With Lieutenant General Masemola at the helm of the Police, we believe that the South African Police Service will be able to discharge its obligations with vigour and determination and restore confidence and trust between members of the SAPS and communities they serve.

The ANC believes that the vulnerable in our society, including the disabled, women and children will enjoy the best of state protection against predators of Gender-based violence and all other forms of crime.

The ANC wishes Lieutenant General Masemola well in his new responsibilities and call on society to work with the new commissioner and police in the fight against crime.

Working together we can win the fight against crime and corruption.

Issued by Pule Mabe, National Spokesperson, ANC, 1 April 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/new-national-police-commissioner-will-fix-saps-an?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

DA questions Police Minister on SAPS’ neglect in case of murdered 6year-old 1 April 2022 The DA has submitted Parliamentary questions to Police Minister, Bheki Cele, relating to what can only be described as a hopeless and totally inadequate response by SAPS to the death of 6-yearold Thiwe Masengeni.

This after the DA visited the family of little Thiwe at their home in Inanda on Human Rights Day to determine for ourselves exactly what had transpired and led to the brutal death of the 6-year-old.

Thiwe and an 8-year-old girl known to her went missing from their home on the evening of 1 March.

It was reported to the Inanda Police, only to be told that nothing could be done for 24 hours. SAPS therefore undertook no search for the missing children.

The family and the community however started searching for them and early the following morning, the 8-year-old was discovered naked and traumatised. The body of Thiwe was discovered shortly thereafter in the Inanda Dam by family and a friend. She had been brutally murdered, beaten and strangled.

The community had identified the alleged killer with SAPS, yet nothing was done. At no stage did SAPS even bother to visit the parents involved or commence with an enquiry.

The body of the suspected child killer was later found hanging from a tree.

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To date the family remain in the dark about any SAPS action and there has been no communication with family members.

This type of nonchalant and careless attitude displayed by SAPS is totally unacceptable and if someone in SAPS has failed in their duty then there needs to be consequences. We don’t need SAPS officials who treat our people with such disdain.

It is for this reason we submit the following written question for a response from the Minister: Has a case number been opened, if so, what is it?

What is the current status of this docket?

Why did the police require 24 hours to begin searching for the missing 6- and 8-year-old girls who the community alleged were taken and advised the police as such?

Were forensic samples taken from the deceased, if so, have these been shared with the mother?

What follow-up actions did detective Gwala take in respect of communication with the family members?

What forensics were done on an alleged suspect who committed suicide on 9 March 2022 in Inanda to link him to the murder? Has this information been shared with the family members?

Is the Minister satisfied that this case has been handled in terms of procedure regarding the murder of this nature, if not, what does he plan to do about it?

The DA urges Minister Cele to ensure that all officers of the law protect and serve the people of KZN. It’s a simple mandate.

In the DA’s vision of an Open Opportunity Society for All, children are safe from harm and citizens are able to walk in our cities and townships without fear. Criminals are caught promptly and prosecuted speedily, and victims of crime receive appropriate support and are treated with compassion.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, DA KZN Leader, 1 April 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/police-minister-questioned-on-neglect-in-case-ofm?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

Afriforum urges Police Commissioner to focus on Crime, Not Politics.

31 March 2022 The civil rights organisation AfriForum has urged the newly appointed National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, to not get bogged down in politics like many of his predecessors but to focus on fighting crime. The timely appointment of the new National Commissioner, following the recent termination of General Sitole’s contract, has negated the need for an acting commissioner and will hopefully lead to the stability, modernization, and renewal of trust that the SAPS so desperately needs. Having been part of the SAPS’ senior national leadership since 2016, Masemola should have a clear picture of the most pressing issues within the service.

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AfriForum also notes the president’s statements regarding a more inclusive approach to policing and the need to join hands with different sectors of society. AfriForum reiterates, in that regard, the organisation’s willingness to work together with the SAPS to create a safer South Africa. This applies both to AfriForum neighbourhood watches’ continued cooperation with local police officials on ground level to combat crime, as well as to efforts to improve national police strategy. This could include the creation of specific counterstrategies for specific crimes such as farm attacks and murders, and the implementation thereof at a national level.

“One could wonder why Masemola was not able to provide the necessary leadership to turn the SAPS ship around in his previous, already very senior roles. We nonetheless hope that his appointment will not lead to a continuation of what we have seen in the SAPS for the past few years.

If Masemola uses his knowledge and experience to focus on long term improvements rather than mere short-term movements, he might be able to successfully lead the SAPS into the future,” says Guido Urlings, Manager of Support Services for AfriForum’s Community Safety department.

In that regard, AfriForum has taken note of concerns regarding the new National Commissioner’s age and the possibility of him going on pension within the next few years. “This would seriously jeopardize the policy stability that the SAPS so desperately needs, and we therefore sincerely hope that this was considered during the decision-making process,” says Jacques Broodryk, Campaigns Manager at AfriForum.

“We congratulate the new commissioner on his appointment, and we look forward to constructive engagements with him on the SAPS’ important role within South African communities. We hope that he will take the president’s comments to heart, improving the SAPS’ relations with other role-players, such as AfriForum neighbourhood watches, therewith rebuilding communities’ trust,” Broodryk concludes.

Issued by Chanté Kelder, Media Relations Officer, AfriForum, 31 March 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/police-commissioner-should-focus-on-crime-notpoli?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

Cele casts dark cloud over selection of National Police Commissioner 1 April 2022 Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbite by Andrew Whitfield MP. While the DA notes the fact that a career policeman was given the job as top cop, we have many reservations regarding Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola appointment as the new national commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Police Minister Bheki Cele serving on the selection panel with Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, and the secrecy surrounding the appointment process does little to engender faith that Lt.Gen. Masemola is not simply another deployed cadre. It is simply absurd that the appointment of a national police commissioner is not open to public scrutiny, especially as there is already precedent in the appointment of heads of Chapter 9 institutions for instance.

Lt.Gen. Masemola’s key test will be his ability to stand up to Minister Cele’s bullying and efforts to micromanage the operational affairs of the SAPS. The commissioner will have to prove to South Africans that he is independent and not merely Minister Cele’s puppet. This will mean difficult and brave decisions that effectively combat corruption and crime, and also keep Cele from his dream of being both Minister and Commissioner.

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The President wasted an opportunity to build trust in the police service at the outset by taking the public into his confidence through a transparent selection process. Instead, he decided to conduct the process in the darkest corners of the Presidency.

The DA’s Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application regarding former police commissioner Kehla Sitole’s golden handshake is still in process. We will continue to seek the truth.

To enjoy the DA’s full support Lt.Gen. Masemola will need to deliver results not platitudes and we will be monitoring his performance very closely. He simply cannot allow Minister Cele’s efforts to capture SAPS to continue.

Trust in SAPS is extremely low, with very good reason. Minister Cele’s bungling plays a large part in the complete disarray of the police service. The new commissioner has a tough road ahead if he hopes to change the tide.

Issued by Andrew Whitfield, DA Shadow Minister of Police, 31 March 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/cele-casts-dark-cloud-over-selection-of-nationalp?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=66549df104EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_03_07_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db9966549df104-130042309

Plaasmoord by Moorreesburg skok Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Dr. Corné Mulder VF Plus-LP en provinsiale leier: Wes-Kaap 6 April 2022 Die jongste plaasaanval en -moord op ʼn plaas buite Moorreesburg is ʼn duidelike bewys dat dié soort misdaad tot prioriteitsmisdaad verklaar moet word.

Mnr. Frans Koch (69) en sy vrou, Ingrid (65) is Maandagoggend in hul woonhuis op hul plaas Klipheuwel aangeval.

Mev. Koch is in die voorval vermoor en haar man ernstig beseer en is tans in die hospitaal. 'n Verdagte is aangekeer en sal binnekort in die hof verskyn.

Die VF Plus stem saam met Agri Wes-Kaap dat een plaasmoord een te veel is.

Die VF Plus sal aanhou veg vir ʼn noodsaaklike spesiale landelike beveiligingseenheid wat hom toespits op die voorkoming van plaasaanvalle en wat in samewerking met boere en ander veiligheidsforums hierdie soort misdaad bekamp.

Die VF Plus spreek sy innige simpatie uit met die familie van die oorledene en wens mnr. Koch ʼn spoedige herstel toe.

VF Plus veroordeel gewelddadige staking van munisipale werkers wat noodsaaklike dienste lamlê Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur:

Fanie du Toit VF Plus-LP in NRP (Noordwes) 6 April 2022 70 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Die ontwrigting van noodsaaklike munisipale dienste deur ongedissiplineerde en gewelddadige stakers van die JB Marks-plaaslike munisipaliteit (Potchefstroom en Ventersdorp), word ten sterkste veroordeel.

Die staking word gekenmerk deur intimidasie, vandalisme van munisipale eiendom en selfs die verlamming van nooddienste in die dorp.

Die brandweerstasie is tans onbeman en dit blyk dat lede van ander nooddienste soos gemeenskapsveiligheid hulle by die stakers aangesluit het.

Daar was selfs pogings om lede van die publiek en nie-stakende amptenare by die stad se lisensiekantoor aan te hou.

Daar is intussen gereël dat die plaaslike weermagbasis se brandweer op ʼn gereedheidsgrondslag geplaas word om die gemeenskap by te staan.

Soortgelyke voorvalle van onwettige optrede deur munisipale amptenare kom reeds vir ʼn geruime tyd sporadies voor. Dit blyk dat daar ʼn totale verval van moreel, werksetiek en ʼn basiese sin vir diensbaarheid onder munisipale amptenare in die JB Marks-munisipaliteit heers.

Die VF Plus dring daarop aan dat die munisipale bestuur die volle mag van die arbeids- en ander wetgewing tot hul beskikking toepas om dissipline in die munisipaliteit te herstel.

Dit kan nie toegelaat word dat inwoners verder moet ly en selfs bedreig word deur die optrede van misdadige elemente in die munisipaliteit nie.

Om telkens sulke onwettige optrede oor te sien en straffeloos te laat voortgaan, sal net die vernietiging van ʼn reeds wankelende munisipaliteit teweegbring.

Generaals op grondvlak ? Aikona!

Adamus Stemmet Minister Cele se plan dat generaals na grondvlak ontplooi sal word om misdaad te bekamp, is doodgebore. Dit herinner my aan die middel-1980-tigs toe politici senuagtig begin raak het.

Ek was destyds nou betrokke by landsveiligheid en was getuie daarvan hoe ministers op grondvlak ingemeng het. Ek het ministers Le Grange en Vlok openlik daarvan beskuldig dat hulle die generaals se werk oorneem, ‘n gemors daarvan maak, en van generaals verwag om konstabels en troepe se werk te doen.

Leer hierdie regering dan nie uit die foute van hul voorganger nie?

Die doel van Meneer Cele se plan is om senior personeel na provinsiale-, distriks- en polisiekantoorvlak te skuif om misdaad te bekamp. Dit is dan presies wat alreeds onder hierdie regering gebeur het met katastrofiese en slegte finansiële gevolge. Waar daar ‘n Adjudant Offisier was, is nou twee kolonels met gevolglike ander offisiere ook op hul personeel. Een as stasiebevelvoerder en een as speurhoof. Daar is selfs brigadiers wat stasiebevelvoerders is. Voorheen was brigadiers in bevel as afdelingskommissarisse. Luitenante, adjudantoffisiere en sersante was stasiebevelvoerders.

Dit is nou ‘n geval van "too many chiefs and not enough Indians". Langenhoven het gesê: "Ek meneer en jy meneer, wie sal dan die wa nou smeer". My Namakwalandse vriend het gesê: "Hiet loop darem baie ouens rond met eetgerei op hul skouers".

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Die polisiemag is reeds oorlaai met senior range. Dit word beweer dat daar reeds 400 generaals en brigadiers is en seker net soveel brigadiers. Dit jaag die salarisrekening en ander koste hemelhoog op. Terselfdertyd kry die laer range swaar met hul karige salarisse..

Dan is brigadiers en hoër op nog geregtig op motors vir senior amptenare.

Wat op grondvlak nodig is, is nie hoër range nie maar ervare opgeleide polisiebeamptes. Bring die ervare polisiebeamptes terug en laat hulle toe om hul werk te doen sonder inmenging van politici.

Adamus P Stemmet (AP).

Durbanville

Terwyl mense sterf in KwaZulu-Natalse vloede, is daar nie helikopters om met redding te help Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Dr. Pieter Groenewald VF Plus-leier 13 April 2022 Terwyl tientalle mense reeds in die vloede in KwaZulu-Natal omgekom het en talle vermis word, het nie die polisie of die weermag tans helikopters beskikbaar vir enige hulpverlening of reddingsaksie nie.

Die polisie se lugvleuel in Durban het klaarblyklik een werkende helikopter beskikbaar, maar die vlieënier is siek en ’n ander vlieënier is van Nelspruit ontbied om te help.

Lugvaardige helikopters is tans ’n nasionale probleem. In Bloemfontein is glo net een uit drie polisiehelikopters tans in ’n werkende toestand.

Die weermag (SANW) se vyftiende eskader in Durban het ook geen helikopter beskikbaar om te help nie.

Dié eskader het blykbaar wel twee werkende helikopters, maar volgens die VF Plus se inligting word hulle tans in Port Elizabeth aangewend waar daar sedert begin verlede jaar geen werkende polisiehelikopter beskikbaar is nie (TimesLive; 8 Maart 2021: Police wings clipped as helicopters don’t fly in Eastern Cape).

Dit is duidelik dat die polisie se diens in die lug in baie gevalle net so swak as op grondvlak is.

Hierdie stand van sake is onaanvaarbaar en laat die publiek in die steek.

Die gebrek aan lugsteun in die vloede kan direk daartoe bydrae dat mense sterf wat andersins moontlik gered sou kon word.

Die nuwe polisiekommissaris, genl. Fanie Masemola, sal die helikopter-situasie as prioriteit moet behandel aangesien die polisie se lugvleuel en veral die helikopters ’n groot rol spel in die bestryding van misdaad.

Lugsteun is veral van groot waarde waar gesoek word na voortvlugtendes ná misdaad soos motoren vragmotorkapings.

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Onlangse voorleggings van Denel en Krygkor aan die parlement se portefeuljekomitee vir verdediging, het ook duidelik uitgewys dat die SANW se lugvermoë ernstig verswak is.

Hiervolgens is net 21% van die weermag se totale lugvloot tans in ’n operasionele toestand (BusinessTech; 17 Februarie 2022: Only a fraction of South Africa’s airforce is operational right now).

Dit sluit onder meer in 4 van die 11 Rooivalk-helikopters wat lugvaardig is en 17 van die 39 Oryxhelikopters.

Die kommerwekkende hiervan is dat die situasie deurgaans verswak en indien dit voortduur, sal die land binnekort feitlik oor geen lugvermoë beskik nie.

Bheki Cele must stop looting in KZN – Andrew Whitfield Andrew Whitfield 13 April 2022 The DA notes reports of looting that is starting to take place from trucks and containers in areas that have been affected by the floods in KZN. These images are extremely disturbing. Especially since they are strongly reminiscent of the violence and looting that took place in the same province in July last year.

The DA calls on Police Minister, Bheki Cele, to immediately intervene and ensure that SAPS in KZN are on high alert and immediately clamp down on these incidents.

This province cannot afford the same catastrophic consequences of last year's unrest. We now know that at the time, the government, and especially SAPS, has not been able to quell this unrest quickly and in a timely manner.

Under no circumstances can we allow this to happen again. Bheki Cele must immediately ensure that enough police are deployed in the affected areas and that any sign of illegal behavior is dealt with immediately and decisively.

Issued by Andrew Whitfield, DA Shadow Minister of Police, 13 April 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/bheki-cele-must-stop-looting-in-kzn--andrewwhitfi?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=6767a7c9adEMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_13_09_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db996767a7c9ad-130042309

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Veedieftal buite beheer Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: Dr. Pieter Groenewald VF Plus-leier 19 April 2022 Veediefstal in Suid-Afrika is buite beheer en die polisie verloor die stryd om dit behoorlik te ondersoek. Dit kom duidelik na vore uit die antwoord op ʼn parlementêre vraag van dr. Pieter Groenewald, VF Plus-leier, aan die minister van polisie, Bheki Cele. (Antwoord van min. Cele hierby aangeheg.)

Veeboerdery is ʼn integrale deel van die landbousektor en veediefstal knou veeboere. Die onvermoë van die polisie om veediefstalsake op te los, beteken dat veediefstal buite beheer is.

Volgens die antwoord van die minister is 26 923 veediefstalsake in die tydperk van 1 April 2021 tot 28 Februarie 2022 by veediefstaleenhede aangemeld. Van hierdie sake is slegs 7 800 of 28,9% opgelos.

Klagtes van boere is dat sommige veediefstaleenhede nie genoeg lede het nie, asook ʼn tekort aan voertuie en ʼn gebrek aan kundigheid.

Korrupsie speel ook ʼn groot rol en daar is bewerings dat senior offisiere in die polisie self betrokke is by diefstalsindikate.

Die provinsie met die meeste klagte in die betrokke tydperk was KwaZulu-Natal met 7 227 aangemelde sake, gevolg deur die Oos-Kaap met 5 533 sake.

Die provinsie met die swakste oplossingsyfer is Limpopo met slegs 16,5% sake wat opgelos is, gevolg deur Gauteng met ʼn oplossingsyfer van 16,9%.

Daar sal drasties opgetree moet word en die nuwe kommissaris van polisie, genl. Fannie Masemola, sal moet sê watter stappe hy gaan neem om die probleem op te los.

Ek sal ook verdere vrae in die parlement vra oor die vermoëns van die veediefstaleenhede.

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Limpopo-plaasmoorde: Gemeenskappe moet hulself organiseer en weerbaar maak Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur: 77 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Marcelle Maritz VF Plus-LPW en provinsiale leier: Limpopo 21 April 2022 Die jongste plaasmoord op ʼn egpaar in Limpopo se Vhembe-distrik, is opnuut ʼn bewys dat landelike gemeenskappe betrokke moet raak by hul plaaslike veiligheidsgroepe om hulself te beveilig en weerbaar te maak teen aanvalle.

Mnr. Louis (71) en mev. Ina (65) Cloete, is gister op hul plaas in Levubu oorval, beroof en hul plaashuis aan die brand gesteek.

Die brutaliteit waarmee plaasaanvalle en -moorde gepaard gaan, dui daarop dat blote roof nie die motief is nie en hierdie tipe misdaad as prioriteitmisdaad verklaar moet word.

Die oomblik wanneer die politieke wil ontstaan om landelike gebiede te beveilig en behoorlike strafmaatreëls in plek stel, sal daar ʼn drastiese afname in plaasaanvalle en -moorde wees.

Daar word opnuut ʼn beroep op gemeenskappe gedoen om paraat en voorbereid te wees en om hulself binne die wet op elke wyse moontlik te beskerm.

Die VF Plus was reeds in gesprek met die plaaslike polisie en ander veiligheidsinstansies en sal alle moontlike druk uitoefen om toe te sien dat die moordenaars spoedig in hegtenis geneem en vervolg word.

Die VF Plus spreek sy innige simpatie uit met die familie van die oorledenes.

When the ANC lost its brain Hermann Giliomee | 22 April 2022 Hermann Giliomee reviews a new book on the party's long dependency on Moscow and the SACP In 1959 the editor of Optima, a quality journal that Anglo American Corporation distributed to its shareholders, had an inspiring idea. He commissioned the famous British historian Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975) to write an article about the most likely outcome of the seemingly intractable blackwhite struggle for control of South Africa.

Because the magazine was not for sale to the public, it did not receive the publicity it richly deserved.

When I first cited the article in my The Rise and Demise of the Afrikaners (Tafelberg, 2019) I could not find a reference to it in any book or journal.

The article that Optima published was nothing less than a major scoop. During the 1950s and 1960s Arnold Toynbee was probably the best-known and most influential historian in the world. His picture even appeared on the cover of the weekly magazine Time. He was famous on account of his seminal book A Study of History that appeared in twelve substantial volumes between 1934 and 1961.

Toynbee’s study charted the distinct patterns in the rise, decline and ultimate demise of the more than twenty major civilizations the world that he identified as having risen and fallen since the beginning of historical time. As the catalyst in the rise of civilisations he singled out the key role of a creative minority that successfully addressed the major existential challenges that confronted their society.

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In each case it was the ability of visionary leaders to respond creatively to the existential challenges their society faced that triggered the rise of a new civilization. A key element in this process was the culture of the dominant group that created the civilisation.

Toynbee’s article makes an important distinction that has often been overlooked in the debates over the historic development and the future of South Africa. It highlights the important differences in the culture of the colonies founded by the Spaniards and Portuguese, on the one hand, and, on the other, those established by the Dutch and the British.

Toynbee pointed out that the Spanish and Portuguese colonisers integrated the members of indigenous societies into their social structures of the colonies they founded. Marriages across colour lines were common. In stark contrast the Dutch and the British colonisers considered themselves to be superior to the indigenous people and made little effort to absorb them as equals into social structures like the family, congregation or political party.

In the end it was culture together with demography that decided the fate of the colonial societies that the different European nations founded. As Toynbee pointed out, the Spanish and Portuguese also exploited the native peoples in their colonies in Latin America, but the barriers to advancement were not racial, and hence not impermeable.

The colonies that the Dutch and the British founded stood in strong contrast to this. Upward mobility for subordinate people was difficult and intermarriage was not common. There was, as Toynbee noted with reference the colony founded in South Africa, ’no easy way of entry into the dominant caste for an able and adaptable African. The racial barriers were almost impermeable.’

But if culture is destiny, so is demography, which can trump culture. In a deeply divided society like South Africa increasing resistance and concerted pressure from a subjugated people inexorably bring a minority government to a political crisis where it had to face up to the fact that the costs of continuing domination were too high.

The only sensible remaining option was to accept the status of a minority that no longer enjoyed any real power or privilege rather than face the wrath of a resentful majority. Toynbee concluded his article with a wry observation: ‘Voluntary abdication in favour of a majority whom one feels to be inferior is a very hard alternative for human pride to accept.’

Why did the NP government in 1994 accept an agreement that left whites without any formal political power?

When this issue came up in discussions after the actual settlement of 1994 it was often contended that the white-ruled state was bankrupt and had no other option. A person who should know was Derek Keys, who was chairman of the board of directors of a mining house and the last Minister of Finance in the NP government. In an interview I had with him he dismissed the contention out of hand. ‘The going would get tougher but we could continue”, he stated.

‘Why did the Boers give it all away?’ is a recurring question in the book by the prizewinning Financial Times journalist Patti Waldmeir. Anatomy of a Miracle: The end of Apartheid and the birth of the new South Africa (1997). But the book does not provide a clear answer.

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A book has just appeared that takes a more sober view of the transition than on the one side, calling it a miracle or, on the other, seeing the NP government under F.W. de Klerk as giving the country away to the ANC. The author is Leopold Scholtz, who did his undergraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and received his doctorate in history from the University of Leiden in in the Netherlands. He is following in the footsteps of his father G.D. Scholtz. who was editor of the Johannesburg daily Die Transvaler and author of several books on Afrikaner political, military and cultural history.

Leopold Scholtz worked his way up as a journalist in Nasionale Pers and ultimately served as deputy editor of Die Burger. After his retirement he moved to the Netherlands from where he currently writes for Naspers on current developments in Europe.

Scholtz brings his training as a historian and his long experience as a journalist to present a clear and compelling account of the transition to a democracy in South Africa, emphasising the years between 1960 and 1990.

Most of the previous studies highlight the popular uprisings in South Africa or the debates within the ruling National Party. Scholtz’s work focuses on the intimate relationship between the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP), both being backed by the Soviet Union, which he sees as crucially important.

During the last three decades of apartheid the South African government waged a campaign to persuade the public at home and governments abroad that the ANC was strongly supported by the SACP and by individual communists both locally and abroad.

With apartheid fast losing credibility after the Soweto uprising of 1976, the government’s campaign did not make much headway beyond the white electorate at home. For quite some time public option in the West tended to accept the view that the ANC was an autonomous non-racial organisation and too principled to be influenced by communist institutions and by the many communists in the leadership ranks of the SACP. Scholtz leans in particular on the work of Irina Filatova, a Russian academic who now lives in Cape Town, and her co-author, the Moscow academic Apollon Davidson, and also that of Stephen Ellis, who taught at Leiden University and Jan-Adriaan Stemmet of the University of the Free State.’

Scholtz tackles with gusto the difficult issues. He is forthright in arguing while the ANC and SACP were two separate bodies they had one brain, that of the SACP. He argues that Oliver Tambo was never a communist while Mandela distanced himself from communism only late in his career.

Scholtz is frank in stating that the ideology of the SACP was very close to that of the Soviet Union and that the SACP dominated the ANC-SACP Alliance during the years of Struggle. The ANC’s intimate relationship with the SACP and its association with Moscow have acquired something of a smell. The tortuous way the present ANC government has tried to avoid condemning Russia’s assault on the Ukraine speaks volumes.

It is clear that the paralysis that has seemed to grip the ANC government is due largely to the decline of communism as an ideology and the cessation of the flow of expert advice from Moscow.

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The electoral system that was introduced in 1994 in South Africa has compounded the ANC’s problems since it encourages the ruling party to sink in a political stupor between elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appeals to his voters sound increasingly like calls to stragglers who are lost and without guidance. https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/when-the-anc-lost-itsbrain?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=4cf9b51483EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_24_06_59&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db994cf9b51483-130042309

Kirkwood-onrus: Boere én gemeenskap ly onder geweldpleging Mediaverklaring uitgereik deur:

Piet Mey VF Plus-LP en provinsiale leier: Oos-Kaap 27 April 2022 Die ironie van die wydverspreide geweldpleging in die landbougemeenskap van Kirkwood in die Sondagsriviervallei in die Oos-Kaap is dat opstandiges klaarblyklik nie besef hulle vernietig hul eie vermoë om ’n inkomste te verdien nie.

Die VF Plus het dié gemeenskap vandag besoek en is veral getref deur die erge en sinnelose vernietiging en vandalisme.

Pakhuise vol pas geplukte produkte is in brande vernietig en woonhuise in puin gelê. Vrugte is in boorde gestroop en op die grond gegooi om te vertrap en takke van bome gebreek.

In sommige gevalle is hierdie skade só erg dat dit jare kan neem om weer in volle produksie te kom.

Geweldplegers besef klaarblyklik nie hulle vernietig die ondernemings waarvan hulle en hul gesinne afhanklik is vir ’n toekomstige inkomste nie.

Met die VF Plus se besoek vandag was daar ’n sterk en sigbare polisieteenwoordigheid in die gebied.

Alhoewel daar gister ’n ooreenkoms met die werkers bereik is, was dit vandag duidelik dat die gemoedere nog hoog loop en die situasie steeds plofbaar is.

In gesprekke met lede van die gemeenskap was dit vir die VF Plus duidelik dat baie vredeliewende mense wil terugkeer werk toe en ongelukkig is oor die wyse waarop ’n klein groepie die geweld en emosies bly aanjaag.

Hulle besef deeglik dat die situasie hul werk en inkomste in die gedrang bring.

Die VF Plus sal graag wil sien dat daar, soos met ander opstande van hierdie aard, vasgestel word wie agter die aanhitsing en geweldpleging sit.

Hierdie mense misbruik gewone werkers en moet pa staan vir die skade wat reeds miljoene rande beloop.

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GESKIEDENIS SA SPOORWEGPOLISIE

KAPTEIN PIET WIESE SE HERINNERINGE Brig Ronnie Beyl Ek het by kaptein Daan Venter op Oshivelo oorgeneem. Ons het nog in tente geslaap en die basis was langs dié van die weermag. Na ʼn ruk het ons by die steen gebou by die hek ingetrek. Hier was dit baie geriefliker met die nodige infrastruktuur in plek. Ons het ons eie etes voorberei en was nie afhanklik van die weermag se menasie nie. Ons het dan ook ons eie natkantien bedryf. Aan die oorkant van ons basis was die S.A. Polisie se Veiligheidstak se kantore. Alle persone wat vanuit die operasionele gebied na die suide van Suidwes beweeg het, was daar deur die Veiligheidstak ge-“screen”.

Terroriste wat hulle aan die veiligheidsmagte oorgegee het, het agter eenrigting glas gestaan en terroriste of meelopers aan die polisie uitgewys.

Die lede van die Veiligheidstak was bevoorreg om ʼn swembad by hulle basis te hê, maar het niemand anders as hulle eie lede daar toegelaat nie. Een Saterdag agtermiddag, wat maar ʼn vervelige dag op die grens kon wees, het ons lekker gekuier en die manne was vol bravade. Dié betrokke dag was dit vrek warm. ʼn Klompie van my manne het my genader en gevra of ek nie by adjudant offisier Burger van die SAP wou hoor of hulle kon gaan lyf natmaak het in hulle swembad nie.

Adjudant Burger het geen beswaar geopper nie, maar het een voorwaarde gehad en dit was dat die lede kaalgat vanaf ons basis na sy basis oorkant die pad moes stap. Hy was seker van mening dat die lede nie daarvoor sou kans sien nie want by die hek het die Veldwagter met twee aansienlike dogters gebly en hulle het toe op daardie stadium op die stoep gesit. Skaars het ek die voorwaarde wat Burger vir die swemmery gestel het, oorgedra, of die lede het die klere laat waai en ewe manhaftig oor die pad na die swembad gestap. Ek is oortuig dat die lede nie die Veldwagter en sy dogters op die stoep sien sit het nie.

Skaars nadat die lede klaar geswem en weer kaalgat oor die pad gestap het, was die Veldwagter by my. Hy wou toe by my weet of ek van die affêre bewus was, waarop ek geantwoord het dat ek nie by die basis was toe dit gebeur het nie. Ek het hom gerus gestel dat ek die saak met die lede sou opneem om ʼn herhaling daarvan te voorkom.

Gedurende die week het daar ʼn jong weermag kapelaan by ons basis opgedaag. Hy het my ingelig dat Daan Venter kwansuis aan hom sou vertel het hoe vinnig ek ʼn bier kon drink en dat hy my graag 83 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

op hierdie punt die stryd sou wou aansê. Nou sulke geleenthede laat ek mos nie by my verbygaan nie. Ons het na die natkantien beweeg en die nodige was op die toonbank uitgepak. Ek was al vergete klaar toe het die predikantjie nog gesukkel om sy bottel bier te ledig. Baie verbaas wou die predikantjie weet hoe ek dit reggekry het om so vinnig te drink. “Kyk,” het ek hom geantwoord,” ek kom van die Kaap. In die Kaap laat loop die Kaapse manne die wyn in sy keelgat af, sonder om te sluk.” Na baie biere en ʼn gehoes en geproes kon hy dit steeds nie regkry om my te klop nie. Uit radeloosheid het hy voorgestel dat ons liewer na iets sterker moes oorslaan. Ek onthou nog dat die predikantjie net weggeraak het.

Die volgende oggend was ek en Daan na die weermagbasis en daar het ons die predikantjie aangetref waar hy op sy bed gelê het met ʼn drup in sy arm. Later het ek verneem dat hy die vorige aand vreeslik dronk was en dat die troepe hom na ʼn ander kamp geskuif het. Dit was die laaste sien van die predikantjie.

Iets waarop ek baie trots was, was die aand toe generaal Kat Liebenberg die weermagbasis besoek het en gesê het dat ek ook teenwoordig moes wees. Hy het in sy toespraak genoem dat hy die betrokke dag iets gesien het wat hy nog nie voorheen gesien het nie. Dié betrokke dag het ons ʼn baie lang konvooi voertuie begelei en hy het met die helikopter bo-oor die konvooi gevlieg. Hy was so beïndruk met dit wat hy gesien het, dat hy sy weermagoffisiere aangesê het om te gaan kyk want dit was ʼn moerse iets om te sien. Die begeleiding van so ʼn lang konvooi was iets om te aanskou.

Dit is nou meer as twintig jaar gelede en die misdaad het al verjaar, maar laat ek julle vertel dit was ‘n lang tyd!! Die eerste jaar of twee was ek ʼn bekommerde man want ek het al gesien hoe sit ek met my gat in die tronk, en dit nogal in Suidwes-Afrika.

Weer was dit ʼn Saterdagmiddag en soos gewoonlik het daar niks by die basis aangegaan nie. Die enigste noemenswaardige aktiwiteit was om die natkantien te ondersteun. Twee onbekende mans het onverwags en ongenooid by die kantien aangekom ʼn geselsie met ons aangeknoop en kort voor lank het ons rondom die kroeg toonbank gekuier. Die een dop het op die ander gevolg en teen die tyd dat die drank sy werk gedoen het, het hulle vertel dat hulle eintlik na ʼn troue gekom het.

Op pad na die basis het hulle in een of ander wildtuin ʼn kameelperd gesien en dié geskiet. Hulle het die kameelperd aan ons geskenk en ons het besluit dat ons maar biltong van die vleis kon maak.

Hulle was ernstig en het gesê dat hulle ons sou gaan wys waar die kameelperd geval het. Ek wou aanvanklik nie aan die storie byt nie, maar hulle het toe so aangehou dat ek oplaas maar besluit het hulle kon maar gaan; ons sou gaan kyk het waar die kameelperd gelê het. Ek en ʼn paar van my manne het in die pad geval en gery volgens die aanwysings wat die twee aan ons gegee het. Na ʼn aanvanklike soektog het ons die kameelperd opgespoor. Nou moes daar vinnig gewerk word. Met ʼn groot gesukkel het ons daarin geslaag om die een boud af te sny. “Bliksem maar so kameelperd se vel is dik”, het ek in my binneste gedink.

Net voordat ons weggery het, het ons besluit dat ons nie die rugstring biltong daar kon laat nie.

Weer ʼn gesukkel en die rugstring was af. Terug by die basis het ons die vleis na die kombuis gesmokkel om biltonge te laat sny. Eers toe besef ek hoeveel biltong uit ʼn boud en die rugstring gesny kon word. Nadat die biltong droog was, het ek vir my vrou ʼn kartondoos vol biltong per trein vanaf Grootfontein na Kaapstad gestuur.

Daar kan met reg gevra word waarom ek die eerste jaar of twee dan so ʼn bekommerde man was.

Die weermag se opskamer was in dieselfde gebou as ons basis. Met die aflaai van die vleis het die troep wat in die opskamer gewerk het, gesien hoe ons die vleis by die kombuis ingedra het. Dit was nie al wat my bekommerd gemaak het nie. Die slagmesse wat ons by die kameelperd gebruik het, 84 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

het hout handvatsels gehad. Op die handvatsels was die woorde “S.A.SPOORWEGPOLISIE OSHIVELLO” duidelik uitgekerf.

Dié twee messe het ons, in die haas om die toneel te verlaat, net daar laat lê. Dodelike bewysstukke.

Een van twee dinge het gebeur; óf niemand was ná ons by die dooie kameelperd nie, óf, indien daar wel iemand was, het hulle ons messe gesteel. Die kameelperd se balsak kon ek ook nie daar los nie. Ek het dit afgesny en dit later oor ʼn brandewynbottel getrek om droog te word. Van die bottel het ek ʼn glas gemaak waaruit ek my bier gedrink het.

Na afloop van ons grensdiens, terwyl ons oppad huis toe was, het een van die ouens wat saam met my daar was die glas met die kameelperd se balsak gesteel. Ek was woedend. “Mag een van jou kinders eendag so effens na ʼn kameelperd se balsak lyk”, het ek hom toegewens. (Piet Wiese)

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‘N LEWENSREIS: HOOFSTUK 17.

Brig Hannes Slabbert Ek word vroeg Maandagoggend wakker.Ek hoor geluide uit die kombuis, staan op en gaan badkamer toe. Daisy en Rina is in die kombuis doenig en die Suidweskoffie smaak besonder lekker.

Later die oggend kry ek blyplek in die hostel. Die bestuurder is heel aangenaam en dit blyk later dat my ‘bure’ heel aanvaarbare inwoners is wat al lank daar woon.

Almal probeer om my welkom te laat voel.

By die kantoor aangekom vind ek dat ek ‘n tamaai grote kantoor op die eerste verdieping van die stasiegebou het. Ek ontmoet die offisiere van wie al baie lank daar is. Soos gesê is Wolvaardt in beheer van die speurders en die ander is kapteine du Plessis, Ronnie Beyl wat seker die grootste polisieman in die Mag is en in beheer van die kollege te Gamams net buite die stad is, Frans Koekemoer en Koos van der Merwe wat die posbevelvoerder is en soos ek van Klipplaat se kontrei kom. Hy is in werklikheid famile maar dit vind ek jare later eers uit.

