Tribute to Pietermaritzburg train museum initiatives

A number of international figures have visited the capital city of KwaZulu Natal’s train museum.

In celebrating Heritage Day in transportation, Igalelo visited some of KwaZulu Natal’s cities of historical value in so far as transport in concerned. They included Pietermaritzburg’s museum initiative under the Umgeni Steam Engine recreational club affiliated to the Railway Society of Southern Africa.

World-acclaimed South African political icon Nelson Mandela has been to Maisons Mill. And so has the Indian Cricket team and African-American film star James Earl Jones during the making of the film Cry Freedom based on the well-known novel by the late city writer, Alan Patton. Most recently, India’s President also graced the museum with his visit.

Situated along the main Edendale Road, Maisons Mill acting curator Mr Roy Raats (62) who has served the railways for 46 years now, says since the initiative was started in 2001, it has never enjoyed as much support as it has this year.

The grandfather of two, Raats says his museum is mainly for school children because they have a right to know about the train and continue enjoying rides in it even though it is no longer the dominant public transport mode.

Mr Raats said: "The train as a transport mode must not die – it must be handed over from generation to generation. It has an educational and entertainment value. Ideally, we can accommodate at least 60 children per visit, three days a week – that is, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays."

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