Latest news with #Jaco
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Exploring Krugersdorp's historic post office
Before the internet, people relied on post offices, and in the fifth edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the focus is on uncovering the stories and letters from Krugersdorp's historic post office, or the Central General Post Office as it was known when it was completed in 1938. Recently, the Krugersdorp News partnered up with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA) to revisit some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, explains that the post office on the corner of Ockerse and Kruger Street is a more recent addition to the town, at least in comparison to the buildings previously featured in this series. ALSO READ: Echoes of Krugersdorp: Town Hall and its rich history 'Originally, this site formed part of a block of stands reserved by the ZAR government for official use. An exception was made for the corner of Commissioner and Kruger Street, which was allocated to Abner Cohen for his Monument Hotel, later known as the Majestic Hotel. Before the construction of the post office, the precise site served as the Pass Office under the ZAR administration,' he explained. Jaco continued to say to maximise the potential of the plot, the architects opted for an L-shaped layout, with the southern wing that housed public spaces and circulation offices, while the western wing contained staff facilities and, above, a switch-room. He added that the main entrance, originally from the private box and posting lobby facing Kruger Street, is of generous proportions. Sadly, this entrance is no longer in use, and the once grand main façade is now neglected. 'The principal public hall reserved at the time for Europeans measured 20 by six metres and had a secondary entrance on Ockerse Street, which serves today as the building's main access point.' He said that adjacent to it was a smaller, nearly square room of 5.5m x 6m, designated for non-Europeans. This section was accessed through an atrium off Ockerse Street. 'Today, the two spaces have been combined into a single large hall. Both public halls were acoustically treated and originally paved with wooden blocks. 'The Kruger Street wing included rooms for the Postmaster, accounts and general offices, male and female staff rooms, a records room, a cable vault and duct, and a staff entrance and stairwell leading from the postal yard,' he said. ALSO READ: Watch: World's most powerful rocket makes history with epic catch Jaco said the first floor was entirely dedicated to the engineering section, lit from the west by double bull's-eye windows and from the east by glass bricks. Architecturally, the building is clad in face brick, with white-painted concrete cornices and fins at window-head height. On the Kruger Street elevation, fins at sill level help square the building against the steeply sloping street. 'The main entrance is framed by four semi-circular-ended brick pylons. The two central pylons are topped with bronze effigies of a winged springbok, symbolising the building's communication function. This entrance is recessed slightly from the main wall and further distinguished by glass brick panes on the first floor and a variegated brick frieze. 'The frieze depicts an ox-wagon, representing the Great Trek and the discovery of the Reef, with mine dumps, headgear, and buildings of Krugersdorp's past and present in the background,' he revealed. Jaco continued that the building has served the Krugersdorp community for almost 90 years. 'It made national headlines on a rainy day in January 1992, when Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging members Petrus Jacobus Judeel and Andries Stefanus Kriel bombed the post office, scattering glass and debris across Ockerse Street. These two men were also involved in the bombings of Hillview High School in July 1991 and Cosatu House in Pretoria in December 1991. ALSO READ: Krugersdorp Bowling Club makes history They were granted amnesty on 12 June 1998 for these acts, including the theft of explosives from the Rustenburg Platinum Mine in 1991. 'This outstanding example of 1930s Art Deco architecture has withstood the trials and tribulations of nearly a century and remains a symbol of Krugersdorp's past, present and future,' he concluded. TEASER: Step back in time with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association as they explore the nearly century-old post office building. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
From a parkwalk to Comrades: Jaco Booysen's inspirational story
