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Extracted from Publication -
A history of the families of european descent who settled in the area of Enkeldoorn (renamed Chivu) Rhodesia. now Zimbabwe.
Author -- Sarel Van der Walt
Completed in approximately the year 2001
... and some GUTU RELATIVES 1880 TO 1980 All family details, dates, residences and occupations as far as could be ascertained. List not complete)
Chief Magistrate and president of the Gymkhana club
Both families settled on Swindon farm, approximately three miles to the North of The Range, bought from Mr. Blank, a local store keeper.
They were accompanied by their seven children who were all above school going age.
The brothers Jan Jacob, Arnoldus Mauritius and Schalk Willem initially settled on adjoining farms beyond Kopje Alleen in the Featherstone area.
In 1925 Albertus put up a building on Swindon which he made available to the Government to be used as a junior, up to standard six, school and about thirtyfive children from the surrounding farms attended.
Helen was one of the first staff members of the Standard Bank where she became the Chief Accountant.
At the time when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, a group of jokers who regularly met at the Enkeldoorn hotel for social drinks at the bar, led by Buck Rogers, established a so called independent state named The Republic of Enkeldoorn with written Constitution and Regulations., it was the area around the bar. Buck was installed as President and Helen was First Lady. The so called Republic automatically came to an end when the hotel was sold. Buck was employed in the town till be bought a fuel filling station and motor repair shop complex which he maintained till shortly begore his death, after which Helen left..
GROUP 1
The Van Rooyen family planned to settle in the Melsetter area but because of the rampant malaria in that region, decided to settle in the reputedly healthier Enkeldoorn area.
They initially settled on Girliesfontein then owned by Rev A. Liebenberg, approx 3 miles West of Range. They were accompanied by seven of their children, more were born after arrival at Enkeldoorn.
The older children walked to school, the Enkeldoorn Public school.
Before 1933 Church services were held at the old church where the highlights of the congregation were the three monthly Nagmaal services which the van Rooyen family attended by oxwagon transport and camping for about four days, together with their fellow Church members. It was always a particularly joyous period for the younger people and the Van Rooyen children enjoyed the companionship
GROUP 2
He initially worked for his step father Theunis Engelbrecht who owned Motor Engineering Garage. The garage was closed when the hotel owners bought the ground for hotel expansion. Paul then opened and ran Paul's service station and garage, with Johanna attending to Officeadmin. They presented a beautiful floating trophy to the Enkeldoorn Gymkhana Club.
After Paul's death the building was taken over by Charlie Schoultz who established a general hardware and farm supplies store. Johanna became Hostel matron at the Peter Brocklehurst Foundation Home for the aged.