Our tour kicked off at the chapel where families once gathered to say their final goodbyes to their loved ones. What struck me was hearing how the families were not allowed to see the deceased, who would only be identified by a name tag, and were sent to paupers’ graves. One can only imagine the feelings of grief and disbelief that engulfed these families.
Then, quietly walking up the 52 steps to the gallows literally gave me shivers and made my heart pound fast. It felt like I was going to be executed myself. I could only imagine how terrified the actual prisoners were or what their thoughts were as they walked quietly to their sad and final destination.
CENTENARY OF THE SACP
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Three arrested as police tipped-off to secret liquor store in Pretoria
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Love Your City
I Love My City
The Jacaranda City - our heart, our home
When looking at other cities across South Africa, Pretoria is not the oldest by far, yet it holds a very significant place in history and in every Pretorian’s heart.
Since the city’s inception in 1855, a lot has changed. The streets have over the years played witness to political issues, festivals, marches, love stories and personal stories.
Sigh.
If only the Jacaranda trees could talk.
Established by the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) to serve as a central location, Pretoria was chosen for its abundance of water and centralised location.