The Anglo-Boer War (also the South African War, 1899–1902) was one of the most devastating conflicts in South African history, with dire consequences for both combatants and civilians. The British scorched earth policy, implemented to weaken Boer resistance, led to the destruction of thousands of farms, leaving women and children destitute and dependent on British-run concentration camps.
BOOK REVIEWS
‘Geomotional’ is a remarkable and beautifully illustrated exploration of – as the sub-title says – ‘Geometric art, past and present’. The book, which has us journey through images, words, poetry and song, and gives account of a ‘performance-installation’, is compiled by Mary Elizabeth Lange, who is prolific in her writings on Indigenous art and story, and various intersections with heritage.
BLUE PLAQUES
This is one of only two houses to escape the destruction of Sophiatown by the apartheid government in the late 1950s. It was built in 1934 for Dr. Alfred Bitini Xuma, a highly qualified medical practitioner, and named Empilweni. He lived here until 1959 together with his wife Madie Beatrice Hall, an African American social worker who served as President of the ANC Women’s League from 1943 until 1949.