A day of remembrance
In rememberance of his role in shaping South Africa, Fort Amiel hosted an informative event on Saturday, where his actions were brought to life.
Paul Kruger was a diplomat, a political and military leader, and at one point in South Africa’s illustrious history, President.
In rememberance of his role in shaping South Africa, Fort Amiel hosted an informative event on Saturday, where his actions were brought to life.
Curator of Fort Amiel, Louis Eksteen opened up the event with a brief presentation linking the statesman to Newcastle.
“We know of at least three times when Paul Kruger came to Newcastle, once during the first Anglo-Boer War when he came to encourage the Boers,” Mr Eksteen told.
Due to the terrible conditions Boers were exposed to while under British rule, Paul Kruger travelled to London to find a way to bring about equality.
Explaining Kruger’s rise to greatness from humble beginnings, Mr Eksteen put his statesmanship into perspective.
“He was a Voortrekker child whose family had originated from Berlin. He was the sixth generation in South Africa,” Mr Eksteen said.
A film about the connection of Paul Kruger to both Newcastle and the Voortrekker era, was screened and guests were informed of Kruger’s influence and impact on events that shaped our history.
