After three months the South Africans saw the first black people, from whom a cow and a calf were bought for 30 rupees. In 1912 Jochemus Engelbrecht, his wife, daughter and two sons returned back to South Africa. On the way back Jockemus Engelbrecht became victim of malaria and died shortly after the arrival to Bethal. Shortly after this, his widower with three children left, accompanied by her father, Mr du Plessis; to Kenya. The Afrikaners lived for many years on highlands, where they learn-read out of the Bible, doing so; they preserve the Afrikaans. At that time, Annatjie Engelbrecht acquired skill to become teacher. She started teaching at Eldoret (for 34 years) before in May 1963, with the Mau Mau threats and other problems, she finally returned to South Africa. They exchanged most of their possessions with valueless objects and returned with very little here. Thus end yet another Afrikaner’s history. For interest’s sake, the following list of people who went to the Uasin Dishu in 1908 is placed here. The list was compiled by one, Piet Jordaan who also experienced the trek, and who was provided to the editors by Mrs Smit (the lady on the picture). The number in each group is indicated in parentheses. Jan van Rensburg (senior) with his sons-in-law Piet Steenkamp; Koos Smith and Faan Smith (23), Izak Smit, his son Jaap Smit and Son-in-law Elbert Steyn (15), Freek van Niekerk, Swart Hans Roets and Vaal Hans Roets cousins (22), Nicolaas Smith (2), Jan van Rensburg (Jan Duim – so known because he lost an inch in one of his hand) (4); the latter was actually not family to the leader of the group, Old Jan van Rensburg. Zagarius Enslin, his son M Enslin, Dick Wheeler and son-in-law and Piet van Rensburg, a brother-in-law (24); Piet and Koos van Dyk (5). One Gleman – the only English speaking in the group – had mainly acted as interpreter document completer. He was a sort of secretary to the group. Jaap Steyn (7) had later returned. Koos Prinsloo (12), George Emslie (8), Jurie Potgieter (6), Abel Erasmus (Snr) and his son (6), Tom Steenkamp, a brother of Piet Steenkamp (4), Piet Joubert (4), Tom and Jim Davies(15), Jan Mouton (5), Piet Jordaan (3). Hermanus Engelbrecht, father of Jochemus Engelbrecht and Uncle Jan Fourie (13). Annatjie Engelbrecht (later Smit) was also a member of the group. Gert van Vuuren and his son Stephaans (6), Danie Roux (3). Hans Nel (4), Piet du Plooy (5) returned back. Jan Nel (6) returned back, Andries Nel (4) returned back; Piet Botes (1), Christiaan Joubert (3), Koos Engelbrecht, known as uncle Oenan (7); Hendrik v.d. Merwe (6). Piet Potgieter (7) ; Ander Korf (2) and Rooi Piet Kruger (1). The named persons had left with one wagon, while A Erasmus and the Nels left with two wagons. After the destruction of the second Boer War, agriculture once again gained momentum, as evidenced by agricultural exhibitions that had taken place in Bethal on 1909. In 1914 the Government of General Louis Botha assisted Britain in a war against Germany 129 Mr J H B de Klerk, also known as Uncle Koos, of Bethal who did service in the Ermelo Commando, during 1914. The Certificate on the following page was issued to him for services delivered Admission card of the year 1909 during the First World War, by conquering South West Africa from the Germans. Individuals of Bethal who, during the 1914 South West Africa, did campaign services
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