Rich history shared with Bloemfontein museum
Paintingaccountslifestory
TEBOHO SETENA
A Bloemfontein legal practitioner, Adv. Charlie Naidoo has re-rooted the footprints of world-renowned Indian humanitarian Mahatma Gandhi’s return to South African through a symbolic painting decades after he had returned to his native country of India
Naidoo, a council member of the War Museum in Bloemfontein, crafted the painting which is a prominent feature in the historic book published by the museum
The journal, titled Caught in the Crossfire: Indian involvement in the South Africa War (Anglo-Boer War): 1899 -1902, specifically put into true perspective of Indians in South Africa and their significant contribution
in the South African War
Both the painting and the journal on the history of Indian people and their role as humanitarians in the cold face of the Anglo-Boer War, were handed to Kumar, High Commissioner of India, at the official launch on Friday, 11 April
Naidoo explained the significance of the painting, attesting that Indians ’ contribution beyond the war, from war rubble to prosperity The painting depicts a sunset scene with Gandhi walking through the sugar cane fields in the Phoenix Farm in KwaZulu-Natal a hundred-acre farm Gandhi purchased in 1904 “This picture seeks to bring Mahatma Gandhi back to his farm in his old age, to witness the “fruits of his labour” , and the progress made in South Africa under the new constitutional dispensation with
an entrenched Bill of Rights On his right is a huge, old mango tree laden with fruit which is also symbolic of reaping the fruits of his labour On either side he is surrounded by sugar cane The sugar cane has a paradoxical meaning: on the one hand it is the reason for the Indian indentured labour being brought to South Africa, causing pain and suffering On the other hand, the sugar cane industry, like the Indian people, contributed greatly to South Africa” To avoid distorting the history of Indian people in South Africa, Naidoo remarked: “The book is a journey of discovery, unearthing new and exciting information of the South African War, and the Indian involvement in the war It is a mustread, and because it is meticulously authored by authors who are specialists in the field " Read more on p 3
Adv Charlie Naidoo,council member of the War Museum in Bloemfontein,presents the commemorative painting of Mahatma Gandhi in his old age to Shri Prabhat Kumar,High Commissioner of India (left) Photo: Teboho Setena
Museum restores role in great war
TEBOHO SETENA
The War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein has put the half-told story of Indians and their significant contribution in the South Africa War, the Anglo-Boer War, into perspective by publishing a journal.
Titled Caught in the Crossfire: Indian involvement in the South Africa War: 1899 -1902, it was officially launched on Friday, 11 April, at the museum The museum ’ s work on the Indians’ involvement in the Anglo-Boer War includes a documentary World-renowned Indian human rights activist and attorney Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) features as a prominent torchbearer in the war, under the British Empire The role is documented in the story of more than 1 900 Indian stretcher-bearers, as the Natal Indian Ambulance Corps
They were saving the lives of wounded soldiers and transporting them to hospitals for treatment
Some of the volunteers, reportedly, had training as medical officers
The journal’s launch saw the handing over of the book and a painting of Gandhi to Shri Prabhat Kumar, High Commissioner of India, as well as the unveiling of a bronze statue of Gandhi
Tokkie Pretorius, director of the museum, handed over the journal while Adv Charlie Naidoo, council member of the War Museum, did so for the painting India’s Shadow and Light, the contemporary-classical duo of Anindo Bose and Pavithra Chari, performed at the occasion
“We do not glorify war, we strive to show its horrors We focus on youth, and we also have a contemporary message of what we did The work started in 2009, to paint a true picture of the South Africa war and nations involved The publication is a big step to acknowledge all the communities,
and the Indian community both from India and South Africa, who were not recognized after the war, despite their involvement It was untold story of the Indian contribution - a thing that was not there, not talked about, and that nobody seems no care about,” said Pretorius
According to Pretorius, the book is the first of its kind
“What we believe in is that the Indian story should be told by the Indian people themselves There is a lot of research to come, in order to take it forward because a lot of stories need to be told,” said Pretorius
