Transport riding occupied a brief moment in Natal’s tumultuous history. War and politics overshadowed its importance in the growth of a developing country. However the crucial supply and demand between the port of Durban and the hinterland (where gold and diamonds awaited) shaped the bloodline still scarring the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal.

The discovery of tracks across Annalie’s farm in the Midlands triggered an interest in the local and recent history of the area. The possibility of these tracks being a main trading route became Annelie’s research obsession. Paradoxically, the same need that created the route now threatens to destroy the last fading remnants of our past. Landmarks that point to old routes that moulded the history of our country are disappearing in the race to develop the region. By combining and overlapping old maps, Google Maps, digital satellite images, and aerial photography, then referencing this to missionary diaries, common routes and tracks were confirmed. That was followed up and explained with fieldwork photographs. This talk will explain the three main criteria which make an ordinary ditch a track, show how modern technology and archived maps and photos support research, and will try to make us aware of our heritage.

Annalie Kleinloog graduated with a BMedSci and BChD (Pret) and practiced for 20 years as a dentist in Durban. Research has always been part of her career. Early exposure to Prof Tobias and his department in the days when BMedSci still involved Anatomy III (Anatomical Anthropology) triggered her lifelong passion for Archaeology and Prehistory. She also took an NDP Archaeological course at UNISA, majoring in Anthropology.

• Date: Thursday, 4 October 2018 19h30
• Venue: The Auditorium, Roedean School, 35 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg
• Charge: Non-members: R30, members: free (Hosted by Archsoc Northern Branch)

Contact Louise Mackechnie for more information - louisem@uj.ac.za