The Modderfontein Conservation Society’s members and friends were treated to a walk in the grounds of the former Rietfontein Lazeretto, now the Sizwe Hospital.
The walk took place on October 8.
Their guide, Ms Naomi Dinur, pointed out a number of features of the area, including some graves alongside the Jukskei River. Ms Dinur said most graves from the area had been relocated to higher ground due to being ravaged by the river flooding from time to time.
Most of the remaining graves have been vandalised to some extent. The hospital was built on the farm Rietfontein in 1895 to care for patients who suffered from serious infectious diseases, most notably bubonic plague, smallpox and anthrax. Many died from these dreadful ailments and were buried on the site. Mrs Dinur estimated that about 6 000 people were buried there.
One of the relocated graves was that of Nurse Emily Blake, who died aged just 27.
“While tending to a sick child, she hugged and comforted him with a kiss,” said Ms Dinur.
“Soon after, Nurse Emily paid the ultimate price for her compassion when she died of bubonic plague,” she said.
Many other stories relating to the selfless service, dedication and compassion of the staff of the hospital exist to perpetuate its existence. Meanwhile, there is genuine concern that the planned development of the area could lead to the release of millions of anthrax spores which lie dormant at present.
