From left to right: Nico Harris, Ian Uys, Paul Smith, and drs. Gerrit Haarhoff and Danie Langner. (Photo: Provided)
Gerrit Haarhoff’s research on the Battle of Italeni, where Piet and Dirkie Uys died 185 years ago, indicates that events as previously documented are probably being erroneously reproduced.
In his book, Italians, which was launched on 11 April in the Voortrekker Monument’s Cenotaph Hall, Gerrit outlines a different course of events. He refutes previous historians’ versions with his interpretation which appears to be more credible.
With the help of modern technology, including in the form of drones and Google Earth, and the help of Paul Smith, who grew up in the vicinity of the battlefield, Gerrit revisited several landmarks in question.
Paul and Ian Uys, a well-known historian, also spoke during the event about their research and interpretation of events at the Battle of Italeni.
Nico Harris hands over Dirkie Uys’ stirrup to Dr. Daniel Langner. (Photo: Provided)
“Each speaker makes a unique contribution to history. It is important to hear these different versions, because for Afrikaners it is about the truth of our history.
“We live in a time where our stories are made suspect or portrayed as untrue, but through good research such as that presented here, it is clear that we have never stopped looking for the truth. It is important to confirm the authenticity and truth of our history,” said Dr. Danie Langner, managing director of the Voortrekker Monument, said.
Nico Harris, a Uys descendant who grew up near Dingaanstat, handed Danie a stirrup which in the area presumably belonged to Dirkie Uys.
More items that Nico Harris donated to the Voortrekker Monument. (Photo: Provided)
With his research from reports from eyewitnesses and participants in the Battle of Italeni, as well as reports from HC de Wet, and with the help of technology, Nico not only identified the graves of the Voortrekkers who died at this battlefield, but presumably also the graves of Piet and Dirkie Uys found.
The stirrup that Nico handed over to Danie will now be added to the rest of the Uys collection for safekeeping.
Italians cost R120 (price subject to change). The book can be ordered by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
