Just Off the Highway | Ep 43 | Forgotten in the Veld: Mission to rescue neglected heritage

Near Alberton in Johannesburg, Al Prodgers goes Just off the Highway to find a neglected memorial to a tragic rail collision in 1927, but the journey to uncover the story behind the event is a detective trail that spans three continents.
“Just Off the Highway” really needs your support to keep going. Donate as little as R5 by clicking the 3 little dots (on the right hand side under the video and then the "Thanks" button) to help preserve South African stories.
Or buy me me a coffee and qualify for regular free bonus content on www.buymeacoff...
Our links to follow:
www.alprodgers...
/ alprodgersco
instgram.com/a...
#heritage #trains #justoffthehighway #alprodgers #SouthAfrica #storytelling

[@sonerai7]

I have ice cold chills down my spine! My uncle showed me a newspaper clipping of this accident many, many years ago. The photos as I recall are identical to the ones used in your documentary. This accident happened on my grandfathers farm. My father and two uncles grew up on a farm within walking distance of Maplton Station. The boys would walk down to collect supplies from the station on a Sunday morning. The accident occurred before their time, but my grandparents kept the newspaper clippings because they were at the scene, and helped with the cleanup of the aftermath. You asked about the farm ownership. The farm neighboring my grandparents one, was owned by the Goodman family. The Goodmans were a well-to-do family who owned a number of businesses in the aera. One of which was a mill. The local farmers would bring their grain for processing, after which it was loaded onto trains at the Mapleton Station. The Goodman family were involved in local politics at the time, and were even invited to meet the Queen during the royal visit. Mr Goodman was also good friends with William Farrar. (Faramere in Benoni was named after him - I've heard some fantastic stories about him.) Anyway, Mr. Goodman had a daughter. My grandfather on the neighboring farm close to Mapleton Station married her, much to the disgust of her father. My grandfather was a man of limited means. Before his passing, I'd have dinner with my dad every Thursday night. I loved listening to the stories and wanted to try and find the farm. He drew me a map on a paper napkin. I still have it today. After sharing this story with my cousin, he's making arrangements to go and see my elderly uncle and show him the video. It's a story that's close to our hearts, thanks so much.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Wow, thanks for sharing that. It's amazing how this story has resonated with you, and how it's sparked such personal memories. I would like to make contact to chat further with the view to a follow up episode. Please email me at the address below the video. Thanks and regards, Al

[@sonerai7]

​@JustOfftheHighway My cousin Colin, has said that he'll go through the family archives and see what he can find. We'll be in touch.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

@@sonerai7 Brilliant. Thanks.

[@njabulombuyazi5132]

This was great. Please dont stop as Heritage seems to have taken a back seat in South Africa

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks Njabulo! I'll keep going as long as I can.

[@SeanMacRSA]

❤❤❤ You are so right! We have so much history, even though our biggest city isn't even 150 years old yet. Our capital isn't even 200 years old yet. I love this country! For all our flaws and obvious problems, I love our people! And it's our history that shaped us. I am so glad there are people like you and me who feel the same way.

[@pamsmith6625]

So interesting! Thanks for keeping South African history alive!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thank you for your encouraging comment.

[@jeannecyrus1613]

Somebody cared enough to plant some beautiful trees. How sad that the graves of those poor, bewildered people are not shaded from the unforgiving weather, as was intended. What a heart-breaking story. Thank you so much for telling us!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes, the remembrance has been desecrated. Thanks for your comment.

[@friendlypiranha774]

Excellent detective work, Al. What always shocks me is how fast history is forgotten. Not even 100 years ago and no-one remembers anything about it. Very sad state of affairs. I have come to the conclusion that 25 years after one dies, many people still miss you. 50 years after you die, a couple of your oldest grandchild still remember you. 100 years after you die, no-one even knows who you were.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes. Sad, but true. Makes me wonder about my own priorities. Thanks for commenting.

