New nonagenarian and history buff Mary sure knows her stuff

Chairman of the Southern Natal History Society and well-known historian Mary Neethling was the guest speaker at the organisation’s monthly talk which took place at Royston Hall last Saturday. Not only was she the speaker, but she also celebrated her 90th birthday (tea and cake included!)

ALSO READ : PICS: History talk was fascinating

Mary spoke on the history of the Umzimkulu Rivet, saying the river, which runs through Port Shepstone, was named ‘big river or the home of big rivers’ by the Zulu people, due to its enormous size. Her passion on the subject held everyone spellbound. She revealed some fascinating and well documented historical events that occurred during the course of the years.

“When the British began making use of the drift, it was initially known simply as ‘Umzimkulu Drift’ It was not  called Batstone’s Drift till much later,” explained Mary.

She noted that the Umzimkulu Drift was used as a crossing from much earlier times due to its accessibility. “The river was flanked by steep krantzes but at Umzimkulu Drift, there were side streams that were easily negotiated by carts and wagons. Soon traders came from Grahamstown to Port Natal with their wagons.”

She added that crossing the Umzimkulu River was a very difficult and time-consuming task. “The river was wide and deep right up to the point to where the sugar mill was later built. There were crocodiles in the river but fortunately, they had not yet learnt to be man-eaters.”

Guests wished Mary well on her birthday and thanked her for her life’s work in ensuring vital historical evidence is not lost but preserved for generations to come.

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