User:Waaihoek 1846

Waaihoek is the name of a historic township in Mangaung which was established in 1846. It was one of the earliest if not the very first township or what is now known as a location in South Africa.This humble place of dwelling was established by South Africans in search of economic prosperity and human dignity. Considered to be a social gateway, the people of Waaihoek came from all conners of Southern Africa. They were people of substance, many of whom were educated professionals, self respecting, highly skilled, entrepreneurial and profoundly spiritual individuals. Waaihoek became a home to a vibrant community strongly steeped in the aspirations of a better life for all and full of vigour as well as with a high apetite for overall wellbeing. Sporting activities, such as golf, tennis, cricket, soccer, ice skating and cultural activities such as ballroom dancing and brass bands were common place in Waaihoek. This highly entrepreneurial place of origin baosted hotels and some restaurants. The early people of Waaihoek already understood the value of equal and common humanity for all. Waaihoek was the birthplace of the oldest liberation movement on the African continent. In the spirit of self liberation the courageous women of Waaihoek sacrificed their common comforts and staged a pioneering march againts discriminatory pass laws, intolerable experiences and inhuman conditions in 1913 which saw them being jailed.

The story of Waaihoek symbolises failure to recognise the humanity of others by another. An unfortunate consequence of greed and entitlement to priviledge. The Waaihoek community was brutally forced removed to Batho location and Heatherdale between 1918 and 1941. Waaihoek location itself was demolished and more than 72 years of community life.memories, property and pride was destroyed in a senseless and inhumane act of selfish greed. In the same way Sophia Town, District Six and others followed suit. This is a the same cancer which needs to be completely uprooted inSouth Africa. Waahoek is a place of origin, of dreams, a state of mind and a source of identity. A station of heritage.