He stressed that a true history of the Anglo-Boer War should include the roles of Boers, Indians and communities such as the Zulu, Xhosa, Bakgatla, Shangaan, Swazi as well as the Basotho people
“Winston Churchill was also there as a war correspondent, as was Gandhi, providing crucial humanitarian relief to wounded soldiers of both sides,” said Pretorius
Giving credence to the recognition to the role of Indian people in the war, the Indian government donated a bronze stature of Gandhi to the museum
“The publication is the most comprehensive in the world of Indian volunteers and their involvement
“We applaud the work of the War Museum for making this study comprehensive As diplomats, we appreciate and understand that these lessons should be learnt as they avoid the loss of life
“The publication on the Indian involvement in the South Africa War will foster a new outlook on the subject that has been neglected for years, and it will bring to light the sacrifices and hardships Indian people experienced during the war, especially South African Indians,” said Kumar
He said the historic importance of the event ties with marking the 165th year since Indians first arrived in South Africa in 1860, in a ship carrying labourers
Event again brings culinary delights to our doorstep
LIENTJIE MENTZ
This year ’ s De Oude Kraal WildsKOSfees on 7 June will be bigger and better than ever
This truly Free State feast hosted at De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa outside Bloemfontein attracts guests from all over the country and even abroad The event showcases many facets, ideas, recipes and activities that have been tweaked and improved over the years
The gourmet dishes presided over by Marie Lombard, chef and founding member of the WildsKOSfees, are of excellent quality and con-
firm the versatility of organic venison
This year, De Oude Kraal will once again boast wines from some of the best wine farms in the Western and Southern Cape, presented to guests by the wine makers or estate owners themselves
Wine lovers can indulge in wines from estates such as Anthonij Rupert, Babylonstoren, Beyerskloof, Capensis, Cederberg and Diemersfontein In addition to the best dishes, prepared from 16 venison species, festivalgoers can enjoy side dishes served at each of the 22 wine stalls for a complete taste experience Gerhard Lombard of De Oude Kraal says with
the wine coming from various regions an incredible variety of tastes and choices are offered –unique to the De Oude Kraal WildsKOSfees
Festivalgoers can move between 24 food stalls, each with five to six dishes Also, there will again be numerous activities to participate in
This year ’ s VIP experience takes the shape of a lunch, showcasing the full extent of Marie’s culinary skill, with food and wine being expertly paired VIP tickets cost R1500 per person
Early bird tickets for the De Oude Kraal WildsKOSfees cost R595 All tickets are available on the website deoudekraal com
“So, good work has been done with even more to be done I am really thankful to the museum for the work done in making the book publishing a success, ” said Kumar
Attesting to the Indian people’s participation in the SA War, Gandhi is quoted: “When the war was declared, my personal sympathies were all with the Boers, but I believed then that I had yet no right, in such cases, to enforce my individual convictions
“Suffice it to say that my loyalty to the British rule drove me to participation with the British in that war I felt that, if I demanded rights as a British citizen, it was also my duty, as such, to participate in the defence of the British Empire
“I held then that India could achieve her complete emancipation only within and through the British Empire
“So, I collected together as many comrades as possible, and with very great difficulty got their services accepted as an ambulance corps ”
Tokkie Pretorius (left,director of the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein) handing over the journal titled Caught in the Crossfire – Indian involvement in the South Africa War 1899 -1902,to Shri Prabhat Kumar (high commissioner of India) during the launch at the War Museum on Friday Photos: Teboho Setena
Shaking hands after the significant reception of a bronze statue of world-renowned Indian human rights activist and attorney Mahatma Gandhi are from the left Shri Prabhat Kumar (high commissioner of India),Ketso Makume (MEC for Finance,Tourism and Economic Development) and Tokkie Pretorius (director of the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein) The government of India donated the bronze statue in acknowledgement of the role of Indians in the Anglo-Boer War
BloemNews,like BloemExpress a title of Novus Media, is printed media sponsor of the De Oude Kraal WildsKOSfees With Marie Lombard (left) and her husband,Gerhard,founders of De Oude Kraal and the event,are Jeannine van Zyl (general manager at Novus Media Community News) Photo: Lientjie Mentz
