Prompted by Stephanie Victor of the Amathole Museum, the Border Historical Society decided to facilitate the restoration of the Draaibosch Memorial plaque. The replacement plaque was formally unveiled on Heritage Day, Saturday 24 September 2022 at the Memorial - about 12 km west of Komgha on the road to Kei Road.
William Martinson, Chairman of the Border Historical Society, provided a brief summary of the history of the memorial before the unveiling. Mr Salisa Kema was unfortunately too frail to attend and cut the ribbon. In his absence Gray Ranger did the honours.
The memorial commemorates an act of bravery by a soldier who earned the greatest recognition possible at that time, the first to earn a VC in this country. It does not seek to glamorise or justify the colonial wars of the time.
The anonymous donor whose generous donation made the plaque possible was thanked, as was Crankshaw Marble and Granite who had expertly manufactured and installed it. The Ward Councillor from Draaibosch - Zola Tyali - attended as did some local farmers and various people from East London and Komgha. All were very enthusiastic about the event.
Stephanie Victor brought an interesting handwritten sign board from the Amathole Museum collection. This was presumably prepared by Cpt Tod Newey in the 1950's and displayed -in the vicinity - when the memorial had been erected. The board records some details of the engagements that occurred during the battle of Draaibosch.
The Border Historical Society are currently investigating other sites for the restoration of missing plaques - watch this space!
Cutting the ribbon (William Martinson)
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