A Character as Interesting as his Environment

Another snippet from the past; written about 25 years ago.

Each town has its own identity, its unique atmos­phere and an interesting array of characters who have contributed in their own special way to the history of the town. Sabie is no exception.

Talking to Frank Watkins near his home high in the mountains near Sheba Mine, just outside Sabie, one is struck by the comparison which can be drawn be­tween the lines on his face and the ruins that go to make up his home – each has an indescribable magnetism which one would find difficult to re­sist.

Frank Watkins claims that he was born in 1903 as the son of the Famous Frank Watkins who was married to one of the Glynn daughters.

His first, most vivid re­collection of the town, is that it had a grand total of two shops and the most important of all, one hotel. He does however recall that there was un­fortunately such a thing as a school, where he proudly states that he learned how to count and write his name.

In 1918 he left Sabie to work in Lydenburg at a place with the name of Potloodspruit.

He recalls with sadness how the “groot-griep” struck the town and that he was amongst those fortunate enough to escape death, but who also helped to dig mass graves for the burial of the bodies of those who had succumbed to that dreaded disease.

That he was a very capable worker, is not to be doubted. He recalls with great pride that he was employed by the old Sheba Mine near Sabie, and was responsible for the pumps which extracted the excess water from the mine. In later years he moved across to the Easting Sabie Gold Mine where he claims that he was promoted to “Boss Boy” because “mense het hom baie gelaaik”.

Frank now lives  in the old mine offices and has adapted the ruins to suit his needs and made them liveable. While he lives on the upper level, his cattle are safely herded into and enjoy the comforts of the lower level of the build­ing. The house is situated on (the old) Mondi Forests grounds where the area forms part of an area identified and protected by Fauna and Flora; a privilege very few people enjoy.

Frank is also called upon regularly to serve as an “advisor” as he puts it, to (the old) Mondi, when it comes to such tasks as preparing fire breaks in the area, where he supervises the workers in their task.

For any visitor arriving at Frank’s place, nothing short of a warm welcome is given. If he has known you long enough you will be given a pumpkin out of his garden by his wife. Just as he becomes a grandfather to another of eighteen grand children (as far as he can remember), he secretly puts his hand in your pocket and presents you with a little surprise from the veld, be it a fruit or flower.