Humans in the Kruger National Park – Part 2
In last month’s blog I gave an introductory overview of the people that have played a notable role in the story of the Kruger National Park. It is perhaps fitting then that I begin by paying tribute to one of the great characters of the Kruger, Oom Louis Olivier, who sadly passed away in July after a long illness. Oom Louis, known fondly as Mandleve (meaning “Ears” on account of his generous pinnae), took up a position in conservation in the Kruger in February 1969 and remained in the organisation until his retirement in 2014, reaching the estimable post of Regional Ranger. He was made from the stuff of old; tough as nails, brave as a warrior yet self-effacing, tender and kind. Oom Louis is perhaps best known for saving the life of his friend, fellow ranger Tom Yssel, when Tom was attacked by a crocodile while fishing in the Sabie River in 1976. With the help of helicopter pilot, Hans Kolver, the two impetuously plunged into the river and, after exhaustive wrestling, succeeded in forcing the crocodile to release its prey saving Tom’s life. For their selfless actions, the pair were awarded the Wolraad Woltemade Decoration, Silver for Conspicuous Bravery. Oom Louis’s autobiography Mandleve was recently published and will certainly make for a fascinating read. Totsiens, Oom.
The beginnings of the Kruger National Park sprouted in 1889 when the president of the Transvaal, or the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek, Paul Kruger proposed that the untamed tract of bushveld between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers be designated for the conservation of wildlife where hunting would be prohibited. His resolute foresight saw the proclamation of the Sabie Game Reserve in 1898 which would serve as the nucleus of what grew into the Kruger Park we know today. The appointment of Major James Stevenson-Hamilton as head ranger in July 1902 proved a turning point in the history of the Kruger. His dedication to the insuperable task of establishing the Sabie Game Reserve after the pyrrhic conclusion of the Second Anglo-Boer War is almost unparalleled and without his obstinacy – borne no doubt from his Scottish roots – the Sabie Game Reserve would indubitably have died in its infancy. Stevenson-Hamilton was given but one terse instruction, to “go down there and make yourself thoroughly disagreeable to everyone.” After establishing headquarters at Sabie Bridge, his first job was to evict all the local tribes from the area, a distasteful assignment earning him the nickname “Skukuza”, meaning he who sweeps clean. Stevenson-Hamilton was the incumbent when the Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1926 and remained in the Park’s service for 44 stoic years. He was venerated by Skukuza Rest Camp being named in his honour.
Stevenson-Hamilton made a significant move in appointing Harry Wolhuter as the first ranger of the Sabie Game Reserve and he too remained in service for over 40 years. Wolhuter’s story is an arresting one which I’ll reveal more of in next month’s blog. Until then, there is a plethora of books and reference texts out there where lovers of Kruger’s history can be indulged.
I am happy to share some of these with you so drop me a line at da**@bu*************.za for more information. Happy reading.