[@christofferraby4712]

That shows us the importance of records, engravings in stone mentioning important family events. Traditional Jews from the ancient middle eastern Jewish communities had a tradition of writing down important life events once a year. There is a Jewish family called the 'Sassoon' family that preserved detailed records of their history and their migration to different countries over centuries. I had Jewish friends in France when I was a child who know some historical events of their family from 1,000 years ago because of Hebrew documents they wrote down or had carved in stone or silver. The documents connected the family's migrations back and forth between current day independent nations of Israel and Egypt when both these lands were under the Arab rulers and the family's migration to current day Tunisia and Morocco (where they resided for 3 centuries as gold smiths and salt merchants) and then moved to France in the 1950s and became teachers, shopkeepers, etc... What fascinated me was that over the centuries there would also be some marriage advice written down accompanying the 'Ketuba'(the Hebrew marriage document from the Jewish community).

[@mccallan2798]

Well done Chum. I'm not easily impressed but after listening to this episode, I'm floored. Fantastic work from all concerned.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@StaceyEssmann]

Thank you, Al, for your work, research, and interesting content.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your kind comment, Stacey. 🙏

[@richardpetervonrahden6393]

Forgotten heroes of a forgotten event. Thank you for unearthing some memory of their sacrifice.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, thanks for your generous support! Yes, it's a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I feel privileged that it was shared with me and I was able to bring it to KZbin.

[@andresullivan6473]

That was so awesome I subscribed instantly after the podcast. Love the old Toyota. Fantastic to see a south african channel featureing our country loved it.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, Andre! I make new episodes as often as I can, but not as often as I'd like, so please stay subscribed for notifications.

[@andresullivan6473]

@@JustOfftheHighway I will do

[@samgraham13]

Have lived in SA for over 35 years , now living in Ireland , did a lot of traveling in SA , been to Retief Pas and the Kaalvoetvrou Monument, would like to know more about it . First time go have watched your videos , great stuff.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for that suggestion. I've been to that monument and I think it could be a significant part of a great story.

[@janhenkins]

Haai Al, baie dankie! It does my heart wonders to watch your videos! I'm just as disturbed as you are by the condition of this memorial, especially since it does not seem like it would be a massive undertaking. The hard work would be to adjust our culture to start treasuring places such as these, which will need education. Thankfully the education has now started with this video of yours, so let's keep up the momentum!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your comment, Jan. Absolutely! We have to make a choice to remember, respect and preserve.

[@janhenkins]

Since writing the above, I did a quick search on where loco 196 now lives, and it turns out that it's not very far from where I live here in the South East of England. The Mizens Railway is a miniature railway, so having the full-size 196 sitting just inside the property as a "gate guardian" adds quite a bit of interest - even though we cannot ignore the stark contrast between the current reality and it's previous life. Here is a Google Maps pin where you will find 196's latest resting place: maps.app.goo.gl/XVeD5yw26ud1mLDi6 I'm thinking of getting hold of the Mizens staff to explore the possibility of setting up a small memorial plaque next to 196 to act as a "twin" of sorts to the memorial there in the middle of the veld.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Wow! That is a brilliant idea.

[@tonydacruz]

An intriguing story. Probably brushed under the carpet quickly by the authorities.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Makes you wonder. Bad publicity had a way of falling down the memory hole.

[@maryannbannister5829]

Ithank you for just sitting quietly in respect. Shame on whoever chopped the trees down but high praise to whoever put the memorial stone up and maintains it and pkantedthe original trees.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. Thanks for your kind words.

[@ettacoetzee8939]

This is a sad but wonderful story. It is very important to look after our monuments. Thank you for this.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Etta, thanks for your comment. I agree.

[@miyaloo]

Wow! What an intriguing story. I do hope more light will be shed on this somehow. Great job Al!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks so much. Yes, it's a fascinating story, still incomplete. I've already received a few more clues in the comments.

[@christogreyling1861]

Al, you are a master story teller! Great content

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks very much for that compliment. Glad you're enjoying.

[@altavanrensburg7027]

Dankie ! You are realĺy a 'man on a mission'.....

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Dis 'n plesier! Yes, it would probably take a few lifetimes well spent to make a dent in all the fascinating stories, but I'm loving the bits I can do.

[@berthalesia7629]

Thank YOU So Much I respect You and your work

[@JustOfftheHighway]

That makes me feel great. Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it.

[@beverleymacdonald1352]

I loved this video on hidden history. Thank you.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure! There are so many stories to tell before they get lost or destroyed.

[@boudewynwagener7653]

What an interesting story. Thank you.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for watching and for your words of encouragement.