Daisy van Gend is in beheer van die Veiligheidsafdeling en saam met hom is luitenant Blondie Prinsloo. Ek wil net noem dat nie-wit lede by Gamams opgelei is en dat daardie opleiding in ooreenstemming was met dit wat by Esselenpark aangebied is.Talle van daardie lede het sersante en hoër geword.

Net ‘n week na ek in Windhoek aangekom het moet ek, Ronnie Beyl en sersant Piet van Zyl ‘n springstofkurus in Pretoria bywoon. Dit verkort darem die tyd wat ek vir my gesin moet wag. Skaars terug in Windhoek kry ek kennis dat ek getuienis moet aflê in hofsaak in Oos London.Ek is dus darem een aand by my eie mense. Na die hofsaak reis ek dadelik terug.

Ek is verantwoordelik vir die uniformpersoneel - ‘n allemintige taak as in ag geneem word dat die stasies baie ver uitmekaar is. Die verste stasie aan die Suidekant is Britstown en aan die noordekant is Tsumeb die verste met Grootfontein nie ver agter nie.Gobabis aan die oostekant en Walvisbaai in die weste is ook baie ver.

Ek doen aansoek vir ‘n departementele huis. Huise is skaars maar ‘n huis in Aschenbornstraat, Pioniers Park word aan ons toegeken. Ek gaan kyk na die plek en vind ‘n groot drieslaapkamerhuis met baie groot erf. Die bure aan die een kant is Theo Senekal, sy vrou en twee kinders. Ek laat weet vir ma dat ons ‘n huis gekry het en reël dat ons meubels gelaai word op die dag dat ma en die twee kinders ‘n trein kan haal. Soos te wagte is die meubelwa voor hulle daar en die meubels word in die betrokke vertrekke geplaas. Die 11-de ker dat getrek word. Ek kry vir my ‘n bed aanmekaar en hang sommer ‘n kombers voor die vensters min wetende dat dit ma erg gaan omkrap. Iemand, ek dink dit was Ben en Kotie du Toit-help my om die meubels naastenby reg te skuif en ek wag net vir ouma en die kinders. Die trein is veronderstel om vroegaand in Windhoek aan te kom maar arriveer eers amper middernag. Ouma en die kinders (en die kokketiel) is pootuit maar toe ouma die komberse voor die vensters sien is sy dadelik omgekrap en ons kom nie tot ruste voor gordyne opgehang is nie.

Ek is nou al redelik ingeburger. Ma besluit sommer kort daarna sy wil nie daar bly nie maar ‘n besoek deur Kotie du Toit wat ‘n groot bos blomme saambring laat haar gou van gedagte verander en gou-gou is sy doodgelukkig.

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Ons het darem familie daar. My neef wat skoolhoof was en ‘n jaar of drie vantevore oorlede is se vrou en kinders woon nog daar en boonop is ‘n niggie en haar man wat ook vir die spoorweë werk en hulle twee seuns ook daar met die gevolg dat ons darem nie heeltemal alleen is nie.

Dit gebeur toe ongelukkig so dat Marina graad 11 druip maar dis darem ook nie die einde van die wêreld nie. Charles is gelukkig in sy werk en sy geaardheid dra daartoe by dat hy gou deel van die speurders word. Louwtjie het bedank uit die Weermag en werk gekry in Uitenhage.

Kolonel Gilbert gaan op ‘n viermaandelange kursus in Pretoria en ek word aangestel as waarnermende Bevelvoerende Offisier, ’n taak wat my geweldig baie geleer het.

Vroeg in April neem ek deel aan die Suidwes-skietkampioenskap waar ek talle nuwe vriende ontmoet. Die aand van die 5-de kry ons die boodskap dat my pa ernstig siek is en in die hospitaal in Uitenhage opgeneem is. Ma en Marina vlieg die volgende more Port Elizabeth toe om my ma by te staan.

Ek skiet die middag klaar en op pad na die klubhuis sien ek Charles aaankom met sy motorfiets. Ek besef dadelik dat hy nie om dowe neute daar is nie en dit is toe ook so dat hy die boodskap bring dat my pa oorlede is. Ma en Marina was darem nog betyds om hom te groet. Ek slaag daarin om met die kommissaris te praat en hy gee toestemming dat ek mag afreis om die begrafnis by te woon.

Na ‘n dolle gejaag en baie hulp deur mnr Cohen, die klerk by lugdiens kry ek sitplekke in n vliegtuig wat die volgende more vertrek.

Die dag na die begrafnis reis Charles en ek terug Windhoek toe diep onder die besef dat ‘n grote in ons huisgesin nie meer daar is nie. Ek is bekommerd oor my ma en wens ons kon nader aan haar wees. Gelukkig woon my suster in Despatch naby haar.

Ons gesin pas goed aan in die nuwe omgewing en nie lank nie of ons is baie lief vir die plek. Daar word elke maand ‘n vleisvbraai by ‘n offisier se huis gehou. Elkeen kry ‘n beurt en dan word lekker gesels en gekuier. Die keer toe ons by Blondie Prinsloo braai trakteer sy vrou ons op oondgebakte vlakvarkboud. Ek het nog nie vantevore sulke lekker vleis geëet nie.

Vleis is volop en ons koop direk van ‘n boer wat naby boer en elke maand vleis inbring. Dis behoorlik gesny en ma verpak self. Selfs vis is volop. Kaptein van Heerden wat in Walvisbaai werk is ‘n ywerige hengelaar wat gereeld op vissersbote uitgaan en koop vis teen ‘n baie goeie prys. Ons was later verplig om ‘n vrieskas net vir vis aan te skaf.

Gedurende jagtyd gaan ek saam met Wietscke Fourie jag op ‘n plaas wat aan ‘n Duitser behoort.

Die seun Heine neem ons vroegoggend veld toe en ek is gelukkig om ‘n groot koedoe en gemsbok te skiet.

Om saam met Hannes Bezuidenhoudt van Tsumeb te kuier en te jag is een groot plesier. Ma en ek ry een middag soontoe en met aankoms daar het Bez reeds ‘n jong koedoe vir ons geskiet. Dis mooi opgesny maar hy deel mee dat ‘n boer hom toestemming gegee het om op sy plaas ‘n koedoe te skiet. Ons ry veldtoe - ‘n spoorsnyer en ek staan agter op die bakkie. Ons ry nog toe ‘n koedoebul van ons regterkant af aangehardloop kom. Hy steek vas en die spoorsnyer skree “kap hom”. Ek skiet en die bul sak inmekaar. Toe sê Hannes ‘nou het ons ‘n probleem want daardie bul is op ‘n beneukte buurman se grond. Ek sny kort - ons het die bul onder die draad deur getrek, alle spore met takke uitgewis en die bul op die bakkie gelaai.

Die middag ry ons terug huistoe met twee koedoes se vleis in die kar.By die huis word wors, maalvleis en baie biltong gemaak. Ons kry gaste uit Kaapstad. Hans Killian wat ‘n kaptein in Kaapstad is en sy vrou Koba kuier ‘n week lank by ons. Hans kan nie genoeg kry van die lekker 87 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

biltong nie. Daarna kom Gert en Bettie Kemp uit Despatch vir ons kuier. Ons geniet die geselskap van ou bekendes en braai omtrent elke aand.

Na vele onderhandelinge met die afdelingsbestuurder van die Spoorweë word ‘n kleingeweerskietbaan by Gamams opgerig. Nou kan ons op gereelde basis met pistole, rewolwers en ,22 gewere oefen- iets wat voorheen nie moontlik was nie. ‘n Viermanspan word gekies om met Diensgewere aan die SA. Kampioenskap in Bloemfontein te gaan skiet. Die span bestaan uit sersante Beatle Fourie en Kerrie Kruger, konstabel Lollo Petzer en ek. Ons pak die lang reis per trein aan. Ons stel ‘n nuwe SA rekord op wat nooit gebreek is nie.

Omdat Diensskiet nie meer beofen word nie sal daardie rekord vir altyd staan.

Op die terugreis vertel Lollo dat sy vrou en dogter glad nie gelukkig is in Windhoek nie en dalk sak en pak sal terugkeer na Oos London. ‘n Week of wat later, na mooipraat met grootbase is hy na Virginia verplaas waar hulle baie gelukkig was. Hy is daar oorlede.

Ons gaan kuier by my ma in Despatch. Dit voel vreemd omdat my pa nie daar is nie. Ons besoek soveel moontlik vriende en familie.

Toe kom die goeie nuus. Louwtjie se vrou, Bokkie is swanger en ons gaan in April 1983 grootouers word. Groot opgewondheid maar ook hartseer omdat my pa nie sy eerste agterkleinkind sal sien nie. Nog ‘n vreugde tref ons toe suster Lettie vir ons kom kuier. Terwyl sy daar is op 7 April word ons eerste kleinkind Marilise in Uitenhage gebore. ‘n Jaar en een dag na my pa oorlede is. Ek is so trots dat ek vir almal wat wil luister vertel dat ek nou ‘n oupa is en ma is nou skielik ouma. ‘n Paar maande later kom Bokkie en die kleintjie vir ons kuier.Dis een groot vreugde en ons kan haar nie genoeg vashou nie. Hulle kuier n week of twee en moet terug. Dis n tranerige affere toe ons hulle die more by J.G.Strydomlughawe groet maar ons is werklik gelukkige grootouers en hou dit ook nie juis n geheim nie.

Met die werk gaan dit baie goed. Ek is baie op die pad om inspeksies en besoeke te doen. Ek besoek die lede wat grensdiens doen by Kamanjab en slaap n nag daar oor.n Mens staan verwonderd oor wat die manne jou vertel- ook van die vrees vir n terroristeaanval.

Marina is gelukkig in n nuwe skool. Einde 1982 het sy graad 11 geslaag en is nou in haar matriekjaar.

Charles is ‘n speurdersersant en doen goeie werk saam met die ander speurders. Louwtjie is terug Weermag toe en is ook baie gelukkig.

Wanneer ek dan en wan na die bevorderinsglys kyk besef ek dat ek laat in 1984 bevordering kan verwag. Ons is amper twee jaar in Windhoek en dolgelukkig en sal nie graag wil weggaan nie.

Ons koop ons eerste nuwe kar, ‘n Volkswagen Audi en daarna ook n ligte bakkie waarmee ek werk toe ry. Charlie het ook kar gekoop.

In die posbevelvoerder se kantoor werk ‘n vrouesersant, Hannatjie Cockrell. Haar ouers woon in Krugersdorp. Kort voor lank is sy en Charles in ‘n verhouding betrokke. Ons raak lief vir haar. Haar ouers kom kuier en ons kry sommer kans om hulle ook te ontmoet.

Ek wil nie baie meer oor my werk skryf nie. Dit het ek volledig gedoen in die boekie wat ek oor my loopbaan geskryf het. Maar ek wil tog vertel van die keer toe ek in Luderitz en Prieska inspeksie moes doen. Dis nie net ver nie, dis baie ver. Ek vertrek die Sondagoggend vroeg van Windhoek af.

In Keetmashoop moet ek brandstof ingooi en sersant Mans kom groet my. Hy gee ook nog ‘n pakkie padkos wat sy vrou ingepak het. Hy raai my aan om by ‘n paar bome naby Aus stil te hou en dan 88 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

sommer te eet. Ek ry, sien vir die eerste en laaste maal die veel besproke wildeperde en toe ek by die bome kom is daar soveel karre en mense dat ek nie eens moeite doen om stil te hou nie.Luderitz is vir my n besonder mooi dorp en die nag het ek in een van die huisies wat langs die see staan oornag.Die branders wat breek het later soos sagte musiek geklink.

Om van Windhoek af na Prieska te ry is geen grap nie. Nietemin ek het dit gedoen. Prieska se polisiekantoor was maar klein en net ‘n paar lede, maar dit was n plesier om daar inspeksie te hou.

Alles was reg en baie netjies. Sersant Botes was ‘n aangename mens wat ook buikspraak kon doen.

Hy vertel toe van die nag toe hy die lid op diens wou besoek. Hy het op die goedereloods se platform langs geloop en geluide binne ‘n laaimeesterskajuit gehoor. Hy het deur die venstertjie gelyk en gesien dat die konstabel en ‘n onbekende vrou besig was om mekaar beter te leer ken. Hy het saggies weggestap en nie ‘n woord laat val nie. ‘n Paar dae later het hy die maandelikse lesing aangebied. Die pop wat hy tydens vertonings as buikspraakmaat gebruik was saam in die kantoor.

Hy het die lesing afgesluit en gevra of daar enige vrae is waarop die pop geantwoord het dat hy graag iets wil rapporteer. Hy is kans gegun en vertel toe vir almal dat hy gesien het wat in ‘n laaimeesterskajuit gebeur het. Daar was glo doodse stilte toe Botes vra wie die skuldige is. Die pop het net geantwoord dat hy niemand in ‘n slegte lig wou stel nie en die lesing is verdaag nadat Botes die pop vir sy oplettendheid bedank het.

Na die verdaging het die betrokke lid na Botes gekom en ‘n erkenning gemaak dat hy oortree het maar dit nooit weer sal doen nie. Nodeloos om te sê daardie lede was van die bestes in die afdeling omdat hulle nie geweet het wanneer die pop hulle sien nie.

Net vir interessantheidshalwe noem ek ‘n paar van die posbevelvoerders van destyds. In Windhoek was luitenant Koos van der Merwe, op Gobabis sersant Bezuidenhoudt wie se broer in Port Elizabeth onder my beheer gewerk het, op Grootfontein was adjudant-offisier Loekie Jordaan, op Tsumeb sersant Hannes Bezuidenhoudt, op Walvisbaai was kaptein Johan van Heerden die streekoffisier en luitenant Piet du Toit die posbevelvoerder.

Reën was baie skaars en die riviertjie wat by ons huis verby gevloei het kurkdroog. Een middag kom Ben du Toit en ek die stad binne van Keetmanshoop se kant af. In die weste steek donderwolke op en Ben glo dit gaan later die dag reën. Nou moet ek darem byvoeg dat ek weke vantevore vir die bure se seuntjie gesê as die die dag reën hardloop ek in net my onderbroek buite rond. Ben se voorspelling word bewaardheid toe dit laat die middag sommer baie reën. Binne minute is die riviertjies kant en wal vol rooi modderige water. Dit is asof die natuur hardop juig oor die reën. Die middag is daar ‘n paar botsings in die stad want mense is nie die gladde strate gewoond nie. Toe ek by die huis aankom val daar weer ‘n bui en bure se mannetjie kom aangehardloop en herinner my daaraan dat ek in my onderbroek moet hardloop. Ek het toe maar ‘n swembroek aangetrek en die koue druppels trotseer. Hy was tevrede want oom Slabbert het sy belofte nagekom.

Nig Cathy en Nico het ook twee opgeskote seuns, Johan en Evert. Die een vra so ewe wat ek werk en sy ma vertel hom die oom in ‘n kolonel in die polisie. Toe wil hy ook ‘kolonel’ sê maar kom net by kolomal uit en kolomal het ek vir hom gebly.

Kolonel Gilbert gee my kans om die lede by Kamanjab se kerspakkies uit die Republiek te gaan oorhandig. Dis gebruik dat die lid wat die oorhandiging gaan doen se vrou saamry en daarom ry ma en Marina saam. Ons wag vir die matriekuitslae en is tog effe gespanne daaroor.

Ons bring omtrent die hele dag by die lede deur. Hannes Bezuidenhoudt is in beheer van die klomp.

Met oorhandiging van die pakkies kom daar ‘n traan of twee in sommige lede se oog. Van hulle sal vir die eerste keer oor Kersfees en Nuwejaar nie by die huis wees nie.

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Ons ry laatmiddag terug en die radio kraak. Sersant Japie Pretorius vra of Marina in die kar is en toe ek positief antwoord bring hy die goeie nuus dat sy geslaag het. Net daar het ons eers stilgehou en dankie gesê.

Marina is gelukkig om gou werk te kry in die afdelinsgbestuurder se kantoor. Sy ry saam met my en stap net oor die straat na haar kantoor.

In Aprilmaand 1984 gaan skiet ek weer in Bloemfontein. Van die senior lede praat toe dat daar binnekort vakatures gaan ontstaan in onder andere Durban. Ek besef dat ek weer derde in die bevorderingslys is en seker nog ‘n ruk moet wag. Die skuts uit Natal wil natuurlik baie graag hê dat ek soontoe moet kom maar dis nie in my hande nie.

Toe gebeur dit dat ek per trein van Bloemfontein na Kimberley moet reis en daarvandaan op Britstown moet kom om ‘n trein na Windhoek te haal. Ek bel vir kolonel van den Heever en hy gee toestemming dat n lid van Kimberly my per motor mag neem. Die drywwer is egter nie haastig nie en ek moet hom later aansê om vinniger te ry. Ons het net betyds by Britstown aangekom. Gelukkig is ek weer alleen in ‘n kompartement en gaan slaap sommer vroeg.

Nominasie vir bevordering na kolonel word uitgereik maar my naam is nie op die lys nie. Eddie Gerber wat op ‘n Bybel sou sweer dat hy nie bevordering na Bloemfontein sal aanvaar nie is voor my op die lys maar hy weier bevordering na Durban. Ek bel hom en vra of hy weer sal doen wat hy ‘n vorige keer gedoen het, maar hierdie keer is hy eg en bly by sy besluit en die nominasie kom na my kant toe. Voor ek nog kon besluit bel die lede uit Natal al en heet my solank welkom. Ons is baie gelukkig in Windhoek en wil nie graag verhuis nie. Marina het ook net mooi ingeskakel by haar werk.

Ouma kom drink een middag tee in my kantoor na sy in die dorp iets gaan koop het.

Ons bespreek die aangeleentheid baie ernstig en besluit saam dat ek die nominasie sal aanvaar.

Suster Annatjie en haar man Joe woon in Durban so ons sal weer nie heeltemal alleen wees nie.

Hulle is die eienaars van die Harlequins Klub in Durban en het baie vriende wat gereeld die klub besoek.

Twee of drie dae later bel die kommissaris, generaal Visagie en deel mee dat ek met ingang vanaf 1 Junie tot kolonel bevorder en na Durban oorgeplaas word. Blydskap maar ook hartseer omdat ons in die net meer as twee jaar wat ons nou in Windhoek woon deel van die gemeeskap geword het.

Die ritueel van inventaris maak en wat daarmee gepaard gaan skop weer in en die bekommernis oor waar ons gaan woon begin skaaf.

Charles en Hannatjie is intussen getroud en na adjudant-offisiere bevorder en na Jan Smutslughawe verplaaas. Hulle het huis gekoop en woon nie ver van die werk af nie.

Ons kry tyding dat ouma se ma ernstig siek is en in n hospitaal in Krugersdorp is. Sy reis per vliegtuig en gaan tuis by Chris Keyser en sy vrou wat vroeër in ons huis in Despatch gewoon het. Die volgende aand sterf sy.

Ek besluit om na Durban te reis om te kyk na moontlike blyplek. Ouma sluit in Johannesburg by my aan. Ons het nou gewoond geraak aan die min verkeer in Windhoek en toe die vliegtuig oor Durban begin sak sien ons die baie karre onderkant ons. Weer wonder ek of ek die regte besluit geneem het maar besef dat dit in ons gesin se beswil is.

Die dag was te kort om huis te soek maar Annatjie en Joe sal intusen uitkyk vir n geskikte plek. Ons huis in Oos London word verhuur en ons besluit om te verkoop en in Durban te koop.

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Ek gesels met Marina se hoof en vra hom na die moontlikheid dat sy na Durban oorgeplaas kan word - iets wat amper onmoontlik lyk. Ons besef dat as sy nie oorgeplaas kan word nie sy sal moet bedank want sy sal nie alleen in Windhoek bly nie. ‘n Dag later deel hy ons mee dat sy na Durban oorgeplaas word - nog n stukkie geluk wat na ons kant toe val.

Juniemaand gaan soos ‘n droom verby. Ek het nou darem al die agste trappie op die bevorderinsgleer bereik maar dit het 30 jaar geneem om daar te kom. Deesdae word sommige lede aangestel met die rang van brigadier en selfs generaal. Gedurende daardie 30 jaar het ouma en die kinders my heeltyd ondersteun -iets waarvoor ek altyd dankbaar sal wees.

Die gerugte dat Suidwes onafhanklik gaan raak, word al meer. By sommige lede is daar bekommernis want dit beteken dat hulle verplaas sal word as hulle nie by die SWA Polisie gaan aansluit nie - iets wat net nie die aangewese was nie. Van die lede het eiendom daar, hulle kinders en al hulle familie is daar en vir hulle was n verplasing die laaste ding in hulle gedagtes maar nou is dit n sterk moontlikheid. Al die offisiere het egter nie probleme nie want van hulle het huise in die Republiek en hulle familie woon ook daar.

Daar word tydens ‘n vleisbraai van ons afskeid geneem. Ek is eerlik as ek sê ouma en ek het ‘n traan gestort. Om van sulke goeie vriende afskeid te neem is nie maklik nie. Die aand toe ons vertrek is al die offisiere en hulle gades op die stasie om ons te groet. Dit was van die moeilikste afskeidsoomblikke wat ek ervaar het. Ons trek die 12 keer.

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REMINISCES OF A RAILWAY POLICEMAN Keith Alfred Adolf Blake • NURSE'S WRATH The newly graduated nurses in 1893 had to recite what is called the Nightingale Pledge and some of the words and I quote: ".... To pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully ......and to devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care" unquote. In modern times a number of institutions have modified or dropped this pledge.

Now you are wondering what has this to do with a Spoorie, well, let me explain. I have mentioned that for a few months I was seconded to the Johannesburg Truck Theft Unit in the late 1978 early 1979. Now we started work in civilian clothing from 15h00 till normally 06h00 the next morning if all was normal.

This one morning we came back at about 05h15 with our team. We decided to leave at 05h20 but book off at 06h00 but if anything happened on the way we were to notify the sergeant so that he can change the time back to 06h00 on our time sheets.

I greeted everyone and had to on my way home to Hillbrow pass through Johannesburg station. As I walked through, I met and greeted my friends still on duty and on patrol in the 1st class concourse.

I walked up those long steps out of the station and then on top of the stairs to my right was the entrance to the Paul Kruger with those beautiful neat kept lawns. In front of me across the road was our Commissioner’s Head Office. All of a sudden, I heard this female's voice screaming: "Help my, vang hulle, hulle het my beroof, vang hulle, vang hulle."

In the darkness I could see a white lady running pass the entrance to our Head Office and she was chasing two black males. The one suspect I saw had a women's handbag and reed bag in his hands and his friend nothing at all in his hands. I started to run towards them and shouted I was a police official and fired a warning shot into the neat green lawn with my Smith and Wesson 38 Special service revolver. When my shot went off the suspect who had nothing in his hands turned back and ran back pass the chasing female.

The suspect with the handbags ran to this right and turned up the road behind our Head Office. In my running I noticed that my complainant was a nurse in full uniform from feet to head. As I seconds later turned into the road where the suspect had run, he was nowhere to be seen. There were no cars parked in the road so where had he gone. I slowly walked down the dark pavement and then I saw this second shop that sold stoves and washing machines but the entrance was deep back in the glass alleyway. I then knew that the suspect can only be in this long doorway entrance and as my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw him with his back against the window and the two bags held in front of him. I told him I was Railway Policeman and I was going to arrest him. He came forward slowly all the time shouting over and over again 'It's not me It's not me."

While he came sideways towards me, I heard the distinct sound of him opening with his right hand an OKAPI knife. That's when I asked God to help me. I stood slightly back and pulled the hammer of the revolver right back for quick firing. The suspect still shouting it's not me rushed forward to use the bags to hit the revolver down and then stab me with the open OKAPI. At that moment I pulled the trigger. The sound deafened my ears and then I scream and on turning around was the suspect I had shot him sideways along his back and next to him was the OKAPI. I grabbed my handcuffs and tied the suspect hands behind his back he was now wounded, bleeding and laying on his stomach. At that moment the nurse in full uniform ran towards us and shouted: 'DIS HY. DIS MY SAKKE". The next moment instead of living out the NIGHTINGGALE NURSES 92 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

PLEDGE ON THE INJURED SUSPECT, SHE KICKED HIM WITH THOSE NURSE ISSUE POLISHED SHOES SMACK IN HIS MOUTH. Shocked I watched she set up another kick when I gently stopped her. I later realised after the scene was taken over by the Hillbrow police that if you are a victim sometimes oaths and pledges are during the pain forgotten if only for a moment.

• COLUMBO'S CHRISTMAS DAY CASE My favourite detective series was Columbo. The way he laid out at the end all the factual and prima facie evidence after using all his senses of observation to bring the suspect to book just amazed a person. The story I am about to tell you let me personally live out a Columbo conclusion just made for Hollywood.

In the late 1980's one Christmas morning I received an early morning visit from a doctor, his wife and a seaman employed by Sealink. Apparently, the doctor and his wife had sold their house on land and now bought a home on water a yacht. This new home needed some repairs and so it was now berthed high in the air on a slipway behind the old Dock Restaurant at the Pierhead Table Bay Harbour. The Sealink seaman was on the previous day the 24th December had been paid by the doctor to help renovate the yacht while he was on standby by the Sealink quarters a little way from the slipway. I noticed that the seaman was wearing a one piece overall and on the back in large letters was written the word SEALINK. This morning the doctor and his wife went back to their yacht and discovered their very expensive camera missing. I accompanied the trio back to the scene of the crime. The doctor unlocked a chain and it released a ladder and with this ladder we climbed onto the yacht. My questions and observations told me that this ladder was the one and only entrance to home sweet home, the yacht unless you were a replica of spiderman. The doctor showed me the only entrance to the living quarters of the yacht and this area was the place where the moonlighting Sealink seaman had done repair\renovation duties. The doctor and his wife were busy most of the time in the front portion of the deck of their yacht. I noticed a lot of valuable items in the living area of the yacht and according to the doctor and his wife the camera was the only item stolen\missing. Everything was as it was the previous day and there was no sign of breaking in. There were also watchmen on duty and these two on a relief basis were way past 60 and could no way be considered to any dare enter any physical competition involving minimum energy or motivation. Ember all the time I am making notes and applying the reasonable man criteria.

We all departed to the charge office and I the doctor and his wife alone and making again notes off their response and answers to my questions. I then questioned the Sealink seaman and also noted his response and answers to my questions. I after this interview called the doctor and his wife alone into my office and told them on my observations and circumstantial evidence, I know that the Sealink seaman had definitely stolen the camera. The response was not what I expected, they did not for all the tea in China believe that he could have stolen their camera.

The wife insisted that her husband make no criminal case of Theft as we will use force in our questioning of the seaman. I responded that no barbaric measures would be used by me and that they should have more faith in the S.A. Railways Police in trying to find their camera. They both left and gave me a contact number if I should hear of their missing camera. I did not divulge my "Columbo's theory of their unreported case, that I was leaving for the Sealink seaman and I was very determined to erase the perception the doctor's wife had of the S.A. Railways Police.

• COLUMBO'S CHRISTMAS DAY CASE - CONCLUSION After the doctor and his wife left, I called the Sealink seaman into my office and applied my "Columbo" findings

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1) I asked him if he was not hot with the one piece overall. He responded that even though he was on a standby basis he must wear his overall at all times properly and in so doing he showed that he was an employee of Sealink.

2) I asked him then why yesterday according to the doctor and his wife, that when they had finished and climbed off the yacht his overall was folded down to his waist and tied together by the two sleeves to keep the overall around the waist. Is that not against company policy as he had just told me.

3) "You were all the time working in the living quarter area and out of sight of the doctor and his wife.

4) "Why only the expensive NIKON camera and not the many other valuables?"

5) "This morning the ladder was still locked with a lock under the yacht."

6) "The watchman was on duty the whole night wide awake and is therefore not a suspect."

7) "The only suspect is you; you took the camera folded your overall down to your waist, knowing it is against company policy. A normal person when going from the yacht to your work place would have pulled up the overall so you will not get in trouble BUT the problem was you had hidden the camera from the doctor and his wife in the fold of your overall and kept it hidden by tying the two sleeves together."

8)"Does my story sound familiar and how more to a court of law"?

He responded after a while by saying the following: "Meneer net soos meneer gepraat het, so het dit gebeur, ek het die kamera gesteel." He took us to a road in the Bo-Kaap told us to wait and five minutes later I had the Nikon camera in my possession. He was released and then I phoned the doctor and told him I needed to see him.

When he arrived, I handed him a bag and when he opened it, he was so happy to see his missing camera. I received a hug and he asked how can he ever repay me and my response was: “DOCTOR YESTERDAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY, TODAY IS CHRISTMAS, I WISH YOU AND YOUR WIFE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MY CHRISTMAS WISH IS THAT YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAVE FAITH IN THE POLICE. WE ARE NOT BARBARIANS WE ARE DOING YOU A SERVICE ENJOY THE RECOVERY OF YOUR CAMERA GOD BLESS"

BRIG GAWIE GREYLING: SA POORWEGPOLISIE, SEKRETARIAAT VAN DIE STAATSVEILIGHEIDSRAAD EN SA POLISIE AP Stemmet Hennie, Brigadier Gawie Greyling (Afgtr) is op 5 April 2022 ‘n dag na sy 84ste verjaarsdag oorlede.

Ons twee se paaie het in die vroeë 1970-tigs vlugtig gekruis. Die jong kaptein Greyling was toe by die S A Spoorwegpolisie op Jan Smutslughawe. Hy het beïndruk...

Daarna tot 1981 het ons gee kontak met mekaar gehad nie. Toe het die opdrag van die Eerste Minister gekom: DIE VYAND IS BESIG OM DIE PROPAGANDASTRYD TE WEN. DOEN IETS DAARAAN.

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Ek het die taak gekry en moes dringend personeel met die nodige kundige vermoë kry. 'n Klein groepie persone in staatsdepartemente is geïdentifiseer. Ons het ‘n besondere soort mens gesoek.

Oa is Gawie Greyling, toe al ‘n kolonel geïdentifiseer en deur die SA Spoorwegpolisie na ons gesekondeer.

Gawie was spoedig een van die sleutelpersoneellede by die SSVR. Hy het ‘n groot rol gespeel in die ontwikkeling van en toepassing van strategiese kommunikasie. Sy sterkpunte was sy sin vir dissipline, sy toewyding en absolute lojaliteit. Sy vermoë om oorspronklik nuwe gedagtes te opper en om met teenmaatreëls teen vyandige optrede te kom, het van hom ‘n ideale strategiese kommunikasiebedrywer gemaak.

Ek onthou een van Gawie se eerste dae by die Sekretariaat van die Staatsveiligheidsraad: Ons moes ‘n baie moeilike interdepartementele aangeleentheid hanteer en as fasiliteerder tussen botsende departemente optree. Daar was niemand anders beskikbaar om die vergadering te lei nie en Gawie is by die diepkant ingegooi. Een moedswillige amptenaar het elke voorstel vir die oplossing van die probleem afgeskiet met: "Voorsitter die probleem is". Gawie het die probleem gou diplomaties maar streng opgelos deur die persoon en andere te dwing om saam met elke probleemstelling ook ‘n moontlike oplossing voor te stel. Die moeilikheidmaker kon nie ..

Gawie was ‘n uitstekende leier wat met uitstekende logika en nuwe denke altyd ‘n oplossing vir ingewikkelde probleme gevind het. Baie van sy netjies geformuleerde verslae en voorstelle is woordeliks na die Staatspresident deurgevoer. Hy het ‘n sleutelrol in die Tak Strategiese Kommunikasie gespeel en vir seker die vyand baie hoofbrekens besorg.

Ek onthou een baie suksesvolle projek waarby Gawie betrokke was en wat baie verwarring in vyandelike kringe veroorsaak het. Die nuusbrief van die ANC berig toe oor die geval soos volg: "Do not listen to these people. They are befx%*king the minds of our people.

Na sy aftrede is hy deur my ingeroep om die Raad van Balju’s te help vestig. Hy is as Adjunkbestuurder van die Raad van Balju’s aangestel. Dit was ‘n splinternuwe terrein wat hy in kort tyd baasgeraak het. Daar het hy sy veelsydigheid bewys deur vinnig hierdie Raad te help vestig. Hy het vinnig ‘n deeglike studie van die baljuberoep gemaak en is kort na sy aanstelling in beheer van opleiding van, en dissiplinêre optrede teen balju’s geplaas. Met ‘n beroep wat aan vyf en vyftig wette onderhewig was, was dit geen geringe taak nie.

Een van sy groot take was om die nie bestaande getrouheidsfonds van balju’s te ontwikkel. Hierdie fonds wat noodsaaklik was om die publiek te beskerm, het nog nie bestaan nie. Met absolute toewyding het hy gehelp dat die fonds binne enkele jare tot miljoene gegroei het Selfs voor die insluiting van onafhanklike en selfregerende state by die RSA het hy die probleem van onopgeleide balju’s aldaar geïdentifiseer en planne beraam om hulle aan boord te kry.

Met sy hulp kon groot dele van die Wet op Balju’s herskryf word om dit meer doeltreffend vir die nuwe Suid Afrika te maak. Na aftrede van die bestuurder het hy ‘n tyd as bestuurder waargeneem en is na sy eie aftrede as konsultant aangestel. Daarna is hy telkens ingeroep om probleme op te los.

Ons eer sy nagedagtenis as n lojale vriend en bekwame skerpsinnige kollega wat van alles wat hy aangepak het ‘n sukses gemaak het.

A P Stemmet

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BRIG GAWIE GREYLING HB Heymans

Hy was my kollega by die SSVR. Hy was ‘n vriendelike man. Hy het die voorreg gehad om Dr Jonas Savimbi van UNITA te ontmoet - HBH 96 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

2022-04-12: Huldeblyk Gawie Greyling. NG Kerk Bloubergstrand.

AP Stemmet Gawie wou ‘n eenvoudige begrafnis hê. Ek kan vandag hier in die kerk sien dat die familie sy wense eerbiedig. Hy wou ook nie n formele begrafnis hê nie. Dit het ons eerbiedig en dit is n intieme familie-diens.

Gawie was ‘n ernstige mens naar kon lekker lag en het ‘n uitstekende humorsin gehad. Ernstige mens maar het tog ‘n goeie humorsin gehad.

Ons twee se paaie het in die vroeë 1970tigs vlugtig gekruis. Die jong kaptein Greyling was toe by die S A Spoorwegpolisie op Jan Smutsluggawe.

Ek is nie van plan om u iets te vertel van die projekte wat Gawie by Landsveiligheid gedryf het of aan deelgeneem het nie. 'n Klein venstertjie sal darem vir u oopgemaak word waardeur u kan loer.

Net so ‘n bietjie !

Na Jan Smuts tot 1981 het ons geen kontak met mekaar gehad nie. Ek was by Tak Landsveiligheid van die Departement van die Eerste Minister toe die opdrag van die Eerste Minister gekom het: DIE VYAND IS BESIG OM DIE PROPAGANDASTRYD TE WEN .DOEN IETS DAARAAN. Ons het die taak gekry en moes dringend personeel met die nodige vermoë kry. 'n Klein groepie uitgesoekte persone in staatsdepartemente is geïdentifiseer. Ons het ‘n besondere soort mens gesoek. Oa is Gawie Greyling, toe al ‘n kolonel, geïdentifiseer en deur die SA Spoorwegpolisie na ons gesekondeer.

Gawie was spoedig een van die sleutelpersoneellede by die SSVR. Hy het ‘n groot rol gespeel in die ontwikkeling van en toepassing van strategiese kommunikasie.

Van ons personeel is in die buiteland opgelei. Gawie was een van ‘n klein groepie wat na die Fu Shing Kang universiteit in die Republiek van China vir opleiding gestuur is. Selfs oorsee is sy vermoëns en leierskapsvermoë raakgesien. Die kursus wat hy gedoen het, was ‘n internasionale een. Suid Afrika was gelukkig dat ‘n RSA - kursusganger as kursusleier aangewys is: GAWIE GREYLING. Ons het die Eerste Minister se opdrag suksesvol uitgevoer. Binne en buite Suid Afrika.

