Evidence of Bulembu’s unique history is being uncovered as teams clear out layers of rubble from the entrance of the old Havelock mine cable way.
The Swazi 1000 teams have literally removed tons of mangled steel and rotten wood from the area, and have blasted away years of grime with a high-pressure washer. The area used to be the powerhouse of the Havelock mine.
“It’s so strange to stand here and think that a few decades ago, this used to be the centre of activity in Bulembu,” said Riaan Nel, a Swazi 1000 volunteer. Now, the area is deserted, and until two weeks ago laid under heaps of mine rubble. The cable cars that used to transport asbestos from the mine to Barberton in South Africa, 20km away over mountainous terrain via the world’s longest cableway (outside Europe), are still swinging from a network of steel tracks, providing a glimpse of an era that has passed.
The space is being transformed into a museum where visitors to Bulembu will be able to learn more about the history of the ex-mining town. The seats and old-school movie projector from the old Bulembu cinema will also be moved to the museum. Other “treasures” include unique equipment that was discovered under the rubble in the old science labs, and original letters written during labour uprisings etc.
“This museum is really important for the people of Bulembu,” said Debbie Kruger, a Swazi 1000 volunteer from Rustenburg. “It’s a validation of their town’s history and existence, and will give such a testimony to what has been accomplished here over the past few years.”