[@faniecremer4899]

What a wonderful story, thank you. The dead trees, as well as the digging next to the memorial, are making me more curious. As for myself, I also have a heart for preserving our history.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Fanie, previous comments called it "treasure hunting". I suspect that's a polite term for grave robbery, but there was no actual grave. And the trees might have been cut down for firewood? Thanks for your comment. I started the channel in the hope that I could connect to others with an interest in preserving heritage and I'm hugely heartened that so many people are responding. 🙏

[@LalasPhiwe]

May their souls rest in peace

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes. R.I.P.

[@hanneliewiese3477]

Thank you for this beautiful and very sad story.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for commenting. I'm very glad you enjoyed it.

[@ReformedCleric]

Thank you Al, as usual you bring the best ,please keep it up, I look forward to more (And thank you Michel)

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks so much! Will do.

[@KeneticMe]

A piece of lost history.... interesting and just down the road....

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yes. Only about 60km out of Johannesburg.

[@heinmadsen-leipoldt2341]

Lekker om in Afrikaans te Kan tik op youtube, I love your videos, dankie nogmaals vir jou mooi videos, once again thanks

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Dankie vir die kommentaar. Dis heeltemal 'n voorreg en 'n plesier om bietjie deur die land te reis en videos te maak.

[@SolomonMahlangu-lb3iv]

I thank you. For your job keep it up 👆

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Will do. Thank you!

[@estelle4319]

Great work. God rest those convicts that did not flee but helped the injured. No gratitude shown to them.. 😢

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. I hope they got some reward, but only the bare bones of a story exist. Those were tough times.

[@pamelastones4802]

Very interesting and sad!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

It is indeed. Thanks for your comment?

[@nhlanhlongeleza]

Wow! Humanity...❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Courage and sacrifice, indeed.

[@barrys72]

I'm so glad I stumbled onto your channel Al! Great stories.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! I appreciate you saying so, I'm glad you enjoy the stories. Please share with your network to help Just Off the Highway keep going.

[@Dikaano.]

The audio quality is on point , and attentionable ❤️

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. I do my best.

[@SuzetteGrist]

Well done on your investigation. So interesting.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much!

[@bevanpope7924]

What a deep and brilliant episode…

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you! 🙏

[@veronicabekker5556]

Hello AL, been living in Alberton for seventy four years....traveled from Alberton Station many many times. Alberton heritage in decay....Alberton Townhall so neglected, old Police station also.... Other countries keep their historical buildings....but, sadly we don't. Thank you for a really wonderful channel.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Veronica, thanks for commenting. Yes, as I travel round I see much of value that is being lost/destroyed, but dedicated people are still working hard to preserve what they can.

[@WarrenInAfrica]

Excellent well done on highlighting the victims

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. There has been a fascinating development in this story and I hope to add an update in the new year.

[@Not_sheeple]

Dear Al, I love your work, albeit only having seen two videos. Talking about our hetitage...I am so with you! Thus, what about a video covering the Jameson Raid and grave site of those killed, just outside Krugersdorp. I visited these graves following my quest to see as much of our country's history before getting too old. At the time of my visit, the area in question was already dangerous and neglected. Now, cira, 10 years later.......I wonder if they still exist. As part of this trip, I also visited the house and tr in question and the small embankment where the raiders sought protection.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, thanks for your suggestion. I didn't know that there was so much to see. That's a great idea. If you're happy to share some details, please email me. I'd very much like to discuss in more detail next year. email address is below the video.

[@landibear6509]

You out did yourself with this one Al. I agree. The sadness that the locomotive has been restored but the memories of those on those delapidated stones is such a terrible yet stark contrast. Surely SAR knows?

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I will see if I can contact someone and send them the episode. Whether or not anyone will care...

[@landibear6509]

@@JustOfftheHighway It's a vital piece of SA history. Is there not a heritage committee that at the very least can clear up the site? Not that it will help. I lived in the old railway houses in PE across from the railway yard. Place is delapidated now. PE heritage asked questions online about it and I was able to fill in some history for them, having lived there. They want it declared a heritage site too but I guess there are no funds for a restoration. It's Girdlestone street in PE if you want to see it and it's across from a railway museum called the South End museum. Strangely, I loved across from it but never went in. My grandmother even died on that intersection when a drunk driver drove into her and my grandfather. Had to cross it every day to get to school. Gosh, if I had the money to buy it or restore it, I would. You're good at solving mysteries. If you're ever interested,you could help me solve one. My dad and his brother presumably was in an accident on the same street, the same weekend, perhaps even the same night as 'the ghost og Uniondale'. He doesn't remember anything from the accident other than his brother died.

