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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
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 Hindu
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Top news of the day from The Hindu: April 27, 2025
272 Pak nationals left India through Attari in past 2 days, more to exit today as deadline ends Around 272 Pakistani nationals have left India in the past two days through the Attari-Wagah border point, and a few hundred more are expected to exit on Sunday when the deadline for the 12 categories of short-term visa holders of the neighbouring nation ends, an official said. As many as 629 Indians, including 13 diplomats and officials, have returned from Pakistan through the international border crossing located in Punjab. NIA takes over Pahalgam terror attack probe The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun the process of formally taking over the Pahalgam terror attack case, in which 26 civilians were shot dead on Tuesday, following orders from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The NIA said that its teams, which have been camping at the terror attack site since Wednesday, have intensified the search for evidence. The spokesman further stated that the teams, overseen by an IG, a DIG and an SP from the anti-terror agency, are examining the eyewitnesses who had witnessed the horrifying attack unfold before their eyes at the peaceful and picturesque Baisaran valley. The eyewitnesses are being questioned in minute detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to one of the worst terror attacks in Kashmir. PM Modi says harshest response awaits perpetrators of Pahalgam attack The perpetrators and conspirators of the Pahalgam terror attack will be served with the harshest response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while delivering his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday. Expressing deep anguish, he said the incident has hurt every citizen of the country. 'Every Indian holds deep sympathies for the affected families. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, one is feeling the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack,' Mr. Modi said. Pahalgam terror attack | Nearly 80% tourist bookings to Kashmir cancelled Eighty per cent of tourist bookings to Kashmir have been cancelled in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Kashmir Hotel Association (KHA) said in Srinagar on Sunday. 'There have been 80% cancellations in bookings. We can understand. It is justified and natural given what happened,' Mushtaq Chaya, chairman, KHA, said. Mr. Chaya said tourism stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir were not worried by the dent to business 'but are sad with the fact that the incident took place on our soil'. 'The people of Kashmir have condemned the act. Everyone joined the protest and observed a shutdown, which happened for the first time. Time is the best healer,' he said. Indian Navy carries out anti-ship firings; demonstrates readiness for long-range 'offensive' strikes The Indian Navy on Sunday said its warships have successfully carried out multiple anti-ship firings, revalidating their readiness for long-range precision 'offensive' strikes. The demonstration of the Navy's combat prowess came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Centre should not alienate innocent people, says Mehbooba Mufti on anti-terror crackdown in Kashmir With security agencies launching a massive operation against the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said the Centre should tread carefully and avoid alienating innocent people while acting against terrorists. 'The Indian Government must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror,' Ms. Mufti said in a post on X. Fire breaks out in Delhi's Rohini Sector 17 jhuggi cluster, 20 fire tenders deployed A fire broke out in a jhuggi cluster in Rohini Sector 17 on Sunday morning, an official of the Delhi Fire Service said, adding that 20 fire tenders were deployed. Officials said they received a distress call around 11:55 a.m. and dispatched 20 fire tenders to the spot. 'Firefighters are currently trying to douse the blaze, and the operation is underway to bring the situation under control,' he said. Bomb scare on Varanasi-Bengaluru IndiGo flight, Canadian detained Panic broke out at Varanasi airport after a foreign national aboard a Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight claimed he was carrying a bomb, police said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday night, police said, adding that the passenger, a Canadian, has been detained. Security sleuths are questioning the man, officials said. Akhil Gogoi apologises for comment on pro-BJP Muslim voters Sibsagar MLA and Raijor Dal president has apologised for saying Muslims who vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party are kafirs and would be punished by God. He made this remark while campaigning for the panchayat polls in areas under the Naoboicha Assembly constituency in northeastern Assam's Lakhimpur district on Saturday. The comment triggered criticisms within and beyond his party, making Mr Gogoi issue an 'unconditional apology' on social media platforms in a late-night address. Nine dead, two trapped as car falls into well in MP's Mandsaur At least nine people have died and two more are feared trapped after a car, believed to have lost control, fell into a well in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, police said. Mandsaur Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Gautam Solanki told The Hindu that nine bodies have been recovered from the well so far. 'It is difficult to give the exact numbers yet but we fear at least two more are trapped,' he said. Trump urges 'free' transit for U.S. ships through Panama, Suez canals U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday urged free transit for American commercial and military ships through the Panama and Suez canals, tasking his secretary of state with making progress 'immediately.' Mr. Trump has for months been calling for the United States to take control of the Panama Canal, but his social media post also shifted focus onto the vital Suez route. 'American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!' he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Seven teachers, several policemen injured during clashes in Nepal's Kathmandu At least seven teachers and a few policemen were injured in Kathmandu city of Nepal on Sunday as clashes erupted between the two sides during a demonstration for education reforms and a pay increase. The police used baton charges and water cannons to disperse thousands of agitating teachers who tried to break the security cordon to enter the restricted area in Nayabaneshwor area of Kathmandu, an eyewitness said. The witness said a few policemen also suffered injuries. Russia launches nearly 150 drones against Ukraine as Trump doubts Putin's desire for peace Russia launched a sweeping drone assault across Ukraine overnight into Sunday, targeting multiple regions, officials said, after U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt over Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to end the war. One person was killed and a 14-year-old girl wounded in the city of Pavlohrad in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which was hit for the third consecutive night, regional Governor Serhii Lysak said. Barcelona beats Real Madrid in extra time to win Copa del Rey final Barcelona has launched its bid for a treble after it beat Real Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling Copa del Rey final with Jules Koundé scoring an extra-time winner. Right back Koundé pounced on a pass by Luka Modric and fired into the low corner of Thibaut Courtois' net for the 116th-minute decider.
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!
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Echoes of Krugersdorp: The old magistrate's court
In the second edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the Krugersdorp News, which partnered with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), will explore the history of the old Magistrate's Court. Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, states that no other building in Krugersdorp is as closely related to the early history of our town as the one located on Commissioner Street in the CBD. This building houses the newly refurbished Mogale City Museum and is situated across the street from Town Hall, as discussed in the previous article. • Also read: Echoes of Krugersdorp: Town Hall and its rich history 'Krugersdorp was laid out in a manner typical of Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) in Transvaal towns throughout the old Boer Republic. The Transvaal government aligned itself more closely with continental Europe, where towns are arranged around a central square [as seen in Pretoria, where Church Square forms the center of the capital]. Krugersdorp's square was bordered by Kommisaris, Markt, President, and Kruger streets and primarily served as the main center of commerce,' he said. Read the full story in this week's edition of the News dated April 25. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
