Nationwide commemoration of Concentration Camp Day ‘poignant’

Communities nationwide commemorated Concentration Camp Day over the weekend in honor of a significant historical event.

The day was commemorated in Nylstroom and Turffontein. In Irene and Vereeniging, from Maitland all the way through to Simon’s Town.

Lord Roberts, British commander in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) issued a proclamation on 16 June 1900 officially declaring the scorched earth policy. With that, the British army wanted to break the courage of the Boer warriors of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State.

Farmhouses were burned down and food supplies destroyed. At least 30,000 dwellings were destroyed, thousands of livestock were mowed down, and sows were destroyed. Before the war, there were about 1 million cattle, 200,000 horses and 1.5 million sheep in the Transvaal. After the war, only a fifth of the cattle and a quarter of the horses and sheep remained.

Exactly 124 years after the beginning of the scorched earth policy, a large group of people gathered in Vereeniging at the Concentration Camp Cemetery to keep the legacy of the war’s heroes alive by commemorating Concentration Camp Day.

Each year, the FAK’s cultural networks pay tribute to the women and children who died in concentration camps due to starvation, deprivation and disease.

According to Kobie Ströh of GSSA Vaal, Vaal Triangle Cultural Network, about 90 people attended the day. “The Concentration Camp Day serves not only as a moment of remembrance, but also as a celebration of Afrikaner culture and history. This year’s proceedings especially highlighted the richness of Afrikaans history and language. The day had poignant poems that beautifully depicted historical events.”

The proceedings were opened and concluded by the Freedom Monument Voortrekkers. Past. Pieter Kriel delivered a poignant message with a stern admonition that care must be taken not to turn a God-fearing people into a wicked people.

Ströh says the historical presentations captivated the audience, especially the portrayal of the British by Mark Walkden, Hubert Sowerby and their helpers.

There were also emotional recitals by Adriana Human, her daughter Sonja and Peet Schabort and evoked deep sentiments among those present.

“One of the highlights of this year’s commemoration was a unique performance by members of the Vaal Cultural Network and students from Chalkboard Champs, a local school for children with special needs,” says Ströh.

She adds that symbolic gestures contributed to the meaning of the day, with Boer and Briton shaking hands and dads and young men planting thorn trees as a sign of hope for the future.

The Vaal River Volkspelelaer entertained attendees with traditional folk songs, which encouraged communal singing. In addition, young Quan van Zyl showcased the art of whipping on music and impressed the audience with his skill.

In a moment of quiet contemplation, the participants laid flowers and wreaths under a long list of names, honoring those who lost their lives.

This special occasion once again highlighted the history of the ABO and reminded people why it is important to remember and annually commemorate those men, women and children who lost their lives during the war, says Jan-Danie Malan, FAK cultural coordinator in the Free State.

“On Concentration Camp Day and similar days, one is reminded annually why it is important to celebrate and sustain the rich cultural heritage of our country and its people, and the FAK hopes that this day inspires people to get involved and do their part for the preservation and development of Afrikaner culture and history.”