Sy sterkpunte was sy sin vir dissipline, sy toewyding en absolute lojaliteit. Sy vermoë om oorspronklik nuwe gedagtes te opper en om met teenmaatreëls teen vyandige optrede te kom, het van hom ‘n ideale strategiese kommunikasiebedrywer gemaak. ALLES WAT GAWIE AANGEPAK HET, HET HY MET OORGAWE GEDOEN. As hy sy kop op iets gesit het, het niks hom gestuit nie. Karolien sal ook daarvan kan getuig.

Baie van sy netjies geformuleerde verslae en voorstelle is woordeliks na die hoogste gesag deurgevoer. Hy het n sleutelrol in die Tak Strategiese Kommunikasie gespeel en vir seker die vyand baie hoofbrekens besorg.

Ek onthou een baie suksesvolle projek waarby Gawie betrokke was en wat baie verwarring in vyandelike kringe veroorsaak het. Die nuusbrief van die ANC berig toe oor die geval soos volg: " Do not listen to these people. They are bef%*,king the minds of our people. " Beide ons twee het om ons eie redes verkies om vroeë pensioen te neem en albei het onbewus van mekaar in die Kaap kom woon. Hy in Melkbosstrand en ek in Hermanus... Ons was nie meer 97 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

saam toe ons afgetree het nie. Ek glo Gawie was op die punt om tot generaal-majoor bevorder te word.

Na sy aftrede toe weer ek weer ‘n moeilike taak gekry het, het ek Gawie se hulp ingeroep. Hy is deur my versoek om die Raad van Balju’s te help vestig en is as Adjunkbestuurder aangestel.

Dit was ‘n splinternuwe terrein wat hy in kort tyd baasgeraak het. Daar het hy sy veelsydigheid bewys deur vinnig hierdie Raad te help vestig. Hy het vinnig ‘n deeglike studie van die baljuberoep gemaak en is kort na sy aanstelling in beheer van opleiding van en dissiplinêre optrede teen balju’s geplaas. Met ‘n beroep wat aan vyf en vyftig wette onderhewig was, was dit geen geringe taak nie. As ervare speurder was hy in sy element.

Een van sy groot take was om die nie bestaande getrouheidsfonds van balju’s te ontwikkel. Hierdie fonds wat noodsaaklik was om die publiek te beskerm, het nog nie bestaan nie. Met absolute toewyding het hy gehelp dat die fonds binne enkele jare tot miljoene gegroei het Selfs voor die insluiting van onafhanklike en selfregerende state by die RSA het hy, versiende, die probleem van onopgeleide balju’s aldaar geïdentifiseer en planne beraam om hulle aan boord te kry. Hy het my gewaarsku dat hierdie mense soos ‘n sak patats op ons afgelaai sou word. Toe dit gebeur, was ons reeds in die veld met opleiding danksy Gawie.

Met sy hulp kon groot dele van die Wet op Balju’s herskryf word om dit meer doeltreffend vir die nuwe Suid Afrika te maak.

Na my aftrede het hy ‘n tyd as bestuurder waargeneem en is na sy eie aftrede as konsultant aangestel. Daarna is hy telkens ingeroep om probleme op te los.

Ons eer sy nagedagtenis as ‘n lojale en trotse polisieman, vriend en bekwame skerpsinnige kollega wat van alles wat hy aangepak het n sukses gemaak het.

A P Stemmet

Vlag van die Kaapkolonie

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99 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

KRYGSGESKIEDENIS | MILITARY HISTORY

GROETE: MEV MARIE GELDENHUYS (SAW)

Mev Jannie Geldenhuys het pas 87jaar oud geword! Sy stuur groete aan al die Veterane van die SAW. 100 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

SA SEAWARD DEFENCE WATERHOUSE HALLIFAX Mark Naude

FORCE:

REAR-ADMIRAL

GUY

Rear-Admiral Guy Waterhouse Hallifax Chief Seaward Defence Force 1939-41 Since it is the SA Navy's 100th birthday April this year may be a suitable cover or feature image?

Source: National Portrait Gallery

REAR-ADMIRAL GUY WATERHOUSE HALLIFAX Capt Charles Ross (SAN – Ret) Good Day Brig.

Thank you for the e-mail.

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Unfortunately, not much. I attach the info that I was able to get.

I have also attached a photo of the grave of those killed in the aircraft crash in the Plumstead Cemetery, cape Town.

Yours Aye. Charles.

• SA NAVAL MUSEUM 28 March 2021 Admiral Guy Hallifax - 28 March 1941.

Today we commemorate the untimely passing of Rear Admiral G.W. Hallifax CMG, the first director of the Seaward Defence Force, the forerunner of the modern day South African Navy. A Lockheed Lodestar aircraft that carried him and five other passengers on a flight from Walvis Bay to Cape Town flew into high ground near Baboon Point close to Elands Bay with total loss of live, on this day eighty years ago. Hallifax was instrumental to raise the SDF to a capable wartime organisation at the stormy start of World War II. Today the curator of the SA Naval Museum Cdr Leon Steyn and WO1 (Ret) Harry Croome; representing the Naval Heritage Trust; unveiled a small plaque near the crash site, in honour of Hallifax, the crew and the other passengers that lost their lives in this tragic accident. We thank local enthusiasts Mariëtte Louw Capes and Emré Forster that have kept the memory of the event alive.

Their regular visits to the site have unearthed an interesting array of artefacts, that will be displayed at the Naval Museum in Simon's Town during the month of April.

• SA Naval Heritage. Day by Day. Chris Bennett 28 March 2021 28 March: 1941 Rear Admiral G W Halifax CMG, the first Director of the Seaward Defence Force was when the SAAF Lockheed Lodestar aircraft in which he was returning from Walvis Bay crashed in heavy mist when it hit a hill near Baboon Point, 74 Km north of Saldanha, all 10 servicemen on board perished.

• Naval Heritage Trust: Day-by-Day: Chris Bennett. 27 August 2019 28 August: 1940 The Chief of the General Staff instructs the Director Seaward Defence Force, Rear Admiral Halifax to advance the preparations for the occupation of the port of Lourenço Marques [now Maputo] to prevent the Axis Navies getting access to the facilities (Operation ‘Z’) one stage further and move the vessels and personnel concerned in accordance with plans already made but temporarily suspended. Operation ‘Z’ was in effect never executed although the orders for it were never cancelled. Further details can be found in ‘The official History of South African Naval Forces during the Second World War’ as well as in the book ‘Iron Fist from the Sea’.

• Commander Leon Steyn 6 August 2014 One of a number of photos recently donated to the SA Navy Museum.

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Notes on back of photo read: "This is the aircraft in which Admiral Halifax flew to Walvis Bay. He did not trust it to get him back safely, so he hitched a lift with a Lockheed Ventura with fatal results".

Referring to Rear Admiral Guy Hallifax (Director Seaward Defence Force) killed on 28 March 1941 Baboon Point, Elandsbaai in a Lockheed Lodestar.

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• Grave: Plumstead

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1881: FIRST ANGLO BOER WAR: MAJUBA

Mount Prospect Cemetery, South Africa.

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ANGLO BOER WAR: ACTION AT NIEUWELANDEN (ZEEKOEIRIVIER), ABERDEEN 6 & 7 APRIL 1901 Via Peter Greef: Wes-Kaap Heliograaf - Jan 2022 - WK nr. 16 - Western Cape Heliograph The farm Nieuwelanden (Zeekoeirivier), now known as Newlands, lies on the Zeekoei River near the base of the Camdeboo mountains, approximately 10 miles north of Aberdeen. At the time of the Anglo Boer war, it was owned and occupied by a Mr Probart and his family.

Position of the farm Nieuwelanden (Zeekoeirivier/Newlands) Captain F.B.J. Stapleton-Bretherton (Imperial Yeomanry) arrived at the farm with orders to block the mountain passes in the vicinity and to flush out the Boer forces of the Malan and Scheepers Commando. His force arrived at 17h20 on the 6th April 1901 in pouring rain and consisted of about 110 men drawn from the 5th Lancers, 32nd Company 2nd Battalion Imperial Yeomanry and Nesbitt’s Horse. Captain Stapleton-Bretherton evidently told Mr Probart that he intended “to capture Malan and take him to Aberdeen after breakfast”.

With only an hour of daylight left, the farmhouse was entrenched and stone sangers with gun ports constructed around the house and on the high ground north and south of the farmhouse. The sides of the dry riverbed were also occupied. The horses and mules were kraaled under the protection of a Colt gun positioned on the ridge adjoining the house and every officer and man was placed on duty that night.

Ignoring a continuous downpour, a force of approximately 400 Boers under the command of Commandant Wynand Malan descended from the Camdeboo mountains and surrounded the farmhouse during the night and surprised the British force at sunrise on the 7 th April 1901. Maritz guarded the road to Aberdeen, Scheepers occupied the koppie north of the house, and Piet Van der Merwe, Lieutenant Cloete and 21-year-old Johannes Rudolph led the attack.

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Piet Van der Merwe was cutting a fence when a guard challenged him and when the first shot was fired the guard fled. Then Lieutenant Cloete shot a guard at the house and brisk fire was exchanged between the Boers under Maritz and the troops protected by the stone sangers with gun ports.

Scheepers men crept behind the battery of the Colt gun and wounded the gunners.

The 5th Lancers under Lieutenant Jones (who was wounded) in the sangers lost their cover when the Colt gun was captured, and they found themselves under heavy fire from Scheepers’ men on the ridge above compelling them to surrender at about 08h00. Captain Stapleton-Bretherton with the Imperial Yeomanry then retired to the sheep shed. De Kersauson and Piet Joubert were firing on the troops in the shed when Malan rounded the corner of the house with a group of prisoners.

With all the Boers’ fire concentrated on the sheep shed and after twice refusing to surrender, the British gave in at 11h00 on the third summons, as the Boers were preparing to use dynamite to displace the British troops in the sheep shed, and were firing into an open door in the shed. The action was over when an officer of Nesbitt’s Horse walked out displaying a piece of white linen.

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Action at Zeekoei River (Newlands) – 6th & 7th April 1901 Only a young Lieutenant Fletcher, and 25 men managed to escape. About 62 men, including Captain Stapleton-Bretherton and Lieutenant Arbuthnot, were captured. The latter two being kept prisoners for a few days before being allowed to walk back to Aberdeen, minus Captain Stapleton-Bretherton’s golden chestnut horse, Kristan, which was commandeered by Manie Maritz who in turn gave his horse, Alice, to Gideon Scheepers. Trumpeter D. Martin and Saddler Peck of the Imperial Yeomanry were promoted to Corporals for their conspicuous gallantry under heavy fire during the action.

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Sheep shed with adjoining ridge (B) 109 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Out-Building (C)

Remains of the stone sangers on the ridge on the ridge at Zeekoei River

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A breakdown of the British casualties was the following (according to the casualty roll which seems the most accurate source)5th Lancers Killed in action/died of wounds 4907 Private H.J. Fleming – killed in action (6 April 1901) 5429 Private E.E. Gatfield – died of wounds (15 April 1901) 4832 Private H.D. Thompson – died of wounds (6 April 1901) Wounded in action 2nd Lieutenant J.H. Anketell-Jones – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 4022 Sergeant Major Aston – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 4609 Sergeant Kibbler – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 5288 Corporal Gibson – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 4969 Private Bayley – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 3181 Private Cattle – dangerously wounded (6 April 1901) 5108 Private Molone – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) Taken prisoner of war on the 7 April 1901 (later released) 5131 Trumpeter E. Grant 5428 Private McCane 5426 Private J. Buckley 5406 Private T. McKinstay 5453 Private Campbell 5428 Private A. Mobey 4918 Private E. Cartell 5522 Private P.J. O’Regan 5416 Private D.J. Courcey 5425 Private J.H. Pickthall 5512 Private G. Cripps 5572 Private F. W. Philips 5595 Private Davis 5550 Private G. Robinson 5458 Private E. Duncan 5481 Private A. Stevens 5408 Private Green 5132 Private J. Summers 5497 Private T. Hayes 5423 Private G.Thurlly 5840 Private C. Hughes 5378 Private J. Werndly 5157 Private R.S. Johnstone 111 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

32nd Company 2nd Battalion Imperial Yeomanry Killed in action/died of wounds 8948 Private R. Collinge – died of wounds (7 April 1901) 8974 Sergeant A. Owbridge – killed in action (6 April 1901) Wounded in action 8986 Private T.L. Bryham – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 8946 Private A. Eden – slightly wounded (6 April 1901) 8941 Private C. Featherstone – severely wounded (6 April 1901) 9008 Private A.G. Gilbey – slightly wounded (9 April 1901) 8968 Corporal J. Hill – severely wounded (6 April 1901) 9050 Private R.S. Ince – slightly wounded and taken prisoner of war (7 April 1901) - later released Taken prisoner of war predominantly on the 7 April 1901 (later released) Captain F.B.J. Stapleton-Bretherton 8997 Private W. Corney Lieutenant E.J. Stourton 8939 Private J. Dancer 9003 Sergeant Major J.J. Lewis 8954 Private P. Duxbury 8897 Quarter Master Sergeant W. Addis 9044 Private E. Edge 8960 Staff Sergeant P. Wilcox 8932 Private Fairclough 8947 Sergeant W. Eddleston 8923 Private Green 8950 Sergeant R. Miller 8884 Private J.W. Higginson 8965 Lance Corporal E. Makinson 8931 Private Hodson 8891 Lance Corporal F.W. Laurence 9000 Private Hopkins 9006 Trumpeter D. Martin 9009 Private F. Hughes 8999 Saddler R. Peck 8964 Private A. Martland 8952 Private J. Barton 8942 Private S. Pickervance 8995 Private M. Blackledge 8969 Private L. Ramsay 8901 Private E. Bridge 8929 Private Swire 9052 Private J.C. Cook 8958 Private J. Watson 8906 Private H.J. Cook 8979 Private J. White Nesbitt’s Horse Taken prisoner of war on the 6 April 1901 (later released) Lance Corporal Fisher Trooper Foxcroft Trumpeter Howard Trooper Hatton Trooper Amos Trooper James Trooper Armstrong 2nd Brabants Horse 5103 Trooper A. Thiessen – killed in action (7 April 1901) Cape Colony Cyclist Corps 31072 Private Liebenberg - severely wounded in action (6 April 1901) Bringing the British losses to a total of 6 men killed in action or ultimately died of wounds (initially buried on the farm but later reinterred to the Aberdeen cemetery), 14 men wounded in action and 62 men taken prisoner of war (later released to walk back to Aberdeen).

No Boer casualties are recorded, and the Boers replenished their supplies by taking the wagons, 90 horses, 18 mules, a Colt machine gun and 50 civilian coats.

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Events recorded by Major Shute at Graaff-Reinet after the action at Zeekoeirivier are the following; 9 April 1901 – Lieutenant LJ Stourton with released men of the Imperial Yeomanry and 5th Lancers arrive in Graaff-Reinet at 19h30 10 April 1901 – 5 members of young Lieutenant Fletcher’s Imperial Yeomanry, who managed to escape during the action at Zeekoeirivier, were ordered to patrol towards Graaff-Reinet and were captured by the Boers and released.

11 April 1901 – Captain Stapleton-Bretherton wired from Aberdeen that he had been released. He was ordered to return by train to Graaff-Reinet with all the dismounted men.

12 April 1901 – Captain Stapleton-Bretherton and Lieutenants Arbuthnot and Jones arrive in GraaffReinet in the evening. A boy of Geoghegan’s Scouts arrived at midday and reported that Geoghegan and 4 men had been captured 6 miles north of Aberdeen, by Malan around 20h00 the previous night.

13 April 1901 – Malan reported to be at De Hoop west of Kendrew heading towards Charlwood siding and Scheepers had crossed the railway line and headed towards Pearston. The armoured train was sent down the line at 21h00.

14 April 1901 – Court of inquiry at Graaff-Reinet into the Yeoman disaster at Zeekoeirivier and also on Lieutenant Arbuthnot who was caught together with members of the 2 nd Brabants Horse on the 30 March 1901.

16 April 1901 – The case of Sergeant Major Aston (5th Lancers), who accused 2 men of Nesbitt’s Horse and Quarter Master Sergeant Addis (Imperial Yeomanry) of cowardice was investigated and summary thereof ordered.

18 April 1901 – Court of inquiry heard into 5 men of 32 Company Imperial Yeomanry, who were captured at Zeekoeirivier. Sergeant Major Aston (5th Lancers) severely reprimanded and evidence taken into the report of cowardice on the part of men from Nesbitt’s Horse.

Colonel Priestly was sacked as Commandant of Aberdeen.

British troops captured by Gideon Scheepers at Zeekoeirivier 113 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

British graves in the Aberdeen cemetery

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British memorial - Aberdeen cemetery

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QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDALS TO BRITISH TROOPS INVOLVED IN THE ACTION AT ZEEKOEIRIVIER

REFERENCES: Aberdeen of the Cape - Wendy van Schalkwyk (Page 73) City Coins medal auction catalogue 71 (Page 157) Commandant Scheepers and the search for his grave - Taffy and David Shearing (pp 80,81) Malan attacks Richmond-Taffy and David Shearing (pp 47, 48, 49, 50, 51) The Anglo Boer War 963 days - Pieter G. Cloete (p 252) 116 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

The South African War Casualty Roll Treinvernielers - T. Schutte and P. Coetzee (Private publication) Further commentary from the Editor Further to the Zeekoeirivier action, some extra background about our Mr. Probart, who farmed at Nieuwelanden at the time. Extracts from this I translated freely from H.J.C. Pieterse’s book on Genl.

Wynand Malan’s War adventures. These can be read between the pages 167 to 175 (Chapter V) and is quoted in Malan’s own words: “A certain British officer with some 500 troops - Genl. Maritz mentioned 300 - intended to overrun me in the Camdeboo and, as mentioned to others, to bring me to Aberdeen in person. He was so certain of this that he requested that the British Commandant keep a breakfast ready for him ‘and Malan’ the next morning! That very same evening he arrived at the farm ‘Newlands’, owned by an Englishman by the name of Probart, about a half-hour by horse from my camp at ‘Middelplaas’, belonging to a Daantjie du Plessis.”

“Here at the foot of the Camdeboo it appeared that this officer’s wish to engage with us cooled down somewhat and he decided to rather wait for us to attack his force. He had stone breastworks piled on the hills around the farmhouse and also placed troops in the stables, kraals and outbuildings.

Through the walls of the ‘bywoner’ house - disregarding the fact that it also housed a wife with kids - he had broken many loop-holes, converting it into a kind of fort. At sundown my scouts informed me of this military presence on Probart’s farm, which I initially disbelieved but when this was confirmed, it was decided to attack it at dawn.”

“Tom du Plesses from Middelplaas knew the outlay of Probert’s farm intimately and was of much use to us. Prior to attacking the farm buildings, I did something I’ve never done before. Having heard that Probart was violently anti-Boer, most probably by having been fed negative information at times, my intention was for him to get to know us in our true form. I therefore wrote the commanding officer a note that more or less read as follows: “As you’ve taken cover in civilian buildings occupied by women and children and seeing that you have no hope to escape, you’re hereby instructed to vacate those buildings and surrender forthwith.

Should you refrain, compelling me to attack, the consequences will need to be yours”.

“The officer responded that he would not surrender and that reinforcements were on their way. He had a point as Aberdeen was close by, but he erred in that he relied too much on those reinforcements. This force - some 150 men - were ambushed by five of my men and they fled all the way back to Aberdeen. By the time I had the officer’s written reply in my hands, those five men had already re-joined me and could I inform him that the relief column he relied on had been driven off.

I then repeated my demand for his surrender. All of this was exchanged in writing (of which I retained copies).”

“After a second refusal to surrender, I ordered the attack. At first, I had my men shoot out the doors and windows of the farmhouse, although I knew that (by then) there were neither troops nor civilians inside. Probart himself sat in the corner of one of the rooms; none too happy! Once I saw that those doors and windows were sufficiently destroyed, I had this stopped and had the men fire at the stables and outbuildings. Everywhere the troops started to surrender after some lack-lustre resistance.

Those in the ‘bywoner’ cottage took longer to surrender, but did so once they begun to suffer from shots through the holes.”

“Scarcely did the white flags come up, Probart, very furious, demanded to see the Boer Commandant. Very agitated, he launched numerous accusations; especially as his home was by then gravely damaged. I went and showed him the many loop-holes, remarking that the building was actually converted into some fort. “But”, I said to him, “invite me inside and we’ll talk about this.

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And, I want the British officer present too.” Probart, however, was much too cross for all this and I then handed him the correspondence, asking him to judge for himself.”

“Probart read, cross-checked and read again. His change in attitude was now just as sudden as it was remarkable. Where before he was cross, he was now furious! Shoving the pages under the officer’s nose, he shouted: “What’s the meaning of this? You’re the reason for all of this! What does this look like now?” The officer made no reply, nor offered any explanation.”

“It needs to be said that from that day onwards, Mr. Probert became very much pro-Boer. I need to state that Probart happened to be rather aggressive by nature. He was large and powerful and his neighbours were quite intimidated by him! Being somewhat hard of hearing, he also talked very loud.”

J.A. Smith (author of ‘Ek Rebelleer’ and also from Aberdeen) knew Probart very well and confirmed all that Malan wrote. He also recalled seeing the large frame of old man Probart walking through the streets of Aberdeen, arms swinging, with his little old lady trotting a step or two behind!

1893: THE OLD FORT IN JOHANNESBURG Jennifer Bosch Built by President Paul Kruger in 1893, the Old Fort, formerly the Johannesburg Jail is just seven years older than the city itself. Originally established to house the criminals produced by the rising mining town, the prison became the city’s first military fort after the Jameson Raid in 1896, when the British attempted to overthrow the Boer government.

This led to the Boers building the fort’s ramparts between 1896 and 1899, only to lose it to British hands in 1900 during the South African War (the Second Anglo-Boer War). When the war ended in 1902, the fort became a prison once again, though this time under British control, with Boer soldiers imprisoned within their former fort.

The Old Fort confined a number of prominent political prisoners during its 100-year history, including South African Communist Party leader Joe Slovo, who served time here during the State of Emergency in 1960, offering legal counsel to warders and prisoners during his incarceration. *Ghandi was also imprisoned for 2 months in January 1908, but was released within 19 days. * *https://www.sahistory.org.za/archive/gandhi-prisoner) Nelson Mandela was also twice imprisoned within the fort’s walls. Deemed too influential to be housed with black prisoners, Mandela was the fort’s only black prisoner and served time here in 1956, while he waited at the fort’s Awaiting Trial Block to be transferred to Pretoria for the Treason Trial, and then again in 1962, after being arrested outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal. It was this arrest that would lead to his 27-year imprisonment.

In 1983, a century after it was first built, the Old Fort ceased to operate as a prison.

[Source: www.constitutionhill.org.za/sites/site-oldfort#:~:text=Built%20by%20President%20Paul%20Kruger,older%20than%20the%20city%20itself.]

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Photographs coloured by Jennifer Bosch

Above: 1-Blue Plaques at the Old Fort - Eric de Jager.

Below: 2- Raising the British flag over the JHB fort - May 1900 - H Teper -C-

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3 -Then and Now - JHB Fort under British Flag

4-Then and Now - Portal of the Fort at Johannesburg, occupied by the Cheshire Regiment, Boer War, S.A', 1899 120 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

5 -Then and Now - Inside the Fort at Johannesburg, occupied by the Cheshire Regiment, Boer War, S.A', 1899 - Our History in Colour.

6 - Cornelis Broeksma -AFRIKANERKULTUURDAGBOEK on FB Broeksma was an attorney from Holland, and during the Anglo Boer War he lived and practised in Johannesburg.

He also visited the concentration camps in the city.

Appalled by what he saw, he started recording the number of deaths. This information made its way in code to London, via Amsterdam, but along the way it got into the hands of the British. Broeksma was arrested, tried for treason on September 30, 1901 he was executed by firing squad at the Fort. He was buried at the Fort but later exhumed and buried at the Braamfontein Cemetery.

[South African History on Face Book & www.joburg.org.za]

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7 - Stereocard of view from old fort – N Moolman

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8 - The Fort in Johannesburg after the British took the city ...ABW N Moolman

9 - Johannesburg fort - British heliograph - May 1900 FB 123 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

10. - Illustrated London News – 1900 124 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

11 – The Fort in the Present-day Johannesburg – Google

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12 - Old-Fort – Johannesburg - Ramparts – Research Gate

13 - Adolf Schiel, Commander JHB Fort & Fortress Artillery Corps. 1899. FB 126 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

NB: Thought you may want to include this one Hennie. I have added the info/comment that MC Heunis supplied on the group. Originally from Nico Moolman.

"Boer 6.3-inch RML howitzer bought from the Cape Colony in 1882. It was not used in the Boer War and only did noon-gun service in the Johannesburg fort. The same gun, no 33, today stands in front of the Ladysmith Town Hall. Somehow it was exchanged with the howitzer "Castor" from the siege."

- MC Heunis

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INDIA AND THE ANGLO BOER WAR

Group of Bengal Lancers at the Remount Depot Kroonstad.

2nd Madras Lancer: Stellenbosch Remount Camp Yes, we Boere fought the whole British Empire – However we fought nearly three years!

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BRIG-GENERAL KEVIN MOONSAMY Vinesh Selvan Introduction The South Africa Air Force’s transition into democracy from a predominantly white institution to one of a multicultural organisation post democracy, gave many previously disadvantaged members the opportunity for career progression in aviation and military sectors. One of the notable career paths is one of Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Kevin Moonsamy, MMM, PSC(j), SDSP. (Author)

Childhood General Moonsamy is a fourth-generation descendant of the Indian labourers brought to work on the sugar plantations in the Port of Natal by the British in 1860. Born in Westbrook on the Sugarcane Estate of Mt Edgecombe to Mr. and Mrs. Pillay, the family was forced in 1983 to relocate to Phoenix. The difference in surname has been problematic status quo within the Indian community with many families losing their original surname through child birth registration. General Moonsamy matriculated at Earlington Secondary School in 1985 to the north of Durban in Kwa Zulu Natal.

Early Military Career The General enlisted in the South African Navy as apartheid restrictions hindered many Indians from joining other arms of service. The Naval programme to enlist Indians into the SAS Jalsena Corps seem to be the only viable option and in 1987, General Moonsamy took his first step into the start of his military career. In 1989, a career opportunity to change arm of Service presented itself and he subsequently transferred into the South African Air Force into the 508 Protection Squadron. In 1996, General Moonsamy became the first drill and physical training Instructor of Indian descendant within the South African Air Force and was immediately accepted on Officer’s formation course at SA Air Force College. On completion of the Officer’s formation course, he was awarded the prestigious Officership trophy and in 1997, appointed as a training officer at SA Air Force Gymnasium with the rank of Lieutenant.

Career Achievements Brig Gen Moonsamy was awarded the Military Merit Medal in 1999 for outstanding service to the South African National Defence Force and country. In 2000, he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of 508 Squadron, at Air Force Base Durban with the management of base security.

General Moonsamy attended a Military Assistance training programme in Canada for a year in 2003 and completed 4 years as a staff officer at Directorate Operational Support & Intelligence Systems managing all security operations and performed various Military Liaison Officer Duties for the Department of International

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Relations and Cooperation. He travelled internationally in pursuit of enhancing military co-operation between South Africa and other countries including countries affected by war like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Senior Staff Appointments In 2006, he completed his Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme at the South African National War College and received the award for the best Command Research Paper from a SA Air Force student. Brig Gen Moonsamy was then appointed as the Chief Instructor at the SA Air Force College from Jan 2008 till Dec 2010 and was entrusted with shaping future officers. On 01 Jan 2011, he was appointed as the first Indian Officer Commanding of the SA Air Force Gymnasium managing the development of aspiring new recruits to the South African Air Force. He attended the Security & Defence Studies Programme in 2015 at the South African National Defence College.

On 01 January 2017, he was promoted to Brigadier General with appointed as Director Education Training and Development, managing all developmental training, engineer studies, technical training, tertiary studies, pupil pilot and navigator training within the South African Air Force. Brig Gen Moonsamy is currently the only serving General of Indian descent in the SA Air Force. General Moonsamy together with his wife Janessa, a Warrant officer Class 1 (WO1) in the Air Force in the Logistical field, will take up their new posting of Defence Advisor (DA) in the Republic of India with effect from 01 May 2022 for a period of four years. This marks a historic moment as Gen Moonsamy will be the first officer of Indian descent from the South African Air Force to be deployed to India as a Defence Advisor. His core focus as a DA will be to pursue and protect the national interests of the Republic of South Africa, advance military co-operation between the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa and to market brand South Africa to India and the world.

Brig Gen Moonsamy obtained various tertiary qualifications during his outstanding service of 35 years to the South African National Defence Force and his country. The most memorable moment in his career was when he had the opportunity to spent time with His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela (Madiba). His moral compass is his wife WO1 Janessa Moonsamy and their two children, Corporal Sven Moonsamy also a serving member of the South African Air Force and their daughter Serenell Moonsamy.

His motto in life is…

“Do the right things right on the most difficult day even when nobody is looking and make a difference to those coming after us - Brig Gen Kevin Moonsamy”

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General Moonsamy and WO1 Janessa Moonsamy

Corporal Sven Moonsamy (left) also a serving member of the South African Air Force and their daughter Serenell Moonsamy.

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NKWE YA SELEFERA DECORATION FOR BRAVERY: FLIGHT SERGEANT VASUDEVAN SELVAN (SAAF) Vinesh Selvan Flight Sergeant Vasudevan Selvan (then Sergeant) (Photo), was deployed in Bujumbura, Burundi on Operation FIBRE in February 2002. On February 2002, he was at the South African National Defence Force base camp performing combat search and rescue tasks.

At 23:00 on 20 February 2002, he displayed exceptional courage whilst in grave danger.

There was an attempt to murder on a Special Forces Officer. The unarmed Officer, after an unsuccessful attempt to disarm his attacker, fled towards the camp of the South African Air Force personnel with his assailant in hot pursuit.

The wounded officer requested a weapon in order to act in self-defence. Flight Sergeant Selvan reacted to his cry for help, closed-up on the Officer and positioned himself in the line of fire, in order to fend-off the attacker. The Officer was shot once more and realised that he had placed the lives of the other soldiers in danger. Flight Sergeant Selvan deliberately took a firing position. This courageous and daring action gave the wounded officer opportunity to escape.

Flight Sergeant Selvan remained in his firing position, despite the fact that he was exposed due to the non-availability of cover. After drawing effective fire from the attacker and being wounded in both legs, Flight Sergeant Selvan returned fire and wounded the assailant. As a result of his action, he effectively neutralised the attacker, thus saving the life of a seriously wounded Officer. He also ensured that the fire of the assailant harmed no other soldiers in the vicinity.

Flight Sergeant Selvan’s operational readiness, aggression, sound judge, courage and willingness to sacrifice his life to save the life of a Special Forces Officer made him a worthy recipient of the NKWE YA SELEFERA decoration for bravery.

Medal number: 001.

Photo of F/Sgt Selvan and of Medal - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nkwe_ya_Selefera (21 April 2022)

1975: ANGOLA: PORTUGUESE REFUGEES SKELETON COAST CONVOY: PART I (SPECIAL REPORT) Tony Fernandes Here is a remarkable airlift – 10 – page Special Report, as told by Colonel Niel Malan, Commander and pilot of one Super Frelon Helicopter, sent to rescue the refugees, of 120 women and children, the aged and their personal possessions, from first the mouth of the Cunene to Angra Fria, (now Cape Fria) in his Super Frelon Helicopter and then (all over) again to Möwe Bay, together with a DC 3 Dakota Aircraft. Colonel Niel Malan was central to the whole operation. …………………………………………………

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PART 1 THE STORY OF THE ANGOLAN REFUGEES STRANDED IN THE NAMIB DESERT (AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER 1975) Prologue This story is narrated by Col Niel Malan, SAAF helicopter pilot. As far as he can recall, his co-pilot during this period was Capt Kevin Anderson and the flight engineer, F/Sgt Groenewald. Another young technical apprentice was a temporary part of the crew. The prologue was deemed necessary to sketch a background of the environment in which the SAAF operated in SWA an Angola in the earlier years, and to give an insight into the problems experienced during this rescue. Whenever the writer refers to ‘we’ in the document, it means ‘the crew of the helicopter’.

SAAF helicopter pilots of the time were quite experienced operators by the time that Operation Savanna started, as they had been active in low intensity operations in South West Africa (now Namibia) and Angola since 1966. Before 1975, most helicopter pilots were involved in combined antiterrorist operations, autonomous operations, and even low-level conventional operations, deep into Angola together with their Angolan counterparts.

They were accustomed to operating independently.

The Super Frelon helicopter – Johannes Botha Communication with the forward command post in Rundu SWA was at best, very poor. Few aircraft could communicate with their operational headquarters outside VHF range (very high frequency short range communication). Due to that shortcoming, many operations could be classed as autonomous operations that were conducted by the senior officer of the forces involved, once 133 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

outside communication range. The only long-range communications available in the operations room were one or two antiquated KWM2 HF (High Frequency) radios.

Aviation fuel was always a planning consideration. When conducting combined operations with the Angolan forces, fuel was mostly provided by them. Initially the SAAF used Alouette III helicopters used relatively little fuel. Many operations were conducted where the SAAF had to provide fuel deep into Angola. Later years when the SA Army became involved, fuel placement became their responsibility. After more bases were established, fuel supplies and communication improved considerably. Larger helicopters were now also operating, which increased the problem of fuel placement. The Super Frelon used 6 times more fuel per hour than the Alouette and the fuel had to be pre-positioned by trucks on a day-to-day basis at main bases, or other locations as required.

The Super Frelon helicopter was one of the only aircraft used at the time which had a full communication suite. That did not mean that communication with the operational headquarters was trouble free, as the ground radios could only be contacted during certain times of the day on various frequencies. The helicopter had high density seating for 27 passengers and used fuel at a rate of 1200 litres per hour (6 x 200lt drums). To fill it up completely, 22 x 200lt drums were required. Fuel had to be pumped out with a small motorized pump which took a number of minutes per drum.

The First Day Operation Sausage, a forerunner of the well-known Operation Savanna, was coming to a close and the 7 Super Frelons that took part were returning to Rundu. During the flight I was tasked to change course and proceed to the Skeleton Coast to assist a couple of refugees who were stuck in the desert. No further detail was supplied or available. Anybody who knows, will tell you that the Skeleton Coast is one of the most inhospitable, driest and uninhabited coasts/deserts in the world.

Anyone stranded there could easily perish if they are not properly supplied with water and food.

We thought it would be relatively easy to fly there, pick up the couple of refugees and return to Ruacana, Rundu, Grootfontein or even Windhoek, where the refugees could be handed over to the authorities. The coast was about 500km from my position. The only fuel en-route was at Ruacana, where we refuelled. Ruacana is 270km from the coast. We proceeded to the Cunene River mouth and flew south along the beach. About 20km down the coast we found some refugees and their vehicles which were stuck in the sand. It was now late afternoon.

After landing and switching off, we told the refugees that we were there to rescue them and take them somewhere where they could be transported to safety. And this is where the problem started.

We had great difficulty in explaining to them that they could not continue on their own in this desert which stretched for hundreds of kilometres to the South and East; there was no civilisation, population, water, food or roads. Our proficiency in Portuguese was just about nil. None of the refugees wanted to board the helicopter for two reasons; all their worldly possessions were packed into their vehicles; and they did not wish to be separated from their families or the rest of the group.

What rest? Was there more? We then found out that most of the group of vehicles and refugees were further down the coast. When asked how many, they estimated the group to be in excess of 200, with about 70 vehicles. Most of the vehicles were medium to large trucks, with about 10 sedan vehicles. This bit of information changed our total planning. The scope of the rescue operation was much larger than realised by us or our headquarters. What now? We told the first group that we would fly further South until we found the rest of the group and would return the following day.

When the rest of the group was found and spoken to, it was decided that more support was needed.

The sheer number of people to be airlifted, together with the huge bulk of their belongings, could not be done effectively with the single helicopter from there.

It would take too much time, while the remainder would still need water and food. What was needed in text book survival terms, was protection, location, water and food. And added to that, we required 134 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

a large amount of fuel and a translator. Due to the distances involved, it would take too long for supplies to be transported by specialised vehicles. That meant it had to be flown in, but where was the closest landing strip?

From memory I recalled a shack on the beach at Angra Fria which could provide some shelter.

