Secunda Steamers are quiet while Frans Pretorius battles cancer
"This is a hard knock for me. Cancer and chemo are taking their toll. I simply do not have the energy to attend to the problems," explained Mr Pretorius.
SECUNDA – The steam trains at the Secunda Duck Pond will not be operational soon.
The Secunda Steamers experienced huge setbacks since the national lockdown when no one was allowed to visit this popular site.
The biggest of these is the health issues of the club’s stalwarts, Messrs Frans Pretorius and Gert Meyer.
Both were diagnosed with lung cancer in September and Mr Meyer died in October.
Mr Pretorius (73), a non-smoker, has recently received his fourth bout of chemotherapy.
He poured his heart and soul into the Duck Pond and the route of the steam locomotives and worked tirelessly to plant and upkeep the little flower beds along the train tracks.
“I was heartbroken when I recently visited the dam.
“Vandals tried to break into our train depot, possibly to get to the generator. They broke the electric wiring used for the signal management.”
Mr Pretorius said it was still tolerable when Sasol supplied around the clock security, but since it changed, visitors are consuming alcohol and smashing the glass bottles on the train tracks.
The rail track, bathrooms and stall also need attention.
“This is a hard knock for me. Cancer and chemo are taking their toll. I simply do not have the energy to attend to the problems,” explained Mr Pretorius.
He is now hanging on to his faith to get him through his cancer battle.
Anyone who can help to keep the Secunda Steamers going, can send Mr Pretorius a message at 083 236 9578.
