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The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Uncovering the Past: The forgotten story of Krugersdorp's first police station
What did law enforcement look like in Krugersdorp before modern policing? The answer lies in the town's first police station. In this ninth edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, produced in partnership with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), we explore a lesser-known chapter in the town's history: the old police station on Commissioner Street in the CBD. Jaco Mattheyse, co-founder of the KHA, said that to understand this building, one must consider the social and political landscape of Krugersdorp in the 1890s. • Also read: Synagogue and storefronts: One man's mark on Krugersdorp's past At the time, the District Township – known today as Krugersdorp North – was little more than a skeletal settlement with a few streets and scattered buildings. 'Yet it managed to avoid becoming a ghost town because it retained some permanent residents and held political legitimacy as an administrative centre. Its existence, however, had minimal impact on the British residents of the Stand Township [today's Krugersdorp CBD],' Jaco explained. Few references to the District Township appear in local newspapers or archives. Most historical records mention only the Stand Township. While the Stand Township had a distinctly British character with a largely English-speaking population, it remained under the governance of Dutch-speaking officials from the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). Law and order were enforced by the Republican Police, and local courts were presided over by magistrates. 'The key official in town was the Mijn Kommissaris [gold commissioner], who issued mining claims and stand licences and, for all practical purposes, acted as the town's mayor. A small but prosperous Dutch-speaking middle class of professionals, shopkeepers, merchants and traders also lived in the Stand Township, ensuring a noticeable Dutch presence,' Jaco said. This, he noted, created an equilibrium between the Dutch-speaking officials who controlled the local state apparatus and the English-speaking commercial elite who dominated the town's economic and social life – an arrangement that mirrored the relationship between the District and Stand Townships. • Also read: Through war and worship: A church's 135-year story By the 1890s, Krugersdorp had grown into a permanent settlement. Along with the new train station and grander government buildings erected on the Market Square, a police station was constructed in 1897 to meet the needs of a growing population and rising crime. 'Yet the police station was more than a mere response to practical necessity. It also symbolised the growing Boer national chauvinism that emerged following the gold discoveries and the subsequent enrichment of the ZAR government,' Jaco said. Although built in the western section of town, seemingly undermining the idea that it was meant to project Boer power onto the English-speaking mining population, Jaco suggested that the station could still be viewed as a symbol of Boer authority. This symbolism becomes clearer when considering the ideological significance of the town's east-west spatial axis, just as the north-south axis held its own meaning. 'Initially, the site of today's Department of Home Affairs was considered for the police station, as it marked the western edge of town. Ultimately, the second and final site chosen was lower-lying and more removed from the mines, possibly because the land was cheaper. Still, symbolic considerations likely influenced this choice.' Architecturally, Jaco described the police station as quintessentially republican, featuring Dutch Neo-Renaissance gables, ornate sandstone detailing and red brick walls. To reinforce its nationalist message, the foundation stone was laid by President Paul Kruger himself. Measuring 26 metres in length, the building made a bold architectural statement. The Republican Police were tasked not only with maintaining law and order, but also with preserving Boer control over an increasingly restless Uitlander (foreigner) population on the West Rand. • Also read: A burning passion: The story of Krugersdorp's fire station 'The station formed part of a complex that included a large stable block, which has unfortunately been lost over time. The first station commander was Sergeant Sarel Eloff, the grandson of President Kruger and son of Frikkie Eloff. The building was unique in the old Transvaal – outside Pretoria and Johannesburg, it was rare for towns to boast such a grand police station. None of the smaller Transvaal towns could match it,' Jaco said. He also noted that several police residences were constructed in the District Township's 'sacred' north, using the same distinctive republican red brick. Their placement symbolically linked the north and west parts of town. Together, these buildings and their style served as a powerful visual reminder of Boer Republican authority. 'This was reinforced by the sight of Boer commandos parading through the streets and the visibility of the Republican Vierkleur flag at strategic points around the town. As a result, the predominantly British commercial hub, centred on the Luipaardsvlei Estate and the Gold Mining Company Limited, found itself surrounded by an assertive, nationalist Transvaal Republican environment.' This spatial strategy deepened with the establishment of the Boer residential area of Burghershoop, also founded in 1897. Located on the town's western periphery, Burghershoop consisted of free government stands allocated to impoverished, marginalised Dutch-speaking Boers. Many of these settlers had been displaced from the land during the 1890s due to the capitalist transformation of agriculture, which replaced traditional sharecropping (bywoner) arrangements with wage labour. 'The devastating rinderpest outbreak in the late 1890s further contributed to the settlement's growth. The founding of Burghershoop, the western positioning of the police station, the Transvaal Republican architectural styles, and the visible nationalist displays by the Krugersdorp Commando all signalled an intentional imposition of Boer nationalist ideology onto what had previously been a more cosmopolitan town.' Later, the old police station was converted into sleeping quarters for officers after a new station was built next door. Like the old train station, it was plastered and painted white at some point. By the 1980s, the building had become severely dilapidated, but it was eventually restored to its original appearance. Plans to repurpose it as a museum sadly never materialised. Today, the building stands mostly vacant once more, its red bricks beginning to show the strain of time. A landmark of strength and symbolism in its day, the old Krugersdorp police station now awaits a new chapter – its walls still echoing the ambitions of a bygone era.
