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Archiver > SOUTH-AFRICA > 2002-11 > 1036292570


From: Doug & Pat Frykberg <>
Subject: Re: [ZA] 100 years old
Date: Sun, 03 Nov 2002 16:02:50 +1300


So interesting. I wonder if I ever saw him or even did his pay?
Many of the drivers were trained at the closed down mine, Spaarwater near
Nigel in the Transvaal. The paycorps for the NMC was at Welgedacht, just
outside Springs, as was their War Records/archives Office.
The driving course was over bare veld with all sorts of hazards. they
usually had 'square bashing' marches early in the morning. I vaguely
remember they were housed in the mine workers quarters.
A lovely backward glance. thanks
Pat
-----Original Message-----
From: Lehmkuhl <>
To: <>
Date: Sunday, 3 November 2002 12:59 PM
Subject: [ZA] 100 years old


>Steven MAKGAMA served in WWII. In 1945, after three years as a soldier, in
>which he was posted to Egypt and the Transvaal, he received a bicycle and a
>coat, and returned to civilian life.
>
>On 26 Oct 2002, the penniless and still single old soldier celebrated his
>100th birthday at the Mohlakeng Old Age Home, west of Johannesburg, where
>he lives.
>
>MAKGAMA has a vivid memory. Like other black soldiers, he wasn't allowed to
>fight so he drove army trucks and was also commander of a burial
>detachment, tasked with burying Allied soldiers.
>
>This week he was confined to bed with pneumonia and his condition is
stable.
>
>
>__________/\/*******\/\______
>Anne Lehmkuhl http://www.rupert.net/~lkool/
>
>
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