There also used to be a landing strip on the sand nearby. This was about 100km South of where we found the last group of refugees. We did not have sufficient fuel to fly there, and also to return to Ruacana. We decided that once airborne, we would immediately try to contact our base in Rundu, explain the dilemma and ask for the assistance we required. If it could not be provided, we would be forced to leave the area and return directly to Ruacana. Fortunately, the communications worked.

Should the other 6 Super Frelons be available, the whole group, with their personal possessions, could be airlifted to Ruacana in three sorties per aircraft. This option was not possible as the aircraft were not available, and it would mean that all the refugees’ vehicles would have to be abandoned.

The operating costs of these helicopters would also make the rescue operation very costly. The alternative would be to make one DC3 available for flying fuel and supplies into the area, provided that the landing strip at Angra Fria could accommodate an aircraft of the size of a DC3.

After arriving at Angra Fria, we proceeded to inspect the old shack and the landing strip. The shack barely provided shelter, but it was the only shelter anywhere around, and better than being exposed to the harsh elements consisting of strong winds, sea mist and cold at night. The old air strip was marked on either side by rusted 200lt fuel drums. We walked the whole length of the runway, repositioned the drums that were scattered about, inspected the surface and measured the length.

The surface looked acceptable to us, but we were not transport specialists and were unsure if the length would be sufficient for a laden DC3. Once this task was completed, we once again started the Frelon, and climbed to gain sufficient altitude for radio communications. After relaying our observations to Rundu, they confirmed that a DC3could land in that distance with about 2000kg of freight. The decision was taken to make one DC3 available for the time required to complete the rescue operation. It would continuously transport fuel from Ruacana to Angra Fria. With sufficient fuel, we could fly the refugees to Angra Fria. Rundu was asked to arrange for the South African Police to be alerted to send specialised vehicles up the coast to assist in retrieving the vehicles. A Portuguese translator was also urgently required. It was a very long day, dark by now, and our fuel depleted.

The Rescue Operation Day 1 We had no idea when we could expect the DC3, as we could communicate only when airborne, and thus could do little but wait. The same applied to the poor refugees stuck along the beach. The DC3 had to fly the 900km from Rundu to Ruacana, load the 10xfuel drums and then fly to Angra Fria. There were no fork lifts to assist with loading, and it had to be done manually. By about midday on the second day, the DC3 arrived at Angra Fria. It had two missed approaches on the short runway, but eventually it landed safely. The pilot, Cpt Piet Le Roux, said that landing on the uneven, short sandy runway, was quite difficult and required a lot of experience and skill. The DC3 had 10 drums of fuel on board as calculated, and Le Roux confirmed that it was the maximum weight that could be delivered there at any time, due to the shortness and condition of the runway. Once again, the drums had to be manually removed and rolled through thick sand to a position where the helicopter could refuel. The 10 drums represented about 90 minutes of flying for the helicopter. As requested, a translator was brought along, but the water requested was forgotten. That oversight could have been serious. The DC3 also left before logistical arrangements for the supply of foodstuffs could be completed. Special authority had to be obtained from Pretoria to supply food to non-military personnel. The DC3 departed to Ruacana to continue loading fuel. This process 135 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

continued for the whole week of the rescue operation, and a maximum of two loads per day could be delivered. Most days, only a single load.

Day 2 Fuelled up for only 90 minutes, we departed with the helicopter and translator to the most Northern group of refugees. During flight we once again contacted Rundu to provide and receive updates.

We were told that the SA Police (SAP) would assemble a convoy in Windhoek and travel by road to Möwe Bay, which is where the bad dirt road stopped. From there, they would follow the coast until they met up with the refugees, and assist with salvaging the stranded vehicles. It was estimated that they would reach Angra Fria in about 5 days. We stressed the importance of food and water and informed them that we would attempt to get everyone to Angra Fria. Neither the refugees or us had water to drink. It must be remembered that the crew of the Frelon were under the impression that they were to pick up some refugees and return. They did not know that they would be staying in the desert for some length of time. They carried only emergency rations of food and water, which by now was depleted. Some of the refugees had drunk only beer for some time. Through the translator, lengthy discussions with the refugees followed, where we explained the situation to them in detail. They had no idea how inhospitable and large the area was where they were stranded, and how precarious their situation really was.

During the discussions, the refugees related the background of their fleeing from Angola. When the Civil war got worse, they decided to travel South from Angola. The existing roads South were too dangerous and they decided to follow the Angolan coastline South to the mouth of the Cunene River.

They were told by somebody that they would have no problem travelling South from the river mouth, as an asphalt road could be found a few kilometres further on which would take them all the way to Cape Town! At the river, they built a large ferry to cross the river. This was a major project which took more than a week to complete. The vehicles that were to make use of the ferry ranged from small sedan cars to large very heavy trucks. The refugees and constructors of the ferry were unsure of the amount of weight it could carry. The heavy trucks were offloaded and the vehicles and freight were transported separately in most cases. While there were still many vehicles on the Angolan side, a large truck was loaded. The owner claimed that it was empty, and that it did not weigh much more than the truck itself. Halfway across the ferry overturned, due to excessive weight. It was then found out that the owner had a full load of beer in the truck which he did not want the others to know about.

His plan was to sell the beer once in safety and have some non-Angolan currency available. At the time, the Angolan currency was worthless outside the country. With the ferry sunk there was no other way to cross the river, and many families were stranded. (Their fate was unknown to the refugees. We have not heard anything about them since that time, and it might be another interesting story to research).

NOTE: (Please see footnote at end of Section) Once the refugees regrouped on the Southern side of the river they left, travelling down the coast in convoy. After some kilometres, the heavier trucks started getting stuck more often than the others.

Instead of assisting each other, the ones that could still move, left the others behind, each to their own fate. The largest vehicles were therefore the ones stranded first. Here it must be mentioned that the group was by no means a homogeneous group, but rather individual families unknown or related to each other, all with different backgrounds. They thus had no loyalty or any ties to each other. This also became evident later. Somewhere during that time, they wrote ‘help’ on the sand, hoping to attract some attention from aircraft. Without this action, they could possibly all have perished. There were few aircraft that flew up or down the coast. At the time of turmoil in Angola, no Angolan aircraft flew in that area, nor did commercial aircraft from South Africa or SWA operate in that area. Once every two weeks, the SAAF conducted maritime patrols with Shackleton or DC3 aircraft around the whole of the South African coast and SWA. The latter was under South African 136 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

administration at that time. Luckily, one of these patrols flew over the coast in good visibility and spotted the ‘help’. They dropped some water and rations by parachute and alerted Maritime Command, who relayed the information up North to Rundu. About two days later we started the rescue. Should these patrols have taken place two weeks later, the refugees would probably all have died?

With the information that their vehicles would be salvaged, they were more prepared to allow their wives and children to be airlifted. The men refused to abandon their vehicles. The trucks were packed with all their earthly possessions, and some of them still had some foodstuffs available.

Most had no food, as they could not have foreseen the time it would take from their original departure points, until they would be safe and cared for. In order to allow for better progress through the sand, we suggested that they deflate the tyres and get rid of unnecessary weight in the trucks. Some did that, but the others refused to act on this tip. One truck would throw out mountains of old used newspapers and magazines, but the discarded items were just as soon picked up by other refugees.

This made their progress even more precarious.

The vehicles were stranded with one here, two a little further on, and so forth. The implication for us was to start up the helicopter, fly for a kilometre and land, shut off engines and repeat the discussions and information. It must be mentioned that starting the three-engine helicopter is a lengthy process. When the second and third vehicles saw some of the refugee women and children on board the helicopter, they were also prepared to allow their families to board. As stated, the helicopter had seating for 27 passengers, but no more than 10 could be transported at a time. This was due to the huge volume of blankets, clothing and personal items brought along by each refugee.

There were mountains of goods, which took up all available cabin space.

We could only do two trips with refugees to Angra Fria on the second day, before most of the fuel was used. We had about 25 women and children at Angra Fria by now. They, and us, needed food and water.

Not knowing when, and if, the DC3 would return that day, we had to turn our attention to water and food. Where do you obtain that in the desert? From some corner of my memory, I remembered a place called Orupembe, which was South of Marienfluss, and nearly directly East of Angra Fria. I could remember that there was a wind pump and reservoir. This literally was all that there was in Orupembe. Maybe we could get water there. We calculated that we could fly the 140 km there and back with the remaining fuel. We could not use the newly used drums of fuel for storing water, as the water would be contaminated by the fuel. We then walked along the rusted marker drums of the airfield and inspected each one, until we found one that was not too severely rusted on the inside. That had to do. We found Orupembe, which was no easy navigational feat. The concrete reservoir was there, but cracked from top to bottom with no water inside. In windless conditions, of course the pump did not produce water. Furthermore, the water pipe from the pump to the reservoir, stopped over the edge toward the inside. If we filled the drum, we would not be able to lift it over the side. To solve this problem, we smashed in the wall of the reservoir on the sides next to the crack, until it was wide enough to roll the drum through. This was hard work. To extract water, we thought that all we had to do was climb the tower of the wind pump, and turn it by hand. That was easier said than done. Anyone who has ever attempted to do that, will know what effort it takes.

The heavy windmill must be rotated about three times, before a cupful of water can be produced.

To fill a 200lt drum, is a mammoth task. The three crew members took it in turns until each was exhausted, and then the first one started again. Finally, we had our water drum filled, and rolled it out of the reservoir and up the ramp of the helicopter. In our state of exhaustion, we would not have been able to lift it into the helicopter.

On the way back to Angra Fria, the flight engineer spotted an Oryx on a sand dune. Food!!! With some expert flying, and expert airborne shooting, we had a lot of meat to feed the inhabitants of our 137 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

little community. The textbook rules for survival were complete for a while. There was protection from the elements, we were located in a known position, we had water and food.

Back at Angra Fria, once again empty of fuel, we put the water in a central place and started to slaughter the Oryx. A fire was made from driftwood found on the beach, about 700m away. Once again, a lot of physical toil. None of the refugees volunteered to assist with these tasks.

The DC3 returned with more fuel, but once again without water and food. It departed again at sunset with strict instructions about the water and food. It meant that with every drum of water, one less drum of fuel could be transported.

Some of the women baked bread with flour which they had brought along, but did not offer any to us or the other refugees. The Oryx was cut into very large pieces and all were told they could cut some meat for themselves. Some women would grab a large chunk, sufficient for many people, and walk off to hoard it for their families for coming days. At that rate, we would not be able to feed all for even one meal. We were about 30 souls by that time. The chunks had to be confiscated and the translator was then put in charge of the meat. He would cut and distribute portions for each person. After dinner, I heard a gurgling sound and found that some of the women had overturned the water drum and were washing plates in the streaming water!!! They were washing our lifeblood away. The translator was once again asked to inform them how precious the water was, and how difficult it was to obtain. From then on, he was also to ration the water per individual. That night two or three men in sedan vehicles arrived. As suggested, they had deflated their tyres and could progress down the beach.

Day 3 From this point on, we continued to pick up as many women and children as fuel allowed. About three trips could be made with the fuel. Once airborne the DC3 contacted us by VHF radio, and informed us it would arrive shortly. They promised that they would have sufficient time to bring a second load of fuel by the end of the day. They had not forgotten the water, but would bring rations with them on the return trip. They explained that all the available fuel at Ruacana was used up, and that the SA Army at Oshakati would replenish the stockpiles and provide ration packs before they returned. Good news!! No more turning the wind pump at Orupembe. With the extra fuel we would be able to transport most of the women and children to Angra Fria that day.

During the flying, all in short trips before landing again at the next group, the co-pilot was constantly attempting to communicate with Rundu. That day, we were not able to contact them. We needed to provide them with updates and inform them of future planning. We also needed to know if the SAP had made any progress with the convoy of specialised vehicles that was supposed to be enroute. In desperation, we contacted a SAAF radio station in Pretoria (ZRB). The communications were excellent and we could relay all information clearly. They were requested to contact Rundu and the SAP in Windhoek and relay the information and requests. They had problems contacting us with information, because we were not airborne for any long period at a time. It meant that we had to initiate contact every time, and then continue with the transfer of information. It was confirmed that the SAP were indeed on their way, and projected that they would be at Angra Fria within a further 3 to 4 days.

All the hard work up to then, was wearing us down. Not only were we to fly the helicopter, but acted as operational planners, did manual labour by filling up with water, rolling full fuel drums through sand, picking up driftwood 700m away, and acting as camp officials and food distributors. At that point, regulation stated that fuel drums could not be emptied completely. The last 75mm had to be left behind in the drum, because it could contain contaminates or water. From this point onwards, we used the remainder of the aviation kerosene in the drums for making cooking fires. This meant 138 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

that we need not walk 700m or more each time to gather driftwood. The smoke of driftwood fires had a terrible smell and burnt one’s eyes.

During that day, some more sedan vehicles arrived. The camp at Angra Fria was growing by the hour. There was insufficient covered area for all the refugees, and newcomers had to sleep outside to the leeward side of the building. As promised, the DC3 returned for the second time that day, with 9 x drums of fuel, water and ration packs. These were once again distributed per person.

Luckily, there were now many more people, some of whom we got to know well. It included the males who drove their sedan vehicles to Angra Fria. We could now pass some of the tasks over to the ones who saw themselves as leaders. These tasks included all camp arrangements, rationing of water and food, etc. Camp discipline was a problem at times where we had to intervene a couple of times to solve disputes. Discipline was now passed over to their leaders.

Day 4 Fuel was now arriving at two loads per day and we had sufficient for our immediate needs. The convoy of SAP vehicles consisted mostly of heavy 4x4 tow trucks. They did not cater for transporting more than 200 people out of the desert. Although we were slowly getting all the refugees together in one location, we had to start planning what to do with them after the SAP arrived. The closest place in the vicinity where a larger aircraft like a C130 could land, was about 40 minutes flying to the South. Möwe Bay had a reasonably acceptable dirt runway which was also quite long. We had already discounted the option of flying everybody to Ruacana which was very far and too costly, so Möwe Bay was the only solution. It was decided that once the SAP arrived, the whole group would be airlifted to Möwe Bay with the Frelon and DC3. Temporary accommodation/shelter needed to be erected there. Once they were all there, those that wished would be airlifted to Cape Town with C130 aircraft. The rest would travel by road with their vehicles in an SAP supervised convoy. South East of Möwe Bay, water was more easily obtainable and roads led from there towards Windhoek.

There were only two families living in Möwe Bay, being the local game warden and his assistant with their two wives. Apart from the 2 small houses, there was zero infrastructure.

Once again, flying time was used to communicate this plan to the authorities. It was the most costeffective way to solve the problem, and so the authorities agreed. They then started to do the further planning and liaison with the other government departments. The military were not responsible for anything but the initial rescue and airlift. Thereafter it became the responsibility of the SAP and the Department of External Affairs.

On this day, the remainder of the refugees were airlifted to Angra Fria. Upon obtaining confirmation that the SAP convoy was already halfway there, the males who stayed behind with their trucks, all agreed to be transported to Angra Fria and re-unite with their families. Distribution of food and water would then be much less of a problem. In the preceding days, we had to convey water to every stranded vehicle with pots and bottles borrowed from the refugees themselves. The Frelon did quite a number of trips that day, and eventually all were relocated.

Day 5 and 6 The Frelon would get airborne twice a day in order to communicate and check on planning and the progress of the SAP convoy. The DC3 continued to fly fuel in. There had to be sufficient fuel for a number of flights to Möwe Bay and the return flight to Ruacana.

The crew now had leisure time and spent a lot of time with various groups of the refugees. We became very friendly with most of them. They showed us rolls of banknotes of the Angolan currency which they hid in various places in their vehicles, amongst others, in the air cleaners of their vehicles.

They had to hide their cash, as roadblocks in Angola confiscated any money found. The volume of cash was considerable. Unfortunately, it had very little value outside Angola. Many wanted to sell 139 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

items to us for South African currency. These items included firearms of a large variety, mostly hunting rifles and handguns, whiskey, jewellery etc. We had not been at our base in Rundu for more than 3 weeks due to the operation that we conducted prior to this lengthy rescue operation. We thus had no cash to buy bargains or assist the refugees in obtaining SA currency.

Both the refugees and us were filthy by that time, as we had not had a shower for a considerable amount of time. Males and females went to the sea in turns to wash themselves. Not the best way, as salt water is sticky, but at least we were cleaner.

Day 7 and 8 By the end of day six, we were informed that the SAP convoy would arrive early the next day, and they were erecting a tent town at Möwe Bay with sufficient water and food. We now had a large stockpile of fuel. The DC3 slept over at Angra Fria that night, in order to assist with the airlift of the women and children to Möwe Bay the next day.

Once the convoy arrived, it was decided that everyone, except the drivers of the vehicles, would be airlifted. The convoy would then transport the drivers of the trucks up the coast and salvage the trucks. Many of the trucks had to be towed for large distances, and all of them got stuck a number of times. Once the trucks were all at Angra Fria, they, and the sedan vehicles, would leave for Möwe Bay in a large convoy.

The Frelon and DC3 started the airlift. It took quite a number of flights in both aircraft due to the large quantities of personal possessions which were with the families in Angra Fria. They did not want to leave the possessions for the convoy, as they were worried that others might steal it, and that it would weigh the convoy down, making passage even more difficult than it already was.

By the time the last refugee was settled in Möwe Bay late on day 8, the convoy arrived, as well as one C130 aircraft. We were no longer involved anymore in further planning, as the whole operation had now been handed over to the SAP and other officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, etc. How it was decided who would go where, and how all was arranged and carried out, was/is unknown to us. That in itself would be an interesting story. How many returned to Portugal, how many settled in South Africa or elsewhere, what did they do with all the vehicles, etc?

(Please see Part V).

One of the refugees who we became friendly with, a Mr. Celestino Martins, who now resides together with his family in Brazil, owned a hunting lodge in the South East of Angola. He had buried a large number of elephant tusks there, had another truck, and wanted to salvage them. The security situation in that part of Angola was not yet that serious and it would be feasible. He asked if he, his wife and son, together with his sedan vehicle could be flown back to Rundu with us. From there he would enter Angola from the Southern end and return to SWA. I agreed.

Once back in Rundu, we arranged for him to first meet officials from nature conservation in order to obtain permits for possessing and legally importing his ivory into SWA. That was the last we saw or heard of any of the refugees. It was a difficult mission, both mentally and physically. Despite that, we felt that a worthwhile job was done regardless of the difficulties experienced.

This story has never been written, as it was my opinion that there were more important events happening at that time. This was only one small event in the scale of the total operations in the operational area that we operated in, with relatively little impact, except on the refugees for whom, this was probably a life changing event.

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Footnote Through the Military Veterans Association of South Africa, the writer was kindly contacted by Major (later Brigadier) Koos Maritz, who narrated the following: •

A small group of refugees from Vila de Aviz (now Oncocúa) asked Major Koos Maritz, Company Commander at Ruacana – 1975, for authority and help to cross from Ruacana to Walvis Bay to re-join the original group of refugees on the Skeleton Coast.

•

Major Koos Maritz agreed and on the 10th August 1975, these refugees (approximately 40), in about 12 vehicles, were escorted in convoy by Lieutenant Lambrecht and two (2) Sections (20 of his troops) from Ruacana to Walvis Bay, via Windhoek.

•

On return to Ruacana, Lieutenant Lambrecht reported to Major Koos Maritz that he and his two (2) sections, had handed over this small group of refugees to authorities at the refugee camp at Rooikop Military Base in Walvis Bay.

•

According to his book called: O Adeus A África – Através Da Costa Dos Esqueletos, (Goodbye to Africa – Across the Skeleton Coast – (2nd Edition), written by Rogério Amorim, (Please see Part V), the Author, at the end of his book, mentioned that, soon after the original group arrived at Rooikop Refugee Camp in Walvis Bay, they were all happily reunited with the group that had remained behind, on the Angolan side of the Mouth of the Cunene, after their pontoon had sunk.

Special Thanks and Acknowledgments Many thanks Colonel Niel Malan, for imparting this incredible story! Through the newsletter for Military Veterans of South Africa, I was contacted personally, by Colonel Niel Malan and received the very kind, following article. It is an excellent, realistic story about the Angolan Refugees’ Rescue.

Colonel Niel Malan and his small South African Airforce (S.A.A.F) crew, certainly showed great courage and acted totally unselfishly. He took such care and went to great lengths in detail, to recount, for the very first time, (after 36 years), this remarkable, super-human-rescue-mission and airlift; in his Super Frelon Helicopter!

To Mr. Tony ‘Banana’ Alves, originally from Auanga (now Ohauwanga), now living near Chaves, Portugal, for kindly confirming that Mr. Celestino Martins, was the owner of a Hunting Lodge in the South East of Angola.

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SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE FORCE (SADF) ARMY YSTERVARK SELF PROPELLED ANTI - AIRCRAFT GUN (SPAAG) Wolfgang Witschas Introduction The Ystervark takes its Afrikaans name from the South African or ‘Cape’ porcupine. The world’s largest porcupines and an animal with a strong body and protected by an impressive array of spines to defend itself against predators a vehicle named for this animal should embody those characteristics. The Ystervark selfpropelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) is exactly that, a sturdy and robust vehicle evolved to suit the harsh Southern African environment.

Ystervark troop, live-fire training somewhere in South West Africa (year unknown). Source: 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Youngsfield Background The Ystervark is the basic mobile light anti-aircraft system of the South African Army. It is basically a Samil 20 chassis fitted with a full length mine protected hull with a GAI - CO1 20mm anti-aircraft gun fitted to the load bed. The gun is basically an updated version of the GAI - BO1 20mm gun capable of 1050 rounds per minute. The gun is fitted with a Delta IV reflector sight which can be set for targets with speeds up to 200 km/h and 900 km/h and can be illuminated at night.

Designed as a stop gap measure the system however has been forced to soldier on due to the lack of a decent self-propelled anti-aircraft system in the South African Army’s inventory. It was deployed in combat during Operations Modular, Hooper and Excite were it proved to be effective in keeping the Angolan and Cuban piloted Migs flying at high altitudes and also claimed the destruction of one aircraft during the attack

by Mig 21s against the Calueque dam in the Kunene River nearby Ruacana in 1988.

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Calueque Dam wall It has been supplemented in service by a number of Angolan- Russian supplied Zumlac systems which is basically a ZSU 23 - 2 fitted to a Kwêvoel mine protected truck.

Development In 1983/84, the South African Defence Force (SADF) Anti-Aircraft Regiments had to tow their anti-aircraft artillery which consisted mainly of GAI - CO1 20 mm AA guns. With the SADFs transition to mobile warfare, towing was no longer suitable. The first mobile anti-aircraft vehicle incarnation came into being in 1983/84 as the brainchild of Johan Craft. It consisted of a Mercedes Benz gun tractor on which three wooden railway sleepers fitted with bolts and blue wire to mount the gas-operated GAI - CO1 20 mm anti-aircraft gun/cannon.

From these test beds, the vehicle operational requirement was developed and tested, and requirements for further development were given to Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR), which included the need for a mine-resistant chassis. The latter test beds were relegated to a training role.

Mercedes Benz gun tractor fitted with the GAI-CO1 20 mm AA cannon on the back while shooting at Toothrock. Source: 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Youngsfield Facebook group.

In 1981, before the need for a mine-resistant light anti-aircraft capability had been decided, Project Sireb had been launched. This project produced three mine-resistant vehicles as possible replacements for the Buffel APC. These prototypes were based on the SAMIL 20 chassis and were fitted with a full - length mine - protected hull which had a much higher and beefier suspension than the basic SAMIL 20 truck, leading to better cross - country performance. Unfortunately, none of the prototypes was found to be significantly better than the Buffel and further work was needed. However, one of the prototypes, known as the ‘Bulldog’, was adopted by the SAAF as an APC for use in airfield patrols. The Bulldog would form the basis on which the Ystervark would be built, by removing the passenger tub and replacing it with a weapons deck.

The Ystervark was developed from the requirements for a mobile self-propelled and mine-protected vehicle

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to provide a light anti-aircraft capability and which could accompany South African mechanized battalions on combat operations. The Ystervark was also employed to protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the then South - West Africa (SWA) during the border war/ During Operation Thunder Chariot (1984), which was a division-sized exercise in South Africa, four Ystervarks were used operationally for the first time for evaluation.

The Ystervark’s first combat use was as part of 32 Battalion (32 Bn) in 1986. Its continued presence with SADF mechanized battalions during Operations Modular, Hooper, and Excite in Angola provided a sufficient deterrent against Angolan and Cuban piloted MiGs, who seldom flew very low and preferred to remain at high altitudes.

On 08 October 1987, one of two MiG 23 aircraft bombing the 61 Mechanized Battalion Group (61 Meg Bn) laager with 500 kg bombs was shot down by 32 Battalion Ystervark when it pulled up at its end bombing run.

On 17 March 1988, Cuban pilot Ernesto Chavez, flying a MiG 23, was shot down and killed by a Ystervark while flying over Cuito Cuanavale.

The SADF deployed the Ystervark with the permanent forces at 101 Battery and 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

With the conclusion of the Border War, the Ystervark was phased out in 1991 and replaced with the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected SPAA truck called the Bosvark. This was armed with a Russian twin ZU - 23 -2 mm gun. The Ystervark was officially withdrawn from service in 1997.

Bosvark: ZU - 23 - 2 AA Anti - Aircraft gun mounted on a SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël base (2020). It is unclear how many Ystervarks were produced although, it is estimated that at least 70. The Ystervark was only employed by the SADF. Design features The Ystervark was designed to maximize its crews` chances of survival when a mine was detonated anywhere under the hull. This was achieved through several key design elements, which included high ground clearance, a V-shaped underbelly, and a purpose-built strengthened upper design which reduced the risk of shattered or buckled hull plates that could become debris.

The African terrain, which in and of itself can inflict severe punishment on a vehicle, necessitates a robust design. The Ystervark’s design and simplicity made field repairs post-mine detonation possible, although very costly. A chassis-based MPV does not provide the same protection to the vehicle driveline when compared to modern monocoque hull design vehicles. Most parts could be obtained commercially, which made the Ystervarks logistical train shorter and specialized maintenance support in the field unnecessary

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Mobility The SAMIL 20 chassis was designed for difficult off-road applications in Africa. The suspension consisted of single leaf springs on the front axle and double coil springs on the rear axle. The Ystervark had a ground clearance of 460 mm (18.1 in) and could ford 1.2 m (3.9 ft) of water. The Type F6L 913 air-cooled 4 stroke Magirus Deutz 6 cylinder with direct injection engine produced 124 hp (20.4 hp/t) at 2,650 rpm and was coupled to a five-speed (four forward and one reverse) synchromesh manual transmission consisting of a two-shaft z-65 drive via a transfer case with pneumatically lockable planetary differential gear. The vehicle had permanent 4 × 4-wheel drive. The four wheels were 14.50×20 in size. The Ystervark could cross a 0.85 m (33 in.) ditch at a crawl. The front and rear axle consisted of a portal driving axle with a pneumatically lockable differential with a portal spur gear set.

Endurance and logistics The Ystervark had a 200 l (52.8 US gal.) fuel tank which granted it an operational range of 950 km (590 mi.) on-road and 475 km (295 mi.) off-road. Its maximum road speed was 90 km/h (55 mph) and 30 km/h (19 mph) off-road. A modular design allowed for easier maintenance and reduced logistical requirements.

Additionally, the domestic production of components made replacement easy and lowered the cost for parts.

A 100 l (26.4 US gal.) freshwater tank was located inside the V-shaped hull for the crew and was accessible via a tap located at the rear left of the lower vehicle’s V-shape.

Vehicle layout The Ystervark consisted of three main parts: chassis, armoured driver’s cab at the front right of the vehicle, and the weapons deck at the centre-rear, where the main armament was mounted. The engine was located at the centre front of the vehicle and the transmission in-between the engine and the armoured driver’s cab.

The engine and transmission placement facilitated easy replacement in the event of damage due to a mine detonation.

One of the first Ystervark SPAAGs taking part in exercise Thunder Chariot 1984. Source: F. Marais

The driver’s cab was surrounded by three rectangular bulletproof glass windows and had an unarmoured high-density polyethylene roof cover. The base was wedge-shaped and secured to the chassis. A single door was installed on the right side of the driver’s cab, as well as two steel steps for ease of entrance. The gear selector stick was located on the driver’s left-hand side, and a spare wheel was kept to the left of the driver’s cab. The crew seating was blast-resistant and designed to protect the spine in case of a mine detonation under the vehicle.

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Access to the weapons deck was gained via two incremental pairs of steel steps on either side, above the rear wheels. The weapon deck seating consisted of two seats in between the driver’s cab and weapons deck, each facing towards the rear of the vehicle. The crew commander sat on the seat directly behind the driver’s cab to facilitate communication with the driver through an opening at the rear of the driver’s cab. The gunner sat on the right-hand seat of the weapons deck. Both seats were equipped with harnesses to secure the crew in case of a mine detonation or accidental rollover. The middle of the left and right sides of the weapons deck contained horizontal hinged panels which could be opened outward via quick release when the main armament was to be used. The left and right panels could fold down all the way, while the middle-left panel only dropped down 45 degrees. While crossing uneven terrain at speed, the panels were secured in their upright position.

On the rear of the weapons, the deck was a sizable storage box manufactured from high-density polyethylene. The front lower part of the storage box was used by the passengers to store the spare kit, while the top part was for the driver’s use.

Protection The Ystervark could protect its crew against a single TM-57 anti-tank mine blast under the hull, which was equivalent to 6.34 kg (14 lb.) of TNT, or a double TM-57 anti-tank mine blast under any wheel. Its V-shaped bottom armoured hull design deflected blast energy and fragments away from the driver and weapons deck.

Plastic fuel and freshwater tanks were located within the V-shaped hull of the weapons deck. These tanks would help absorb explosive blast energy from a mine detonation.

The driver’s cab windows were all bulletproof. The armoured driver’s cab and weapons deck side panels were at least 7 mm (0.27 in) thick, offering protection against common small arms fire in the Angolan theatre.

These included 7.62 mm NATO and 7.62 mm AK-47 Ball ammunition, as well as explosive fragments.

However, the rear of the weapons deck, as well as the top, were exposed.

Ystervark on public display at the Pretoria Show 1991. The differences compared to the Buffel (below) are evident when comparing the driver’s cab location. Source: J. Botha

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Buffel APC. Source: P. Wiese Firepower The Ystervark`s main armament weighing in at 512 kg was a gas-operated GAI - CO1 20 mm anti-aircraft gun fitted to the weapons deck on three legs, two facing backward and one to the front. The GAI-C01 made use of a KAD-B13-3 cannon which fired from a single feed 75-round magazine from the right-hand side. The rate of fire was 550 rounds/min, which translated into nine one-second bursts before reloading was required.

Available ammunition included APHE, HE, and tracer. The HE ammunitions weighed 125 g and had a muzzle velocity of 1100 m/s, while the AP, weighing 110 g, had a muzzle velocity of 1050 m/s. The ammunition had an effective range of 2,000 m and the APHE could penetrate 15 mm of RHA at zero degrees at 800 m. The ammunition performance was more than adequate against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and soft and lightly armoured vehicles. A typical ammunition belt consisted of five or seven rounds of HE followed by an APHE one.

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The elevation was achieved with a handwheel and traverse with pumping pedals, making it somewhat limited in engaging fast-moving targets. The gun could elevate between -7 to +83 degrees and could traverse 360 degrees. The full range of elevation was, however, limited to some 270 degrees, as the driver’s cab is in the way.

Ammunition storage was limited to three bins located on the floor of the weapons deck, each of which housed two 75 round magazines (450 rounds total). During operations, this was increased to nine 75 round magazines (675 rounds total). The Ystervark primarily relied on resupply from a Kwêvoël - 100, ammunition vehicle for sustained combat operations.

Fire Control System The mount traditionally included an x1 sight for antiaircraft use and an x3.7 sight for ground targets. The Ystervark’s main armament was fitted with a Delta IV reflector sight which could be set for targets with speeds between 200 km/h and 900 km/h and could be illuminated at night.

GAI-CO1 20 mm anti-aircraft gun fitted a Delta IV reflector sight. Source 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Youngsfield Facebook group

Operational Use In 1986, the director of Air Defence Artillery decided to decentralize the Ystervark deployment. This consisted of troop-sized units of six vehicles with command and logistic vehicles assigned to mechanized battalions such as 32, 61, and 62.

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Ystervark troop assigned to 61 Mechanised Battalion Group, 1987/88, Angola. Source 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Youngsfield Facebook group

Ystervark troop with Kwêvoël-100 ammunition support vehicles assigned to 61 Mech. Foxtrot Bty at Ondangwa, 1988. Source: Robert Dixon Operational Doctrine “In Sept 1986, the Officer Commanding of 61 Meg Bn Gp, Kmdt K. Smith tasked the Foxtrot Bty Cmdr, Capt Deon Bornman to as a matter of priority formulate and practice the operational and tactical doctrine for the Ystervark to integrate and operate within in Mechanized Columns. The initial ideas were soundly based on the 61 Meg Bn Gp SOP. The concept of movement and manoeuvring with the mechanised forces was tested successfully in exercises that year. This became the new norm of Mobile AA in 1987. The era of AA protecting Echelon’s and static targets ended! This then became the standard operating procedure (SOP) for applying the Ystervark with mechanised units. The doctrine was introduced to the AA School and 101 Battery, 10 AA Regiment in 1989 and the official AA Battle Handling doctrine was updated. The Ystervark units moved along with their assigned mechanised battalions, either one tactical jump (100 - 200 m) behind the A Echelon or on the flanks of the force. As per enemy appreciations and the typical formations of own attacking forces, it was envisaged that an enemy air attacked will definitely come from the flank. The Ystervark could not practice fire and movement, as their main armament faced backwards and needed to be stationary to fire. This was a limitation but not a deterrent for operational deployment. Typical target protection was advancing columns and the protection of vital assets, such as headquarters, laagers and harbours, artillery, supplies or medical vehicles. The main advantage of the vehicle that it was in 100% of cases in operations ready to move and/or redeploy with 10 minutes that made the system adaptable and efficient as a deterrent.

Only on one occasion, in September 1987, was the Ystervark used in a conventional role during the ‘advance to contact’ with 61 Mech, when they due to the lack of enemy aircraft successfully attacked People’s Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) 47 Brigade ground forces. The Ystervark effectively engaged the

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visible vehicles, soft targets and infantry while protecting the flanks of the mechanized force.” Former Foxtrot Battery Commandr, Captain D. Bornman.

Ystervark crew from 32 Battalion with the external 800-liter fuel drop tank of a MiG-23ML which they shot down in 1987. Source: L. Scheepers A lack of armor protection necessitated extreme proficiency with camouflage as a passive defense. The Ystervark’s success lay in its presence as a deterrent, which resulted in very few enemy MiG sorties at treetop level. Those that did venture low were engaged.

Conclusion When the SADF transitioned from motorized to mechanized warfare, it required a SPAAG that could keep up with its mechanized units. The Ystervark was a stopgap designed to fulfill that need. Concerning mobility, the Ystervark was able to keep up with the mechanized units to which it was assigned. The Ystervark’s main armament had two limitations. The first was the limited number of rounds per magazine and the second that require manual aiming which limited its use against fast-flying jet aircraft. These limitations were somewhat negated by operating the Ystervark in troops of six vehicles. Despite the limitations, the Ystervark posed a credible threat against enemy aircraft, forcing them to remain at high altitude before bombing ground targets, which resulted in extremely low success. If the SADF did not have the Ystervark, Cuban and Soviet air-toground attacks against SADF mechanized forces in Angola would most certainly have been much bolder.

The Ystervark was the official combat vehicle for the Anti-Aircraft formation training and exercises at 101 Battery, 10 AA Regiment. It was withdrawn from front-line service in 1991 and formally decommissioned in 1997. A total of 70 Ystervark SPAAGs were built Ystervark SPAAG Specifications Dimensions: (hull) (l-w-h) 5,10 m – 2,05 m – 2,96 m (16,73 ft – 6,72 ft – 9,71 ft) Total weight: battle-ready 7,7 Tons Crew + mounted infantry: 3 Propulsion Type F6L 913 air-cooled 4 stroke Magirus Deutz six-cylinder with direct injection engine produces 124 hp (20.4 hp/t) at 2650 rpm.

