Italian community agrees to help with preservation of Cullinan’s POW camp
Zonderwater was initially constructed by Italian prisoners of war.
The president of the Italian community in Gauteng and the Consulate General of Johannesburg agreed to help preserve the historical Italian prison camp in Cullinan.
Ward 100 Clr Johannes Bekker met with them on August 25 to discuss how this rich history between Italy and South Africa can be preserved.
According to Bekker, all parties want to safeguard the cemetery where Italian Prisoners of War (POW) were buried and the value the Italian prisoners added to the community and to ensure these tourist attractions are kept in the minds and hearts of everyone.
Zonderwater, meaning “waterless place” was a prison camp constructed and recognised by the vast expanse of conical tents intended for prisoners.
In a short time, the number of prisoners increased inexorably by 54 000 in April 1942 and 63 000 in 1943, reaching a total of 90 000.
Zonderwater became a real prison city where, thanks to the initiative of the prisoners themselves and the humanity shown by the camp commander, Colonel Prinsloo, it was possible to build hospitals, sports facilities, theatres, chapels and schools.
The Italian prisoners succeeded in preserving a high morale by dedicating themselves to cultural and sports activities, and manufacturing.
The camp authorities recognised the skills of the prisoners thanks to the support of the Italian community of Pretoria and Johannesburg which provided the prisoners with the means to improve the standard of their creations.
The high quality of the prisoners’ products led to events, both inside and outside the camp, such as the exhibitions of toys, carved objects, furniture and wrought iron objects.
In addition, artistic production was encouraged and many prisoners proved themselves as excellent painters, sculptors, theatre actors and musicians.
Zonderwater, despite the bleak landscape of the war, became a lively place, bearing less resemblance to a prison camp.
“I will do anything in my power to preserve this precious gem and build on the relationship between the Italian Consulate General of Johannesburg, the Italian Community, tour operators and Cullinan,” said Bekker.
