Geskiedenis van die Wes-Transvaalse diamantdelwerye

Abstract

The discovery of diamonds north of the Vaal River had a political sequel which resulted in the loss to the z. A. R. of these diamond fields as well as a large area to the east. Certain parts were received back later, but most diggers had already left the area by then. They returned after 1888 and that caused the gradual extension of the diggings along the Vaal River. By 1922 it reached till near Vereeniging. Extensive diamond bearing gravels also occur along the tributaries of the Vaal River and between Bloemhof and Schweizer-Reneke as well as in the Lichtenburg and Ventersdorp districts. The diamonds are of kimberlitic origin but their source has not been discovered yet. Between 1891 and 1945 diggings were proclaimed on 120 different farms in eight districts in the Western Transvaal. The Department of Mines administered the diggings and legislation for that purpose was enacted periodically between 1871 and 1941. The diamond law of 1927 was of vital importance for the future of the diggings as it was intended to ensure the eventual disappearance of the digging industry. The most important changes and inventions regarding the development of diggers' implements and their method of diamond extraction were made in the first few years. After that the same basic equipment was in use for fifty years till the big discoveries of 1926 necessitated further mechanisation. The most important producer ·was the individual digger - except for a relatively short period after 1926. The number of diggers and the output varied continually according to the availability of rich ground and the diamond prices. Diamond digging is an adventurous occupation, but the enormous influx to new sensational diggings was the result of straitened economic circumstances. Squalid living conditions prevailed on the diggings. Sixty percent of the Transvaal diggers lived below the subsistence level and government assistance was essential. The transitory nature of the diggings resulted in bad housing and inadequate educational facilities. The low socio- economic status of the diggers and their labourers bred crime and dissolution.