Midrand

On 28th February, a remarkable reunion took place between architect and client - Saitowitz the architect and Brebnor the client, at the newest of Wits University’s properties. The event was a workshop at a rural retreat named Brebnor House at the President Park Agricultural Holdings in Midrand. We were at a house that dated back to 1976 when a young Stanley Saitowitz became the architect for the young Linda and Scott Brebnor who wanted to build a home of their own.

Scott Brebnor House or Transvaal House (Stanley Saitowitz - Natoma Architects)

Some 48 years later, architect and client, now both older men with full lives and careers met again at a Wits symposium to reflect and share their vision, the creative process and their experiences shaped by the construction of this now iconic house. The audience of Wits academics and colleagues were the invited guests to share a poignant encounter. It was a day for listening to the key presenters, good conversation, and posing questions. The hopes and new aspirations  of younger people raised some interesting questions and lively discussion.

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Mehmet Remzi Bey/Effendi was the first and last Consul General of the Ottoman Empire posted to South Africa. Turks began immigrating to South Africa during the 19th Century and in 1889, the Ottoman Empire sent and maintained Honorary Consulates in Johannesburg and Durban.

Bey, as I shall call him, was born on December 30, 1869, in Istanbul to a family of Ottoman aristocrats. After completing his professional training, he joined the Ottoman Foreign Service at the age of 23. He served in several countries with distinction and on April 21, 1914, just before the outbreak of World War 1, he was appointed Consul General to South Africa. Bey’s wife was the Russian diplomat, Madam Helene Hanim. They arrived in Cape Town on May 21, 1914, much to the excitement of the Muslim community. The couple had 2 children. Unfortunately, despite his diplomatic status, he was regarded as part of ‘the enemy’ and interned in South Africa by the British colonial government.

Life in captivity was difficult for Bey – he became seriously ill and received no medical treatment. It was only when it appeared he would not survive that he was released. Sadly be died on February 14, 1916 aged 45/46, just a few weeks after his release. The cause of his death on his Death Certificate was given as Cerebral Hemorrhage and Coma. He died at 39 Ellis Street, Yeoville and mercifully his demise was quick.

Imam Kamaldien was the man who notified the authorities of his death. He...