[@hermansplombaard9089]

Grateful towards your Passion

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Herman, thanks for your encouraging words.

[@PaulCoomber-g7h]

You are a marvelous history teacher. Another fascinating video.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

🙏 Hi Paul, thanks for your kind and thought provoking comments. I'm not a qualified teacher, but I love following a good story. Glad you're enjoying.

[@UlandiAnnandale]

Wow! Great research done for this episode. And Al, you just bring it together so well in your storytelling. Very well done! Thanks!

[@Wilma-gz2qm]

Thank you so much for your interesting program. Looking forward to your next episode.😊😢

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks so much for your kind comment and generous support, Ulandi!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

@@Wilma-gz2qm My pleasure. Thanks for your kind comment. I'm glad you're enjoying Just Off the Highway.

[@pieterbosman6111]

What an intriguing tale! I'm sure most (if not all) the viewers share your frustration with the lack of information. Thanks, however, for your diligent research and most interesting and entertaining way of sharing it.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your encouraging comment!

[@Morgan-Tman]

Wow 1927

[@JustOfftheHighway]

It would be good if this memorial survives long enough to make it to its centenary.

[@acferrad1]

I love your investigative videos Al !

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you!

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Incredible point in history we need to perserve it.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Agreed. I wish we could find out who is responsible for protecting it.

[@corneliabronkhorst6069]

Good day Al. I enjoy your videos. This one made me think. You know that some places you pass frequently without realy noticing it. Then one day.... It happened to me. On the corner on the tollroad between Riebeeckstad and Theunisen at the Harmony Road entrance is a graveyard. In all my searches I could only find out it might be a mine graveyard. Old lady alone I would love to walk there but rather not for safety sake. How I first found out about it, was on Google Maps. I searched for Virginia graveyard when this one came on. Maybe you might be more successful to find out what is the story behind these graves.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Cornelia, thanks for your comment. Sounds intriguing. I will certainly have a look.

[@rodprodgers9058]

fascinating, Al, pity there's nothing more to satisfy our curiosity, but perhaps better for the peaceful rest of the departed

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I wonder if they are haunting those who are vandalising their memorial.

[@pranavramraj5141]

I thoroughly enjoyed this🔥👌 A thick slice of local history 🇿🇦 I admire your passion and dedication in searching for answers and giving us a satisfying story. Thank you sir🙏🏻

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! It's a privilege to be able to bring them to you.

[@shirleybezuidenhout2724]

Very interesting. Thanks for bringing history back to life. If that monument wasn't discovered no one would have known about the story. Thanks again for sharing 👍👍

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! Yes, it's tragic how much of our heritage has been neglected and forgotten. Special thanks to Michel for letting me know.

[@lynngreyling7660]

Thanks Al.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, thank you very much. 🙏

[@jasonyu-gi-oh1056]

A fascinating interesting story. Very sad for those times.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Yep. So many loose ends as well. Thanks for commenting. 👍

[@LauravanderWalt]

Thank you for this very interesting but sad story.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks!

[@reinapearse9111]

So interesting, well done 👍

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@pieterbezuidenhout2741]

Vind dit interresant dat daar soveel bome rondom die gedenksteen geplant was . Ek glo die 'Skatte jagter' het 'n Bloutjie geloop !

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hy het beslis nie gekry waarvoor hy gesoek het nie.

[@neilgeorgerowe6034]

That was really nice thank you

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@HolisticHealthEducation]

If you are concerned about neglected memorial stones, you may want to investigate the memorial for the Irish, who fought and died for the Boer republics, during the second Anglo Boer war. It’s in front of your house, at the foot of the Brixton (Sentech) tower, close to the sports grounds and the SABC buildings.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I remember that monument. I believe it has been moved to Orania.

[@robertheath8646]

Nice one Al - great fact and story.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks, Rob! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@maryhairy1]

Wow !

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you. The story stunned me too.

