+27656862204
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© Jacques Louw (2020). Alle regte voorbehou.
for no violence against women & children
Jaargang 1 Uitgawe 44
Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
Foto: Annemi Fourie
Die Overberg ‘Toy Run’ 3 16 days of activism 9
Nog foto’s binne...
Om kinderharte te verbly
“What a find. Adrian and Jill have created something really special here. The attention to detail is exceptional…” - TripAdvisor
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Email: blueskyarniston@gmail.com www.blueskyguesthousearniston.co.za Phone: +27 28 4459010 Cell: +27 71 4186209 See our Nightsbridge listing for availability and bookings.
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
Redaksioneel Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
Goeiedag… uitgawe 44 is hier en ek is besonder trots op wat daar tot op datum met OVERdeBERG bereik is. Ek sê hiérmee dankie aan my medewerkers vir al hulle uitstekende bydrae’s wat hiérdie publikasie so absoluut uniek in die Overbergstreek maak. Dan ook ‘n groot dankie aan ons adverteerders wat deur dik en dun by ons staan. Dit is bydrae’s wat gelewer word, wat nie net so ongesiens verby gaan nie.
No.10, 5th Avenue, Arniston Dinner can be arranged at the guest house with prior notice.
Hierdie week is die OVERdeBERG weer propvol nuus en pragtige foto’s van alles en nog wat van regoor die Overberg! Ons berig oor die Overberg ‘Toy Run’ wat speelgoed ingesamel het vir minderbevoorregte kinders van ons streek, daar is nog ‘n heerlike kuier in die kombuis en ons skolenuus is ook weer op bladsy 6 vandag. ‘n Belangrike artikel verskyn op bladsy 9 wat handel oor die 16 dae van aktivisme teen geslagsgebaseerde geweld en LettyAnn Möller het gaan kyk wat van die ‘FAT KIDS’ aan by die Pavilionsentrum op Bredasdorp. Dan is daar ook ‘n interessante artikel oor die Grondwater Hidrosensus wat gehou is in die omgewing en spesifiek in die Kaap Agulhas Nasionale Park.
Email: blueskyarniston@gmail.com www.blueskyguesthousearniston.co.za Phone: +27 28 445 9010 Cell: +27 71 418 6209 See our Nightsbridge listing for availability and bookings.
Jimmy Herbert sluit hiérdie week se pragtige uitgawe weer oudergewoonte af met nog ‘n interessante berig oor die maritieme geskiedenis van die Overberg. Geniet die naweek wat voorlê en ons vra dat julle asseblief versigtig moet bestuur. Bly dus veilig en gesond dan gesels ons volgende week weer.
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Direct bookings only. Kliek op die aarbol en besoek ons splinternuwe webtuiste. Jy kan ook die QR-kode skandeer of daarop kliek vir die skakel na ons Facebookblad waar jy lid kan word en sodoende dan op datum bly met gebeurlikhede in en om die Overberg.
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Overberg ‘Toy Run’ baie suksesvol Annemi Fourie
Die Overberg ‘Toy Run’ is gehou op Sondag die 29ste November 2020. Motorfietse van Witsand, Riversdal, Ashton en van oral oor die Overbergstreek, het saamgetrek by Stanford vir die jaarlikse ‘Toy Run’. Speelgoed word vir minderbevoorregte kinders vir Kersfees ingesamel en versprei deur die Lions, Rotary Internasionaal en Solidariteit Helpende Hand Motorfietsklub.
Foto: Annemi Fourie
Foto: Annemi Fourie
Foto: Annemi Fourie
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Kombuiskuier Jacques Louw
LAMSLEWERSOSATIES MET ROOIWYNSOUS Bestandele: 600 g lamslewer, skoongemaak en in sosatiegrootte blokkies 1 ui, fyngekap 2 knoffelhuisies, fyngekap 1 rissie, fyngekap (opsioneel) 1 takkie roosmaryn 2 eetlepels rooiwynasyn 300 ml rooiwyn (Pinotage indien beskikbaar) 250 ml hoender- of lamaftreksel 2 teelepels heuning of 2 eetlepels appelkooskonfyt Halwe teelepel gerookte paprika (opsioneel) 1 eetlepel botter olyfolie Metode: Braai die ui in olyfolie tot deurskynend. Voeg die knoffel en rissie by. Braai vir nog ‘n paar minute. Voeg die roosmaryn by. Voeg die rooiwyn en rooiwynasyn by, en kook vir 5 minute of tot half afgekook. Voeg die aftreksel, heuning en paprika by, en kook tot die helfte van die vog afgekook het. Roer botter aan einde deur sous. Sprinkel die lewer met sout en peper.
