The land no-one wanted
Some fascinating, well documented historical events were discussed at the Southern Natal History Society meeting.
MARY Neethling, well-known historian and founder of the Port Shepstone Museum, gave an enlightening talk at the Southern Natal History Society meeting held at Tweni Library recently.
Her talk was on the rich history of our region and how Alfred County was born. Her passion for the subject held everyone spellbound.
Mary revealed some fascinating, well documented historical events that occurred all those years ago.
Just a few snippets that stood out: In the 1800s, the area between the Mzimkhulu and Umtamvuna Rivers was known as ‘no man’s land’ because neither the Pondos nor the British wanted this tract of land.
Although the area was largely uninhabited, it was later discovered that Bushmen lived in the Oribi mountains and rock paintings attest to their presence.
Bushmen were skilled at killing elephants that were once abundant in these forests.
Sadly, the British introduced them to guns and the ivory trade began. The whole nature of trading changed. Traders became gun runners and by the end of the 19th century, elephants were extinct in Alfred County.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the annexation to include ‘no-man’s land’ into Natal when it was named Alfred County.
Moving on, Mary also noted that cemeteries in particular needed attention and there needed to be a follow-up on historical buildings from Umzumbe through to Margate.
Buildings over 70 years old may not be demolished or radically altered without a permit so it was important for them to be documented and preserved.
Mary’s next talk on gun-running promises to be most fascinating.
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