Editorial Committee’s Preface The Town Council of Bethal appointed an editorial committee in 1977 to compile and publish a commemorative album on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the town. The aim of this commemorative album is by no means to publish a scientific and detailed account of the complete development and history of Bethal, but rather to summarise the history of the development of the town by means of its most interesting highlights. Therefore, the editorial committee has directed its research at the most accurate information as regards the history and development, and representing this mainly by means of photos to highlight the material. It is consequently hoped that this publication will not only enjoy wide appreciation in Bethal, with its long and varied history, but that it will initiate the publication of scientific work on this Highveld town, which will serve as a basis for research. Although the town of Bethal was proclaimed in October 1880, a historical review from 1867 is summarised in part one. In this section the most important communal institutions and events up to 1899 that influenced the development and proclamation of Bethal, are set out briefly. In part two the involvement of Bethal and its inhabitants in the Anglo Boer War, from 1899 until 1902, is given in greater detail because of its importance in our history. In part three, the further development from 1902 is reflected. Although the research of the editorial committee was based, where possible, on scientific and acknowledged sources, a large percentage of the information was obtained by means of interviews and narratives. Although the committee was at great pains to verify all the information and facts obtained, it can give no guarantee in this regard. It will be noticed that the language used in the album is not a strictly scientific one, but that a more popular form is adhered to throughout. It is therefore hoped that this commemorative album will be widely read, especially by our youth. Furthermore, it needs to be mentioned that this commemorative album will not be published fully in both official languages, but, in the language in which the various contributions were received. The editorial committee wishes to convey its sincere thanks to all persons and institutions for their contributions of photos, articles, translations and recounts and editing, which made it possible to produce this album. Acknowledgement to other specific instances, whose co-operation was indispensable, is made elsewhere in the publication. It will be obvious that all contributions could not be used, although they provided the committee with valuable information for doing a complete background study. As chairman of the committee, I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the other three members who applied themselves for almost two and a half years with great zeal and diligence to this publication. Their fervour and devotion is deeply appreciated. Our sincere hope is that this commemorative album will provide all who read it with a clear impression of Bethal as the jewel of the Highveld of the Eastern Transvaal and its place in the history of the Republic of South Africa. - G. P. Bothma. X
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