Braai die stokbrode tot die deeg gaar is en mooi goudbruin van kleur is. Bedien dit met Kewpie mayonnaise, srirachasous sous en vars koljander. Resepte & foto’s: RSG Resepte
Ryg die blokkies op sosatiestokkies wat vir ‘n uur in die water gelê het. Die lewer kan ook in dun, 1 cm skywe gesny word en plat gebraai word. Braai oor matige hitte tot die lewer nog ‘n bietjie terugdeins wanneer jy daarop druk. Geen bloed moet nog van die lewer loop nie. Bedien met die rooiwynsous. BOEREWORS-STOKBROOD Bestandele: 500 g boerewors, in 15cm stukke gesny lourierstokkies of olyfboomstokkies 1 sakkie brooddeeg van jou naaste supermark Kewpie mayonnaise (beskikbaar by Chinese supermarkte) srirachasous vars koljander Metode: Druk die stokkies in die lengte deur die boerewors, en braai tot net gaar oor die kole. Rol die deeg in lang slange, en draai dit om die amper gaar boerewors sodat net die punte uitsteek. 4
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
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Red Ants Deployed
Photo: Cape Agulhas Municipality/Facebook The Red Ant Security Relocation & Eviction Services have been deployed to Mill Park, Cape Agulhas by Western Cape Government Department of Human Settlements to safeguard the housing development against vandalism. Pictured here are both Mr. Michael Dennis and Ms. Doline Newman from CAM Human Settlements with members of the Red Ants.
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
Skolenuus uit ons streek
Stuur jou skolenuus aan ons vir gratis publikasie en blootstelling aanlyn. Send your school news to us for free publication and exposure online. 065 686 2204 (WhatsApp) overdeberg2020@gmail.com
Baie geluk aan Ezra Paul, hoofseun van 2021 van Hoërskool Swellendam wat gekies is om Die Burger se jeugleierskonferensie, vanaf 14 tot 16 Desember 2020, by te woon. Dis 'n wonderlike geleentheid en ons is baie trots op hom. Dit is vanjaar die 62ste jeugleierskonferensie wat aangebied word - al verskil hierdie jaar word dit in virtuele formaat gedoen. Slegs 50 (25 seuns en 25 meisies) word verkies om hierdie wonderlike geleentheid by te woon. Foto: Hoërskool Swellendam/Facebook “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination, but when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” - Nelson Mandela
Verlede Vrydag die 27ste November het die Graad 1’s van 2021 van Laerskool Kleinmond, die geleentheid gehad om die ‘grootskool’ te besoek. Die rede vir die besoek was net om so bietjie te gevoel te kry vir wat voorlê met die splinternuwe fase in hul lewens. Foto: Laerskool Kleinmond/Facebook
Maak Radio Overberg fm deel van jou besigheid se bemarkingstrategie! Kontak ons vir ‘n pasgemaakte lugtydpakket! 028 424 2877 (T) admin@radiooverberg.co.za (E) 6
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
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Radio Overberg Programskedule Maandag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Breakfast met Bobby Rohlandt Nuus Breakfast met Bobby Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Nuus Musiek Nuus Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok met Johan Mulder Drive Time met Marquin Nefdt Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Marquin Nefdt Fabulous 50’s met Florence Kruger Pof Gesels Van Toeka tot Nou (H) Musiek
Dinsdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 09:20 09:20 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 16:00 – 18:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Donderdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:15 09:15 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 10:30 10:30 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 14:30 14:30 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Boekvoorlesing met Jaco Barnard-Naudé Onderwys Vandag met Jacques Louw Musiek Wat saak maak met Jo-Anne Lourens Radiodrama Vyfster Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Municipal Matters Musiek Drive Time met Ben Burger Radiodrama Drive Time met Ben Burger 20th Century Pop 80’s met Marquin Nefdt Van Toeka tot Nou met Piet Makwas Rock Rebellie met Andries Roux Musiek