Suspension: Single leaf spring on front axle wheels and double coil springs on rear axle Top speed road / off-road85 km/h (52 mph) / 30 km/h (19 mph) Range road/ off-road 900 km (559 miles) / 450 km (280 miles) Armament: 1 x gas-operated GAI-CO1 20 mm anti-aircraft gun Armour: 6-7mm (all arcs) Ystervark SPAAG

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Ystervark SPAAG in ready position

Ystervark SPAAG in travel position All Illustrations are by Tank Encyclopaedia’s David Bocquelet.

Bibliography Sources: Google: https.//tanks-encyclopaedia-com.cdn.ampproject.org • Borman. D. 2020. Foxtrot Bty Cmdr: history and operational use. Telephone interview. 22 April 2020.

• Blaauw, H. 2020. Former Ystervark operator: history and operational use. Telephone interview: 3 April 2020.

• Camp, S. & Heitman, H.R. 2014. Surviving the ride: A pictorial history of South African manufactured mineprotected vehicles Pinetown: 30° South Publishers.

• Heitman, H.R. 1988. Krygstuig van Suid-Afrika. Struik.

• Klopper, W. 2020. Project Officer on the Development of the Ystervark: history and operational use.

Telephone interview. 4 May 2020.

• Slabbert, M. 2020. Former Ystervark operator: history and operational use. Telephone interview: 30 March 2020.

• Van Heerden, P. 2020. Former Ystervark operator: history and operational use. Telephone interview. 3 April 2020.

Book: South African Arms and Armour A concise guide to armaments of the SA Army, Navy and Air Force Page: 91 Helmoed-Römer Heitman.

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SOUTH AFRICANS’ COMMONWEALTH WAR CASUALTIES BURIED ACROSS THE WORLD: PART FIFTY Captain (SAN) Charles Ross (SA Navy Retired) South Africans took part in almost every theatre of war during both the First and Second World Wars. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Casualty Data Base 7 290 (includes 607 unknown) First World War casualties and 9 986 (includes 84 unknown) Second World War casualties are buried in 1 207 cemeteries while 2 959 First World War and 2 005 Second World War casualties are commemorated on 48 memorials. This does not include the 1 750 members of the South African Native Labour Corps and the 306 from the South African Book of Remembrance, whose names are in the process of being added to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Casualty Data Base.

With South Africans having served far and wide, it is not surprising that you would find single or small group graves in cemeteries across the world. Here are some of those cemeteries where one or a tiny group of South Africans are buried.

• Perth Cemetery (China Wall): Belgium The cemetery was begun by French troops in November 1914 (the French graves were removed after the Armistice) and adopted by the 2nd Scottish Rifles in June 1917. It was called Perth (as the predecessors of the 2nd Scottish Rifles were raised in Perth), China Wall (from the communication trench known as the Great Wall of China), or Halfway House Cemetery. The cemetery was used for front line burials until October 1917 when it occupied about half of the present Plot I and contained 130 graves. It was not used again until after the Armistice, when graves were brought in from the battlefields around Ypres and from smaller surrounding cemeteries.

There are now 2,791 Commonwealth servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 1,369 of the burials are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 27 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials bear the names of 104 casualties buried in the cemeteries concentrated here, whose graves could not be found.

The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

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Seven South African casualties from World War One are buried in the cemetery.

• Potijze Chateau Lawn Cemetery: Belgium The Potijze Chateau Cemeteries.

The old chateau grounds at Potijze are the site of three Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries containing over 850 Commonwealth burials of the First World War. Potijze Chateau Grounds, Potijze Chateau Lawn, and Potijze Chateau Wood cemeteries were all formed in the spring of 1915 and used for the burial of Commonwealth soldiers until 1918.

For almost the entire period of the First World War the village of Potijze was held by the Commonwealth forces but stood directly behind the Allied trenches and was well within range of German guns. It was here that soldiers entered the communication and support trenches that led to the front-line. In the spring of 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, it was headquarters of the 27th Division, then under the command of Major-General Thomas D’Oyly Snow. The ground floor was later used as an Advanced Dressing Station while the first floor, which commanded views of the German lines, served as an observation post.

The architectural features of the cemeteries were designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in the 1920s.

Nine South African casualties from World War One are buried in the cemetery.

• Wytschaete Military Cemetery: Belgium Wytschaete (now Wijtschate) was taken by the Germans early in November 1914. It was recovered

by Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Messines on 7 June 1917, but fell into German hands once more on 16 April 1918. The village was recovered for the last time on 28 September. The cemetery was made after the Armistice when graves were brought in from isolated positions surrounding Wytschaete and small battlefield cemeteries.

There are now 1,002 servicemen of the First World War buried or commemorated in this cemetery. 673 of the burials are unidentified, but there are special memorials to 16 casualties known or believed to be buried among them. Other special memorials commemorate casualties known to have been buried at the Cemetery near Rossignol Estaminet, RE (Beaver) Farm and Rest and be Thankful Farm, whose graves could not be found on concentration.

The cemetery was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Eleven (one known and ten unidentified) South African casualties from World War One are buried in the cemetery.

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• Plymouth Naval Memorial: Plymouth United Kingdom After the First World War, an appropriate way had to be found of commemorating those members of the Royal Navy who had no known grave, the majority of deaths having occurred at sea where no permanent memorial could be provided.

An Admiralty committee recommended that the three manning ports in Great Britain - Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth - should each have an identical memorial of unmistakable naval form, an obelisk, which would serve as a leading mark for shipping.

The Plymouth Naval Memorial was unveiled by HRH Prince George on 29 July 1924.

After the Second World War it was decided that the naval memorials should be extended to provide space for commemorating the naval dead without graves of that war, but since the three sites were dissimilar, a different architectural treatment was required for each.

The extension was unveiled by HRH Princess Margaret on 20 May 1954. A further unveiling took place on 11 November 1956, when panels honouring those who died on shore, but who had no known grave, were unveiled by Admiral Sir Mark Pizey.

In addition to commemorating seamen of the Royal Navy who sailed from Plymouth, the First World War panels also bears the names of sailors from Australia and South Africa. The governments of the other Commonwealth nations chose to commemorate their dead elsewhere, for the most part on memorials in their home ports. After the Second World War, Canada and New Zealand again chose commemoration at home, but the memorial at Plymouth commemorates sailors from all other parts of the Commonwealth.

Plymouth Naval Memorial commemorates more than 7,200 sailors of the First World War and nearly 16,000 of the Second World War. More than a quarter of the men commemorated at Plymouth were lost at The Battle of Jutland which began on 31 May 1916. This includes most of the crews of the battlecruiser HMS Indefatigable and the armoured cruiser HMS Defence.

225 South African casualties from World War Two are commemorated on the memorial.

• Fayid War Cemetery: Egypt The cemetery was opened in June 1941 (as Geneifa New War Cemetery) for war burials from the numerous military hospitals in the area. It was planned by the military authorities for ultimate use as a garrison cemetery and was so used until Commonwealth forces finally withdrew from Egypt, the last burials being made in 1955.

The cemetery contains 765 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 190 of which were brought in after the war from the remote Qassassin African Cemetery, where permanent maintenance would not have been possible. The non war graves, those of members of the forces, their dependents and 154 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

civilian organisations attached to the garrison, number 616. There are also 440 war graves of other nationalities in the cemetery.

At the far end of Fayid War Cemetery stands the FAYID MEMORIAL which commemorates 265 men from East Africa, West Africa, High Commission Territories, Palestine, Middle East Territories and Sudan, serving either in their own forces or in Commonwealth units, who died in non-operational zones of Egypt and whose graves, so situated that permanent maintenance was impossible, could not be moved to a war cemetery on national or religious grounds.

• 81 South African casualties from World War Two are buried in the cemetery.

Penkoppe en Burgers: Tinus le Roux

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POLICE INTERNATIONAL

1938: FBI

1938 - FBI Agent with portable telephone - FB Heartfelt History

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STRATEGIESE DENKE

OEKRAÏNE: NA DIE RASPUTITSA, FASE 2 - DONBASS Dr. Willem Steenkamp My Grootneef, die bekende militêre historikus Willem Steenkamp, skryf nou die dag vir my dat hy laas in Oktober 1960 met die Kubaanse missiel-krisis die tipe maag-bollemakiesies beleef het wat hy nou weer begin voel oor waarheen hierdie stryd in Oekraïne goed moontlik kan beweeg (as die mense wat dit uitbuit en stuur, aanhou bly eskaleer en niks uit die geskiedenis wil leer nie...). ‘n Naar kol, gevoed deur ‘n al hoe onrustiger voorgevoel – gebore uit kille analise van wat die partye aandryf – wat ek moet sê ek dag-vir-dag ernstiger begin deel. Hierdie konflik kan nie meer net as ‘n plaaslike onderonsie gesien word nie. Dit hou uiters ernstige implikasies in vir die hele mensdom – ook dié wat nie wíl betrek word daarby nie: implikasies op die ekonomiese terrein, van honger, inflasie en resessie wat wêreldwyd aan’t uitkring is; plus dan die eksistensiële bedreiging vir voortbestaan, soos wat testosteroon toenemend die vingers wat kan reik na kernwapens, begin aanvuur...

Dit alles, ondanks die werklikheid op die grond dat (soos wat ons in einde Maart se analise voorspel het), April op die slagveld relatief stil was – hoofsaaklik, glo ek, a.g.v. die fisiese beperkings wat die lente-rasputitsa se modder altyd in daardie wêreld meebring. Dié probleem ontstaan wanneer die lente-reëns daar in daardie plat wêreld met sy diep, ryk swart grond begin uitsak en die sneeu op die bo-grond smelt, maar die onder-grond is steeds diep gevries. Die ys onder, vorm dan steeds ‘n ondeurdringbare laag sodat die bo-grond gevolglik dan ‘n mengsel van modder en opgedamde water word. Totdat, gewoonlik teen vroeg-Mei, die ondergrond genoeg ontdooi het om die pappery toe te laat om weg te syfer, en die son ook van bo begin uitdroog.

Die lente-rasputitsa en sy modder, wat al menige leër laat vasval het...

Krediet: Twitter – Saltley Gates

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Ek het daagliks die weer-rapporte uit die Donbass gevolg, en dis eers maar hierdie laaste week van April dat die konstante reën daar opgehou het; die maksimum temperatuur lê nog maar so tussen 15 en 21 grade, dus was dit tot nog toe onmoontlik om weg van die grootpaaie af te begin opruk (iets wat koning Karel Xll van Swede, Napoleon en Hitler ook op hulle dag op die harde manier uitgevind het, toe hulle probeer teen Rusland opruk het gedurende die Rasputitsa).

Die Russe het hierdie verposing gebruik om voor te berei en her-posisioneer vir die 2e fase van hulle stelselmatig-stadige fynmaal-aanslag. Ook soos ons voorspel het, het hulle bly wegskram van vasval in stedelike oorlogvoering. Behalwe in die hawestad Mariupol, en daar bloot omrede die stad vir hulle geo-strategies van kern-belang is, om hulle land-korridor na die Krim te kon voltooi.

Die ander kenmerk van April was die volgehoue felheid van die propaganda-oorlog, en die feit dat die Weste (onder aanvuring van die VSA) steeds bly eskaleer het, sonder enige poging tot diplomasie. Daar was dus geen merkbare vordering met die onderhandel van ‘n skikking nie...

Op see is die vlagskip van die Russiese Swartsee-vloot, die Moskva (Moskou) gesink met anti-skip kruis-missiele – beweerdelik ‘n nuwe Oekraïniese wapen, die “Neptune”. Volgens pers beriggewing, is die missiel-aanval geloods met die hulp van ‘n Poseidon P-8 maritieme verkenningsvliegtuig van die Amerikaanse vloot, wat die teiken-identifikasie gedoen en koördinate deurgegee het sodat die missiel-stelsel se radar daarop kon insleutel (die sink van die Russiese vlagskip herinner aan die Britte se strategie gedurende die Falkland-oorlog, met die sink van die Argentynse vlagskip, die Belgrano). As die beriggewing korrek is, dan is dit ‘n onheilspellende eskalasie – so asof die ding wat die ergste krap aan die Amerikaners en die Britte, is dat die Russe tog net nie moet dink hulle is bang vir die Rooi Beer nie, net omdat die politici nie wil ‘n “nie-vlieg” sone en direkte “stewels op Oekraïniese grond” goedkeur nie. Só het testosteroon al wêreld-oorloë begin... Hierdie kort video bespreek die Neptune, die P-8 en die VSA se beweerde betrokkenheid by die sink van die Moskva: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htF2hhGhIOI Die Russiese “brand aan boord” storie word weerlê deur hulle eie aksie dadelik daarna, deur hulle ander vloot-vaartuie terug te getrek het, verder van die kus af; die “brand” as oorsaak het natuurlik ook gedien om aan Oekraïne brâg-regte te probeer ontsê, maar bes moontlik was dit ook ‘n doelbewuste de-eskalasie van Russiese kant (hulle wil geensins oor die aangeleentheid praat nie, ook nie eers met vermiste seemanne se families nie). Waarskynlik om druk van hulle eie publiek vir weerwraak te vermy.

Die Moskva was 40 jaar oud en toegerus met skip-tor-skip missiele, nie skip-tot-land Kalibrs nie, en die verlies daarvan sal dus waarskynlik nie óf die voortgesette blokkade van die kus, óf ‘n moontlike maritieme ondersteuning van ‘n toekomstige Russiese aanslag op die belangrikste Swartseehawestad, Odessa, wesentlik benadeel nie. Die prestige-klap was egter in propaganda-terme aansienlik, en het sekerlik bygedra tot die verharding van die onderhandeling-posisies en Poetin se determinasie om Oekraïne sigbaar onder te sit.

Die Rasputitsa-stilte het mens kans gegee vir bietjie besin oor die “hoekoms” van hierdie stryd.

Hoekom veg die Russe en Oekraïniërs so vir dood oor die Donbass en die suidelike kus-strook?

Hoekom het Poetin besluit om in te val, en watter oogmerke wou hy realiseer? Hoekom het die Neocon-faksie in die VSA so gedruk om die Russe in ‘n konflik oor Oekraïne in te probeer lok?

Hoekom het die Russe se inval, tot dusvêr verloop soos wat dit wel het?

Waarom die fokus op die Donbass en die Swartsee-kus?

Histories-gesproke, is daar geo-strategiese, politieke en etniese redes waarom beide Rusland en die Oekraïniese nasionaliste op die Oostelike en Suidelike strook gefokus is. Ons het hierdie geskiedenis bespreek in die 1e artikel (einde Februarie, net na die oorlog uitgebreek het). Daar is egter ook baie belangrike ekonomiese redes, wat nie dikwels in huidige media-dekking van die stryd 158 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

en die dryfvere daaragter, toegelig word nie – konkrete en saakmakende ekonomiese redes wat ons vervolgens hier sal uitlig.

Eerstens net, ter agtergrond, weer die etniese en historiese redes. Dit word goed visueel saamgevat in hierdie twee kaarte:

Dit sal onthou word dat aanvanklike hartland van die gebied wat in die 20e eeu as Oekraïne bekend sou word, in 1654 gepleit het om deel te word van die Tsaristiese Russiese Ryk (m.a.w., om deur Moskou inkorporeer te word) omrede op daardie stadium, hulle hulself erg bedreig gevoel het deur Pools-Litause ekspansie.

Op die kaart links bo, het alles wat in geel, blou en pers getoon word, deur die opvolgende eeue sistematies (en ongedifferensieerd) deel geword van die monolitiese Russiese Ryk, met bv.

Katharina die Grote wat die Krim verower het en die hawestad Odessa gevestig het. Die Kommuniste onder Lenin het in 1922 die Oekraïniese Sowjet-republiek geskep vir hulle eie manipulatiewe doeleindes (dit het bestaan uit alles op die kaart, behalwe die groen – lg., synde voormalige dele van Pole, Hongarye en Slowakeie, grondgebied wat Stalin bloot na die 2e Wêreldoorlog annekseer en nominaal by Oekraïne aangelap het, alhoewel eintlik natuurlik by die USSR).

Die lig-blou gedeelte is in 1922 deur die Moskou-kommuniste ingesluit by Oekraïne om ‘n sterk etnies-Russiese demografiese getalle-komponent by dié deelstaat in te bou, sodat die Oekraïniese nasionaliste nie idees van “waarlik onafhanklik wees” moes begin kry nie (‘n truuk wat ook in ander deelstate soos Georgië getrek is, en na die val van die USSR daar ook tot oorlog gelei het). Die Krim is deur Nikita Kroestjof (self ‘n Oekraïniër) aan Oekraïne persent gegee in 1954, om die 300jarige herdenking van die aanvanklike 1654 insluiting by die Russiese Ryk te gedenk – ‘n “skenking” wat onder die destydse USSR-diktatuur, uiteraard bloot simbolies was, aangesien alles en almal in werklikheid onder Moskou se hiel was.

Die kaart regs bo, wys die verkiesingsuitslae van 2010, met die blou die dele wat vir die proRussiese “Party van die Streke” gestem het. In die huidige oorlog, is daar dus gewis die roep van die bloed en die geskiedenis… Maar hoekom dan nie maar net die kommunistiese manipulasies ongedaan maak met nuwe grense, gebaseer op die streek-bevolkingsamestelling nie?

Die stryd is onderliggend ook grootliks ekonomies, nie net strategies en etnies/histories nie.

Oekraïne is – grootliks danksy perkelose korrupsie – by verre die armste land in Europa i.t.v. sy per kapita inkomste (hier is die 5 armstes, met hulle syfers in VSA-dollars: Oekraïne - $3,727; Georgië $4,279; Kosovo - $4,287; Moldovië - $4,551; Albanië - $5,215; Noord-Masedonië - $5,888).

Binne Oekraïne self, is die rykdom versprei soos op die volgende kaart (krediet – LiveJournal): 159 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Soos aangedui, is die rykdom in die Russiessprekende Ooste gesetel, met sy industrialisasie en natuurlike hulpbronne – veral gas, olie, steenkool en ook graanverbouïng. Die volgende twee kaarte wys die belangrikste fossiel-brandstof velde in Oekraïne. Die land het die 2e grootste aardgas-reserwes in Europa, na Noorweë (as mens nou Rusland buite rekening laat). Die heel belangrikste van hierdie velde is die Donteskgebied, met meer as 80% van Oekraïne se bewese reserwes (wat egter nog minimaal ontgin is, siende dat die USSR en Moskou die enorme Russiese velde – wat in sigself omtrent 35 keer groter is – by voorkeur ontwikkel het).

Dit val egter dadelik op hoe nou die Oekraïniese velde ooreen stem met die area wat tans die teiken van die inval is. Rusland is smalend deur ‘n Amerikaanse senator beskryf as “’n petrol-vulstasie met kernwpens”. Dit is nie ‘n geval dat Rusland addisionele reserwes nodig het nie. Moskou is egter baie afhanklik van die inkomste uit sy gas, olie en steenkool-verkope (tradisioneel aan Europa) en sou gewis nie kompetisie wou hê van Oekraïne nie, siende dat die bestaande gaspype reeds daar loop.

Die volgende twee kaarte maak duidelik hoekom die reeds-arm Oekraïne nie die dele wat die goue eiers lê, wil prysgee nie. Daarsonder, sou die Westelike streke (waar die Oekraïniese nasionaliste gesentreer is) se ekonomiese lot nog veel erger wees.

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Krediet: opednews.com Die Suide het voorts die groot ekonomies-strategiese belang van die Swartsee uitvoer-hawens vir Oekraïne se graan. Vanaf die dae van Katharina die Grote het hierdie hawens (soos Odessa en Mariupol) egter vir Rusland self ook die baie wesentlike belang dat dit sy enigste ys-vrye hawens was en is, vir heel-jaar se in- en uitvoere.

Saam met die voedsel-belang van Oos-Oekraïne se graan-produksie, was en is die Swartseetoegang vanaf Katharina se dae vir die Russe hulle sleutel tot wêreld-handel en dus ekonomiese groei – nou nog verder versterk deur dit wat onder daardie streek se grond lê. Daarby is Sewastopol in die Krim, vir geslagte al Rusland se hoof vlootbasis in die Swartsee.

Belangrik soos wat die ekonomiese redes mag wees, is die hoof-rede vir die Russiese inval egter nie bloot ekonomies nie, en ook nie die meer isoteriese bloed en geskiedenis nie. Dit is sekuriteit – van Rusland as nasie, teen binneval uit die Weste (soos deur ‘n Napoleon en ‘n Hitler), plus die sekuriteit van die Poetin-regime self, teen die Amerikaans-ondersteunde tipe “kleur-rewolusies” wat in Oekraïne en Belo-Rusland gesien is, en die onrus wat kort gelede in Kasakstan ook voorgekom het. Vir Rusland is die Ooste en Suide van Oekraïne dus van onmiddellike, eksistensiële belang, terwyl dit vir die VSA ten beste van periferiële belang is. (Ons sal na dié onderwerp terugkeer).

Dit is nie hier ter sake of hierdie Russiese vrese gefundeerd is of nie (na my oordeel, is dit wél), en dit het ook nie sin om die groot moondhede se onderlinge kompetisie in morele terme teen mekaar te wil afweeg, vir wie die meeste / minste reg of verkeerd is nie. Die ou gesegde geld hier, nl. dat lande nie vriende het nie, net maar belange (dit kan uitgebrei word om te sê dat groot moondhede nie vriende óf moraliteit het nie, net eie belange, wat hulle altyd sal voorop stel). Die feit dat mens nie naïef waarde-oordele wil uitspreek oor hulle beweegredes nie, beteken egter nie dat mens hierdie dryfvere kan of wil ignoreer in ‘n analise van wat regtig aan die gang is nie, want hierdie opponerende eie belange lê aan die wortel van wat aan’t uitspeel is. Dit is die sleutel tot verstaan van wat werklik aan die gang is, en waarom.

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Dit moet ook duidelik gestel word dat die realisme om nie hier simplisties een bepaalde party o.g.v. sy “immorele” beweegredes met al die blaam te wil opsaal nie (en die ander, dan aan die kant van die engele te wil projekteer nie) hoegenaamd nie beteken nie dat mens daarmee alle metodes kondoneer wat ingespan word om daardie selfsugtige oogmerke mee te probeer verwesenlik nie – soos veral dan die gedemonstreerde, sistematiese en doelbewuste brutaliteit aan Rusland se kant, om die wil tot weerstand af te breek.

Voorts is die konkrete gevolge wat hierdie stryd beslis gaan nalaat vir die hele wêreld, insluitend lande en inwoners van die Derde Wêreld – en dus vir Suid-Afrika en sy mense ook – nie maar net ‘n “ses van die een, halfdosyn van die ander” akademies/teoretiese kwessie nie, want dit kan en gaan waarskynlik baie kwade praktiese neerslag hê – waaroor later meer.

Hoekom doen Amerika wat hy doen, m.b.t. Rusland en Oekraïne?

Die VSA het pas weer (soos ons in die vorige artikel bespreek het) vir Sjina as sy Nommer Een internasionale strategiese bedreiging identifiseer. Hoekom dan het die VSA vir Rusland ingedryf in Sjina se arms in? Wat baat die VSA (of eerder, wat baat wie dan in die VSA) by hierdie strategie, wat in effek vir Sjina, Rusland en Iran in dieselfde kamp gejaag het, opgestel teen die Weste?

Die antwoord lê in die dekade-oue idee van “American primacy”, wat nou baie meer hard en duidelik as tevore artikuleer word (betekenende natuurlik, dat daardie “primacy” nou kennelik onder druk is – veral ná die onlangse debakel in Afghanistan met die klous-oor-die-kop onttrekking daar).

“Primacy” is hier net ‘n mooi woord vir dominasie – vir wie “baas van die plaas” is, en/of so gesien en respekteer wil word. Sedert die 2e Wêreld-oorlog is al die VSA se aksies in wese op hierdie doktrine gebaseer. Onder president Trump is dit omvorm na “America First” (m.a.w., dat die VSA sy eie binnelandse belange voorop gaan stel, gefokus dus op die verbeter van die lot van Amerikaners).

Onder die Neocons egter, beteken “primacy” internasionale dominasie vir en in sigself, dus gefokus daarop dat Amerika gesien moet word as die dominante speler oor gans die aardbol.

Met die ineenstorting van die USSR was daar twee paaie oop waartussen die Weste moes kies: Rusland intrek (soos wat die Europeërs, veral Duitsland en Frankryk, graag wou sien gebeur, en wat Rusland self gehoop het sal kan realiseer) of anders om vir Rusland as konkurrent te bly hanteer. Feit is dat, indien Rusland in die binnekring ingebring sou gewees het, dan sou dit NAVO van ‘n enkel Amerikaans-gedomineerde unipolêre entiteit, na ‘n bi-polêre een verander het. Veral op die terrein van wapen-lewering, waar die Russiese krygstuig-industrie ‘n wesentlike konkurrent vir die Amerikaanse militêr-industriële kompleks sou gewees het.

Dieselfde invloedryke militêr-industriële kompleks waarteen die gevierde Amerikaanse president en veldheer, Genl. Dwight Eisenhower, dekades gelede reeds so ernstig gewaarsku gehad het. Die militêr-industriële kompleks synde die maatskappye wat die Neocon “think tanks” en navorsingsinstellings wat Washington DC omsingel, finansieel aan die lewe hou, en self dan hulle geld maak uit die oorloë wat in naam of ten behoewe van die VSA gevoer word. ‘n Militêr-industriële kompleks wat allermins sou gebaat het daarby as Rusland se krygstuig-industrie sou kon kompeteer vir NAVO-kontrakte, of as ‘n blywende era van vrede en welbehae na 1990 tussen al wat nasie is, sou uitgebreek het... ‘n Kompleks wat natuurlik nou al die pad bank toe lag (die enigste ekonomiese sektor wat dit doen) a.g.v. die huidige maksi-besteding op wapentuig ter vervanging van die ou goed wat mildelik aan Oekraïne gelewer word, en die beoogde kwantum-verhogings in Westerse wapenbesteding in NAVO-begrotings in die jare voor ons, danksy die hervatting van die Koue Oorlog...

Die Amerikaanse beleid jeens hoe die huidige petalje moet eindig, bly on-gedefinieerd. Aanvanklik was hulle grootste vrees (en dus hoof-oogmerk) om ‘n direkte botsing met Rusland te vermy, a.g.v. die gevaar van ‘n kern-oorlog ontketen (dieselfde oorweging dus as wat al sewentig jaar geld in indirekte konflikte tussen die VSA en die USSR/Rusland, vanaf die stryd in Korea en daarna 162 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Vietnam; onrusbarend vergelykbaar met die VSA se ervaring in Vietnam, het daar nou reeds weer “mission creep” begin plaasvind, met die baie sigbare eskalasie van Amerikaanse betrokkenheid – in Vietnam het dit ook begin met wapen-lewering, toe die instuur van instrukteurs, gevolg deur spesmagte en daarna konvensionele magte om direk deel te neem aan gevegsituasies).

Dusver het die Biden-administrasie sterk standpunt ingeneem teen die verklaar van ‘n “nie-vlieg” sone en teen Amerikaanse troepe binne Oekraïne ontplooi, maar andersins is die eskalasie duidelik sigbaar – want die verklaarde Amerikaanse doel het nou geword om Rusland militêr tot die maksimum te probeer bloei (“sodat hulle nie elders sulke avonture sal kan loods of waag nie”). In militêre konflikte bloei soldate aan beide kante egter, sodat wat dit gaan kos in Oekraïniese bloed om hierdie doelwit van die VSA te verwesenlik, net maar geraai kan word. Die ander vraag is: wat gaan dit die Weste (en veral sy publiek, blootgestel aan erge inflasie en tekorte aan voedsel en energie) ekonomies kos om hierdie vae doelwit te bly nastreef? Hoe lank gaan dit vat, en watter norme sal geld om te bepaal of die doel wel verwesenlik is? Waaraan gaan “sukses” gemeet word?

(Daar mag wel diplomatieke voordele in so ‘n vae doel-definisie wees, siende dat dan sonder teenspraak op enige moment verklaar sou kon word: “OK, ons het nou in ons doel geslaag, kyk net hoe goed het ons Rusland gebloei, sodat nou maar onderhandel kan word” – met die Anglosfeerpers wat hierdie boodskap van :oorwinning” dan plegtig sal uitdra as evangelie).

Miskien die belangrikste vraag wat onbeantwoord bly, is hoe hierdie as ‘n “vir-ewig oorlog” die oorhoofse geo-strategiese magsbalans in die wêreld gaan beïnvloed, i.t.v. die ekonomiese verswakking van Europa, plus die res van die Wêreld (veral die arm lande se oorleef-vermoë) en die noodwendige versterking van bande tussen Rusland en Sjina?

Die gevaar van verdere eskalasie lê soos landmyne wyd gesaai – enersyds in oor-ywerigheid op die grond, byvoorbeeld a.g.v. aksies geloods deur teater-bevelstrukture (dit word bv. bespiegel dat opperbevel in Kiëf nie die Odessa-bevel se aanval op die Moskva sou goedgekeur het nie, maar dat daardie plaaslike bevel in Odessa dit geloods het op grond van ‘n voorgaande magtiging tot eie aksie – vroeër gegee vir die moontlikheid van ‘n Russiese landing/inval vanaf die see – welke magtiging nie herroep is nie). Oorloë het in die verlede al hande uitgeruk a.g.v. oënskynlik mindere aksies op die grond...

Dit val ook nie te betwyfel nie, dat die vernederende onttrekking van Amerikaanse magte uit Afghanistan in 2021, steeds diep krap en dat Oekraïne nou in sekere VSA-kringe gesien word as ‘n manier om dié vernedering in die vergetelheid in te dwing, of selfs goed te probeer maak.

Die ander eskalasie-gevaar spruit uit die uiters wankelrige interne politieke situasies van die huidige VSA en Britse politieke leierskap, met beide Biden en Johnson wat die oorlog sien as ‘n baie tydige aandag-aftrekker van hulle eie uiters ernstige persoonlike politieke probleme. Hulle het dus geen werklike motivering om vrede te probeer bevorder deur diplomasie nie, en trouens alle eie politieke rede om hierdie stryd so lank moontlik te laat probeer uitrek (om bv. te kan probeer voorgee dat die inflasie-opvlamming, Poetin se skuld is en nie hulle s’n nie). Vir die VSA dien die Russo-fobie wat weer heel verstaanbaar in veral Oos-Europa posgevat het, ook om die Europeërs te herinner aan hulle afhanklikheid van die VSA en só dus VSA-“primacy” in minstens daardie kring te her-bekragtig.

Die oorlog dien ook die VSA se bekende strewe van die afgelope jare om ‘n einde te maak aan Frans-Duitse pogings om Rusland ekonomies nader te probeer trek het met inisiatiewe soos die nou-gestolde Noordstroom gas-pyplyn direk vanaf Rusland na Duitsland, onder die Baltiese See. Dit is opvallend dat daar geen ernstige pogings tot diplomasie is nie, behalwe van die kant van lande baie direk geraak deur die krisis, soos Turkye en Israel (die Turkse buitelandse minister het pront gesê dat die VSA nie wil ‘n skikking hê nie, en Britse premier Johnson het ewe reguit laat blyk dat nou nie die moment vir vrede-maak is nie). Daarbenewens is daar verdere rooi ligte aan’t opflikker uit die geledere van die invloedryke Neocons in die VSA, wat die einddoel wil her-definieer as dat Rusland klink-klaar militêr verslaan en volledig uit alle dele van Oekraïne gedryf moet word – met 163 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

sommiges wat nog verder gaan en eis dat (soos teen die Nazi’s in WO2) slegs ‘n onvoorwaardelike oorgawe deur Rusland aanvaarbaar sal wees, met Poetin en sy adjudante wat daarna internasionaal verhoor en tereggestel moet word, soos die Nürenberg-verhore na WO2. (Sou Hitler, Göring en trawante so ‘n lot aanvaar het, as hulle kernwapens besit het?).

Wat laat hierdie arrogante mense dink dat sulke absolutistiese posisies – maak nie saak nie hoe moreel geregverdig dit mag skyn te wees – nie tot kern-oorlog sal lei nie? Of minstens tot enorme vergieting van Oekraïniese bloed, burgerlik sowel as in uniform, en die fisiese vernietiging van daardie arm land – met as verdere moontlikheid dat die Oekraïniërs uiteindelik al hoe meer grondgebied in al hoe saakmakender dele mag verloor, tot die punt selfs van hulle onafhanklikheid verloor? Sou dít moreel wees, om so-iets te bly aanvuur het, eerder as vrede te probeer bevorder?

Of dien die “vir-ewig oorlog” benadering uiteindelik maar weer die VSA se militêr-industriële kompleks, wat – na die afskaal in Irak en die vernedering in Afghanistan – ontdaan gesit het van ‘n aktiewe oorlog wat hulle met hulle produk kan voer? Biden se steun-pakket vir Oekraïne van $33 biljoen soos op 28 April van die VSA-kongres versoek – wat aanvullend is tot die $13.6 biljoen reeds in Maart goedgekeur – bevat bv. $20 biljoen in hulp met wapens en ammunisie; overgesegd synde, dus ‘n verdere direkte inspuiting van $20 biljoen aan die Amerikaanse krygstuig-industrie).

Van die Russiese kant, moet daar geen twyfel wees nie dat die Oekraïne-situasie deur Poetin en die oorweldigende meerderheid van sy landgenote, gesien word as ‘n werklike eksistensiële bedreiging. Beide vir die land as sulks, in geo-strategiese terme, en vir Russe in die diaspora wat wees gelaat is deur die kommuniste se kunsmatige grense. Maar ook ‘n eksistensiële bedreiging vir die Poetin-bewind, in politieke terme. Dit is ‘n stryd wat Poetin nie durf verloor nie, want sy eie politieke oorlewing hang nou daarvan af, en dus sal hy waarskynlik nie terugdeins van die mees ekstreme opsies nie, indien in ‘n blik gedruk.

Ook vir Poetin, is dit absoluut dienlik dat die oorlog voortduur – want dit gee geleentheid om stelselmatig meer van Oekraïne te ontvolk van nasionalistiese Oekraïniërs en in besit te neem.

Siende dat dit kwalik moontlik gaan wees vir Oekraïne om Russiese magte geheel van “sy” grond af te gooi (soos per die huidige “wettige” grense), is die enigste manier om die stelselmatige opkerf en insluk van die land te stop, om ‘n vrede met Rusland te sluit – maar die politieke klimaat onder Oekraïniese nasionaliste vir sulke onderhandelinge word daadwerklik teengewerk deur Westerse propaganda wat die moontlikheid van ‘n militêre “oorwinning” voorhou, en verder deur die ekonomiese belangrikheid van toegang tot die Swartsee en Oos-Oekraïne (lg. as synde die “gans wat die goue eiers lê” vir hierdie reeds armste land in gans Europa), wat dit ook polities moeilik maak vir Zelensky om in te stem tot die afstaan van grondgebied.

As mens objektief kyk na ‘n telkaart van waar die “wedstryd” tans staan (uit Poetin se oogpunt gesien), dan val die volgende op: • Die Weste se aanvanklike sanksie-dreigemente het nie geslaag in hulle verklaarde doel van Rusland af te skrik van ‘n inval nie.

• Die ses stelle sanksies tot dusver ingestel, het nie die Russiese ekonomie dermate kon knou dat Poetin enigsins lyk of hy wil bes gee nie – inteendeel!

• Die Russiese Roebel is terug by en selfs sterker as sy aanvanklike waarde by aanvang van die oorlog, terwyl die Euro bly verswak.

• Russiese petroleum-uitvoere het volume-gewys weliswaar met 17% afgeneem, maar die pryse vir dié produkte het drievoudig meer gestyg as die volume-verlies, sodat die uitvoerverdienste vir Rusland in werklikheid (danksy die oorlog en sanksies) aansienlik gestyg het – gedurende die eerste twee maande van die oorlog, was Rusland se verdienste uit energieverkope aan die Europese Unie (EU) €46 biljoen, wat prakties dubbel soveel aan verdienste is, as die opbrengs van sy energie-verkope aan die EU vir dieselfde twee maande verlede jaar; danksy die verhoogde energie-pryse veroorsaak deur die sanksies en oorlog-skaarstes, 164 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

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was die totale Russiese verdienste uit sy energie-verkope wêreldwyd sedert die oorlog net maar twee maande gelede begin het, €63 biljoen (soos op 28 April) en wys Gazprom alleen se netto-wins vir 2021 ‘n vyftien-voudige verhoging oor die netto wins-syfer vir 2020, met ‘n nog groter sprong wat in 2022 voorlê danksy die oorlog-gedrewe prysverhogings.