Montreal Gazette
22-07-2025
- Montreal Gazette
In Belgium, it's Bonjour that's causing trouble — not Hi
By Sometimes, it's saying 'Bonjour' — not 'Hi' — that gets a service worker in trouble. In Belgium's Dutch-speaking Flanders region, a train ticket inspector is facing official backlash for greeting a passenger with 'Goedendag-Bonjour' instead of just 'Goedendag' — a reminder that language sensitivities aren't unique to Quebec. 'That a commission would say adding 'Bonjour' alongside 'Goedendag' is somehow illegal or a violation — it's a real shame,' Ilyass Alba, the train employee, said in a video posted on social media. 'It's regrettable that in 2025, in this era of globalization, someone would say: 'Hey, you can't do that because of a 1966 language law.'' The Dutch-speaking passenger filed a complaint last year with Commission permanente de Contrôle linguistique (CPCL), Belgium's language watchdog. Because the interaction occurred in a Dutch-speaking area, Alba should have started the conversation with 'Goedendag,' the commission said in a statement last week. The CPCL said Alba could have continued in French but only if the passenger had responded in French. The language clash occurred as the train was approaching officially bilingual Brussels, where a Dutch-French greeting would have been allowed. Reached by The Gazette on Monday, Alba said he was not authorized to speak to reporters. He noted that his employer — Belgium's national railway — 'considers the case closed.' The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges (SNCB) has downplayed the incident, saying Alba will not be punished for his transgression. The railway is calling for more linguistic flexibility, saying 'current regulations are not sufficiently focused on the passenger.' It wants to 'put passengers at the heart of its priorities and be able to properly inform all travellers in the national languages, particularly for tourist destinations.' Alba, a train influencer with more than 60,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook, is also calling for more linguistic tolerance. 'Speaking multiple languages isn't a threat to Dutch or to French,' he said in the video. 'If we make an announcement in Dutch in Charleroi (a French-speaking city), it's not a threat. On the contrary — it's really an asset. It's a sign of openness.' The Bonjour blowup has sparked international headlines. Alba is capitalizing on his newfound fame, selling mugs stamped with 'Goeiedag Bonjour' and a Belgian flag via 'Goeiedag' is a more informal variant of the Dutch greeting 'Goedendag.' 'Start your day with a mug that speaks volumes! Inspired by a viral anecdote, it adds a fun touch to your mornings,' Alba says on the Dutch–French bilingual website — using the English words mug and fun on the French-language side. There are important differences between the situations in Quebec and Belgium. For one thing, Belgium has three official languages — Dutch, French and German — while Quebec has declared French as its only official language. Also, while Quebec's Charter of the French Language — commonly known as Bill 101 — guarantees consumers the right to be served in French, it does not ban service workers from saying 'Hi.' Some Quebec francophones consider 'Bonjour-Hi' a sign of linguistic encroachment and a threat to French. Anglophones largely see the phrase as a polite way for workers to gauge a customer's language preference. The National Assembly has twice — in 2017 and 2019 — passed resolutions urging merchants to say au revoir to Bonjour-Hi and just keep Bonjour. Mayor Valérie Plante has also weighed in, saying 'we should encourage people to only say Bonjour.' The Legault government briefly floated the idea of formally banning Bonjour-Hi. It backed off after critics said it would be impossible to legislate conversations between citizens and service workers. French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge has called on Quebecers to insist on receiving service in French and to report any violations to the Office québécois de la langue française. Language complaints have soared under the CAQ government, with more than 10,000 filed in 2024-25. By far the largest category of complaints — 40 per cent — concerned language of service. A decade ago, only 18 per cent of complaints addressed this issue. Quebec periodically conducts investigations to monitor language-of-service trends, sending observers into stores posing as regular customers. In the 2024 study, the use of bilingual greetings such as Bonjour-Hi rose from 4 per cent to 12 per cent. A series of Gazette articles this year raised questions about the results of the latest study, including whether the use of secret shoppers from visible minorities may have skewed the results. Some research suggests Quebec store workers are more likely to greet customers in English when they appear to be from visible minorities.