(Information supplied by parkrun SA) Jaco Booysen is embarking on his first Comrades Marathon. From his first parkwalk in 2021 to completing an impressive 68 parkruns (that's 340 km!), Jaco's journey demonstrates how small beginnings and community-driven training laid the foundation for his grand dream. 'I've always wanted to start running, but I never quite caught the bug. Then, one random day, a good friend invited me to parkrun. I told him, 'I can't even run 5km' and he replied, 'You can walk it'. So, on June 26, 2021, I completed my first ever parkwalk. We started late, finished in a staggering one hour and 28 seconds, but surprisingly, I kind of enjoyed it. 'It wasn't until October 16 that year that I returned and decided to try running. I was thrilled to finish in 51:49, setting my first official parkrun personal best (PB) time. From that moment on, I challenged myself to beat my own record every time I showed up. It didn't happen overnight, but regular Saturday runs slowly helped me build fitness and confidence. 'Parkrun became my stepping stone to more. Over time, I gradually increased my distance, with longer races sitting somewhere far in the back of my mind. Early last year, a friend and I made a pact: we'd do the Comrades in 2028. That prompted me to join my local athletics club and step up my training. But then, in May, a fellow club member asked, 'Why not do it in 2025?' Without really thinking, I nodded and just like that, I was in. 'In October last year, I hit a PB of 25:50 at parkrun. A month later, when Comrades entries opened, I took the plunge and registered. From there, it was all-in: researching, asking experienced runners for advice, and training through a pesky knee injury caused by an unlucky encounter with a pothole (turns out runners can suffer the same fate as cars!). 'Training with the club became an integral part of my life. I had intervals on Mondays, 15km mountain runs on Wednesdays, 11-15km hilly routes on Fridays, and long slow distance (LSD) runs on Saturdays. Whenever possible, I would still squeeze in a parkrun right after my LSD. Despite completing 68 parkruns to date, I haven't managed one this year due to the increased training load or simply work or exhaustion. 'On March 1, I put all my preparation to the test at the Newcastle Battlefields Marathon. I qualified for Comrades with just eight minutes to spare! The route was challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Becoming the first in my family to complete a marathon made it even more special. 'As Comrades approaches, I eagerly anticipate lining up in Pietermaritzburg for the start of this iconic race. It's still hard to believe that it all began with a single parkrun just four years ago. 'While there's only so much one can do to prepare, being my first Comrades, I must admit that I'm nervous. I often wonder if I could have done more, but I remind myself that every runner has their own journey. Even though parkrun has taken a backseat recently, I haven't forgotten the beginning. I've set 20 personal bests and continue to set small goals, such as running a sub-25-minute parkrun. I'm proud to say that I achieved this goal, setting a new personal best at 24.43 this past Saturday, just before I begin tapering ahead of Comrades. 'I'm hoping to join Durban North parkrun the Saturday before Comrades to meet Bruce Fordyce. Getting a photo with him would be a special moment for me and my family, depending on how the weekend unfolds. It's a priority for me. 'Looking ahead, I hope to participate in as many parkruns as possible, wherever and whenever I can. One of my dreams is to eventually run a sub-20-minute parkrun. That will require more training, but it's something I'm working towards. And who knows? If all goes well this year, maybe the uphill Comrades is next.' ALSO READ: Parkrun joins hands with women's ministry for charity The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Going back in time – 131 years of gentlemen socialising
In the third edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, which the Krugersdorp News partnered with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), we will journey down memory lane to explore the history of Krugersdorp's oldest pub, The Krugersdorp Club. • Also read: Echoes of Krugersdorp: The old magistrate's court Background Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, said before we explore the history of The Krugersdorp Club, it's important to understand the broader concept of gentlemen's clubs as they existed in the late Victorian period. 'This type of establishment was by no means unique to Krugersdorp – it was a crucial amenity found in any self-respecting town, city, or metropolis throughout the English-speaking world. In the 19th century, family was considered one of the cornerstones of a man's life. While a man's home was his castle, often it wasn't the refuge of comfort and privacy one might expect, especially for the elite. Their homes frequently hosted dinners, formal teas, and social events, making private life a public affair. Social obligations and the scrutiny of local newspapers kept many upper-class lives on constant display. For many men, gentlemen's clubs offered an escape from these pressures,' he explained. Jaco added that another factor was the way many men were raised in all-male environments such as schools and sports clubs, which made sharing personal space with women in adulthood unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. The club thus became a space for men to socialise freely, surrounded by peers. 'Men's clubs were also hubs of information and gossip. These spaces encouraged communication and the sharing of news, which served not only to build social bonds but to establish one's identity and reinforce class and gender roles. Gossip wasn't just idle chatter – it was a tool for social climbing and networking, a means of showing discretion and influence. The clubs had their own unspoken [and sometimes formal] rules to regulate how such information was shared, ensuring privacy and trust among members,' he continued. 