Slegs die Westerse bondgenote (wat in waarde ongeveer een-derde van die wêreldekonomie verteenwoordig), ondersteun aktief die sanksie-kampanje, terwyl lande wat ‘n verdere 1/3 van die wêreld-ekonomie verteenwoordig en rondom veral die BRICS geskaar is, die sanksies teenstaan, met die ander 1/3 wat nie standpunt in die openbaar inneem, vir of teen nie, maar die sanksies in die praktyk effektief ignoreer.

As gevolg van sy eie veto-reg in die VN-Veiligheidsraad, tesame met dié van Sjina, is Rusland onaantasbaar i.t.v. formele VN-gemandateerde optrede teen hom.

Poetin sien tans Rusland se ekonomiese posisie as dermate sterk dat hy nou tot teen-aksie oorgaan, met teenmaatreëls soos die afsny van gas-toevoer aan Pole en Bulgarye (wat uiteraard dadelik weer die gas-pryse laat styg het, tot Rusland se voordeel).

Volgens die Wêreldbank gaan voedsel-pryse met 37% styg a.g.v. die oorlog; Oekraïniese graan-uitvoere per see bly geblok met bestaande silo’s dus steeds vol van verlede seisoen se oes, sodat dit geen sin maak om die komende oes (beperk soos wat dit sal wees) te probeer inbring nie, en ook nie om dan nuut te plant nie – daar sal nie kontantvloei wees vir boere om dit mee te befonds nie; die gevolg gaan wees dat daar ernstige voedsel-tekorte en -inflasie gaan wees wat ‘n groot deel van die wêreld-bevolking gaan tref, met bes moontlik onrus, veral in arm lande – wat die internasionale druk gaan laat verhoog dat ‘n kompromis bereik moet word (wat logies vir Rusland as de facto besetter, sal bevoordeel).

Die rol van inflasie in die Weste, en veral die skerp styging in voedsel en energie-kostes, sal in daardie lande ook begin binnelandse druk laat oplaai ten gunste van ‘n kompromis-skikking en waarskynlik ook ‘n impak hê in die VSA se November 2022 verkiesings, wat Biden se posisie verder kan verswak en dus Poetin oor die langer termyn kan bevoordeel.

Die VSA se bruto binnelandse produk (m.a.w., die grootte van sy ekonomie) het in die eerste kwartaal van 2022 met 1.4% gekrimp, wat aanduidend is van die druk waaronder die leidende Westerse ekonomieë reeds verkeer a.g.v. die kombinasie van stagnasie en inflasie.

Europese banke voorspel dat, as Wes-Europa Russiese energie-produkte (veral aard-gas) ontsê sou word, dit ‘n resessie en rantsoenering tot gevolg sal hê, in Duitsland in die besonder; dit neem jare om ‘n inskeep-terminus te bou vir aardgas wat per boot gelewer word, sodat invoere per skip van elders, bepaald nog nie teen die komende winter ‘n alternatief vir Russiese pyplyn-gas sal kan daargestel het nie (Duitse beleid bepaal dat huishoudings beskerm moet word, sodat industrie die ergste deur gas-tekorte getref sal word en produksie noodwendig sal moet inkort of staak, in geval van rantsoenering).

Die Weste nader vinnig die punt waar hulle vermoë om Oekraïne van wapens soos die Stinger en Javelin missiele te voorsien, uitgeput raak (die VSA het reeds ‘n derde van hulle beskikbare voorraad gelewer, en met die baie lae produksie-tempo, sal dit jare neem om hierdie tekort weer goed te maak); hoe langer die oorlog so logisties-intensief voortduur, hoe groter sal Oekraïne se logistieke probleme word, soos geïllustreer deur die feit dat die 40,000 artillerie-kartetse wat die VSA aan Oekraïne belowe het vir die Amerikaans-gelewerde 155mm houwitsers, slegs maar een week se verbruik teen die vuur-tempo gedurende die rasputitsa verteenwoordig – wat waarskynlik vêr oorskry gaan word soos en wanneer die gevegte in die Donbass gedurende Mei regtig gaan begin opwarm.

In terme van Poetin se oogmerk om Oekraïniërs wat nie onder Russiese bewind wil staan nie op die vlug te jaag, het meer as 5 miljoen Oekraïniërs reeds land-uit gevlug en nagenoeg 10 miljoen meer is binnelands verplaas na die Westelike gedeeltes, weg uit die teikengebied in Suid- en Oos-Oekraïne.

Wat die oorlog-oogmerke self betref, het Rusland reeds sy korridor tussen die Donbass en die Krim-skiereiland gevestig en die belangrike hawe van Mariupol oorgeneem (die Oekraïniërs wat in die staalfabriek daar skuil, het nie meer strategiese relevansie nie).

165 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

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Die noodsaaklik varswater toevoer-kanaal na die droë Krim-skiereiland uit die Dnieper-rivier (wat Oekraïne na 2014 eensydig blokkeer het) is weer oopgestel.

Die hawestad Kherson aan die mond van die Dnieper is beset, sowel as ‘n groot deel van die Donbass.

Die Oekraïniese lugmag en vloot is reeds grootliks geneutraliseer i.t.v. gevegs-relevansie (hulle vloot het bv. hulle eie vlagskip tot sink gebring, om te verhoed dat dit in Russiese hande val).

Oekraïne is afgeblokkeer van die Swartsee deur ‘n maritieme blokkade wat geen in- en uitvoere toelaat nie.

Meer belangrik, in militêr-strategiese terme, is dat die Weste amptelik dit baie duidelik gemaak het dat hulle nie self direk aan die konflik gaan deelneem met eie magte nie, sodat Rusland weet die stryd op die slagveld lê tussen hom en Oekraïne alleen, en Oekraïne weet dat sy droom van lid word van NAVO en deur NAVO-troepe gehelp word, nie gaan verwesenlik nie.

Oekraïne besef nou dat Rusland absoluut ernstig was met sy dreigement van ‘n volskaalse inval – iets wat hulle tot Februarie nie geglo het werklik sou gebeur nie; die Oekraïniese bevolking besef ook nou hoe brutaal-wreed Rusland bereid is om op te tree om sy sin te kry, sodat die koste van verset i.t.v. verwoesting van stede en dorpe en dood en verminking van burgerlikes, duidelik op die tafel is.

Ander lande en gemeenskappe in die dampkring van die ou USSR (soos Belo-Rusland, Georgië en Kasakstan) besef ook nou dat Rusland onder Poetin tot drastiese ingryping bereid en in staat is, wanneer “orde en stabiliteit” bedreig word deur pro-demokratiese kleurtipe rewolusies en oproer.

Oekraïne het reeds aan Rusland se belangrikste eis toegegee, naamlik om sy ideaal van NAVO-lidmaatskap te laat vaar en gewaarborgde neutraliteit te aanvaar.

Rusland se belangrikste vennote bly steeds hulle aanvanklike standpunte handhaaf, veral Sjina en die ander BRICS, ondanks Westerse druk om teen Rusland kant te kies – Sjinese media word van owerheidskant gelei om die blaam vir die oorlog op die Weste en veral die VSA te plaas, op grond daarvan dat Washington doelbewus die konflik instigeer het deur vir hulself sekuriteitsvoordele (uitbreiding van NAVO-grondgebied deur Oekraïne by die Alliansie in te sluit) deur koverte aksie probeer bewimpel het, in stryd met die ooreengekome beginsel vervat in die Istanboelse Akkoord oor Veiligheid in Europa van 1999, nl. dat geen kant se sekuriteit versterk mag word ten koste van die sekuriteit van die ander kant nie (die VSA en Rusland het hierdie akkoord beide onderteken – die tersaaklike klousule lees: “Each participating State will respect the rights of all others in these regards. They will not strengthen their security at the expense of the security of other States.”).

Les bes, het Poetin se persoonlike gewildheid in Rusland verder gestyg sedert die aanvang van die oorlog en raak nou aan die 90%, sodat sy hand dus binnelands polities enorm gesterk is – ook om daadkragtig outoritêr teen opponente te kan optree; die Russiese bevolking (danksy grootliks die Weste en veral die Anglosfeer se sanksies en wapen-lewering aan Oekraïne) is oortuig daarvan dat die Westerse wêreld aktief teen hulle is en dat Poetin geen ander keuse gehad het nie as om Rusland se strategiese belange en Russies-sprekendes in die Donbass te beskerm – uiteindelik, noodgedwonge met die wapen, toe hy “geen ander keuse” gelaat is nie deur die VSA se weiering om die Russiese vredesvoorstelle van Desember 2021 ernstig op te neem. (Die amptelike Russiese onderhandelingsposisie het sedert Desember 2021 nie verander nie: Oekraïne nie lid van NAVO, neutraal en slegs lig gewapen, maar geen probleem met EU-lidmaatskap vir Oekraïne nie; ‘n oplossing vir die Donbass soos per die Minsk-akkoorde – wat Oekraïne wel destyds geteken het maar toe nie wou implementeer nie, onder aanhitsing van Washington – en erkenning van Rusland se terug-neem van die Krim as histories-Russies; hierdie terme mag teen die volgende winter vir Oekraïne lyk asof dit baie voordelig sou gewees het om dit in Desember 2021 te aanvaar het, maar dan mag die doelpale teen daardie tyd al weer heelwat op die slagveld verskuif 166 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

het, met baie meer van Oekraïne dan reeds deur die Russe ingepalm, en nog veel meer van Oekraïne se infrastruktuur, stede en dorpe wat dan reeds vernietig sal wees).

Volgens só ‘n telkaart het Poetin geen rede om te meen dat hy besig is om die stryd te verloor nie en trouens alle rede om te reken dat, hoe langer dit duur, hoe beter vir hom. Dieselfde geld vir Sjina, wat die Weste sien geld bloei op ‘n onbekostigbare skaal, met die groeiende gevaar van ekonomiese ontwrigting, sosiale onrus en interne politieke verset wat die Weste kan destabiliseer, en só dus ook Sjina se strategiese belange dien (veral ook omdat, as die Weste ‘n bloutjie sou loop in hulle poging om Rusland se outoritêre optrede te stuit, dan sal dit Sjina se oogmerk om Taiwan te inkorporeer vergemaklik – omdat Oekraïne in meeste Russe se oë eweseer ‘n “rebelse provinsie” van Moeder Rusland is, as wat Taiwan ‘n sg. “rebelse provinsie” van Sjina is).

Die enigste gangbare konklusie bly dus (soos in ons vorige twee artikels voorspel) dat hierdie oorlog nog onbepaald gaan voortduur – die werklike kantel-punt, waar mens sal kan begin sien watter kant toe dinge bes moontlik sal uitval, sal waarskynlik teen die intree van die volgende winter eers bereik word, rondom November 2022. Ondertussen kan daar net maar gebid word dat dit nie sal eskaleer tot ‘n 3e wêreld-oorlog (met kernwapens) nie...

Hoe moet mens die Russe se taktiese bewegings oor die afgelope twee maande verstaan?

Rusland se beplanning en uitvoering van sy inval het kennelik ‘n hele aantal oogmerke gehad, nie net maar “ruk ssm op na Kiëf (Baghdad) en beset dit nie (soos reeds in die vorige artikels uitgewys, was dit nie ‘n skielike besluit nie en ook nie ‘n onrealisties-idealistiese Blitzkrieg-offensief nie).

Die eerste fase het ten doel gehad om vir beide die Weste en die Oekraïniërs duidelik te maak dat hierdie nie ‘n inkrementele kruip-aksie met “groen mannetjies” is nie, maar ‘n volskaalse, gedetermineerde inval deur die Russiese gewapende magte in Moskou se naam – m.a.w., dat Rusland volkome ernstig is met, en verbind is tot sy aksies. Die onderliggende oogmerke met so ‘n harde “statement” by uitset maak, was enersyds om die Westerse regerings (en Westerse bevolkings) af te skrik van enige idee van direk militêr inmeng aan Oekraïne se kant, o.a. uit vrees vir ‘n kern-oorlog ontketen. Wat die rede is waarom Rusland so opsigtelik kernkrag-fasiliteite met hoë psigologiese impak (soos die bekende een by Chernobyl, en Europa se grootste kompleks by Zaporizhzhia) geteiken het, onder die media-kollig, en ook baie openlik-berekend sy kernwapenmagte op hoogste gereedheid-voet geplaas het: juis om aan die kern-dimensie te herinner en daardie sielkundige vrees vir kern-oorlog aan te blaas as afskrikking teen direkte NAVO-inmenging.

Aan die ander kant, was die doel om die Oekraïniërs te laat insien dat die Weste hulle nie met NAVO-magte te hulp gaan kom nie, en ook om hulle te laat verstaan wat die graad van erns, omvang en koste van die militêre stryd gaan wees, ook t.o.v. siviele slagoffers, om soveel moontlik van hulle op die vlug te jaag (dis nou pas maar eers dat Rusland die vervoer-infrastruktuur begin teiken het, ten einde wapen-toevoer vanuit die Weste te ontwrig). Sekerlik was dit ook die bedoeling om te sien of Oekraïne nie dalk relatief vinnig bes sou gee nie en vrede sou probeer sluit – maar die Russe het bepaald nie die plaas daarop verwed nie.

Hierdie sielkundige oogmerke, tesame met die geo-strategiese doelwitte in die suide om die konneksie-korridor te skep en die Krim se water-toevoer te herstel, sowel as om Oekraïne van die Swartsee af te sny, het vereis dat Rusland aanvanklik oor ‘n breë front opruk in ‘n massiewe magsvertoon, maar dat hulle die temptasie weerstaan om in stedelike oorlogvoering vas te val ter besetting van bv. Kiëf en Kharkof. Hulle moes dan ook bereid en gereed wees om, as Oekraïne nie dadelik in mekaar getuimel het nie, tydig van rondom Kiëf te onttrek, ten einde te vermy dat hulle gedurende die rasputitsa daar vasgeval sit en hulle magte daar logisties moet voorsien onderwyl beperk tot slegs die kwesbare hoofpaaie. Dat só ‘n onttrekking wel snel en in goeie orde uitgevoer is, en daardie magte toe via die hoofpaaie van Rusland self (dus buite-om Oekraïne) her-ontplooi is na die Oostelike front, spreek m.i. nie van ‘n nederlaag in die sin dat die Russe militêr deur Oekraïne 167 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

vandaar uitgedryf is nie, maar van Russiese bereidwilligheid tot realistiese aanpassing by werklikhede en gesonde taktiese plooibaarheid – die idee dat Rusland Kiëf stormerhand teen alle koste wou inneem, en toe verslaan en uitgedryf is, is presies net so waar as dat Suid-Afrika Cuito Cuanavale wou verower het en toe daar verslaan is: dis om aan jou vyand ‘n doelwit toe te dig, wat dan – as hy dit dan nie verwesenlik nie – propagandisties vir jou kant as “oorwinning” aangebied kan word (soos nou weer met die propaganda dat Moskou teen 9 Mei ‘n algehele oorwinning wil verklaar, sodat dit weer geprojekteer kan word as ‘n nederlaag, sou dit nie realiseer nie).

Soos in ons vorige artikels uitgewys, meen ons dat dit deurentyd die Russe se oogmerk was en bly om Oekraïne se konvensionele magte wat langs die dispuut-lyn teenoor die Donbass ontplooi is, na die rasputitsa te dubbel-omvou en stuk-stuk te vernietig (d.w.s., sou Oekraïne nie voor dan, reeds bes gegee het nie). Dit is wat ons glo toenemend nou gaan ontplooi Oos van die Dnieper, veral vanaf die tweede week van Mei, wanneer die bodemgesteldheid eers werklik mobiele oorlogvoering gaan begin toelaat. Tot nou toe was die Russiese aksies langs hierdie front van ‘n “probing” aard, want daar kon slegs maar langs hoofpaaie beweeg word. Hierdie kleinskaalse aksies oor ‘n wye front, het ten doel gehad om swak-plekke te soek, die Oekraïniërs aan die raai te hou oor waar die werklike aanslag gaan kom, en veral om hulle soveel as moontlik van hulle ammunisie te laat opgebruik – siende dat hierdie bo-alles ‘n artillerie-oorlog en dus ‘n logistieke stryd gaan wees, eerder as noodwendig massa-pantser op die styl van die 2e WO. Hierdie gevegsterrein Oos van die Dnieper pas die Russe, vanweë hulle eie kort logistieke lyne en die feit dat dit wel moontlik is vir hulle om vanuit die Noorde en die Suide op te ruk, aan die westekant agter-om die Oekraïniese front-ontplooiings, terwyl die Russiese magte op die dispuut-lyn die Oekraïniërs daar vasgepen hou.

Dit is nou maar eers dat die bodemgesteldheid die Russe begin toelaat om te begin ontplooi in kolonne wat na genoeg aan mekaar kan opruk om mekaar wedersydse steun te gee, en só op volhoubare wyse grondgebied in besit te neem. Beriggewing vanaf die front dui dan ook daarop dat Russiese magte stelselmatig, hoewel stadig, besig is om al meer dorpe in te neem en hulle knyptang-aksie op te stel vir die toeklap van die slagyster. Hierdie gaan die bepalende deel van die konvensionele fase van die oorlog wees, want as Rusland die beste en grootste konvensionele Oekraïniese magte gedurende hierdie komende somer in posisie teenoor die Donbass kan oprol en elimineer, dan sal daar in die komende winter min wees wat in Rusland se weg sal staan (as Oekraïne dan steeds nie bes wil gee nie), om dan weer te begin met die beleg van Kiëf, Kharkof en Odessa (met daardie bevolkings wat dan sal onthou hoe Februarie 2022 se kort proef-beleg gevoel het, sowel as die skokkende doodslag en vernietiging wat in Mariupol afgespeel het).

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Dat Oekraïne se magte man per man, kilo vir kilo dusver uitsonderlik goed gevaar het, word nie deur die bostaande ontleding onderspeel nie. Die Russe het beslis reeds harde bene gekou teen die Oekraïniërs – soos wat dit maar alte dikwels in sulke bloedige, verbete en haat-gevulde broederoorloë gaan. Die situasie herinner nogal baie aan ons eie 2e Vryheidsoorlog – per tydskaal, is Oekraïne nou waar die Boer/Brit oorlog in Desember 1899 was, met “Swart Week”. Net so min as wat dit na twee maande of selfs drie maande van die 2e Vryheidsoorlog gelyk het of die Britte uiteindelik hulle oormag sou kon laat geld, kan mens ook nie die eerste twee maande van die gevegte in Oekraïne neem as aanduidend van hoe hierdie oorlog gaan eindig nie.

Wat onthou moet word, is hoe Rusland onder Poetin te werk gegaan het om Tsjetsjnië en die rebelareas in Sirië tot oorgawe te dwing – Poetin se doelwit is nie ‘n “vinnige oorwinning” wat dan partisane op die slagveld laat wat die stryd van vooraf opstook en uitrek nie (soos wat met die Amerikaners in Afghanistan en Irak gebeur het, na hulle snelle “oorwinnings” daar). Poetin soek totale onderwerping, fisies sowel as sielkundig, waarvoor sy resep stelselmatig-stadige, brutale fynmaal van die opposisie is, veel-al met gebruik van artillerie en lug-bombardement. Die 2e Tsjetsjniese oorlog van 1999 - 2000 is insiggewend. Die Russe onder Poetin se leiding het in Augustus 1999 begin met stadig inbeweeg in die area rondom Grozny en filtrasie-kampe begin oprig (presies soos nou weer by Mariupol gedoen word) om moontlike partisane te identifiseer en te elimineer. Vervolgens het hulle die hoogtes rondom Grozny beset, artillerie opgestel, die omliggende dorpe een vir een ingeneem en toe van 4 Desember 1999 vir Grozny self begin bombardeer en sistematies aanval, tot dit aan die begin van Februarie 2000 gereduseer was tot “die mees vernietigde stad op aarde” en toe finaal ingeneem is, sonder dat daar sedertdien weer opstand uitgebreek het. Dit is ‘n immoreel-wrede, onmenslike strategie, maar onteenseglik ‘n effektiewe wenresep. Wat Poetin ten alle koste nie wil hê nie, is ‘n uitgerekte partisane-stryd.

Die werklik saakmakende vrae, myns insiens, is: • Vir hoe lank gaan Oekraïne bereid wees om self te bloei, ten einde Rusland vir die VSA se onthalwe te bloei?

• Gaan Oekraïniërs bereid en in staat wees om ‘n volle winter van voortgesette volskaalse oorlog vanaf Oktober-November 2022 te deurstaan?

• Gaan die Europeërs aanhou bereid wees om na Biden en Johnson se pype te dans, as die oorlog uitrek en dit duidelik sou word dat Oekraïne nie (selfs met Westerse wapen-hulp) die Russe militêr kan verslaan en van die geheel van hulle grondgebied kan verdryf nie?

• Wat gaan die Amerikaanse kiesers in November 2022 se verkiesing doen, en hoe gaan dit Biden se vermoë om Rusland te wil bly bloei, affekteer?

• Hoe gaan die ekonomiese oorlog uitdraai, as sanksies nie vir Poetin oorreed nie en die verslegtende wêreld-ekonomie en voedsel-tekorte vir die Westerse bevolkings en die armes van hierdie aarde, werklik begin knyp? Watse politieke impak kan dit hê, ook op stabiliteit?

• Wat gaan Washington doen, as sanksies nie werk nie en die bestaande wapen-hulp nie vir Oekraïne in staat stel om die Russe uit te dryf nie? As die Oekraïniese konvensionele magte hierdie somer deur die Russe teenoor die Donbass omvou en elimineer sou word? Gaan die VSA dit aanvaar en dan realistiese diplomatieke onderhandelinge ondersteun, of gaan hulle verder bly eskaleer – en tot watter punt? Gaan hulle dan, eerder as om ‘n diplomatieke skikking te bevorder, ‘n partisane-oorlog probeer aanstig, sodat die Russe nog langer gesien kan word as wrede onderdrukkers, wanneer die Russe dan stelselmatig al hoe meer van Oekraïne onderwerp en “filtreer” met polisiestaat-metodes, ten einde so ‘n insurgensie te onderdruk? Weer dus ‘n Amerikaans-geïnspireerde “vir-ewig oorlog”?

• As Rusland uiteindelik sou wen en daarmee die “wêreld veilig gemaak het vir diktature” – watter impak gaan dit hê op brose demokrasieë soos Suid-Afrika s’n, waar bestaande regerings van daardie selfde dampkring dan alte maklik kan weier om aan verkiesings gevolg te gee en outoritêr aan bewind sal probeer bly, met Moskou en Beijing se steun?

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•

•

Was dit, in die konteks van Sjina se opkoms, werklik sinvol om Washington se weg te volg en Rusland te vervreem, tot die punt van doelbewus uit-tart om Oekraïne binne te val, eerder as om te doen wat Duitsland en Frankryk wou, nl. om Rusland stelselmatig in te skakel by die Westerse ekonomie en deel te maak van die Westerse alliansie? En, les bes Gaan die eskalerende partye altyd volkome beheer kan behou oor elkeen in elke teater wat deur ‘n plaaslike onbesonnenheid ‘n 3e Wêreld-Oorlog kan ontketen, en ook self as nasionale besluitnemers hulle eskalasie so kan bly kalibreer dat dit nie die ander kant dermate in ‘n hoek druk dat tot nog ernstiger teen-eskalasie oorgegaan word nie – ‘n proses van “tit for tat” wat oor tyd dan uit beheer uit kan spiraal?

Met die lente-rasputista se modder in Mei verby, sal mens in hierdie komende maand al meer duidelikheid kry oor wat op die slagveld gaan gebeur. Is die Rooi Leër werklik ‘n tandlose, futlose, onnosele beer? Kan Oekraïne werklik met die “swaar wapentuig” ontwerp in die vyftigerjare wat hom nou belowe word, die Russe se opmars Oos van die Dnieper stuit?

Neem die Duiste Leopard 1-tenks en die Gepard flak-panzers wat daarop gebaseer is – die Duitse vervaardiger wat 50 tweedehandse Leopards in voorraad het, het aangedui dat hulle tien daarvan binne ses weke krygsvaardig kan hê, en dat dit ses weke gaan vat om bemannings op te lei. Die Gepards is ook ou voorraad (ek het in München op van hulle rondgeklouter in die vroeg-tagtigs, tydens ‘n BND-kursus – hulle is ontwerp in die era voor skouer-vuur Stingers en Blowpipes beskikbaar geword het, destyds om die Leopards te beskerm teen laag-vlieënde aanvalshelikopters, en is bewapen met twee Switserse 35mm Oerlikon snelvuur-kanonne – met die neutrale Switsers wat nou weier dat hulle ammunisie daarvoor, na Oekraïne uitgevoer mag word...).

Die dwang-hefboom wat die Russe waarskynlik tot hulle beskikking gaan hê om die Oekraïniërs (na ‘n aanvanklike heldhaftige verset) tot realistiese onderhandelinge te dwing, gaan wees die dreigement dat altyd meer grondgebied afgeneem kan word, hoe langer die stryd voortduur. Hoe langer die onderhandelinge uitrek, hoe hoër word die prys dus. Op hierdie stadium praat die Russe van die Dontesk en Luhansk oblasts, en die Krim. As die konflik sou aanhou en hulle genoodsaak is om die hele gebied Oos van die Dnieper-rivier te beset, kan die Russe weier om dit terug te gee.

Selfde met Kharkof (die 2e grootste stad), wat net buite Luhansk val, maar wat histories-tradisioneel Russies is. En dan Odessa, gestig deur Katharina die Grote, en die uitbrei van die Swartsee kuskorridor tot by die Russies-gesinde Trans-Dnistrië streek in Moldawië (soos wat Russiese generaals reeds begin suggereer) om Oekraïne dan totaal afgesny te laat van die Swartsee.

Hoe langer die oorlog dan uitrek, en hoe meer dat Rusland dan weswaarts opruk, hoe meer kompleks kan dinge word. Daar is reeds bespiegeling dat Pole aangedui het dat hulle bereid sou wees om ‘n Poolse vredesmag te ontplooi in die vêr-westelike deel van Oekraïne rondom Lvov (wat voor die 2e WO die derde grootste Poolse stad was, met meer as 90% van die bevolking toe Pools).

Die Hongare het ook bloed-belange in die Karpatiese streek wat deel van Hongarye was voor Stalin dit annekseer het. So ook Slowakye. As een NAVO-land (soos bv. Pole as grens-land met Oekraïne) vanweë sy eie baie dwingende veiligheidsbelange en bloed-bande, besluit om voorspringend in die westelike deel van Oekraïne eie troepe te ontplooi, wat gaan die ander NAVOlande dan doen? Wat gaan Rusland doen? (Ek glo persoonlik nie dat Moskou in Wes-Oekraïne belang stel nie, en ook nie sal kan motiveer om dit te probeer beset nie, juis vanweë Poetin se regverdiging vir sy eie optrede, nl. dat Lenin, Stalin, Kroestjof en die USSSR se grens-manipulasies ongedaan gemaak behoort te word). Maar wat bly dan werklik van Oekraïne oor, en hoe arm dan?

Laat niemand dus te kenne gee dat die situasie in Oekraïne, nie uiters gevaarlik kan draai nie...

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INTELLIGENCE | INTELLIGENSIE

SPY FOR RUSSIA Security guard, 57, accused of spying for Russia at British embassy in Berlin 'after sending CCTV and letters containing details of officials to Russian military attaché will stand trial in February • David Smith, 57, is charged with nine offences under the Official Secrets Act • The security guard at British embassy in Berlin is accused of spying for Russia • He is accused of collecting data and passing it on to an alleged military attache • Smith, who denies the charges, will stand trial at the Old Bailey in February

By William Cole for Mailonline Published: 13:37 BST, 13 April 2022 | Updated: 13:37 BST, 13 April 2022 A security guard accused of spying for Russia at the British embassy in Berlin will stand trial in February next year, a court heard.

David Smith, 57, allegedly collected information 'useful to the Russian state' and sending a letter to Russian military attaché containing details of embassy officials.

The Scot was arrested at his home in Potsdam near Berlin last August and was extradited back to the UK from Germany last week.

Smith denied nine offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911, between October 2020 and August 2021, when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last week.

David Smith, 57, who is alleged to have collected information 'useful to the Russian state' and sending a letter to Russian military attaché will stand trial at the Old Bailey in February next year.

Wearing jeans and a light blue polo Smith appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link today from HMP Belmarsh and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Mr Justice Sweeney said a trial would take place from February 13 next year at the Old Bailey.

Alistair Richardson, prosecuting, said: 'We understand that a trial date has been identified likely to be in February next year at this court.'

The charges allege Smith 'attempted to communicate' by letter with 'General Major Sergey Chukhurov, the Russian military attaché based out of the Russian Embassy, Berlin'.

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The Scot was arrested at his home in Potsdam near Berlin last August and was extradited back to the UK from Germany last week. Pictured: Smith was arrested by German police at his apartment in Potsdam on August 10 last year The material 'contained details about the activities, identities, addresses and telephone numbers of various members of Her Majesty's Civil Service.'

Smith is also accused of collecting material classified as secret, including unauthorised copies of documents, a SIM packaging and CCTV footage.

Scotland Yard has said the nine charges relate to 'the collection and communication of information useful to the Russian state'.

Mr Justice Sweeney said a trial would take place from February 13 next year at the Old Bailey. Smith denies all nine offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 The government requested his extradition at the end of last year but Smith and his lawyer challenged the case.

The extradition request was granted by the state court of Brandenburg earlier this month.

Mr Justice Sweeney remanded Smith in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on 1 August and fixed his four-week trial for 13 February next year.

A plea and case management hearing was set for July 29.

Smith, originally from Paisley, Scotland, is charged with nine offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911.

Share or comment on this article: Security guard, 57, accused of spying for Russia will stand trial in February https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10714797/Security-guard-57-accused-spying-Russiastand-trial-February.html

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WW2: OPERATION MINCEMEAT THE PHOTO THAT FOOLED HITLER: HOW MI5 SECRETARY'S BEACH SNAP WAS PLANTED WITH FAKE PLANS ABOUT ALLIED INVASION OF GREECE ON CORPSE THAT WAS DUMPED IN THE MED UNDER OPERATION MINCEMEAT... AS COLIN FIRTH FILM IS OUT ON FRIDAY • Jean Leigh's photograph was taken by her Guardsman boyfriend near the Thames in Oxfordshire • Image was planted on corpse used in Operation Mincemeat to make it appear she was fake officer's girlfriend • Plot was devised by intelligence officers Charles Cholmondeley and Ewen Montagu and carried out in 1943 • The corpse is now believed to have belonged to a Welsh homeless man named Glyndwr Michael • Corpse was given identity of Major William Martin and was accompanied by briefcase containing documents • The documents convinced the Nazis that an Allied invasion of Sicily was not about to take place • Body was then dumped in the sea off the coast of Spain, in the hope the information would fall into Nazi hands

By Harry Howard, History Correspondent for Mailonline Published: 12:23 BST, 13 April 2022 | Updated: 12:36 BST, 13 April 2022 Wearing a patterned swimsuit as she posed for a happy photo at the riverside, Jean Leigh never dreamed that she would become a central pillar in the plot that helped to fool Adolf Hitler and ultimately defeat Nazi Germany.

The young woman's image, which was taken next to the Thames in Oxfordshire, went on to be used in one of the greatest feats of deception in history.

The codenamed Operation Mincemeat, which was devised by intelligence officers Charles Cholmondeley and Ewen Montagu, used the corpse of an unknown man who was given the identity of a British Army major to fool Hitler into diverting troops away from Sicily ahead of the Allied invasion in 1943.

The corpse, which is now believed to have belonged to a Welsh homeless man named Glyndwr Michael, was turned into Major William Martin and a briefcase containing fake documents that would dupe the Nazis was attached to his waist before he was dropped into the ocean off the coast of Germany's ally Spain.

The plotters' hope that the body would be discovered and the documents read and believed by the Nazis was ultimately a success - Hitler did divert much of his forces to Greece and thousands of Allied lives were saved when they invaded Sicily and met far less resistance than they would otherwise have done.

To make Martin's identity believable, his uniform and briefcase contained a selection of personal items, including a photo of his 'girlfriend' - MI5 secretary Ms Leigh, who became 'Pam'.

In reality, Ms Leigh, who passed away in 2012, had never met the man whom she had been intimately linked to. The photograph was inscribed with the words 'Till death do us part. Your loving Pam'.

A series of wartime government papers that have been digitised for the first time by the Imperial War Museum and which were kept by Montagu without permission, reveal the intricate details of Cholmondeley and Montagu's plot.

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One - detailing the arrival of a '400lbs package' - references the delivery of Martin's corpse to HMS Seraph, the submarine on which the body was taken from Scotland to Spain.

Although extremely heavy for a corpse, the weight likely included the cannister that the body was sealed in to preserve it for its journey before it was dropped into the ocean. Extra weight would have been added by the uniform and flight equipment.

On Friday, new film Operation Mincemeat, which stars Colin Firth as Montagu and Matthew Macfadyen as Cholmondeley and tells the full story of the successful deception, is released in UK cinemas.

Wearing a patterned swimsuit as she posed for a happy photo at the riverside, Jean Leigh never dreamed that she would become a central pillar in the plot that helped to fool Adolf Hitler and ultimately defeat Nazi Germany. The young woman's image, which was taken next to the Thames in Oxfordshire, went on to be used in one of the greatest feats of deception in history 174 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

The codenamed Operation Mincemeat, which was devised by intelligence officers Charles Cholmondeley and Ewen Montagu, used the corpse of an unknown man who was given the identity of a British Army major to fool Hitler into diverting troops away from Sicily ahead of the Allied invasion in 1943. Above: The corpse

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On Friday, new film Operation Mincemeat, which stars Colin Firth (centre) as Montagu and Matthew Macfadyen (left) as Cholmondeley and tells the full story of the successful deception, is released in UK cinemas Operation Mincemeat, which first inspired the 1950s film The Man Who Never Was, was devised in the spring of 1943 by Cholmondeley, who worked for MI5, and Montagu, of Naval Intelligence.

Churchill was by then planning to invade Germany's ally Italy through the island of Sicily. But a ruse was needed to make the Germans think the attack was taking place elsewhere.

The idea of using a body planted with false papers had initially been put forward in a memo circulated

by Rear Admiral John Godfrey, the Director of British Naval Intelligence, shortly after the outbreak of war in 1939.

What became known as the 'Trout Memo' - because it compared tricking Hitler to fishing - put forward what was described as the 'not very nice' suggestion that a corpse could be dressed to look like a soldier and planted with documents, before being dropped in the ocean near enemy positions.

While Godfrey's name was on the memo, many believe his deputy - Ian Fleming, later author of the James Bond novels - contributed a large part of the work.

The idea had been used by both Allied and Axis powers in the First World War to trick the other side about future attacks so that troops could be diverted.

Godfrey's plan was initially dismissed as 'unworkable' but was then revisited in 1942 at the suggestion of Cholmondeley when the invasion of Sicily was being prepared.

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Although he was told the plan was too complex, Cholmondeley was encouraged to develop it with Montagu.

The pair consulted with pathologists about the type of corpse that would be needed and were then given the go-ahead in February 1943.

Major Martin's identity card, which was placed on his body before it was put into the ocean off the coast of Spain, showed a photo of another soldier - Captain Ronnie Reed - who was deemed to look like him

Operation Mincemeat, which first inspired the 1950s film The Man Who Never Was, was devised in the spring of 1943 by Cholmondeley (left), who worked for MI5, and Montagu (right), of Naval Intelligence 177 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Two theories then outline how they got the corpse that was used.

One put forward by author Ben Macintyre, whose bestelling book tells the story of the operation, believes Welshman Glyndwr was chosen after he died at St Pancras Hospital in London in January 1943.

Glyndwr fitted the bill because his cause of death - the ingestion of rat poison - would have been difficult to identify with an autopsy. It meant that spies would be able to make it appear as though the man had died in a plane crash at sea.

Ms Leslie spoke to the Daily Mail in 1956 about her crucial role in Operation Mincemeat 178 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

The Welshman also had no living relatives, meaning both that his identity could not be accidentally revealed and also that permission was not needed to use his corpse.