Metro
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Spectator run over by INEOS team car during Tour de France
A spectator was hit by Ineos Grenadiers' team car during the Tour de France on Saturday. The incident occurred during the 14th stage of the race around 200 metres from the summit of the Col de Peyresourde climb. Ineos rider, Thymen Arensman, was the solo leader during the tough mountain stage, while his teammate, Carlos Rodriguez, was at the front of the group behind. Ineos' red team car was tracking Rodriguez's group and a spectator, who was dressed in yellow trousers and a bright green jacket, was stood in the road filming the action with their phone. However, the spectator stood still while filming the riders and was knocked to the ground after being struck by the side of the car, which immediately stopped following the collision. 'It's always very complicated on these passes,' said RMC Sport's Tour de France analyst Jerome Coppel. More Trending 'There are people on both sides of the road, which isn't very wide. The team directors have to get back up and ensure safety in case the leading rider gets a puncture. 'They try to get back up, and the counter group won't let them pass. There isn't enough space, and sometimes, unfortunately, we see this kind of thing. The driver risks being penalised.' Coppel, who competed in six Tour de France races, added: 'Having been in the car behind the peloton, it's really complicated when you have to move up the line.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Belgian ticket inspector given warning for using 'bonjour' in Dutch-speaking region MORE: Boy, 6, 'kills newborn baby' after being left alone on maternity ward MORE: Inmate escapes prison by hiding in pal's laundry bag – but it didn't last long
Miami Herald
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Suriname has its first female president, adding to slate of women leaders in Caribbean
A medical doctor and one-time parliamentary speaker will lead the Caribbean Community's only Dutch-speaking member nation as president, giving the regional its fourth female head of government. Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was officially sworn-in as president of Suriname on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by diplomats and representatives of neighboring countries including the vice president of Venezuela. The nation, which is located in South America but is part of the Caribbean Community regional bloc, joins Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and tiny Anguilla with females at their helm. It is the first time, observers say, that there have been so many females in leadership positions in the Caribbean where they are also occupying roles as governors, governor generals and ceremonial presidents. In Barbados where Mia Mottley is prime minister, Sandra Mason serves as ceremonial president after the country broke with the British monarchy in November of 2021 to become a republic; and in Trinidad and Tobago where Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar led her party to victory in April, the presidency is led by Christine Kangaloo. In Dominica, the presidency is also held by a woman, Sylvanie Burton, who is also its first indigenous head of state. Geerlings-Simons emerged as president of the former Dutch colony after none of the parties, including that of former president Chan Santokh, won the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament in the May 25 elections to form the government. She won the second highest individual votes after Santokh, who retained his legislative seat after winning the the most individual votes. Though he was vying to return as president, Sanktoh's Progressive Reform Party could not overcome voters' concerns about high inflation, corruption in the government and austerity measures imposed by the International Monetary Fund program. With the Progressive Reform Party nearly tying with the National Democratic Party, 17 votes to 18 votes, a deal was formed by Geerlings-Simons and her National Democratic with five other parties to install her as president. Geerlings-Simons had served as chairwoman of the party since 2024. Carla Barnett, the secretary general of CARICOM, who attended the swearing-in, noted the historic significance of Geerlings-Simons' indirect election by the National Assembly. Ahead of the swearing-in, Barnett extended congratulations and said the Caribbean Community awaits her input on issues facing the region. 