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Inspirasiestasie met Leanda Botes Musiek Wat Saak Maak met Jo-Ann Lourens Radiodrama Musiek Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Radiodrama (H) Musiek 20th Century Pop 60’s met Marquin Nefdt Met ‘n ander Oor Vers & Lied met Jaco Barnard-Naudé Make a Difference (H) Musiek
Woensdag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 14:30 14:30 – 15:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 19:30 19:30 – 20:30 20:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 05:00
Vrydag 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:00 08:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 09:00 09:00 – 09:10 09:10 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 11:15 11:15 – 12:00 12:00 – 12:10 12:10 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:10 14:10 – 15:00 15:00 – 15:50 15:50 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 17:15 17:15 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 23:00 23:00 – 05:00
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Musiek Nuus Musiek By die Plaashek met Pierre Vlok Nuus Toerismeprogram Musiek Suidernuus Drive Time met Jacques Louw Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Jacques Louw 20th Century Pop 90’s met Marquin Nefdt Musiek Breyani met Deon Ahrends Musiek
Luister nou
Landbouradio Ontplof met Pof Toekomsvenster Musiek Nuus Musiek Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Radiodrama Ommie Tafel met Anne-Marie Burger Nuus Musiek Nuus Musiek Uit die Museum Argiewe Drive Time met Rudi de Waal Radiodrama (H) Drive Time met Rudi de Waal 20th Century Pop 70’s met Marquin Nefdt Musiek Kragtoer met Jacques Louw Musiek Musiek
Saterdag 02:00 – 03:00 03:00 – 05:00 05:00 – 06:00 06:00 – 08:05 08:05 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:30 16:30 – 17:00 17:00 – 18:00 18:00 – 20:00 20:00 – 21:00 21:00 – 22:00 22:00 – 00:00
Boeretroos in die Overberg (H) Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok (H) By die Plaashek (H) Pof gesels (H) Breakfast met Bobby (H) Fabulous 50’s met Florence Kruger (H) 20th Century Pop 60’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 70’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 80’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) 20th Century Pop 90’s met Marquin Nefdt (H) Musiek Uit ons Tyd met Johan Mulder Musiek Boeretroos in die Overberg met Piet Makwas Pof speel Country Countrymusiek Musiek
Sondag 00:00 – 02:00 02:00 – 04:00 03:00 – 07:50 07:50 – 08:00 08:05 – 09:30 09:30 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 13:00 13:00 – 14:00 14:00 – 15:00 15:00 – 16:00 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 18:00 18:00 – 19:00 19:00 – 21:10 21:10 – 22:10 22:10 – 23:00 23:00 – 05:00
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Kaviaar vir ‘n Springbok (H) Boeretroos in die Overberg (H) Musiek Bybelstorie Afrikaanse Gospel met Piet Makwas Erediens Kruispad met Lunette Coetzee Metronoom Journey met Gurswin Prins Koortjies wat Kook met Sammy & Noelene Banda Wat Saak Maak met Jo-Anne Lourens (H) Essential Sounds with LadyK Overberg Sundowners met Marquin Nefdt Klankbaan met Rudi de Waal Make A Difference met Dennis Bogenhagen Breyani Gospel met Deon Ahrends Kruispad met Lunette Coetzee (H) Radiodrama Omnibus Musiek
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
16 days of activism “for No Violence Against Women & Children” The well established 16 Days of Activism “for No Violence Against Women & Children” campaign (16 Days) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days during this period also include World Aids Day on the 1st of December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on the 3rd of December every year. Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, which is declared a national address, government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on GenderBased Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September of 2019.
