Queensburgh Railway Stations: Where did it go wrong?

“THE criminality behind the rampant theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure, that has stripped bare our stations and rail network, requires extraordinary interventions that go beyond merely stepping up security.” That’s transport minister Fikile Mbalula speaking on the launch of the White Paper on National Rail Policy.

While Mbalula’s comments address railways around the country, two railway stations that were once symbols of the rich and complex history of Queensburgh, Malvern Railway Station and Escombe Railway Station, count amongst those that have become public eyesores after falling into dilapidation and squalor.

Former Queensburgh resident Paul Raw is, however, on a quest to uncover the unique history of two railway stations situated in the heart of Queensburgh.

“I was a resident of Queensburgh for 56 years, and for many years, I have had a passion for old buildings and antiques for the pleasure of their architecture and their beauty,” said Raw.

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Raw said he lived in Queensburgh most of his life and watched the once popular railways stations fall into disrepair.

History of the stations

The Natal Government Railways (NGR) opened the railway line from Durban to Pinetown, along the old Voortrekker Road that ran from Congella Village to Pietermaritzburg, on September 4, 1878.

The railway line passes through the Seaview, Bellair, Hillary, Poet’s Corner, Malvern, Escombe, (Bowker’s Halt), Northdene, Moseley, Glen and Sarnia stations to Pinetown Station.

Six months later, in March 1879, the line from Pinetown to Botha’s Hill was opened, and its extension to Pietermaritzburg was opened on 1 December 1880.

Malvern Train Station

In 1924, four residential townships: Malvern, Escombe, Northdene and Moseley, combined to form the town of Malvern which formed part of eThekweni, the greater Durban metropolitan area.

And in 1952, Malvern received municipality status and changed its name to Queensburgh to commemorate Queen Elizaberth II’s coronation.

With the population of Queensburgh steadily growing, the old-school railway stations were innovated. Modernisation quickly took place, with steam power on the Queensburgh route being replaced with electric and diesel traction in the late 50s.

According to Raw, the original wood-and-iron Malvern station building, dating back to 1897, was formerly a waiting room and a public hall where Sunday School was held. The brick- and-tile building is the same architectural style as Northdene Railway Station and is situated parallel to Main Road.

“The current brick building was built in 1937, and being over 60 years old, is protected by the Heritage Act, irrespective of whether it is proclaimed or listed in a heritage register,” he said.

Back in the day, a wood-and-corrugated-iron goods shed stood alongside the main station building from where consumers made collections by mule or ox wagon.

The station used to serve the Malvern central business district (CBD) and provide local workers with easy access to their places of work, as well as provide access for school children attending the nearby schools.

The main station building is now decaying and in a state of squalor.

Escombe Train Station

There are several stations worthy of note on the Old Main Line between Durban to Pietermaritzburg, many of them relics from the days of the Natal Government Railways (NGR). Historically, perhaps the most prominent of the early NGR stations is Escombe Station, being the last and only remaining timber-and-corrugated-iron building.

Escombe (Bowker’s) station opened in 1904.

“It had the nickname ‘Soapbox Siding’ as this was how passengers climbed aboard the train before there was a platform,” said Raw.

Originally named Bowker’s Station, the station’s name was changed to Escombe in 1911.

According to Raw, Morrison’s Mail-Order House, then opposite the station, drew customers from many parts of South Africa.

“All the customers’ orders were dispatched by a goods train which made Escombe a very busy station, from the early 1920s through to sometime after World War II, and the Morrison’s building is still standing today,” he said.

Unfortunately, similar to the Malvern Station, Escombe Station is also dilapidated and abandoned.

“The tracks between both stations and beyond have been taken over by dense alien vegetation and trash which poses a health and safety risk to residents and visitors,” said Raw.

The stations have, unfortunately, been hit hard by vandalism and theft of the infrastructure.

“While residents are required to maintain their private gardens in terms of Section 8 of the city health by-laws, the eThekwini Health Department have failed to prosecute Prasa for failing in this regard, despite pleas from residents who are concerned with their health and safety because of the nearby dense overgrowth,” he said.

Raw fears that South African heritage is slipping away. “Our South Africian heritage has all too often been under threat. Despite the existance of the Heritage Act, much that was architecturally, historically or culturally valuable has been irrevocably lost.”

“Heritage and education go hand in hand, and it is the duty of every citizen to assist in the protection of our heritage and not only rely on the designated authorities,” said Raw.

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Transport minister weighs in

While Prasa was unavailable for comment by the time of going to print, Mbalula reiterated that on 23 March 2022, Cabinet approved the White Paper on National Rail Policy. He said the white paper would take a holistic view of the trajectory of the development of the South African rail system. “This policy not only creates policy certainty but also introduces radical structural reforms in the sector. This is intended to open up space for private sector
investment and effective economic regulation that enables equitable access to both the primary and secondary network.”
He said that while rail is a well-established industry in the country, it has operated for more than a century without a cohesive National Rail Policy, that provides a seamlessly integrated and holistic strategic direction for the sector.

It seems there is hope for residents like Raw who want to see once historic landmarks, the Queensburgh railway stations returned to their former glory.

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