In a social media sign of these times a lively new WhatsApp group has been created, from round Colesberg, centred on the local links in the Boer War between South African, Australian, and New Zealander mounted soldiers. Maeder Osler takes an initial look at this new excitement in town, from a waenhuis in the district.

An encouraging aspect in the extensive WhatsApps messages on this latest initiative around wider local to global history, is the credence given to the earlier youthful Colesberg history initiative regularly reported on by toverview, and in following the efforts spearheaded by Jefferey Rademeyer and other younger enthusiasts also to explore, find out, and position the historic roles of ALL in the area.

That embraces notably the concerns of most folk at the relatively neglected parts of the local-global history. That would include the role of young folk generally, especially during the emergency times of the 1970’s and 1980’s and early 1990’s, the impact of the notorious Group Areas Act (1950’s) locally, the largely neglected roles rooted in Griqua history and in the history of the indigenous inhabitants of the area.

The new initiative is exploring the local-global interactions during the times of the Boer War, between locals and the visiting mounted soldiers from Australia and New Zealand.

One suggestion is that, because of the impending international rugby context due in South Africa in August, the rugby links involving Springbok, Wallaby, All Black, Silver fern and Kiwi become a theme.

Already the group has shared evidence of also Maori mounted soldiers in the Boer War clashes, around the battles on the Colesberg war sites of New Zealand Hill, Australian Hill, Arundel station, and around Raasfontein, Jasfontein, Hanglip and other farms.

Dr Doreen Atkinson , as administrator of the WhatsApp group, added myself to a starting 24-member group and 6 contacts on March 17 this year. Since then the group has grown considerably and is currently trying to meet to discuss strategies and suggestions as to how these fresh insights into history can be kept alive, and expanding now and in the immediate future.

We mean to keep you posted - Springboks, Wallabies, All Blacks, Silver Ferns, Kiwis and Maoris.

Maeder Osler