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Teach children values of gender equality. Protect children from exposure to violence and harmful content on internet and social media, including pornography, sexual solicitation. Develop policies that prevent and deal with gender based violence in your sector, workplace and communities. Organise targeted community outreaches and dialogues on the solution towards a gender equal society. Source: https://www.gov.za/16DaysofActivism2020
‘FAT kids’ in aksie “Flexible, Adaptable & Teachable” Letty-Ann Möller Een van Radio Overberg fm se spogprojekte is een met die naam ‘Projek Omgee’. ‘n Lang tyd terug (in die 1ste uitgawe van OVERdeBERG is daar al berig oor hiérdie projek wat net van krag tot krag gaan. Hier amper aan die einde van 2020, is dit hiérdie projek wat in samewerking met die Noble fm-groep en Bredasdorp se eie Pavilionsentrum, dele van die sentrum verfraai met handgemaakte en kleurvolle kersbome van hout. Die ‘FAT kids’ onder die wakende oog en helpende hand van Danie Möller, het hiérdie stel kersboompies so stilletjies op ‘n Maandagaand na werksure opgesit by die Pavilionsentrum en dit lyk pragtig. Nog foto’s van die kersboomprojek op bladsy 10
The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. During the 16 Days period, Government together with civil society and the private sector will host a series of community and sector dialogues and activities to foster a collaborative effort in dealing with GBVF. What can you do? Be an activist against GBV in your own homes, communities, work and positions: Challenge cultures and practices that perpetuate gender inequalities and consequent abuse of women and children at personal and societal level. Play your part:
Reject and report abusers - Act and don’t look away! Do not protect abusers, report them! Sign the Pledge Against all Gender-Based Violence. Do not
engage in abusive activities and become an abuser - Stop the abuse. Challenge and denounce the cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities. Be sensitive and supportive to all GBV victims - share helpful information and support causes near you. Seek personal help to change harmful behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse. overdeberg2020@gmail.com
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller 9
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‘FAT kids’ in aksie Vervolg van bladsy 9
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller
National hotline: 0800 029 999 Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102 Toll-free hotline: 080 928 4102 WhatsApp "Hi" to 0600 123 456 Email: doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
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Groundwater hydro census in Agulhas National Park Ruth-Mary Fisher A groundwater census was conducted within Agulhas National Park between November 17 and 19 by scientists from the Cape Research Centre and park staff. A total of 33 groundwater sites were documented, with 31 sites visited. These also included natural springs at Waterford and Rietfontein, the boreholes providing water to internal SANParks accommodation and offices and to the nearby towns.
Photo: SABC News Western Cape/Facebook
5 Poachers arrested in a multidisciplinary strike SABC News Western Cape
Rietfontein fountain
Rasperpunt well point
A multidisciplinary taskforce team in the Western Cape have arrested five poachers near Gansbaai in the Overberg and confiscated abalone with an estimated export value of more than five million rand. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk says the poachers were targeted from the air, on water and on land. More than 5100 abalone units, as well as 576 shucked abalone were found.
Waterford fountain
Defunct bore-hole
The hydro census documented the state of the groundwater sites (defunct or still in use), and the depth and water levels at each borehole. What is a Groundwater hydro census? A groundwater hydro census is aimed at documenting all the groundwater sites within a particular area. Groundwater sites refer to boreholes, natural springs where groundwater receives daylight and well points. Why do we need a groundwater hydro census? As national parks we need to manage all our natural ecosystems under conservation in our parks.
Two vessels and two vehicles were also confiscated. Three poachers were arrested in Eluxolweni near Gansbaai, another at Bloubaai and a fifth one in Buffeljagsbaai near Bredasdorp. Van Wyk says this operation is the first in a string of processes which form part of the investigation into abalone smuggling syndicates operating from the Overberg and more arrests are expected to be made in due course. Source: SABC News Western Cape/Facebook
To manage this need to understand the functioning of groundwater. The recent drought experienced in South Africa also added pressure to our groundwater resources when dams and rivers dried up. National parks, especially those in the Central Karoo region, received applications to develop well fields, a series of boreholes, within or close to their borders. Thus, understanding the current groundwater ecosystem functioning and resources within the national parks, will allow SANParks to better manage and monitor the resource, conserve groundwater dependant ecosystems, and to then mitigate against potential negative impacts of future regional aquifer developments (Petersen 2019). The hydro census forms the foundation of a good groundwater monitoring programme for the park. Source: Agulhas National Park E-Bulletin overdeberg2020@gmail.com
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
Overberger steel die kollig in Johannesburg Letty-Ann Möller
Foto: Letty-Ann Möller
Riviersonderend se Kerssangdiens uit die oogpunt van Josef. Die NG Kerk Riviersonderend se Kerssangdiens is verlede Sondagaand die 29ste November aangebied en was werklik pragtig en baie spesiaal.
Dana Pretorius,Overberger in murg en been, steel die kollig by South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) se 35 Top onder 35-jaar oud CA's se prestige toekenningsaand op die 27ste November 2020 in Sandton, Johannesburg. Dana Pretorius (32), is een van die direkteure van Outsourced CFO. Hy bestuur die professionele ontwikkeling van OCFO se personeel en leiers. Hy is intens betrokke by die ondersteuning en ontwikkeling van entrepreneurs. Dana was eers 'n leerder van Hoërskool Riviersonderend en toe ook later van Bredasdorp Hoërskool, waar hy hoofseun was. Sy ouma, Ann Mostert (voorheen Gunning), sou baie trots gewees het op haar oud-Rekeningkunde leerling.