Riveting show for the City of Roses
TEBOHO SETENA
The South African singer-songwriter Luna Paige is billed to perform live in Bloemfontein, today – Wednesday, 16 April – as part of her nationwide Oceanic Heart tour which started in February This will be the singer’s second performance in the City of Roses with her first during November last year
Today’s show will take place at the Vriende van Naln, a venue in the National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre (Naln), starting at 18:00 Tickets cost R150 per person
Before performing in the Free State, Paige first enthralled audiences in the Western and Eastern Cape during February and March
She promises to treat music lovers to a collection of songs that celebrate the comprehensive nature of love In Oceanic Heart, Paige sings about romantic love, love between friends and family, and the deep connection between humans and their animals She sings about love of nature, travel, and, most importantly, self-love
Besides performing her original material, Paige has selected songs by songwriters who have written songs about their own siblings, four-legged friends, their love of music and the long and winding road of life This includes songs by Neil Young, Nick Cave, Carole King, Norah Jones, Janis Joplin, and more Luna will perform her own version of these popular songs during the show
The songstress is known for her exemplary songwriting and her powerful voice, singing in both Afrikaans and English She accompanies herself on an electric piano and acoustic guitar
Paige has released five English albums and two in Afrikaans She received one South African Music Award (Sama) nomination for a collaborative album and multiple singles since 2003 In October and November 2024, she toured nationally with her Coming Home tour after spending three months in Europe, which included performances in the Netherlands During October this year Paige plans to tour the Netherlands with a new production by the name of Dreamland
International music idol laments country’s inequality
MARCINE O’REILLY
The internationally acclaimed South African composer and songwriter Jonathan Butler stated that the inequality and missed opportunities that several South Africans experience during the era of democracy are reminiscent of the harshness suffered during apartheid He made this statement during an interview with BloemExpress, a title of Novus Media Community News, on the sideline of his tour
He made a stop in Bloemfontein as one of the visits to select cities in South Africa where he performed during his childhood, which extended to Kimberley and even Lesotho Stellenbosch University (SU) recently honoured Butler for his contribution in music, conferring on him a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) honoris causa during the graduation ceremony on 24 March
Butler explained that he tours South Africa two months every year
“It is a free country, but I think a lot of people are not economically free Some people are enjoying the country because they have wealth, but others are not enjoying the freedom that was promised, the equality and opportunities for all people I see that; I come to hear those conversations ev-
ery day with the people I meet
So it does affect me going back to America where a lot of black people are very wealthy, the best football players, boxers, athletes, and musicians,” said Butler
“But it is also great to come home, to give back to Bloemfontein, this masterclass initiated by Arts Capital, which is every involved in the future of young musicians
“I can remember apartheid It was very harsh experiencing
blacks-only, coloureds-only, and whites-only signs in the city It really left an impression and shaped the way I think about South Africa,” said Butler He explained the objective of visiting Bloemfontein was to share his experiences
“I share my experiences with young people Hopefully, there may be two or three who will benefit from it
“What you desire in life will not come easily, you have to work for it”
Luna Paige
Dr Jonathan Butler with Marcine O’Reilly (left) and Noleen Petersen, both of Novus Media Community News. Photo: Colin Daries
Founders honoured as ‘parents’
TEBOHO SETENA
A chapter of Bloemfontein’s football hallmark was added in the history book of the sport of billions in honouring the founding generation of players and administrators, both surviving ones and those no more This was marked by the presentation of sports blazers, recognising their sacrifices to transcend football in the City of Roses
These unsung heroes were duly honoured at a glittering gala dinner held on 22 March at the Mahube Tumelo Hall, Bloemfontein
