On 13th October Mr. Fransjohan Pretorius addressed the Society on "The Role and Position of Blacks, Coloureds and Indians during the South African War of 1899/1902".

Although the South African War of 1899/1902 was initially intended by both protagonists to be a "white man's war" it was inevitable that a campaign of this nature and duration would have a profound effect on the black population of South Africa. The black population of Southern Africa generally believed that a British victory would result in improved conditions.

The British used Blacks as wagon drivers (approximately 14,000 at any given time) and manual labourers. As the war progressed Blacks and Coloureds became extremely useful in the scouting role during the guerrilla phase. Col. Wools-Sampson was particularly successful in utilising black scouts.

The Boers employed friendly blacks in non-combatant roles, for example, in digging trenches, wagon driving and as scouts. Furthermore, many Boers had their "agterryer" or personal servant to accompany them on commando. These agterryers attended to the horses and cooking and other tasks.

An aspect of the role of Blacks in the war that is little known is the holding of many thousands of Blacks in concentration camps. Many black women and children fled to the British authorities and, from January 1901, with the clearance of Boer farms during the guerrilla phase, large areas were depopulated and the inhabitants housed in the concentration camps. Lord Kitchener's objective was to deprive the Boers of any support from the Blacks. By July 1901 there were 38,000 Blacks in camps, mainly women and children. In May 1902 there were 29 camps in the Orange Free State and 37 camps in the Transvaal - a total of 115,000 inmates. As in the Boer camps the death rate was high. In December 1901 there were 2,831 deaths, and it is estimated that at least 14,000 Blacks perished in total. 81% of these deaths were children. One of the main reasons for the high death rate was the fact that rations were poor and an attempt was made to encourage self-sufficiency.

There were also clashes between the Boers and Black tribes, namely, at Derdepoort and Holkranz.

After an active question time Mr. Nick Kinsey extended a warm word of thanks to the Speaker for an extremely interesting lecture.

The Meeting opened with the 50th edition of Metro-Goldwyn-Hall being a review of the M.G.H. presentations over the years. As I stated at the Meeting it was appropriate, especially at the half century, to thank Darrell for this contribution to the Society's Meetings. The M.G.H. "Military Magazine" always provides an interesting and well presented insight into some aspect of military history.

Future Meetings

Johannesburg -

-November 10th - Lieutenant-Colonel T.C.D. Leaver - "Alan Wilson's Last Stand".

- December 8th Film evening - "The Great. Escape".

The Jollannesburg Meetings take place in the J.C. Lemmer Auditorium, S.A. National Museum of Military History, Saxonwold, Johannesburg at 20h00.

Durban

- November 10th - Maj. Keith Archibald will deliver a short history of the Natal Carbineers followed by a video film of the regiment serving on the border.

Cape Town

- November 10th - A panel discussion on post-UDI Rhodesia.

STEWART STILES