Maatskaplike toestande op die Lichtenburgse alluviale diamantdelwerye, 1926-1945

Abstract

In May 1926 the first alluvial diggings were proclaimed in the Lichtenburg district. Thereafter, up to 1945, a further 104 followed suit. News of the discovery of the rich diamond fields north of the town, spread quickly and by the end of 1926 thousands of professional diggers, fortune hunters and impoverished white and black labourers with their families had congregated at the diggings. Most of the diggers were poor whites who had vainly hoped to improve their economic plight in an easy and quick way. The serious depression with its concomitant collapse of the diamond industry and the fact that the diamond-bearing gravel was soon exhausted, further impoverished the diggers in such a way that the state and welfare organisations were forced to provide food and other assistance. Since it was initially believed that the Lichtenburg diggings would not last long, the government and the Transvaal Provincial Administration were reluctant to spend money on public works. The poor social conditions on the diggings eventually led to a need for drastic action and therefore health and educational facilities were provided. During 1927 the cosmopolitan community at the diggings already boasted churches, schools, business centres, police stations, cinemas, post offices, recreational facilities, and a hospital. As in any other settlement people worked, relaxed, participated in religious activities, carried on business, and committed crimes. Life on the diggings was anything but rosy and the poverty which prevailed there was reflected by the small, uncomfortable corrugated iron houses and huts of mud or sacking of the diggers and their labourers. The poor hygienic conditions led to the outbreak of various diseases, but in spite of these problems the diggers' community seemed to be a relatively happy and content one.