'A typical gentlemen's club of the time would feature a formal dining room, a bar, a library, a billiards room, and various parlours for reading, gaming, or quiet conversation. Some clubs, such as the famed Rand Club, even included guest rooms and fitness facilities. Many hosted regular events like formal dinners or sporting activities,' Jaco further explained. The founding of The Krugersdorp Club Jaco explained that The Krugersdorp Club was founded in 1894 by two of the town's most prominent doctors at the time: Dr Wouter van der Merwe and Dr Percy Stewart. Van der Merwe lived on the corner of Ockerse Street (then the town's main thoroughfare) and Kruger Street. In his back garden, he planted a jacaranda tree, whose leafy shade became a favourite gathering spot for visitors, including none other than President Paul Kruger, a personal friend. That same tree still stands today behind the gates of the current club building. Legend has it that one day, late in 1894, the two doctors decided to create a space where the town's rising gentlemen could socialise and unwind – perhaps inspired by their daily ritual of enjoying sundowners after work,' he said. He noted that the current wood-and-iron building, dating from 1897, features many beautiful elements typical of late Victorian colonial architecture – pressed steel ceilings, wooden floors, fireplaces, and other original details. A secret role in the South African War Jaco said that during the Second South African War (1899–1902), the club became a favoured haunt of British officers stationed in the area. Despite the occupation, Van der Merwe maintained his daily visits to the club and became known to the soldiers. Unbeknownst to them, he gathered useful information, such as troop movements, and passed it along to local Boer contacts like 'Vaal Martiens' Pretorius, Gerrit van Blommenstein, and Mr Te Water. 'These men would then write coded messages, attach them to dogs' collars, and send the animals out of town, where Boer commandos would intercept them. It's a remarkable example of quiet resistance,' he stated. A social hub through the ages Jaco continued that following the war, The Krugersdorp Club flourished, and by 1910, it boasted over 400 members, with just as many names recorded in its visitor books. This figure far exceeded the likely size of the town's middle class, suggesting that many working-class individuals, particularly miners, were also regulars. 'For instance, miners Hallowes and Thomas are listed among club visitors. While the club's presidents and office bearers were typically middle-class professionals [notably local doctors such as Van der Merwe, Stewart, and Caldwell], many guests likely came from the respectable working class. Unfortunately, determining their occupations is difficult, as Krugersdorp's church registers did not record such details as were common in Johannesburg. These insights were pieced together through comparisons between The Krugersdorp Club Visitors' Book [1902–1912] and the Register of European Burials in Krugersdorp Cemetery [1904–1929],' he said. He continued that browsing through these books today, one can't help but feel a sense of awe at the well-known names and families who graced the club over the decades. On the sidewalk outside, one can still see the pole to tie your horse to before entering the club. Still standing strong 'Though changing lifestyles and modern habits have led to a decline in membership, The Krugersdorp Club still operates today. Visitors are welcome to enjoy its historic atmosphere, hearty pub-style meals, and cold refreshments – just as they have for the past 131 years,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Old Apostolic Church under threat
A significant and cherished landmark in Krugersdorp West is under threat. • Also read: Echoes of Krugersdorp: The old magistrate's court Following recent discussions with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), it has come to light that plans are underway to demolish the unused Old Apostolic Church building located in Windram Street, Krugersdorp West. This was confirmed by the public notice of its demolition, as seen below: Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, said that in light of this news, it is essential to share the historical background of this unique structure and the church that built it, to better understand its cultural and historical value to the community. 'The Old Apostolic Church has its roots in the Catholic Apostolic Church, which was formed in 1832 as a result of the Albury Movement. The church was established in South Africa by Carl George Klibbe, who was born on 24 December 1852 in Pomerania, near the Baltic Sea. Klibbe was a preacher in the Lutheran Church before encountering Apostolic teachings in Schladen, Germany, where he met Apostle Heinrich Niemeyer,' Jaco explained. He added it was only after emigrating to Hatton Vale, Queensland, Australia, in 1886 that Klibbe and his family fully embraced this doctrine. 