Port Elizabeth Anglo-Boer War Concentration Camp Memorial

CONCENTRATION CAMP SITE 
During the Anglo Boer War this site was
from December 1900 to November 1902 
a concentration camp for Afrikaners
WE HONOUR THEIR MEMORY
Erected by Dames Aktueel and the Rapportryers 
of Port Elizabeth. Unveiled on 29 October 1983 by 
Prof. Marius Swart
Architects: Maritz & Maritz
Building contractors: Strydom, Basson and Tait

PORT ELIZABETH CONCENTRATION CAMP
The concentration camp in Port Elizabeth was in operation
 from December 1900 until approximately November 1902. 
On average it was inhabited by 230 children and 85 women.
The camp had a 1,5 metre high wire fence around it. Huts 
were made from corrugated iron. There was also a separate,
enclosed tented camp which were (sic) inhabited by approximately
32 men. The camp was controlled by the British military forces from 
Bloemfontein.
Inhabitants mainly came from the Orange Free State, 
especially from Jagersfontein and Fauresmith. Among the inhabitants
 were general J.B.M. Hertzog's mother, wife, three 
sisters-in-law and their children.
The Port Elizabeth camp was referred to as a "model camp".
Compared to other concentration camps, few lost their
lives here. 
Symbolism
Barbed wire fence - curtailment.
Dark coloured bricks - hardship in the camp. 
Light coloured bricks - "Afrikanervolk". 
Commemorative plaque - women and children.
Fence, not full circle - hope of liberation. 
No roof - faith and prayers to God
On 29 October 1983, this commemorative plaque was 
erected by the Summer Strand branch of Dames Aktueel 
and the Moeder Rapportryerskorps of Port Elizabeth.
It was established in memory of those Afrikaners 
who suffered in Port Elizabeth.
Information tablet sponsored by Ruiterwag 
Voortrekkerkommando