Jan Borrius – First Government Printer

One day, in an attempt to prevent the wrong parties from finding out that he was printing bank notes, he sat on the printing press, which left a perfect impression of the banknote on his light coloured trousers.

He played a vital role during the Siege of Potchefstroom (16 December 1880 to 21 March 1881). After the meeting at Paardekraal in December 1880, where it was decided that the Boers north of the Vaal River will claim their independence from the British, General Piet Cronje and 400 men were sent to Potchefstroom to have their independence declaration printed at his printing works.

Read more about Jan Borrius on Dr. Lennie Gouws’ blog