The honourees’ contribution was setting up a strong club presence, a diverse range of teams spanning different divisions and a rich history within the sport They are affiliates of two defunct giants’ clubs: Mangaung United (established in 1967) and Bloemfontein Celtic, alias Phunya Sele Sele (established in 1969) Some of the players so happened to later move from Mangaung to play for Celtic, despite rivalry that existed The initiative of honouring the founding generation was pioneered by community members who partnered with those involved in the game Partners include the Bloemfontein Golden Masters, the Mphatlalatsane-Mo Dladleng enterprise as well as Premier-
ship team Marumo Gallants, led by its president Dr Abram Sello The players, 15 in total, each received blue blazers presented by Victor Mahatanya, the only surviving founding director of Celtic
The culmination was the special recognition of Mahatanya (80), who was presented an iconic green jacket by Sello, also chairperson of Marumo Mahatanya remarked on being honoured while alive “This is the greatest honour ever in my life by football people I’m truly humbled, and I’m looking for fitting description of what the community and football people are doing for me I’m grateful to Dr Sello of Marumo Gallants too, who sees me still as an important figure in the sport of football I duly declare myself a Marumo Gallants ancestral father for life”
Four former directors of Celtic were also recognised Of these are late founding director Norman Mathobisa, and two late directors, Dr Rantlai Petrus “Whitehead” Molemela and Action “Oom Shot” Plaatjies The latter pair manged Celtic after Mathobisa and Mahatanya handed over the baton The other Celtic director honoured, the youngest, is Jimmy Augousti The players honoured include David
“Chippa” Sefadi, Vise Silunga, Ephraim “Never my Love” Madikgetla, Mike “The Puma” Litsi and Pule “Rhee” Pitso
Sello stressed the importance to recognise the founding generation of football in Bloemfontein inspired the decision of the club to partner with the organisers, Golden Masters and the enterprise of David Mohlakoana
“On arrival in Mangaung, we went to all parts of governance, asking who can we talk to, who’s the richest minds amongst them all – and I found it is you This occasion resonates with our tradition to honour our parent for their deeds and being our compass Founders of football clubs are our parents, as the current generation involve in the game When I was approached with the proposal of honouring these legends while alive, I did not hesitate, I went to the club, with the commitment to honour every one of them,” said Sello Mohlakoana gave the chief reason to transfer entrepreneurship skills to retired footballers as a motivating factor to pioneering the initiative to honour persons who played a major role in transforming the game of football in Bloemfontein into a brand
The Victor “Jingles” Mahatanya games has also been launched, with first matches played on 30 March
Bloem Show invites children to enter
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Stand a chance to win two entry tickets to Bloemfontein's Carnival Bloem Show
This annual event will be celebrating its 142nd anniversary this year
Over the nine days from Friday, 25 April, to Saturday, 3 May, there will be everything from music and art to a wide variety of exhibitions, including the fun park and entertainment galore
For children aged six to 14 years, there is an extra chance to win tickets for one day to the Bloem Show
All you have to do, is make a carnival-themed mask using an issue of the BloemExpress newspaper Make sure that the newspaper ’ s masthead is somewhere visible on the mask
Once that is done, have the children take a selfie or let mom or dad take a photo, and post the photo along with the child's name and age on the BloemExpress Facebook page under the entry for the Bloem Show Carnival Mask Competition
Entries close just after the Easter weekend (on Tuesday, 22 April), and the winner will be announced on the BloemExpress Facebook page
Be on the lookout for your next issue of BloemExpress today and stand the chance to win big by getting those creative juices flowing Visit bloemskou co za for the full programme and entry prices
Enter the BloemExpress Carnival Mask Competition today and stand a chance to win two Bloem Show tickets Aliyah Joi Solomons (6) shows her mask that she made Photo: Lientjie Mentz
A group of retired players honoured with sports blazers and also regalia T-shirts of Marumo Gallants.These legends played during the era of the 1960s until the early 1980s
Surviving Bloemfontein Celtic and businessman Victor Mahatanya (green jacket) flanked by David Mohlakoana,Dr Abraham Sello,Gregory Nthatisi (mayor of Mangaung Metro) and Sakhiwo Belot
Mahatanya and Dr Sello presents a regalia T-shirt to Abraham“Ace”Sempe, founding captain of Celtic, who later became the chief administrator