[@dalewaterloo]

Very interesting, thank you. I looked on the map at Glenroy & Mapleton, unless I missed something, the spot is near Tsakane, Brakpan area? Very sad that the steam engine is not in our own Railway museum, there is one in George. I would love to see this monument restored and made a special place, it deserves to be well preserved.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Dale, yes, it's close by. Not much chance of it being restored though. It might be only a short time before it's destroyed altogether, perhaps for the stone.

[@albertvanlingen7590]

Very good research! 👊🏼 Thanks for your hard work 🇿🇦

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your kind comment. Much appreciated.

[@paulfisher1160]

Hi Al, Awesome historic and iconic inside into a forgotten part of history. Keep it up. Do you know if the pictures of the fatal and tragic accident you found and showed in the video the actual accident? Reason i ask is the loco 196 is a NGR tank loco and as far as i know they came to Natal as tank locos. Belpaire boiler 4-8-2 T. Known as a Dubs loco to some. Some mods were made over the years to them for extra coal but kept the tanks. Even in the years they ended up on mines. The wreck images show a non tank engine, belpaire boiler 4-8-2 i think (cant see the leading and trailing wheel sets). Therefore a class 7 or maybe a class 5? There is some Wikipedia stuff available but would like to see if books can confirm it. End of the day all this does not really matter. Tragic lives and a story are lost and great to hear the story and remember the lives. Good work and keep it up Regards, Paul

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi Paul, as far as we were able to research, I believe the photos are from the actual accident. Unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge to look at the details like you did. (Until I started researching this story, the only tank engine I'd ever heard of was named Thomas. 😜) Could it be that the photo shows the other engine involved in the collision? Perhaps that one is of the type you describe? We used the only source materials we could find, but it is entirely possible that the internet fooled us. Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Cheers, Al

[@rickyabrahams7100]

Very interesting and amazing research👌

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@annettekaiser3117]

Thank you interesting ❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My pleasure. Thanks for commenting.

[@GeorgeJacobs-t3j]

Love your car

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! She's a beaut and fun to drive.

[@osks]

Great programme - well done!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks very much for your encouraging words.

[@judycraxton6455]

Thank you …very interesting.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@alidabotes6264]

I hope someone can give more details. Those days gathering info wasn't very easy. My late brother-in-law managed the then Pietersburg workshop. When they were alerted of a derailment or accident they downed tools & sped to the scene. I'm surprised that it took so long for people to arrive at this scene of the accident.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I guess the longest delay was notifying someone of the tragedy. Communication systems were far less effective.

[@mousepad9763]

Thanks that was a very informative story perhaps you can look at alberts farm in johannesburg some time it has 3 memorial stones like that and the only natural spring in johannesburg

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that, and I will put it on the list to check out.

[@michaelroebuck1340]

Perhaps this would be a project for one of the High Schools in Alberton???Alnerton High ???

[@JustOfftheHighway]

My apologies for taking so long to reply. I missed your comment. It would be such a wonderful result if communities took an interest in local history!

[@Jackol-p6n]

Thank you for the south african content im now officially subscribed

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! I appreciate your support.

[@antonlammers1454]

Amazing content superb production. Im subscribed. Dankie vir local content ❤❤❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks! 🙏 I appreciate your support. Please share the episodes you like to help the channel grow.

[@lizethvandermerwe6743]

Amazing. Would love to know the story behind the stone.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

You and me both. Unfortunately, that was all I could find. Thanks for commenting.

[@peetschabort1080]

Also some 'treasure hunting' took place in front of the memorial stone.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Somebody was definitely digging where a grave would have been.

[@noeleneroodt783]

Absolute disgrace 😢 why were the trees copped down. So sad

[@joanlombard8579]

❤❤❤❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

🙏

[@sandyBE]

❤

[@JustOfftheHighway]

🙏

[@elsabadenhorst9746]

🌹

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thanks!

[@davidbarrow1446]

The same comment as above did a fantastic job

[@davidbarrow1446]

Absolutely

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Thank you very much!

[@maryannbannister5829]

Since school days I have always wondered about the following - It happened at Wemmer Pan - some school kids where rowing on the lake when they hooked up a plastic bag- this contained a human head! I never found out any more - a vague rumour that a torso was found in a suitcase a while later and then the whole story "died' I was at school when my Dad told me the story (He was an ex naval man who used to go rowing on Wemmer Pan up until this incident.) I was probably 10 or so years old which makes it about 60 years ago so around the 1960ties. Maybe there is a story here?