'As we collectively navigate the complex challenges facing our region, including climate change, economic resilience, and sustainable development, your leadership will be crucial,' Barnett said. Independent since 1975, Suriname has had two military coups and in recent years, faced difficult economic challenges. The country, however, is expected to see a surge in revenues, similar to neighboring Guyana, after discovering oil reserves. Oil production is slated to begin in 2028. Geerlings-Simons rise to power hasn't been lost on those who closely follow the region especially given that the military coups were supported by the NDP and its founder, former president Desiré 'Desi' Bouterse who died last year on Christmas Eve while running from justice. The year after leaving office in 2020, Bouterse was convicted in the 1982 murders of 15 government critics, including journalists. In 2023, the conviction was upheld and Bouterse went into hiding. He died at the age of 79., while a fugitive. One of the parties that was part of the coups and had distanced itself from the NDP is now among those in the coalition government. Also, Wednesday's succession of power passed without incident. Geerlings-Simons, 71, whose term runs until 2030, recognized the historical significance in her swearing-in speech. 'Because I am the first woman to hold this position, there will be additional pressure on the work I will do with the government,' she said, as she pledged her government's commitment to recovery. While the country is on the cusp of an oil boom and is expected to begin production in 2028, Geerlings-Simons also spoke of the need to diversity her nation's fragile economy. She concluded her speech with a call for national unity and quoted the words of Surinamese poets Dobru and Shrinivási. 'I would like to unite you as a nation, without this remaining a fairy tale.'
Metro
17-07-2025
- Metro
Belgian ticket inspector who said 'bonjour' to passengers is given a warning
A ticket inspector who greeted customers in two different languages has been given a warning after a passenger complained. The Dutch-speaking region of Flanders in Belgium has strict language laws, requiring train conductors to only use Dutch in the area, French in the French-speaking regions and both languages in Brussels. Ilyass Alba greeted customers with both 'goeiedag' and 'bonjour', prompting a customer to complain last year. His employer has warned him that he should not have used French in the region unless he had been approached by a passenger speaking French. On Facebook. Alba wrote: 'What a country,' adding that 'the commission would rule in his favour when travellers from all over the world visit Belgium is a sign of narrow-mindedness on the part of a small Flemish elite.' His employer has defended him, saying Alba just wanted to 'warmly greet all passengers, something to which we attach great importance.' Alba has capitalised on his mistake at work, and is selling mugs which read both 'Goeiedag' and 'Bonjour'. 'Whatever will be, long live Belgium,' he added. Dimitri Temmerman, from the train company, previously said: 'We always want to respect the language legislation, but this is about a conductor who wants to welcome all the passengers on his train warmly. 'We are certainly not going to condemn that, but rather applaud it. We support train conductors like this, who are good ambassadors for the NMBS.' Language laws in Belgium are quite complicated for those who might not be aware of them. Regionally, Flanders uses Dutch as the official language. In Wallonia, French is the official language, but there's a large German community as well. In Brussels, both Dutch and French are official languages. Enforcing the language laws, which apply to places like trains and government buildings, can be difficult. Some UK towns could soon have language laws enforced as well. Thanet District Council is dusting off its plans to fine anyone caught swearing in public – meaning 'bollocks!' on the beach could soon cost you £100. The so-called Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would see officers patrolling the streets of Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Birchington., ready to give fines to foul-mouthed folk disturbing the peace. It's essentially a giant communal swear jar. More Trending But before you yell 'poppycock!' and 'drat!', this isn't Thanet's first attempt. The council tried the same thing last year, but they were blocked when the Free Speech Union declared 'ruddy nonsense' and threatened legal action. Chief Inspector Ian Swallow wrote a letter of support saying the order would help reduce crime and disorder in the district, giving officers more power to deal with antisocial behaviour. After all, it's not just cursing that is under fire – the order also targets dirty blighters peeing, crapping and spitting in the streets. Offenders will have 28 days to pay up, but the fine drops to £60 if you pay up within two weeks. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man who spent £3,000 on Tomorrowland ticket accuses festival of 'profit over safety' MORE: Boy, 6, 'kills newborn baby' after being left alone on maternity ward MORE: Fire destroys Tomorrowland main stage but organisers say 'show will go on'