'They were sealed into the Apostolic faith by Niemeyer himself. By the time of Klibbe's passing on 22 May 1931, the Old Apostolic Church had grown to over a million followers. Before his death, he appointed Apostles Ernest Fredrick Wilhelm Ninow, Carl Fredrick Wilhelm Ninow, and William Campbell as his successors, with EFW Ninow taking over as the chairperson and spiritual leader of the church.' Jaco confirmed with a long-time resident, who was born in Krugersdorp West in 1936, that the church building on Windram Street is among her earliest memories. The building is a fine example of modest ecclesiastical architecture from the early 20th century. 'It features a single large hall, a stage, and a small front porch, and boasts beautiful pressed steel ceilings and intricate woodwork – all of which add to its aesthetic and historical charm,' he explained. He added that in the 1950s, the congregation split into two after purchasing the old Dutch Reformed (Nederduitsch Hervormde) church located diagonally across the street. This was made possible after the Dutch Reformed community built a new church on Rustenburg Road, near what is now SalvageNet. Both buildings were used jointly until the early 2000s. He continued, later, the church bought two homes from a retired local policeman, and demolished them along with the old Dutch Reformed building to make way for a new, larger brick church that could accommodate the reunited congregation. 'After the merger, the original building at Windram Street was rented out to another church for a few years before standing vacant. In 2023, the Old Apostolic Church sold the property to a developer, who now intends to redevelop the site into student accommodation,' he revealed. Jaco explains that there are also legal and heritage-related concerns; buildings older than 60 years with historic or architectural significance fall under the protection of the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999. Section 34 says no one is allowed to alter or demolish a building [or part of it] that is over 60 years old unless they get a permit from the provincial heritage authority. 'If the permit is denied, the authority must, within three months, consider giving the site formal heritage protection.' The Krugersdorp West community, supported by concerned residents from surrounding areas, has since launched a petition to express their deep concern over the potential loss of this beloved building. If any resident wants to sign this petition, contact Jaco via email at or call 084 799 2438. 'Preserving the history of places like this building is not just about protecting bricks and mortar – it's about honouring the legacy, culture, and shared memories of a community,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
New York Post
21-04-2025
- New York Post
Mom murdered beside 5-year-old son and boyfriend texted suspect's name as she lay dying: cops
An Alabama mother who was murdered alongside her 5-year-old son and her boyfriend managed to text the name of their alleged killer moments before her death, according to detectives. Arkia 'Kia' Berry, 28, texted her friend as she lay dying beside her son, Landyn Brooks, and her 28-year-old boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr, when their vehicle was blasted with bullets, AL Live reported. The dying hairdresser texted 'Jaco' — the nickname of Jacorian Deshawn McGregor, the man now charged with capital murder for the triple slaying last July, police told a preliminary hearing Thursday. 'She texted his name right before she died,' Det. Jarvelius Tollivero said. 4 Berry texted the word 'Jaco' shortly before she was found dead alongside her son, seen here, and her boyfriend, cops said. Facebook / Kiaa Berry Police initially received a 911 call about a car accident in the Echo Highlands neighborhood of Birmingham, leading them to the three bodies inside the car, according to the report. Detectives then found Berry's text as well as others from McGregor's friends telling him to 'lay low, stay out of sight, say hidden,' Tolliver said. 4 Jacorrian 'Jaco' McGregor is charged with the triple slaying. Jefferson County Jail Berry's boyfriend, Ashley, had also made a phone call to a contact he had saved as 'Jaco' as he seemingly made plans to meet up with him just before the shooting, the detective said. Facebook records also showed Ashley had previously searched for McGregor's page, the outlet reported. It was not clear how the suspect was connected to the victims. Officers were also investigating the theft of a green Kia, which was set on fire shortly after the shooting and was spotted near Berry's car on camera footage, Tolliver said. 'We believe some sort of interaction took place between the occupants of the victims' vehicle and the suspects' vehicle,' police officer Truman Fitzgerald had previously told the outlet. 4 Phone records showed Berry's boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr, had called McGregor before the triple homicide. Facebook / Kiaa Berry McGregor was not arrested until late February. Guns and drugs were found at his residence during a search, Birmingham police said. He appeared before Jefferson County District Judge William Bell on Thursday for capital murder charges and is being held without bond, the outlet reported. 4 Landyn Brooks, 5, played football and was set to begin kindergarten in the fall. Facebook / Kiaa Berry Berry worked as a hairstylist, and her son, Brooks, played football and was set to begin kindergarten in the fall, the outlet reported. Aniya Berry, Arkia's cousin, called the mother-son duo were like 'two peas in a pod,' WVTM reported.
