Jimmy Pappas, owner of Uncle Harry’s Roadhouse in Randfontein spoke to the Herald about his special bond with Caprivi Bomgat, the museum and memorial next to his roadhouse.
Born in 1958, Jimmy ‘s father was Harry Pappas who opened and owned the roadhouse in 1974. Harry passed away in 2002 and left his legacy to his son, who always has been involved in the business with his father. Growing up next to the Caprivi Bomgat, Jimmy has very fond memories of the museum and memorial.
According to him,
The Randfontein community and a lot of my father’s friends came there many times, to pay their respects.”
He saw these members of the community spending time remembering World War I and II and how special their comrades were to them.
He told the Herald about a married couple and his brother-in-law – who also was his best friend. The four of them had made a pact that one day their ashes would be strewn next to each other on the property.
This wish was fulfilled for the other and today three brass plaques can be seen on the wall at Caprivi Bomgat. Their memory will live on forever along with that of the other soldiers who had passed on.
To Jimmy this property is his secret garden, a very sentimental place, and a place of remembrance. He goes there up to 12 times a day and meditates and prays. He also goes there in memory of his late father and late sister. There he finds his peace, and even sheds a few tears. His dedication to these grounds is evident and for this he has received a Lifelong Honoury Award.
Jimmy added,
Men should uphold this property and know the importance of remembering members of the Randfontein community who had fought in World War I and II.”
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