Spanish researchers Jesus Ramírez and Enrique Nielsen instead believe that the body was that of a British sailor who died when HMS Dasher sunk off the coast of Scotland in March 1943.

Once the corpse had been obtained, the idea was to drop it off the coast of Spain near Huelva, where the corpse - named as Major Martin - is located.

There, it was hoped it would be picked up by the Spanish, who were nominally neutral but known to be assisting the Nazis in intelligence gathering.

Spain had been chosen because the British team had been told that Spanish doctors were unlikely to carry out a thorough autopsy. This was partly because Spain's dominant Roman Catholic faith meant cutting open corpses was only done in extreme circumstances.

The name of Martin was chosen because there were several other officers with the same surname and similar rank in the Royal Marines - the branch of the military that was chosen for the corps.

Martin's pockets were also filled with the personal effects that made his identify convincing. His ID photograph showed another soldier - Captain Ronnie Reed - who was deemed to look like him.

Along with the photo of his 'girlfriend' Pam - Ms Leigh - there was also a receipt for an engagement ring, ticket stubs from the theatre, keys, cigarettes and a pencil stub.

Chained to Martin's waist was the leather case that contained intelligence documents marked 'top secret' which detailed attack plans on Greece and Sardinia instead of Sicily.

On April 30, the body was sailed to the coast off Huelva by the submarine HMS Seraph and put into the water where the current would carry it to shore.

It was found several hours later by Spanish fishermen and taken into custody by the armed forces, which performed the autopsy.

The ruse was so successful that, even when the Allied invasion of Sicily was launched (pictured), Hitler held back his forces - believing this was actually the diversion 179 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

Montagu (pictured after the war ended) later revealed the existence of the mission, dubbed Operation Mincemeat, but refused to reveal the identity of the corpse

Imperial War Museum curator Rob Rumble (left) is seen with author Ben Macintyre (centre) and John Madden, who directed the new film Operation Mincemeat 180 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

The case was taken to Madrid and opened under pressure from Nazi agents. Its contents were then taken out and photographed before the case was handed back to the British - who had been requesting its return.

When they inspected the case, the British suspected the letters had been opened because they had planted an eyelash inside one of them and it was missing.

German communications that were deciphered at Bletchley Park in May then confirmed that the intelligence had reached the Nazi high command and had been 'swallowed rod, line and sinker'.

Hitler moved thousands of troops away from Sicily to counter the Allied offensive that he believed would be targeted elsewhere.

Even when Sicily was attacked, Hitler still delayed sending troops back because he thought the operation was a diversion for the real focus of hostilities.

Though more than 5,000 Allied troops - mostly British and America - died invading Sicily, some 9,000 Nazi and Italian soldiers also lost their lives with some 117,000 captured or missing.

It is thought that Operation Mincemeat saved thousands of Allied lives in the invasion, and paved the way for the Italian Campaign that followed.

Ms Leigh's was working in the War Office as a secretary when Montagu asked female staff to submit personal photographs for a top-secret project.

The photo of her in Oxfordshire had been taken by her Guardsman boyfriend. She had put the image in a drawer and forgotten about it before the appeal.

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A series of wartime government papers that have been digitised for the first time by the Imperial War Museum and which were kept by Montagu without permission, reveal the intricate details of Cholmondeley and Montagu's plot. Above: A briefing document details the Operation Mincemeat plot to fool the Germans in all its intricate detail. One passage (left) reads that the object of the plan is to 'pass to the enemy operation orders of an operation in the Mediterranean in such circumstances that they will regard them as the orders for the next operation to be carried out by the Allies'

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A second document that has been digitised by the Imperial War Museum details assurances from Montagu that the real cause of Martin's death would not be obvious to any Nazis who examined his body Speaking years later, she said of her role as the fictitious girlfriend: 'He was Willie, I was Pam. We went to clubs, films and dinner - always keeping the ticket stubs.'

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Speaking to the Daily Mail in 1956 after the release of the film The Man Who Never Was - which was the first on-screen depiction of Operation Mincemeat - Ms Leslie said: 'I was working in the War Office in 1942 when Commander Montagu asked several of us if we had any pictures of ourselves.

'I was the girl who went with Commander Montagu to the theatre on the other half of the stubs of tickets that were found on Major Martin.

'I think we girls at the War Office knew how to keep secrets. But when people at parties wonder if Operation Mincemeat was genuine, it's an awful temptation to tell.'

A second document that has been digitised by the Imperial War Museum details assurances from Montagu that the real cause of Martin's death would not be obvious to any Nazis who examined his body.

Another reveals some of the letters sent between British officials in the knowledge that they would be intercepted by the Germans. One - a letter to Montagu from the British Embassy in Madrid details contact with Martin's fake father and fiancée.

A third document references once again the package that was delivered to HMS Seraph and which was described as 'optical instruments'.

Curator Robert Rumble told MailOnline: 'The aim of Operation Mincemeat was a spectacular disinformation strategy to cover for the planned Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943.

'The documents are the essence of the operation. It was using respective bureaucracies of both the British, Spanish and Germans to play up on the fears that Hitler himself had that the British would target the Greece and the Balkans in order to link up with a Soviet advance.

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One document, detailing the arrival of a '400lbs package’, appears to reference the delivery of Martin's corpse to HMS Seraph, the naval vessel from which the body was taken from Scotland to Spain

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A letter written by British intelligence official Alan Hillgarth from the British Embassy in Madrid to Ewan Montagu. Describing how messages from 'Major Martin's father and fiancee' had been passed on, the letter was part of the deception to make Major Martin's false backstory convincing

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A third document references once again the package that was delivered to HMS Seraph and which was described as 'optical instruments'

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An official note detailing how the Prime Minister Winston Churchill had been informed of the Operation Mincemeat plot by General Hastings Ismay 190 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

A fake letter from British naval attaché Alan Hillgarth in Madrid to Major Martin's 'father', detailing how a gravestone had been arranged. The attaché said that the stone would be a 'simple white marble slab'. The letter added: 'May I express my deep sympathy with you and your son's fiancée in your great sorrow'

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An official letter asking for the 'death' of Major Martin to be inserted into the next list of British war casualties. The note adds: 'It is most desirable that this should appear at the earliest possible moment 'The operation was a bit of a zero-sum game. It would either work of fail spectacularly. If the Germans had rumbled them, it would have clearly indicated Sicily to be the target.

'The efforts to get it right the first time were key to its success.'

Colin Firth's new film about the operation was this week praised by critics ahead of its release on Friday.

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The Daily Mail's Brian Viner said the drama, which is directed by John Madden and inspired by Macintyre's book, was 'most absorbing' and an 'astounding true story'.

There have been calls to exhume the corpse of the fake Major Martin from his burial site in Huelva so that his true identity - which Montagu always refused to divulge - can be determined.

Author Mr Macintyre is among those who wants an exhumation to take place. He believes that the corpse is that of Glyndwr Michael.

Whilst Spanish researchers Mr Ramirez and Mr Neilsen dispute that theory, others believe that the grave is empty and that whatever remains it once contained were exhumed by the Nazis after the Spanish autopsy so they could do their own.

Brothers Antonio and Modesto Fernandez Jurado, whose father carried out the autopsy on 'Martin' when his body was found floating off the Spanish coast in April, also believe the full truth of Operation Mincemeat has yet to be told.

Antonio told The Times last December: 'I don't believe that we have the full truth about the identity of William Martin.'

'We are living in Spain at a time when we are reopening graves from the civil war every day, why can't we open this one to clear up the matter?'

Share or comment on this article: How MI5 secretary's beach snap was planted in Operation Mincemeat to dupe Hitler https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10714251/How-MI5-secretarys-beach-snap-plantedOperation-Mincemeat-dupe-Hitler.html

RSA: STATE SECURITY AGENCY • Former State Security Agency finance clerk sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for theft 11 April 2022 The NPA welcomes the sentence of 6 years direct imprisonment for theft of R170 000, handed down by the Pretoria Special Commercial Crimes Court to a former State Security Agency (SSA) Finance Clerk, Kgaogelo Bopape (53).

On 07 April 2020, Bopape withdrew R500 000 under the false pretence that she would make the funds available to the members of the SSA operations. She then kept the funds in a lockable safe 193 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

in her office, and later took R170 000 and used it for her benefit. However, she paid R10 000 back to the SSA. When the Finance Manager of the division was doing a spot check audit, he discovered that there was an amount of R500 000 missing from the safe. After internal investigations were done, an opened packet containing R330 000 was found inside Bopape’s office, and upon interrogation, she eventually admitted to stealing R170 000. The matter was reported to the police, and she was arrested on 26 January 2021. Bopape pleaded guilty to a charge of theft.

During the arguments in court, prosecutor Adv. Billy Moalosi said Bopape was in a position of trust but she used that to her advantage because she knew there wouldn’t be any suspicions. “The fact that she pleaded guilty cannot be seen as remorse, but rather regret because the state had a strong case against her.”

In delivering his judgement, the magistrate said factors whether mitigating or aggravating are irrelevant. Bopape committed a serious crime, that deserved a sentence that matched its seriousness. The accused lived above her means and stole the money to maintain her lifestyle. She should have known better, because of her age and her position of trust, especially with her work experience and should have been able to distinguish between right and wrong.

The DPP Adv. Sibongile Mzinyathi welcomed the sentence and said that he hopes that it will send a strong message that the State takes crimes of theft, corruption and fraud, especially committed by government officials very seriously and will be pursued strongly in court.

Issued by Lumka Mahanjana, NPA Regional Spokesperson, 12 April 2022 https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/six-years-imprisonment-for-former-ssa-financecler?utm_source=Politicsweb+Daily+Headlines&utm_campaign=f37ce5e831EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_12_08_10&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a86f25db99f37ce5e831-130042309

NATURE CONSERVATION: CHENGETA WILDLIFE Via Frans Bedford Visser Hennie Sit die asb. in die nuutste Nongqai: “Time goes by so fast yet in some ways seems to stand still as today, already, we remember and honour the lives of our co-founder CEO Rory Young and the Spanish journalists who were with him, David Beriáin and Roberto Fraile, who passed tragically in Burkina Faso one year ago.

While there has been a period of deep grief, stoic reflection, and coming together since then, we want to today to truly celebrate the life of this giant of conservation. A man who risked all to do what he could to protect wildlife, to empower communities and to train rangers. But he was also a man who inspired, who gathered like-minded individuals to the same cause and built a team and a fantastic support network to help achieve his lifelong vision.

We also remember Rory the man - a fascinating, charismatic, passionate and kind man determined to do good in the world, with a brilliant sense of humour, numerous stories to tell and someone who’d light up any room (or wild forest) when he entered.

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Rory’s legacy now lives on through his wife & children and through the Chengeta Wildlife team he’d built up around him and steadfastly believed in.

Our vitally important work continues with Rory as our inspiration (it must!) as we remain as committed as ever to train rangers to preserve some of the most pristine yet challenging environments on the planet and protect the precious wildlife including elephants, pangolins, bonobos and western lowland gorillas whose habitats we must retain for future generations.

To help support our critical ongoing wildlife protection work, please consider a donation or setting up a fundraiser in Rory’s honour.

We know Rory would be thrilled and deeply grateful to have you with us as we continue Chengeta's journey.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Chengeta Wildlife team” Donation Link: https://chengetawildlife.org/donate-now/ Groete Frans Bedford Visser

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VAN DIE REDAKSIE

• OOGGETUIEVERSLAE VAN TERREURDADE GESOEK Help asseblief: So baie van ons lede en lesers was ooggetuies van terreurdade gedurende die rewolusionêre oorlog. Ons is op soek na ooggetuieverslae van ons oudlede. En statistiek. Soos die ou Anglo Boere-oorlog wat meer as 100 jaar gelede plaasgevind het, steeds interessant bly – so het ons rewolusionêre-oorlog van 16 Des 1961 tot 1994 geduur – selfs na die bekende “2 Februarie 1990”-toespraak van mnr FW de Klerk het die stryd eintlik feller voortgeduur veral tussen die ANC en Inkatha en tussen “Hostel dwellers” en “Residents”. Op die foto is majoor Dolf Odendaal nadat ‘n handgranaat na hom gegooi is.

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EX AFRICA SEMPER ALIQUID NOVI – EP. 6 Dr. Willem Steenkamp

Nog wat meer oor Libreville, Gaboen Wat mens opnuut tref as jy terugkyk na ons vier jaar in Libreville (begin 1993 tot begin 1997) is hoe “ánders” dit was, eerder as noodwendig “snaaks” (alhoewel daar ook heel genoeg was van dinge wat die mondhoeke laat opkrul het, indien nie altyd laat skater het nie!).

Gaboen is die Afrika-land met die hoogste BBP per grootte van sy bevolking (ek stel dit eerder só, as om die bloot teoretiese statistiek te gee van die “hoogste per capita inkomste”, want die rykdom daar is maar baie skraps versprei na die gewone bevolking). Die landjie se welvaart is te danke aan sy olie, uraan, mangaan en tropiese hout, en dan ‘n klein bevolking (in daardie jare maar so digby ‘n miljoen) wat maak dat die per capita syfer op papier baie goed lyk – heelwat beter as Suid-Afrika s’n.

Hierdie rykdom het beteken dat Libreville gewis die beste plek vir ons was om die Nuwe Suid-Afrika se eerste streek-ambassade in sg. Swart Afrika te vestig, a.g.v. die relatief goeie infrastruktuur daar (in vergelyking met ander lande in die streek – wat uit ses lande bestaan het, te wete Gaboen, Kameroen, Tsjad, die Sentraal-Afrikaanse Republiek, San Tome en Prinsipe en Ekwatoriaal-Guinee). ‘n Eensmalige Franse kolonie, het die Gaboenese in werklikheid onafhanklikheid teengestaan gehad maar moes dit toe maar aanvaar toe die Franse (na hulle bloutjies in Vietnam en Algerië), besluit gehad het om hulle interaksie met hulle kolonies op ‘n nuwe voet te plaas (ek stel dit maar só, want in baie opsigte was dit politieke oëverblindery, met die Franse wat voortaan net maar sou regeer deur hulle ambassadeur eerder as ‘n goewerneur, onder die vaandel van ‘n hand-gekose plaaslike president wat geheel van Franse militêre rugsteuning afhanklik was vir in die saal bly).

Om ‘n paar voorbeelde ter illustrasie van die Franse greep te gee: • soos in baie ander voormalige kolonies in die Franse dampkring (bv. Sirië en Rwanda) het die Franse die kleinste of swakste stam gekies om hulle plaaslike bondgenote te wees, teen die inheemse elite wat voor die koloniale era daar regeer het. In die geval van Gaboen, was dit dus ‘n poskantoor-klerk van net maar 32 jaar oud, Albert Bongo (later Omar Bongo, toe hy Islam aangeneem het) wat vir 42 jaar president sou wees. Hy is na sy dood opgevolg deur sy seun Ali Bongo. Hulle is van die klein Bateke-stam (klein in getalle, sowel as van individuele postuur: volgens smalende opponente, glo verwant aan die pigmeë).

• In die politieke stryd teen die Zoeloes van daardie streek, die Fang (by verre die meerderheid in Gaboen, al het die koloniale owerhede die Fang se tradisionele stam-gebied opgedeel tussen drie lande: Gaboen, Ekwatoriaal-Guinee en Kameroen, om hulle te probeer verswak) 197 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

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was die Bongo-regering dus geheel afhanklik van die Franse en kon net maar aan bewind bly met dié se ondersteuning – sodat die presidensiële paleis in die middestad en die “somerpaleis” ‘n paar kilometer verder aan in die buitewyke, in effek beide binne militêre basisse geleë is, met die somerpaleis boonop regs langs die lughawe en die naasliggende Franse militêre basis met hulle 6e marinier-bataljon permanent daar gestasioneer (en alles gereed vir die Vreemdelinge-legioen se valskerm-soldate om in te vlieg, wanneer benodig).

Al die internasionale telefoon-konneksies het deur Parys gegaan, en ons was bv. daarvan oortuig dat ingemeng is met sekere lyne se sein-kwaliteit, want geen Gaboenese besigheidsman wat produkte van Suid-Afrika wou invoer kon in daardie jare regkry om ‘n faks na ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse nommer deur te kry nie (vir die ambassade self, moes ons direkte satelliet-kommunikasie installeer).

Die geld-eenheid in gebruik in Gaboen en die omliggende voormalige Franse kolonies is die Sentraal-Afrikaanse Frank, steeds nog streng beheer deur die Franse uit Parys en vas gekoppel aan hulle eie geldeenheid (destyds nog die Franse Frank).

Soos in prakties al die voormalige Franse kolonies in Afrika, is Libreville se hawetjie – foto regs – ook vêr terug in ‘n rivier geleë (30 km van die see) en gevolglik heelwat vlakker as vandag se moderne hawens; voorts beskik hierdie hawens nie oor hyskrane op die kaai nie, sodat dit prakties net die spesiaalaangepaste skepe van die Franse Delmas-lyn, met hulle vlak diepgang en aan-boord hyskrane was wat daar kon inkom om vrag af te lewer. ‘n Verdere komplikasie vir prospektiewe uitvoerders na die streek, was dat die Franse ook gesorg het dat net hulle uitvoerders die nodige vraghouers (containers) kon ruil-huur, sodat ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse uitvoerder na Gaboen, eers ‘n vraghouer moes koop – en dit in effek daarna in Gaboen sou moes abandoneer – met die gevolg dat Suid-Afrikaanse uitvoere in die praktyk eers na Le Havre in Frankryk verskeep moes word, en dan daar oorgelaai word op ‘n Delmas-skip terug na Afrika, om in ‘n mark soos Gaboen uit te kon kom.

Die ander speletjie was dié van standaarde en tegniese spesifikasies, wat spesiaal so eiesoortig opgestel is dat dit net Franse fabrikante was wat gerat was om dié standaarde en spesifikasies te ontmoet – of só het hulle gedink, totdat ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse vervaardiger van telefoon-kabels bv. sy produksielyn aangepas het en ‘n magdom kabel aan die Gaboense kon verkoop (wat maar alte goed besef het hulle word uitgebuit met hemel-hoë pryse deur die Franse); was die genot dus groot toe die Franse dadelik kapsie maak op die aanname dat die Suid-Afrikaanse kabels wat “hulle” mark so skielike binne geval het, nie aan die spesifikasies sou voldoen nie – en toe by die toets daarvan, moes uitvind dat hulle in hul eie spel geklop is...

Wat staatskontrakte betref (soos bv. die versiening van Gaboen se militêre hardeware, insluitend sy eskader Mirage-vegvliegtuie en oorlogskepe) was die Franse altyd in ‘n gunstige posisie, want die krygsmateriaal is natuurlik oorspronklik van Frankryk aangekoop – maar daar sit die Franse toe terstond met die probleem dat Suid-Afrika se krygstuig ook in daardie jare grootliks van Franse oorsprong was en ons dus die kundigheid en lisensies gehad het om die instandhouding te kon doen – en Atlas / Johannesburg vir die vliegtuie, en die droogdok by Kaapstad vir die skepe, was baie nader as dié in Frankryk, en baie meer kompeterend geprys.

Dit, ter agtergrond omtrent die magsrealiteite wat ons teengekom het met ons opening van die eerste ambassade van die nuwe era, daar in Gaboen.

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Ek onthou goed hoe die Franse ambassade daar by die Gaboense probeer spoke opjaag het oor hierdie nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse ambassadeur (synde nou die uwe) wat die seun is van ‘n voormalige bevelvoerende generaal van die SAP-Veiligheidstak, en self aan die Nasionale Intelligensiediens verbonde was – wat die Franse klaarblyklik nie besef het nie, is dat hierdie feite in die Afrika-konteks deur die Gaboense eerder as positiewe getuigskrifte gesien is, in stede van enigiets negatiefs. My vrou was ook voorheen aan die SAP-VT verbonde, en tog is sy heel gou deur die ander ambassadeursvroue daar (wat meesal van Afrika- en Derde Wêreld-lande was) verkies as voorsitster van die plaaslike vereniging van ambassadeursvroue...

Libreville, Gaboen, geleë aan die Noordoewer van die Komorivier (wat daar 13 km breed vloei), met die gebou waarin die S.A. ambassade gehuisves is (die kanselary op die 1e vloer, en die ampswoning op die dak, onder die rooi pyl).

Ons het meninge komiese momente beleef daar, as gevolg van die feit dat ons in beide “kampe” aanvaar is as “deel van hulle” – die Afrikane het ons (as Afrikaners van die Nuwe Suid-Afrika) heeltemal as mede-Afrikane aanvaar en onbeskroomd voor ons oor die dekselse Europeërs en Noord-Amerikaners gekla – terwyl in die ander kring, ons blanke velle gemaak het dat die bleekgesigte van die Noorde weer vir ons aangesien het as deel van húlle, sodat ons dus maar meewarig moes luister hoe onbeskroomd dié huigelaars, ons donkerder mede-Afrikane beskinder...

Dit was seker onvermydelik dat ons, as die nuwe outjies in die buurt en wat boonop vir soveel jare die slagoffers was van intense negatiewe propaganda, “getoets” sou word om te sien hoe ons werklik is en wat daar in ons steek. Dit het nogal tot een van die minder tradisionele episodes van diplomasie-voer gelei in my loopbaan – soos u as leser vervolgens sal sien, oënskynlik heel strydig met die diplomatieke etiket wat ek self, tot nog kort tevore, aan die kadette doseer had as hoof van Diplomatieke Opleiding. Maar tog presies in pas met die ou spreuk dat “diplomasie die kuns is om iemand hel toe te stuur, maar op so ‘n manier dat hy uitsien na die reis”...

Bowe-al het die episode ook weer bewys dat die vermoë om jou man te kan staan – ferm maar met respek – kwaliteite is wat in Afrika hoog waardeer word en dan tot wedersydse agting lei (soos eintlik maar oral-oor, al word ferm-staan elders dikwels verdoesel agter vroom protokolêre posering van “beskaafde sofistikasie”). Immers, in die rol van ambassadeur, gaan dit nie oor jou eie persoon nie, maar oor respek vir jou land...

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Die gebou wat ons uitgekies het om die ambassade-kanselary in te vestig (met die ampswoning in die “penthouse” op die dak), was die trots van Libreville. Pas voltooi, is dit grotendeels gebou met materiaal wat “toevallig oortollig” was in die konstruksie van die presidensiële paleis – marmer, graniet en al (en ja: natuurlik het die presidensiële familie ‘n “vinger in die paai” gehad in die eienaarskap van die gebou, en dus in die wins uit verhurings...).

Die foto hiernaas toon die hoof-ingang na die residensiële deel, met die trappies links wat oplei na die kanselary se aparte ingang.

Die grondvloer van die gebou is beslaan deur luukse winkels, met die eerste vloer vir kantore en die res bo dit dan woonstelle (die ander oorgeplaasde ambassade-personeel het ook in die gebou gewoon, sodat ons bv. ‘n groot satelliet-skottel op die dak kon aanbring om Suid-Afrikaanse TV op te vang; die saam-blyery so in dieselfde gebou, bevattend ook die kanselary, was nie net gerieflik nie, maar uiteraard ook bevorderlik vir veiligheid).

Synde nuut gebou, was die kantoor-spasie soos oorhandig aan ons net rou beton, met slegs buite-mure/vensters en dan die onafgewerkte vloer en plafon (lg., synde die vloer van die volgende verdieping). Om die kanselary in te rig, moes ons dus die vloerbedekkings insit en die tussen-mure bou (wat ons modulêr ontwerp het, gemaak van die pragtige plaaslike tropiese laaghout; dis so gedoen om vinnige aanpassing later moontlik te maak – sien die foto van die konstruksie hieronder: let veral op die vlottende plafon, wat die kern-kwessie sou word in die drama wat sou ontvou).

Die heel eerste element wat in so ‘n konstruksie in plek geplaas moet word, is juis die vlottende plafon, wat so ‘n meter of wat onder die beton van die opvolgende vloer geplaas word; binne hierdie spasie loop dan al die kabels, lugkanale ens. So ‘n plafon kan nie eintlik stuksgewys installeer word nie, maar moet as ‘n eenheid deurloop, ten einde dan vervolgens die inpas / hang van die modulêre eenhede onder dit, moontlik te maak.

En dis hier waar die toets toe gekom het...

Want sien, ons huurkontrak het wel gesê dat die hele spasie ons s’n is, maar toe blyk dit dat daar wel reeds ‘n bestaande okkupant (van eintlik maar ‘n klein deeltjie van die groter kantoor-spasie) was. In die vorm van die persoonlike kantoor van die Gaboenese minister van ekonomiese sake – net maar sy eie kantoor, en dan die voor-kantoor/ontvangs van sy twee sekretaresses. Heeltemal weg geleë van sy departement se kantore, en ‘n plek wat hy net elke maand-einde besoek het, om sy tjek te ontvang (soos in baie ander plekke, dien meeste kabinetsposte daar eintlik maar om leiers soos stam-hoofde gelukkig te hou, met die werklike werk wat in die presidensie gedoen word).

Dit het ongelukkig telkens dié waarde heer (met wie ek later op baie goeie en produktiewe voet sou kom) ontgaan om sy huur te betaal, sodat sy kontrak toe reeds formeel opgesê was voor die geheel van die vloerspasie vervolgens aan ons verhuur is. Sy kantoor moes hy dus ontruim, sodat dit 200 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

afgebreek kon word en ons ons s’n kon inruim. Wat toe gereeld plegtig belowe word, maar erg tarra om te gebeur – en wat ons hele bou-proses in die wiele ry, want ons kan nie die plafon deur-sit onderwyl sy struktuurtjie nog staan nie.

Die gebou-bestuurderes was ‘n Franse dame van senuagtige temperament wat, as sy my in aantog gesien het om die situasie te bekla, solank haar valiums nadergetrek het. Want sy was so ietwat tussen die duiwel en die diep blou see, siende dat die minister darem nou ‘n eerbiedwaardige persoon is. Dinge kon egter nie so bly aangaan nie, sodat ek toe direk die president se regterhand geskakel het by die paleis, en aan haar die probleem geskets het – verduidelikend dat ek nou nie met ‘n diplomatieke insident wil sit nie, maar iets daadwerklik moet nou dringend gedoen word.

Sy’t onderneem om met die president te praat en na my toe terug te kom – wat sy toe ook aanstons gedoen het, met die boodskap dat die president sê ek moenie bekommer oor ‘n insident nie. Ek moet doen wat ek nodig ag om te doen...

En daar is die uitdaging toe vierkant voor my voete gegooi – wat gaan die nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse ambassadeur doen, en veral dan: hoe?

Gewapen met die wete dat ek nie ‘n diplomatieke insident hoef te vrees nie, en met goeie begrip daarvoor dat ek eintlik getoets word, het ek toe terstond die konstruksie-span byeen gekry en met hulle op sleeptou, weer ‘n besoek gaan bring aan die twee sekretaresses...

Synde ‘n geskoolde diplomaat te wees (soos gesê, was ek darem voorheen hoof van Opleiding) het ek nie toe sommer “met die deur in die huis geval” nie. Nee – die deur se lot, in hierdie geval, was ietwat anders...

By die intrap, het ek naamlik heel eerste dat die werkers die buitenste dubbel-deur se twee blaaie uit die kosyne hak en wegdra (sodat dit nie gesluit kon word nie). Daarna het ek vriendelik-hoflik aan die twee grootoog-dames verduidelik dat ons gekom het om hulle te help om hulle kantore te ontruim, siende dat hulle so baie klaarblyklik hulp daarmee nodig gehad het...

Die welwillende gebaar om solank hulle buitedeur weg te dra, het die erns van die situasie (en die wil om iets daaromtrent te doen) duidelik heel konkreet tuisgebring, sodat die twee dadelik begin pleit het dat ek tog net nie summier die minister se kantoor moet takel nie – tog asseblief net vir hulle nog ‘n dag moet gee, dan sal hulle beslis en gewis alles daar weg hê. Goedhartiglik het ons toe vir hulle 48 uur gegee, maar ek wou nie die buite-deur teruggee nie. Met dié se blaaie onder die blad het ons toe plegtig afskeid geneem, met die belofte om oor 48 uur terug te wees...

Natuurlik, toe ek en die konstruksie-span stiptelik 48 uur later weer daar aanmeld, is nog niks gedoen nie. Want sien, die minister se kantoor-deur was gesluit, was hulle verskoning. En daar’s die spreekwoordelike Rubicon toe voor my – gaan ek druipstert omdraai, of gaan ek hom oorsteek?

Briesend van binne oor die penarie waarvoor hulle my gestel het (wie het nou al ooit gehoor van ‘n pas-aangelande ambassadeur wat die gasheerland se minister van ekonomiese sake se kantoordeur afbreek?) roep ek toe die werker met die domkrag-hamer oftewel “jack-hammer” nader. Die eerste taak was om ‘n gat in die deur (gelukkig van hout) te maak, om te kon sien of daar iets waardevol was digby aan die binnekant ,wat beskadig sou kon word as ons die deur inslaan.

Dit was natuurlik my voorreg en ook leiers-plig om self die wapen op te neem (want nie een van die Gaboenese konstruksiewerkers sou ieder geval aan so ‘n misdaad skuldig wou wees nie) en met die druk-hamer wat in die beperkte spasie dawer, die eerste bres te slaan. Na ‘n vinnige rondloer deur die gruwelike gat wat die jack-hammer reg in die middel van wat eintlik ‘n baie mooi deur was gepons het, en tevrede dat daar niks agter die deur was wat sou skade ly nie, het ek vervolgens met ‘n voorhamer die slot uit die kosyn geslaan (op ouderdom 39 het ek die krag en die drif gehad daarvoor, en ook genoeg ervaring van hamers swaai in konstruksie-take). Weer het die dames (nou baie duidelik heeltemal oortuig daarvan dat ek beide ernstig en mal-gevaarlik is) gesoebat dat ek 201 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

hulle tog asseblief net ‘n paar uur moet toelaat om die minister se besittings uit te dra – waarmee ek toe op my vriendelik-hoflikste, die werkers hulle laat help het, sodat die takie in minder as ‘n uur afgehandel is. Met die yster warm, het ons toe ook sommer die hele struktuurtjie daar en dan platgeslaan ... en nie baie weke daarna nie, kon ons toe ons blinknuwe kanselary betrek.

Vir diegene wat wonder hoe so ‘n moderne ambassade-kanselary nou eintlik lyk, hiermee ‘n paar foto’s – eerstens van die twee vleuels van my kantoor, wat ‘n L-vorm had in die gebou se hoek:

Hieronder is die konferensiekamer / biblioteek plus die wag-area buite die politieke afdeling se deel, met dan die konsulêre afdeling (vir visumaansoek ens.), en die bemarkingsafdeling se uitstal-area.

Ek moet bieg dat – kom ons sê maar a.g.v. die “tydsdruk” in die harwar van al die bedrywigheid rondom die nuwe kanselary inruim – dit my heeltemal en totaal “ontgaan” het om ooit hierdie insident aan Pretoria te rapporteer... (ek kan my goed indink wat Hoofkantoor daarvan sou gemaak het!).

Hierdie is dus die eerste te boekstelling ooit, van dié episode...

Wat ek wel kan sê, is dat ons desondanks (of meer waarskynlik, juis omrede) met die grootste agting en waardering bejeën is in Gaboenese regeringskringe, wat my goed laat verstaan het hoe bly hulle 202 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

was om ‘n ambassade daar te hê wat doen, en nie net praat nie. Die einste minister was dan ook breed aan my sy, vol van egte kameraderie, toe ons kort daarna die eerste konferensie oor Gaboenees/Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomiese betrekkinge aangebied het.

Dit was sekerlik ook nie blote toeval nie dat gewis die 2e belangrikste persoon in die land, na die president – synde die minister van verdediging – my terstond genooi het om hom op kantoor te kom besoek: die begin van ‘n baie vrugbare werksverhouding, wat o.a. vir Krygkor se filiale alte gou ‘n klompie aantreklike kontrakte in die sak gebring het – tot die Franse se ontsteltenis, natuurlik (maar daaroor in ‘n volgende episode meer).

Daardie mooi nuwe gebou waarin ons die kanselary en ampswoning gevestig het, sou nog verdere verrassings oplewer. Een daarvan het ons Franse argitek nogal erg onthuts. ‘n Ampswoning bestaan tipies uit twee dele, naamlik die familie-tuiste en dan die “verteenwoordigende” deel, waar amptelik onthaal word. Dit benodig dus twee van alles, veral i.t.v. sitkamer, eetkamer, kombuis en gaste-suites. Op ons vleuel van die dak was daar ‘n hoof-“penthouse” met sy ruim onthaalgeriewe en daktuin, plus dan ‘n kleiner dakwoonstel reg langsaan, wat sywaarts gefront het. Die oplossing was eintlik heel maklik: sit twee dak-woonstelle rug-teen-rug saam as een en voilà, daar het mens twee van alles (met die kleiner woonstel wat toe die familie-kombuis, siteetkamer en TV gesinskamer verskaf het).

Foto: deel van die penthouse se ruim-daktuin, met ‘n onderdak lapa vir onthaal links en regs ‘n mooi uitsig oor die riviermond en die see daaragter, plus die vlagpaal waaraan die Suid-Afrikaanse vlag trots gewapper het, die hoogste in die ganse Libreville...

Die enigste probleem sou wees, hoe om die twee eenhede intern te verbind, sodat ons tussen hulle kon beweeg sonder om buiteom te moes loop? Op die gebou-plan kon ek sien dat daar geleentheid sou wees om ‘n deur in te breek van die een na die ander, op ‘n punt wat weerskante gerieflik sou wees. ‘n Vinnige klop teen die betrokke muur, het my oortuig dat dit van die hol bordtipe konstruksie was.

Die argitek het egter my idee heeltemal afgeskiet, want volgens die bouplan was die betrokke muur ‘n struktureel-belangrike dramuur van gewapende beton.

Hoe meer ek toe sê dis in die werklike lewe nie só nie, hoe meer wou hy my nie glo nie – want wat sou ‘n ambassadeur dan nou weet van bouplanne en muur-tipes?

Einde raad moes ek hom toe opneem na die woonstel, vir inspeksie ter plaatse. My vraag aan hom was: indien hierdie muur wel hol bord is, sou hy saamstem dat dit die ideale plek was om ‘n deur in te breek? Ja beslis, sê hy toe, maar hou vol hy kan my absoluut verseker dit is ‘n gewapende beton dra-muur, wat die boonste vloer moet dra (dit was ‘n dubbelverdieping penthouse)...

Waarop ek toe my Swiss army knife uithaal (van die tipe met die stewige saag-lem) en dit met een hou tot by die hef in die “dra-muur” inslaan en begin die vesel-sement bord oopsaag waar ek die deur wou hê...

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Jy kon die Fransman met ‘n veer om-tik (want dit was ‘n bekende Franse konstruksie-maatskappy wat die gebou opgerig het).

Lang storie kort – ons het toe ons verbinding-deur daar gekry, en ek en die argitek het ten besluite beide maar net meewarig kopgeskud oor die “kortpaaie” en “besparingsmaatreëls” wat duidelik in die bou-proses ingesluip het... Gelukkig is Libreville nie in ‘n aardbewing-sone nie, en vir ons eie gemoedsrus het ons maar liefs nie verder ondersoek watter ander “dra-mure” van daardie twaalfverdieping gebou, in werklikheid van hol bord was nie!

Die residensie se hoof-eetkamer vir amptelike onthale, en ‘n hoek van die formele sitkamer.

Die praktiese waarde van wedersydse respek vestig het ek spoedig weer besef, aan die hand van ons ervaring met die Gaboenese Doeane. By ons aankoms daar in Libreville, was omtrent die eerste en algemeenste skinder-stories wat ons op die diplomatieke “circuit” opgetel het, hoe vrot sleg en tydsaam die doeane sou wees in die uitklaring van diplomatieke invoere. Die Kanadese ambassadeur moes bv. meer as ses maande wag vir sy ampsmotor om deur-geklaar te word. Dié lang slap Noord-Amerikaanse wa moes, na ses maande op die dokke in die felle tropiese son, wind en weer, by ontvangs direk paneelkloppers toe, om in geheel oor ge-spuitverf te word...

Siende dat ons as nuwe aankomelinge ‘n hele kanselary en ampswoning moes toerus met meubels, apparate en voertuie wat ons wou invoer, was dit belangrik dat die klaringsproses glad en vinnig moes verloop. Maar geen van die ander missies kon vir ons raad gee oor hoe om só ‘n “wonderwerk” te vermag nie.