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Hi, thanks for sharing this mystery. I will look into it to see if I can find out any more details.

[@beatieswanepoel3004]

I wonder who chopped the trees down?

[@JustOfftheHighway]

That question bothered me too. I thought perhaps for firewood, I can't be sure.

[@janhenkins]

@@JustOfftheHighway One of the stumps (the left-most one at timecode 08:00 and onwards) seems to have burn-marks on it. It is likely that locals needed firewood, or that there could have been a major veld-fire in the recent past.

[@Deontjie]

It looks like those trees died of the black plague.

[@Reasonablyneutral]

Something one can assume with relative confidence given the general topography of the surrounding landscape, those stumps are the remnants of trees originally planted to complement the monument. They would have provided shade for visitors to maybe have an impromptu picnic if they wanted, served as 'markers' so the spot could be spotted from a distance. Nobody will ever know when they were cut down or why, although "firewood' comes to mind, or maybe for their timber depending upon which species they were. Logically not because they'd "died", in that location a dead tree is no danger to anyone or anything. The digging may have been the work of would-be grave robbers thinking the dead were buried there and something of value may have been buried with them, who knows? Note to self: Self, don't overthink stuff!! 🤣

[@JustOfftheHighway]

😆 Overthinkers, in fact any kind of thinkers are welcome! Yes, I believe firewood and grave robbing are probable causes. I can't remember the exact dates now, but aerial photographs show the trees intact until quite recently (2018?). Then they show an informal settlement growing in the area and the result is what can be seen today.

[@alidabotes6264]

They should have left a few trees. It is so desolate! The Railways should at least put the names of the deceased & what happened on another stone. The actual story should be out there. The fact that the convicts assisted is equally important.

[@charlesthompson6160]

Ek staan verstom!

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Ek kon dit ook nie glo nie.

[@riaanpotgieter475]

You will cry if you travel to Winburg in the "Free State" ..... so many vandelised graves from the Anglo Boer war. Both those of the British and Boer cemeteries. The locals have vandelised and destroyed most of the tombstones. It is a disgrace and shameful!!!

[@noeleneroodt783]

So sad and such a disgrace 😢

[@JustOfftheHighway]

That is awful. The graves of the fallen should always be respected. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is usually very good at maintaining them.

[@nunziomangiola5427]

Who cut down the trees?

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Don't know. Could be people making firewood.

[@noeleneroodt783]

That bothers me too. So sad

[@hesterroodt4279]

Shouldn't the railways be responsible to upkeep the place? It would be good to have the story told on a plaque so that it will not be forgotten again. The fact that the train is in the UK just might preserve it. Look at the future (which is none) of the examples at Nylstroom and Polokwane. They are rusting away and used as sleeping place for vandals and nyope users. Check it out.😢

[@noeleneroodt783]

I suppose just like the railways has fallen apart, that would mean absolutely nothing to them 😢

[@JustOfftheHighway]

A sad situation. Many lost opportunities.

[@bridgetprice4509]

The railways can’t look after the tracks or the trains so no hope for a memorial 😢

[@bradleyraath114]

The fact that this tragedy wasn't even printed in local papers, shows how strictly information was controlled in the colony.. Part of the tragedy is that an Australian newspaper was what provided information.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

Possibly control, but I'm guessing that SA newspapers haven't uploaded all their old editions the way other countries have done.

[@godfreyberry1599]

Cutting the trees down for firewood is a tangible indication of how little respect there is for South Africa's amazing past. Intentional?. Try follow what was a route of events that shaped this country - most vandalised and stripped of anything usable . Al , I'm just as frustrated as you are - is there an answer?. Just plain shocking.

[@JustOfftheHighway]

I think many people are uninterested in heritage, simply because they are struggling day-today to survive. Others like to show their contempt by neglecting or destroying. Either way, the worst course is passivity and despair. I believe in keeping stories alive. Stories are far more resilient than stone.

[@roeteroestof3896]

@@JustOfftheHighway that stone look VERY GOOD CONDITION for the years😵just too good🤔