Die Blomskool se tuinprojek van jare gelede by Otto du Plessis Hospitaal in Bredasdorp, word steeds noukeurig versorg en verskaf jare later steeds lig vir elke donker gemoed. Die foto is geneem gedurende die afgelope week en ook deur die nuwe vensters van die Otto du Plessis hospitaal. Foto: Verskaf
Is daar enigiets wat in jou deel van die Overberg gebeur wat jy graag met almal wil deel? Stuur jou nuus & foto’s aan ons by: overdeberg2020@gmail.com 0656862204 12
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
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Jakkals & Wolf se kapperjolle ...daar doer in die Bosveld.
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
‘HISTORIANS’ CHANGING HISTORY Continued from page 15 were prepared to do what very few people are willing to do venture almost all in the quest of a dream - is invariably excluded. How they did months and sometimes years of research, some endless swim hours searching in shark infested waters and then the Eureka moment of discovery, is hardly ever put forward. This omission in historical information provided would leave any questioning-minded person wondering as to how the ship was found and items were recovered, stabilised and restored. Even the generous gesture of the divers donating many valuable artefacts to museums is also never mentioned. Most maritime museums overseas correctly give each of the six phases their full due and coverage – full historic coverage. Presently, in South Africa, it is sad that this does not seem to be the case. It is also in this country that so many finds have been made by the so-called 'diving community' while, without the assistance of this latter community, the local maritime archaeologists are yet to make an actual maritime history and archaeology discovery. Full reporting is always closest to the historic truth. JIMMY HERBERT Retired lecturer: Stellenbosch University (1977-2013) Writer & Specialist in Maritime History and Archaeology
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
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‘HISTORIANS’ CHANGING HISTORY Continued from page 16 This encapsulating story holds the reader in suspense and ends with Scott, being one of only six to survive, looking down at the lifeless bodies of the boys washed out on the beach. Ironically, at that moment, a model ship that he had made for the boys, washed out on the beach. When approached as to where the author had found that information he chuckled and said, '… where you will never find it – an author's prerogative, my imagination'. An excellent well-written piece, with the only mistake being – nobody was informed as to it being fiction. Certain writings, about English East Indiaman Joanna that was lost at Die Dam in 1682, also provided distorted information. A diary was found in London that was kept by one of the officers on the Joanna at the time. In it, one reads that the ship went to pieces in around 24 hours or so – smashed to pieces. Some days later, only small pieces of the ship survived that were spread out on the beach. Naturally, being in London, none of the local authors had ever seen it or even heard about it. Nevertheless, in one publication is written, '… when Olof Bergh walked down onto the beach, he could not wait to board the ship' (translated). What ship and where? This same author also acknowledges using a well-known historical fiction writer's work as the reference for some other 'facts' put forward.
One of hilarious examples of published historic distortion is of a fisherman-diver that wrote about himself. In one section he describes how he swam over an old wreck. He even gives the name of this ship as an extra 'fact'. His description of this specific site does not correlate well with the reality. As a cherry on the top, the ship he had swam over and described in such 'accurate detail' was, still unknown to him, not even the one he had named. Again nothing more than misinformation! One of the most unforgivable trends these days is to tell, report or display only parts of the truth. In numerous South African museums one is invariably left with the impression that the sequence of events was always the following, but with the two RED blocks always omitted:
Almost miraculously, it appears the items seem to find their way into a museum collection and an appropriate educational display. Sadly, the one receiving this education too only learns about four of the six phases. The bit about how a group of incredibly talented and unique divers, each with ample enthusiasm and guts, Continued on page 14 overdeberg2020@gmail.com
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Vrydag 4 Desember 2020
History from the Overberg Jimmy Herbert ‘HISTORIANS’ CHANGING HISTORY Some years ago, I read something to the effect of, 'God gave us history, and then along came some so-called historians with the intent to change it'. South Africa and the Overberg has had their fair share of such individuals. Proof of this can even be seen in recent publications. What some speakers or authors often do, is to use the conclusions of those before them without personally researching the topic and verifying the facts at the primary source level. In turn, they then add their tales to an already distorted or incorrect story. Other speakers or authors use historical fiction publications as the reference, to which they then add their own distorted 'truth' contributions. A third group is inclined to utilise what is often referred to as a writer's prerogative - an author's imagination. Normally there would be nothing wrong with this, providing the reader is informed beforehand. Without any notification, however, the reader will erroneously accept everything in print as historical fact.