Na so bietjie kopkrap en intap in my kennis van mense en Afrika, besluit ek toe dat ons die hoof van doeane moet insluit op die lys van my hoflikheidsbesoeke (dis gebruiklik vir ‘n nuwe ambassadeur om sulke besoeke af te lê by die belangrikste ministers, maar nie by ‘n amptenaar soos die hoof van doeane nie). En om dié spesifieke besoek goed op te jazz en prioriteit te gee.

So gebeur dit toe dat ons in konvooi opruk na sy kantoor, vlag voor op die neus van die Land Cruiser (wat moes instaan as ampsmotor, siende dat Daimler in Duitsland nog nie ons nuwe Mercedes laat skip boord het Gaboen toe nie – daar was darem ‘n goeie Toyota-handelaar in Libreville, so ons kon die eerste week al die twee Land Cruiser “troepedraers” van die vloer af koop en dadelik in besit neem). Saam met my was my 2e in bevel, plus die hoof van administrasie en sy volledige plaaslikgewerfde span. By die doeane-hoof aangekom, was hy uiteraard ingenome met die betoon van respek, en veral só toe ek hom vertel dat ons nie net maar hoflikheidshalwe daar aandoen nie – nee, ek het my hele admin-span wat met invoere werk saamgebring, sodat hulle daar, aan die voete van Gamaliël, presies kon hoor wat van hulle verwag word om die proses vlot te laat verloop...

Ek het nie met hom doekies omgedraai nie – hy weet sekerlik goed (het ek met die nodige kommer in my stem gesê), dat sy instelling ‘n baie swak reputasie het onder diplomate, vir hopeloos stadig 204 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

en korrup wees. As een Afrikaan teenoor ‘n ander, kan ek nie en wil ek nie dié skinderstories glo nie. My siening is dat korrupsie altyd twee partye verg, en omdat ek nie vir hom te kenne wil gee dat ek dink hy is ‘n skelm nie, sal ek nooi-ooit vir hom enigiets aanbied vir sy dienste nie – daarvoor respekteer ek sy belangrike amp en sy land te veel. Wat ek wel wil doen, is om vir al die skinderbekke konkreet te bewys dat ons as Afrikane, wel dinge vinnig en korrek kan doen.

Dit was uiteraard ietwat van ‘n rewolusionêre benadering vir my nuwe vriend. Maar soos so dikwels, het ek daar weer gesien dat die waardevolste dinge wat mens aan enige ander mens kan laat toekom – veel meer as geld – is respek en erkenning vir sy vermoëns. Om ‘n lang storie kort te maak: die S.A. Lugmag kon ons meubels met ‘n C-130 direk invlieg na die plaaslike lugmagbasis, waar dit dadelik geklaar is. My ampsmotor is vooraf geklaar en letterlik dadelik by aanland by die hawe, aan ons oorhandig. Dit was die nuwe S-klas, wat toe pas vrygestel is, sodat ons s’n die eerste ampsmotor van dié nuwe klas in Gaboen was. Ook het Pretoria vergun dat ampsmotors nie meer die somber swart van ouds hoef te wees nie; as synde verteenwoordigers van die land van goud, het ons toe so ‘n sjampanje-goue een gekies (wat goed uitgestaan en ons beeldbou gesterk het).

Die goeie werksverhouding het so uitstekend vlot verloop, dat ons elke Woensdag, binne ‘n uur na die weeklikse Air Gabon-vlug vanaf Johannesburg geland het, ons bestelling vars produkte soos vleis, brood en groente /vrugte, by ons woonstelle afgelewer kon ontvang (wat ‘n groot besparing was, en ook lekker om ons eie bekende Suid-Afrikaanse produkte te kon inkoop – in Gaboen is daar prakties geen landbou nie, sodat meer as 93% van alle verbruikersprodukte daar ingevoer word; die goed van Frankryk af is vrek duur, sodat Libreville daardie dae die 2e duurste stad in die wêreld was, volgens die expat-indekse).

Wat ek sekerlik ook moet noem, is dat ons vir Air Gabon baie gehelp het met die burgerlugvaartooreenkoms tussen Gaboen en Suid-Afrika se bepalings vir deurvlug-regte vir passasiers. Hulle kon dus hulle groot Boeing 747 op die Johannesburg-Libreville roete gebruik, en so reël dat die vliegtuig dan van Libreville aanvlieg Londen toe en terug, wat ‘n goedkoop alternatief vir Suid-Afrikaners daargestel het om na die V.K. te vlieg en terug Johannesburg toe (met as enigste ongerief, die uur of wat se oorstaan in Libreville – ‘n ekonomies-belangrike vergunning aan hulle van die reg om deurvlug-kaartjies te verkoop, wat nie tipies toegestaan word in sulke ooreenkomste nie). ‘n Jaar of wat daarna, kry ek eendag ‘n oproep van my nuwe Duitse eweknie, Horst. Sy ampsmotor staan toe al twee maande op die dokke en die ander kollegas het vir hom gesê hy moet vir my vra hoe om dit losgelaat te kry, want ons is die enigste ouens wat weet hoe om dit reg te kry (ons het nie die aap uit die mou gelaat gehad van wat en hoe ons gedoen het nie, maar die ander kon uiteraard sien ons goed kom moeiteloos dadelik deur). Siende dat Horst en ek toe al pêlle geword het, het ek toe vir hom verduidelik dat daar absoluut geen omkopery is nie – inteendeel. Wat ons wel gebruik, is wedersydse respek en erkenning vir professionele bekwaamheid. Hy is toe daardie selfde dag met sy span oor na die doeane-hoof op ‘n hoflikheidsbeoek, en die dag daarna kom wys hy toe ewe trots vir my sy nuwe ampsmotor...

Om hierdie episode mee af te sluit, nog so ‘n paar staaltjies oor motorvoertuie daar in die liewe Libreville. Gaboen volg die Franse stelsel van diplomatieke nommerplate, alfabeties volgens die letter waarmee jou land se naam begin. Ons, as Afrique du Sud, was dus CD 2 (Afghanistan sou CD 1 wees, maar siende dat hulle nie ‘n missie in Libreville had nie, was ons dus in effek eerste).

Volgens protokol val die chauffeurs met hulle ampsmotors dan in gelid volgens hierdie orde by amptelike geleenthede, soos wanneer hulle bv. in lyn gereed wag om by afloop van ‘n staatsbanket, hulle onderskeie ambassadeurspare by die voordeur op te laai. Voor ons daar aangekom het, het 205 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

die Yanks die gewoonte gehad om sommer voor in die tou in te val. Sulke voorbarigheid het gewis nie my chauffeur, Monsieur Elvis, geval nie (en heimlik vir sy ander Afrika-eweknië ook nie). Hy het gestaan op sy reg om voor in die tou te wees, wat ietwat van ‘n kompetisie met die Amerikaanse chauffeur tot gevolg gehad het. Gelukkig was ek en my Amerikaanse eweknie, Joe Wilson (oor hom in ‘n latere episode meer) op baie goeie voet, en is die sakie toe in Monsieur Elvis se guns geskik, respekterend dus van die protokol – tot groot plesier van die ander Afrika-chauffeurs.

Elvis, wonderlik-goeie mens wat hy was (en ‘n instinktief-puik bestuurder), het egter ook sy kwota probleempies en misverstande veroorsaak...

Een insident was op die moment glad nie ‘n grap nie (as ons nie so goed toegerus was vir daardie omstreke nie, kon dit ernstige gevolge gehad het). Dit het op een van die Land Cruiser “troepedraers” betrekking gehad. Hierdie voertuie is normaalweg deur die bodes gebruik vir aflewerings en om die ambassade-kinders skool-toe en terug te vervoer. Wanneer ons op ekspedisies die binneland in moes gaan, of as ek naweke wou uit-ry, dan was een van die voertuie tot my beskikking in plek van die Mercedes (wat mens nou nie op die bospaaie sou wou verniel nie).

Met Afrika se oopmaak vir Suid-Afrikaners, was een groep wat dit te baat geneem het, ons sendelinge. So het ‘n Afrikaanse dametjie dit toe haar roeping gevoel om die mense van die Bata-blok van EkwatoriaalGuinee (m.a.w., die stuk van dié land geleë op die Afrika-vasteland, oorkant die Rio Muni net Noord van Gaboen), te gaan bearbei.

Haar papierwerk was ongelukkig nou nie wat dit moes wees nie, en haar bepaalde genootskap daar in Bata ook nou nie in die beste van boekies met die Obiang-regering nie, sodat dinge heel gou vir haar moeilik begin raak het...

Synde dat Ekwatoriaal-Guinee deel was van ons konsulêre verantwoordelikheidsgebied, het haar mense in Bata ons toe genader om die dametjie te hulp te kom en haar daar uit te kry. Aangesien haar papiere nie reg was nie, sou dit ietwat onortodoks moes geskied. Daar is toe gereël dat die Bata-mense haar sou neem na hulle oewer van die Rio Muni (die grens met Gaboen) en dat ons haar dan aan die Gaboenese kant sou inwag, met die plaaslikes wat haar sou oor-roei in een van die tipiese kano’s van uitgeholde boomstomp. Die rivier was goed breed, sodat mens kwalik van een oewer na die ander kon sien, maar alles is toe afgespreek en die eersvolgende naweek spring ek toe in ‘n Land Cruiser, en een van my kollegas in sy 4X4 (vir sulke togte het ons altyd gesorg dat ons met minstens twee voertuie gaan). Die paadjie na die Rio Muni het kort buite Libreville maar gou ‘n skrapse grondspoor-affêre geword, met elke dan en wan strome en slote wat oorkruis moes word op bruggies van plat-gelegde boomstompe. Ewenwel, ons het veilig daar aangekom, met gewaai van arms die oorvaart kon laat afskop, en die dametjie veilig aan boord neem.

Die moeilikheid kom toe op pad terug, nog so ‘n goeie ent buite Libreville. Daar kry die Land Cruiser toe ‘n pap band. Aanvanklik was ek nou nie te begaan nie, want die ding het mos ‘n spaar-wiel, teen die agterdeur gemonteer. Maar, o wee – toe ek die sleutel in die slot probeer draai om die wiel te kan afhaal van sy montering, toe is dit dadelik duidelik dat die sleutel en slot glad nie maats is nie...

Gelukkig het ons ons tweerigting-radio’s byderhand gehad, en kon ons in-roep na ons bystandkollega in Libreville toe dat hy vir ons ‘n spaar Land Cruiser wiel moes uitbring. By ondersoek, vind ons toe uit dat Elvis die skuldige party was. Hy het naamlik op ‘n stadium met die Land Cruiser die matiti ingevaar gehad (die matiti synde die informele nedersetting om Libreville) na een van sy vrouens se blyplek daar. Waar die oorspronklike spaarwiel toe summier afgesteel is. Dit was streng verbode om met die voertuie in die matiti in te gaan – juis weens dié tipe risiko’s – sodat Elvis toe besluit het om die gebeurtenis te probeer verdoesel; hy het uit sy eie sak ‘n nuwe spaarwiel gaan 206 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

koop, wat natuurlik kompleet met sy eie nuwe slot gekom het, en dit laat monteer. Sonder om ‘n woord te rep, maar ook sonder om daaraan te dink dat hy die sleutel op die ring moet vervang...

Die ander insident was meer komies. Deels was Elvis seker te blameer, maar waarskynlik meer my vermoë om in Frans my wense duidelik aan hom te kommunikeer... Ek het naamlik vir my vrou ‘n Honda Prelude sport coupé gekoop gehad (meer as ‘n belegging as enigiets anders – daardie dae kon ons nog linkerhand-stuur motors by terugkeer na Suid-Afrika inbring). Met die beperkte paaie in en om Libreville, en die feit dat Elvis haar ieder geval in die ampsmotor oral heen karwei het waar sy moes gaan, het die Honda basies ongebruik onder in die parkeer-kelder gestaan. Wat my laat begin dink het oor die bande – dat dié van die lank stil staan in een posisie, sou begin deformeer.

Ek roep toe vir Elvis in en probeer vir hom die probleem verduidelik, sowel as my oplossing: naamlik, dat hy vir my vier ou bande van die regte grootte moet gaan koop, dan haal ons die nuwe bande af en maak die Honda staan op die ou bande (menende, natuurlik, dat dit nie sal saak maak as dié sou deformeer van die staan nie). Soos maar alte tipies, bevestig Elvis toe plegtig dat hy verstaan, en gaan hy vort met die geld wat ek hom gegee het om die ou bande te koop. ‘n Paar uur later kom hy by my kantoor in, papnat gesweet en baie meewarig: “Eksellensie, regtigwaar: die plan van jou? Ek dink eerlik nie hy’s baie goed nie...”.

Ons is toe af na die parkeerkelder – en daar lê die Honda op sy pens, rakelings bo die vloer, so krap-skeef en met kaal asse wat uitloer, op ‘n “bed” van vier los bande wat Elvis plat neergesit het!

Was hy toe verlig, met nuwe respek vir sy Eksellensie se intellek (indien nie vir my Frans nie) toe ek my proesery uiteindelik onderdruk kry en vir hom van voor af oor verduidelik dat hy eintlik moes die nuwe bande van die vellings laat afhaal en met die ou bande laat vervang het, en dan die wiele – nou met die ou bande op – moes teruggesit het, sodat die Honda darem op sy eie pote kon staan...

HUMOR IN UNIFORM …. DIE JOODJIE EN DIE ASSURANSIE EIS Brig Theo Kleynhans Die Joodjie, Chaim Levin was sy naam, het vir baie jare die negosiewinkel op die dorpie bedryf.

Dit was totdat ‘n brand een nag sy ou winkeltjie in puin gelê het.

Chaim stel toe, soos dit sy goeie reg was, ‘n eis teen die assuransie maatskappy in.

Soos dit maar gaan, weier die assuransie maatskappy om te betaal en Chaim gaan sien sy broer wat ‘n advokaat was.

Om ‘n lang storie kort te maak eindig die hele aangeleentheid in die hof en daar word van Chaim verwag om te getuig oor die inventaris wat hy opgestel het re die voorraad op hande ten tye van die brand.

Stel jou nou voor hier staan Chaim in die getuiebank. Vyf voet hoog, diklens bril op sy oë en hier voor hom staan die groot Senior Advokaat wat die assuransie maatskappy verteenwoordig en hy bulder dat die hele wêreld hom kan hoor: 207 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

“Mister Levin I see here on your inventory you say you had three pairs size 15 shoes in your store, just hours before your store was gutted.

Is that correct Mister Levin?

“It is correct, my Lord” sê Chaim.

“Now Mister Levin can you please tell this Honourable Court, who wears a size 15 shoe?”

Denkende hy het die spreekwoordelike doodskoot geskiet, tree die Senior Advokaat terug, trek sy toga mooi reg oor sy skouers, sit sy regter voet op die stoel langs sy been en kyk ewe kordaat na die Joodjie in die getuiebank.

Chaim laat nie op hom wag nie en antwoord: “My Lord I think a person for whom a size 14 shoe is too small.”

Via Nico Moolman

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POLICE SOCIAL EVENTS | SOSIALE GELEENTHEDE

Logan Govender REUNION OF RETIRED SA POLICE MEMBERS PIETERMARITZBURG & DURBAN Retired SA Police members from Pietermaritzburg and Durban gathered for a reunion with each other in Pietermaritzburg to kindle and renew friendships of the past. An overwhelming response was had from both cities. There were lots and lots to eat and talk about. More of such gatherings are planned for the not-too-distant future. Our thanks and appreciation are conveyed to Ms Shorne of The Pietermaritzburg Public Eye, our friends from Durban, Brigadier Bala and Mrs Naidoo and last but not least those members who toiled for a number of days prior in preparation of the event.

Thank you. God Bless.

1. Pietermaritzburg members from left, Yusuf Haffajee; Father AK Pillay; Umesh Deopersad; Mike Vadivelu. In front, George Ngcamu; Daniel Seevaraj, hard at work early Saturday morning, 9 April 2022 preparing the vegetable for the pot

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2. Former SA Police, Mountain Rise members, from left, Morgan Naicker; Yusuf Haffajee;Johnny Govender; Bala Naidoo attended the reunion.

3 From left, Umesh Deoparsad; Father AK Pillay; Mike Vadivelu; George Ngcamu and Bhekisisa Madlala standing around the pot keeping warm as we experienced inclement weather.

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“SEMANA SANTA” (HEILIGE WEEK) IN LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA HOE VIER DIE CHRISTENE IN SENTRAAL-AMERIKA PAASFEES Dr. Willem Steenkamp Seker die eerste ding om te doen, wanneer mens met Suid-Afrikaanse lesers wil deel hoe Paasfees gevier word in La Antigua Guatemala, is om te verduidelik waar in die wêreld ons is.

Guatemala is die land in Sentraal-Amerika net Suid van Meksiko, soos u op die kaart hieronder kan sien. Die hoofstad is Guatemala-stad, wat dié rol oorgeneem het van La Antigua Guatemala (wat beteken “die ou Guatemala”). La Antigua was vir eeue die aanvanklike hoofstad van die hele Spaanse SentraalAmerikaanse ryk tussen Meksiko en Panama – totdat herhaalde aardbewings uiteindelik in 1773 gemaak het dat gelas is dat die stad ontruim en die regeringsetel oor die berg verskuif moes word na die aangrensende vallei, waar die moderne Guatemala-stad toe verreis het.

In der waarheid was die skuif van die hoofstad ‘n politieke set, wat net maar die laaste groot aardbewing van 1773 uitgebuit het om die plaaslike konserwatiewe element (synde veral die Katolieke Kerk) se mag te breek – dit was die dae van die burger-oorlog in Spanje oor die troon-opvolging en die konserwatiewes in Sentraal-Amerika wou nie die nuwe koningshuis alte geredelik aanvaar nie.

Dus, deur die inwoners man en muis te verplig het (op straf van dood) om alles wat oor eeue heen gedurende die Spaanse Goue Era in La Antigua opgebou is, net so agter te laat en om van voor af oor te moet begin op die kaal vlakte waar Guatemala-stad nou staan, was ‘n effektiewe manier om die kerk van sy rykdom en dus invloed te stroop.

Nietemin, die abandonering van die pragtige stadjie het ‘n half-eeu later, na onafhanklikwording, goeie gevolg gehad. Want sien, toe was La Antigua (en is dit steeds) die bes-bewaarde koloniale hoofstad in die Amerika’s. Goed-deurdagte bewaringsmaatreëls is ingestel en vandag is La Antigua ‘n UNESCO-verklaarde “Erfenis van die Mensdom” kultuur-skat, met sy outentieke koloniale geboue en nou kei-straatjies gepak van ruwe vulkaniese klip.

La Antigua is die mees-besoekte toeristebestemming in Sentraal-Amerika, en het ook ontpop as setel vir meer as sestig taal-akademies wat Spaans as vreemde taal aan buitelanders doseer (dis hoe ekself hier tereg gekom het – aanvanklik om my Spaans te kom verbeter, en vervolgens toe met ‘n plaaslike taal-onderwyseres getroud).

Ons pragtige stadjie spog met ‘n heerlike, heeljaar-lente klimaat, danksy sy ligging op die rant van die trope maar op ‘n hoogte bo seevlak gelyk aan Johannesburg s’n. Ons het nie winter of somer nie, maar wel die tipiese tropiese droë en nat seisoene. Die natuur is egter nie altyd vriendelik 211 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

met Guatemala nie. Dit lê op die sny-vlak van ‘n tektoniese T-aansluiting, met enersyds die NoordAmerikaanse en Karibiese plate wat teen mekaar verby skuur, en dan van die kant af nog die Stille oseaan-plaat wat onder in beur – vandaar die baie aardbewings en vulkane. Die Fuego (“vuur”) vulkaan wat oor ons stadjie troon, het in Junie 2018 erg uitgebars met honderde dood en vermis (dis heeltyd maar aktief, met uitspuug van rook en as – en, elke dan en wan, lawa-vloeie, soos op hierdie aand-foto). Fuego (3, 763 meter bo seevlak) is meer as drie keer hoër as Tafelberg. As u hier KLIEK, kan u ‘n 3-minute video sien oor die 2018-uitbarsting en die verwoesting nagelaat.

Benewens die aardbewings en vulkane, word ons periodiek ook getref deur orkane, soos die verwoestende Orkaan Mitch in 1998, wat meer as 11,000 sterftes in die streek veroorsaak het.

Die tropiese reën van die nat seisoen, gekoppel met die los vulkaniese as-grond en styl hange, veroorsaak ook gereeld grondverskuiwings wat hele gemeenskappe kan begrawe. Op die foto hieronder kan u van ons polisie in aksie sien, besig om slagoffers van Vulkaan Fuego se uitbarsting van 3 Junie 2018 te ontruim – alles was toe onder die grys as.

La Antigua is die gaans wat, met sy toerisme, die goue eiers lê vir Guatemala se ekonomie, dus is daar ‘n groot poging om veiligheid te verseker.

Benewens die Nasionale Siviele Polisie (PNC) soos op die foto, het ons ook ‘n spesiale Toerisme Polisie-eenheid, plus dan die munispale polisie (meestal gerig op verkeer, maar kan ook met misdaadvoorkoming uithelp).

Tydens spitstye help die Weermag ook.

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Vulkaan Fuego sal vir Tafelberg se Van Hunks goed ondersit, as dit by pyp-stook kom! Elke dag, ‘n paar keer per uur, word sulke kolomme rook en as die lug in gepomp, dikwels tot 5,000 meter hoog. Dan is daar die periodieke groot as-uitbarstings, wat maak dat die hoofstad se internasionale lughawe dan gesluit moet word – alles in ‘n omtrek van 50 - 100 kilometer is dan bedek met díe fyn as en vulkaniese gruis-korrels, wat dakke kan laat intuimel. My eerste ervaring daarvan was toe ek een vroegmiddag sien maar alles word eensklaps darem nou baie erg donker – toe ek uitgaan, is die lug al-om grys, soos vroeg-aand, en sif vlokkies neer wat my eers (tot my verbystering) aan sneeu in die trope laat dink het; dit was toe vulkaan-as.

Maar genoeg van rampe. La Antigua is ‘n stad van blomme en pragtige argitektuur. Opgerig in Spanje se goue jare, spog dit met indrukwekkende koloniale geboue en veral dan katedrale en kerklike infrastruktuur van daardie era (kloosters, seminariums) waarvan heelparty vandag nog net so lyk soos na die groot Santa Martha-aardbewing van 1773 en die destydse verpligte verlaat van die stad. Die vorige president van Guatemala, ‘n beroepskomediant, het in ‘n bekende grap-fliek hier die “wysheid” kwyt geraak dat – omrede soveel toeriste kom om na Antigua se ruïnes te kyk – die logiese ding om te doen (ten einde nog meer toeriste te lok) sou wees om nog ruïnes te bou!

Hierdie twee fotos wys die ruïne van die kerk van El Carmen, binne en buite.

Op die volgende foto sien u die paleis van die destydse kaptein-generaal (m.a.w., die koning se goewerneur), op La Antigua se sentrale plaza. Die paleis het as administratiewe setel gedien 213 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

gedurende die Spaanse imperiale era en het die burokrasie sowel as die skatkis gehuisves. Die voorkant is na die aardbewings herstel, en gee ‘n idee van hoe imposant die tipe gebou was.

La Antigua is bowe-al kleurvol. Die bevolking van Guatemala stam grootliks af van die indrukwekkende Maya-nasie (bekend vir hulle kennis van o.a. die Wiskunde, Sterrekunde en die bou van enorme stede met piramiedes selfs hoër as dié van Egipte). Een van die kenmerke van die streek, is die ou skoolbusse wat in die VSA opgekoop word en dan kleurvol dekoreer word, om hier as die tussen-stedelike vervoer te dien. Al wat hier ernstige ongevalle verhoed wanneer die drywers van hierdie gevaartes resies jaag en alte dikwels dan die kronkelende berg-paaie byster raak, is dat die passasiers absoluut soos sardiens ingepak is oor die sitplekke en paadjies heen (dus meer stewig vasgedruk as wat die beste veiligheidsgordels sou kon vermag), sodat van ruimte vir rond-val en seerkry daar gelukkig nie eintlik sprake is nie.

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Antigua se sentrale klerewas-“tenk” waar Maya-vroue in tradisionele drag steeds wasgoed was…

La Antigua se hoofstraat, die Quinta Avenida (5e laan) ook bekend as die “Calle del Arco” oftewel straat van die boog (die geel struktuur, wat eintlik ‘n voetbrug oor die straat is, van ‘n klooster na ‘n kerk oorkant, sodat die nonne nie met die publiek hoef te gemeng het in die kruis van die straat nie).

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Ons eintlike storie vandag gaan oor hoe die inwoners van la Antigua Guatemala die Paastyd gedenk. Waarvoor die stad bekend is, is sy kleurvolle prosessies met swaar hout-vlotte wat op die skouers gedra word en Christus se boodskap uitbeeld. Hierdie optogte, wat ure duur en die stadjie deurkruis, beweeg tradisioneel oor straat-matte wat spesiaal daarvoor gemaak word uit óf natuurlike produkte soos dennenaalde, blomme, vrugte en selfs groente, of andersins in baie fyn detail geskep word met gekleurde hout-saagsels wat met behulp van kompleks-uitgekerfde matryse van laaghout “ingekleur” word (soos wat die hieropvolgende fotos sal wys).

Man en muis neem deel, maak nie saak of jy Katoliek of Protestant is nie. Huishoudings het verantwoordelikheid vir die stuk straat voor hulle woning. Anders as die Rio-karnaval, wat totaal gekommersialiseer geraak het met groot ondernemings wat dit borg, is hierdie nog ‘n egte gemeenskapsprojek en by uitstek ‘n spontane kultuur-uiting, wat hulle vir hulle eie innerlike verryking en plesier doen – of daar nou toeriste sou opdaag of nie. Ek ken beide Rio en La Antigua se feeste, en by verre die mees impakvolle vir my is dié van Antigua, vanweë sy egtheid sowel as die estetiese mooi daarvan (die twee feeste se karakter is natuurlik heel anders, soos teenpole: want Rio s’n is ‘n onbeskaamde brassery, terwyl Antigua s’n ernstig en amper somber is, met sy gewyde musiek wat die optogte begelei – ‘n diepe en egte geloofs- en kultuur-belydenis, wat straal van innerlike vreugde ontleen aan die wete dat jy en jou bure besig is om iets goeds, moois en waardigs te doen).

Vir die komplekse matte gemaak met die gekleurde hout-saagsels, is die eerste stap om op die ongelyk straat-oppervlak ‘n dienlike platform te skep met riviersand wat netjies gelyk gemaak word, soos op die volgende foto. Die maak van so ‘n mat neem ure in beslag, en dit word tipies eers voltooi enkele minute voor die prosessie arriveer (o.a. uit vrees vir rondloper-honde wat ontydig daaroor kan draf!). Dan, in ‘n oogwink, vertrap die prosessie dit – maar het die mat-makers die satisfaksie dat die Christus-beeld in sy verbygaan voor hulle wonings, oor iets moois en waardig kon beweeg.

Afhangend daarvan of ‘n bepaalde gemeente se optog in die oggend of die middag vanaf hulle kerk vertrek (meeste optogte kom eers teen middernag terug by hulle kerk, na die buurt en stad deurkruis is) begin baie matbou-oefeninge in die middernagtelike ure. In die maand voor Heilige Week kry elk van die voorstedelike gemeentes geleentheid om op sy ge-allokeerde Sondag, so ‘n prosessie te hou. Gedurende Heilige Week self, vanaf palm-Sondag, is dit dan die groot gemeentes binne die stadjie self wat elke dag beurt maak met prosessies. Benewens die mat-makery, is die gemeenskap betrokke by die hele tafereel van Christus se lydingstog uitbeeld – party is Romeinse soldate, daar is die vlot-draers (wat moet betaal vir die voorreg – dit befonds dan elke jaar se nuwe toneeluitbeelding op die hout-vlot) en dan die orkeste.

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Gewoonlik val die Paastyd aan die einde van ons droë seisoen, sodat die weer nie inmeng met die feestelikhede nie. Maar, o wee, as die Pase die jaar laat val, en die eerste tropiese storms van die nuwe nat seisoen bars ongepoets vroeg los, is dit ‘n totale gemors. Want sien, ons middel-eeuse straatjies het nie ondergrondse stormwater-dreinering nie – hulle word met ‘n V gevorm (soos mens op die foto kan sien), sodat die reënwater in die middel af dreineer. Met dan katastrofiese gevolge vir die matte. Gelukkig is sulke ontydige reën darem baie raar.

Elke optog bestaan uit ‘n groot vlot, deur mans gedra, wat Christus uitbeeld, gevolg deur ‘n groot orkes wat dodemars-tipe musiek maak, en dan ‘n kleiner vlot met moeder Maria, gedra deur vroue, wat so 200 meter agterna kom en deur sy eie (kleiner) orkes gevolg word.

Agter hulle, kom die straatverkopers aan wat plaaslike lekkernye en aandenkings smous, met die munispaliteit se skoonmaak-department met sy vragmotors wat die aggterhoede vorm, en wat dan dadelik alles opruim, sodat die straat weer vir verkeer oopgestel kan word (die mat-makery noodsaak natuurlik dat die betrokke strate vir ure gesluit moet word vir voertuig-verkeer).

Elke só ‘n prosessie lok tipies groot skares wat die strate belyn om dit te aanskou, met die plaaslike inwoners in die “pound seats” op die omliggende dakke en tuin-mure… (en die honde opgesluit).

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Hierbo kan u sien hoe die meerderheid matte (wat met fyn, gekleurde hout-saagsels gemaak word), geproduseer word. Dit word stelselmatig in lae opgebou – eers die basis, en dan die dekoratiewe elemente, wat individueel per hand in plek gestrooi word (dikwels met ‘n siffie, soos op die detailfoto hieronder).

Die ontwerp word oorgedra vanaf die aanvanklike ontwerp-sketse van die kunstenaar, na die eind-produk op die straat, met die hulp van die groot stensels gemaak uit plate laaghout (plywood), waarin die gekose motief uitgesny is.

Die ontwerp van ‘n mat berus geheel by die individuele maker se verbeelding, wat ook elke jaar ‘n nuwe skepping aanpak.

Soms sal dit die betrokke huisbewoner of besigheids-eienaar voor wie se perseel dit uitgelê word, se nering reflekteer. Een van die mees impakvolle matte wat ek gesien (en geruik) het, was dié van ‘n plaaslike restaurant wat ook ‘n tuis-fabriek is vir kwaliteit-koffie en kakao (produkte waarvoor ons berg-streek bekend is); dié eienaar het ‘n klomp self-gemaalde koffieen kakao-poeier gebruik om sy mat te maak, wat mens blokke vêr kon ruik – heerlike aroma!

Die matte wat met natuurlike blomme gemaak word, se ontwerp moet eers op die basis-oppervlak uitgestippel word, soos hier gedoen (dié verg meer tyd en is relatief duur, dus skaarser).

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Die dag-matte (m.a.w., ‘n mat waaroor ‘n prosessie gedurende die daglig-ure gaan beweeg) is tipies baie kleurvol. Matte vir die nag (veral Goeie Vrydag se lyk-prosessie na die graf), het dikwels ‘n ooreenkomstige ontwerp en kleur-keuse:

Hier sien u ‘n saagsel-mat wat voltooiing nader: 219 Nongqai Vol 13 No 5

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Die hele doel van die mat maak, is sodat die prosessie (dus Jesus) daaroor kan beweeg, eerder as om op die straat-oppervlak te moet loop. Die mat word dan in ‘n oogwink uitmekaar getrap...

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Die eerste vlot is altyd die groot een, met ‘n Christus-beeld as sentrale figuur. Omheen is daar dan Romeinse soldate, met die draers wat prakties na elke straatblok omruil. Die kleure pas by die moment – voor die dood aan die kruis, is dit purper, en daarna dra die draers swart togas.

Ná die hoof-vlot volg ‘n kleiner een vir Moeder Maria, gedra deur vroue of jong meisies.

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Die hele bevolking neem deel, elk met sy rol – van Maria Magdalena, na Judas en die kriminele saam met Jesus gekruisig, tot altyd ‘n horde Romeinse soldate (sommige nog maar speen-oud).

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Binne die kerke, word oor die Paastyd uitbeeldings gemaak met lig en klank, van fasette van Christus se lydingsverhaal.

Die dekor is waar die kansel normaalweg sou wees, met die vloer daarvoor versier met ‘n saagsel-mat wat tipies ook vars groente en vrugte sal insluit, soos ‘n offerhande (die kwaliteit van die vars produkte wat in hierdie vrugbare tropiese aarde gekweek word, is werklik uitsonderlik).

Só ‘n “velación” (letterlik: kerslig-uitbeelding of doodswaak) word dan druk besoek deur gemeentelede en toeriste, wat tou staan buite die kerk om dit te kom besigtig en die boodskap aan te hoor wat die lig-en-klank uitbeelding oordra.

Dankie dat u na die fotos gekyk het – ek hoop dat u hierdie kort toertjie na ‘n vêr plek (een, nou baie na aan my eie hart) interessant gevind het.

Ons sal graag nog sulke insette van lesers uit vêr plekke plaas in toekomstige uitgawes.

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LETTERS | BRIEWE NONGQAI VOL 13 NO 5B Col Logan Govender Brigadier Hennie Heymans I am so thankful to you for The Special Nongqai published on our dear Captain DJ Lamech. It was an insurmountable task in the beginning but you have truly turned it an amazing publication. I am so thankful to you for your willingness to always assist and go the extra mile if required. Your time spent on the regular publication of the Nongqai and its excellent presentation does not go unnoticed. Warrant Officer Odin Moorcroft, almost 90 years was so pleased to see it online that he asked his son to arrange a printed copy to enable him to go through it at his leisure. On behalf of the Lamech family thank you for your dedication and devotion to members and former members of the South African Police. God Bless, Sir. Please take care of yourself.

NAWOORD | AFTERWORD Dr Willem Boshoff Ons basis-teks vir 2022 is Gal 5:6 “Al wat van belang is, is geloof wat deur die liefde tot dade oorgaan.”

Dit gaan nie goed met Suid Afrika nie.

Ek voel nie dis nodig om al die redes op te stapel om die stelling te staaf nie. Mens hoef maar net op enige gegewe dag die koerant oop te maak of nuus te luister oor die TV of radio. Diefstal, korrupsie, geweldsmisdade, ensovoorts is aan die orde van die dag. ‘n Mens wonder soms waar die draaipunt gaan wees en wie die gewenste verandering ten goede gaan bring?

Saam met Ps. 146 voel ek dis nutteloos om te verwag dat politici en ander belangrike mense die land gaan regruk. Ons is pas deur ‘n verkiesingstyd en ons het geluister na wonderlike beloftes wat kandidate van verskillende politieke partye gemaak het. ‘n Mens moet baie naïef wees om te glo daardie nuwe besems gaan die land gou-gou skoon vee… Ek skaar my eerder by die Bybel wat sê: “Moenie op magtiges vertrou nie, nie op ‘n mens nie; hy kan jou nie red nie” (Ps. 146:2). Totius se baie bekende beryming stel dit soos volg: “Moet op prinse nie vertrou nie, by wie niemand heil kan vind – op die mens jou hoop nie bou nie; want as God hul gees ontbind, keer hul na die aarde weer en hul raadslag stort terneer. As ons hoop gevestig is op ‘n mens (maak nie saak wat sy/haar naam of titel is nie), is ons op ‘n hopelose plek.

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Slegs God is in staat om ons land ten goede te verander. In plaas van om wanhopig te wag vir ‘n menslike redder om op te daag, moet ons eerder na God draai en al ons hoop en verwagting op Hom plaas. “Dit gaan goed met die mens wat sy hulp van die God van Jakob ontvang, die mens wie se hoop gevestig is op die Here, sy God” (Ps. 146:5).

Kom ons begin by onsself - ons kan tog nie ander mense en hulle besluite beheer nie! Draai terug na God toe! Stel al jou hoop en verwagting op Hom! Laat jou persoonlike geloof deur die liefde tot dade oorgaan.

My bekering gaan nie ‘n land regruk nie, maar dis die regte plek om te begin!

Help ons asseblief om ander te help ...

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BR REKENMEESTERS

SLOT | END

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