13/04/2025
"Did you know? Genl Jan Christaan Smuts, born on the farm Bovenplaas near Riebeek West, was a keen botanist.
Until he went to school at the age of 12, Smuts lived the life of a farm boy, taking his share in the work of the farm, learning from nature, and developing a life-long love of the land.
When asked by an American botanist why he, a general, should be an authority on grasses, Smuts replied, “But my dear lady, I am only a general in my spare time.”
The Smuts Museum, situated on the PPC Cement Factory, is open to public on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:30."
Post above "Borrowed from Riebeek Valley Tourism page😘
Dear Patrons: SAVE THE DATE!!
You are respectfully invited to attend the General Jan Christian Smuts Annual Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony to be held at 53 Jan Smuts Avenue, Irene Centurion. Sunday 18 May 2025. To be seated by 14:15.
General J C Smuts was a prominent and revered figure in three major wars: the Anglo Boer War, World War I and World War II (granted Field Marshall status) where he served as a member of the British War Cabinet. He was also a founding fellow of the United Nations and was commissioned to pen the Preamble to the UN Charter.
Considered one of the finest statesmen to hail from the southern hemisphere, Smuts was labelled counsellor to kings, queens and leaders across the globe; this culminated in him receiving The Order of Merit from King George VI in 1947. The annual celebration, which is held around the time of his birthday, is to honour his tireless efforts in engendering peace and reconciliation around the world.
Sir Winston Churchill sagely said of him:
“He was one of the most enlightened, courageous and noble-minded men of the 20th century…. A man who fought for his country but who thought for the whole world”.
We will have the award winning Benoni High School Pipe Band the Military Re-enactment and Collector's Society starting at 12:00 as well as the Welsh Male Choir performing on the day.