once and for all. As a scientist, Dr. Malan went directly to the primary archival sources. While going through the bulk of relevant historical documents, it soon became crystal clear that the publications by Eric Rosenthal (1951) and Lawrence Green (1958) - to mention but a few - were nothing more than a fictional outcome. The cargo never consisted of quantities of gold, silver and jewels, but rather of coffee, tea, sugar, pepper, sapan wood and some private goods (porcelain), none worth salvaging, as it was submerged under water and ruined. Also, not only was the wrecking found to be an accident and blamed on poor navigation and leadership, but no plot to loot cargo was found to exist between the four characters already mentioned. The historical records helped substantiate that Malan was the most unlikely character to be involved with anything illegal. At the time, Malan was already well into his 50s and, some two years later in 1724, he was elected as a deacon of the Stellenbosch congregation. The historical records of 1733 show that Malan was still alive and well at Stellenbosch where he was residing as a renowned gentleman with no fewer than 32 slaves, 50 horses, 140 cattle and 900 sheep to his name. The Malan descendants can proudly say, Jacob Malan passed away in 1742 as a pillar of society and was buried in grave #8 at the Dutch Reformed Church in Stellenbosch. Dr. Malan published his findings in 2013 (South African Journal of Cultural History, 'Die VOC -skip Schonenberg: Waarheid en verdigsel Deel I & II: Die stranding van 1722'). Interestingly enough, two years after these two articles were published, a prominent Cape Town archaeologist co-authored a book that also contained a section on the Schonenberg. Again this contribution clearly showed no signs of proper academic or scientific research. Being in his position, it is not clear how this could have happened. One of the most inaccurate publications on the topic saw the light in 2012. In the relevant section, no less than 75 points were put forward. Of these ten could be verified through the historical record as fact, while twenty were only the authors opinion, five were unverified, and 40 completely incorrect 'facts'. Thus, over 50% were complete 'hogwash'. Another example of only using one secondary source, was publications done on the topic of the loss of the Arniston (1815). Theal was one of the first to come up with the number of the people on board being 378. Modern book publications on this issue in 2012, and two years earlier, reported numbers of 'close to 380 souls' (translated) and '378 passengers' respectively.
An excellent local example of working directly from a tertiary source, is all those that worked with the Eric Rosenthal publication regarding the Vergelegen Treasure (E. Rosenthal, 'The treasure of Vergelegen', in The hinges creaked, true stories of South African treasure lost and found [Cape Town, 1951], pp. 5-10). This publication is nothing more than a creation of Rosenthal's vivid imagination. Only a small portion of the story's content can be substantiated from the historical records in the national archives.
In his report prepared for the National Monuments Council in 1982, Jim Jobling gives the number of 372 drowned and thus plus the six survivors totalling 378 people.
What Rosenthal came up with was used as fact in the publications of many after him. Two such books saw the light and went on sale in the Overberg in 2010 and 2012.
Not only was Theal's reported wreck site position more than five miles too far northeast, but this author has no idea where he got the number of 378 souls on board. All newspaper sources of the time show numbers ranging between 350 and 360. It is clear that Jobling got his higher 'number' from Theal and correctly cited him as the reference. One can thus safely assume that others took their 'numbers' from either Theal or more likely Jobling. This again shows how an incorrect fact is often just used and re-used again, when following publications chronologically. In a local book of 2010, the author gives an intriguing account of the relationship that existed between the carpenter's mate, Scott (who survived in the end) and the four Geil's brothers. Continued on page 15
Rosenthal, and those after him, all had a similar story of the intentional stranding of the ship; the stealing of the ship's treasure; the burying of the latter on the well-known farm, Vergelegen; and, the execution of the Captain, while the others implicated were banished to the East. Fortunately, for the survival of the true story for generations to come, there was a Malan gentleman involved in this fabricated story of the 'truth'. After over 50 years of the Malan family being incriminated in the theft of treasure, Dr. J. Malan decided to investigate to substantiate whether the Rosenthal story was true or false, 16
Seventy-six years after the sinking of the Arniston, Theal reported, '… there were three hundred and seventy-eight souls on board, including fourteen women and the same number of children.' (G.M. Theal, History of South Africa [1795 – 1834]. London: Swan Sonnenchein & Co., 1891).
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