Unsung hero’s dignity restored
CENTENARIAN World War II veteran Oupa William Peter van Wyk is enjoying his newly-built house in St Simons Street, Colville, that was handed over on December 16.
The house was dilapidated and had to be demolished and rebuilt after the South African Defence Force (SANDF) managed to raise funds to do so.
Van Wyk stated that he was extremely grateful and was very happy in his new home.
Van Wyk was initially not recognised as a WWII veteran as he was a member of the Cape Coloured Corps.
According to the SANDF, Van Wyk, who was born in Beaconsfield, Kimberley, on June 9, 1922, is the oldest WWII veteran in the country and the last who served in the South African Cape Coloured Corps ex-servicemen’s legion.
He was enlisted in the Cape Coloured Corps on July 15, 1941 and recruited to the Union Defence Force, the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force and Central Mediterranean Force.
After joining the South African Armour Division in 1943 he fought in the Port Suez battle in Egypt and returned home when the war ended in 1945.
Van Wyk received the 1939/1945 Star, African Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal British, the War Medal (1939-1949) and the African Service Medal.
SA army chief, Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha, believed that the forgotten unsung hero’s dignity had been restored and commended him for his patriotism, bravery and selfless service to his country.
Mbatha was “astonished” to learn about his living conditions during the handing over of the renovated Seoachoareng Old Age Home in October.
He stated that after extensive consultation with sponsors, it was decided to demolish the house due to its dilapidated condition.
“KMRS Architects together with a team of the SA Army engineers, quantity surveyors, bricklayers, carpentry, electrical engineering and plumbers assisted in rebuilding the house.”
He indicated that the project presented many challenges.
“The project itself was a daunting task and it presented more challenges than anticipated. It demanded nuanced solutions from various role-players. While most people are still speaking nostalgically about our community outreach project at the Seochareng Old Age Home, we deemed it prudent to do likewise at Van Wyk’s residence.
“We appreciate the support from the business sector and sponsors who enthusiastically contributed towards this project to ensure our military veteran could commemorate his 100th birthday in his new home.”
Mbatha, who was also born in Kimberley, thanked DFA photographer Soraya Crowie and reporter Benida Phillips for bringing Van Wyk’s plight to his attention.
The DFA was the first to report on the unsung hero’s existence.
Crowie stated that it was an “an amazing feeling” to have been recognised by the SA army chief.
“It is immensely satisfying to have played a small part in ensuring that the 100-year-old WWII veteran is finally given the recognition that he deserves.
“Van Wyk was living in adverse poverty for many decades.
“During the handover of the renovated Seochareng Old Age Home in Galeshewe on October 13 last year, Phillips and I took the opportunity to approach Mbatha.
“We informed him that his guest of honour was the oldest living WWII veteran in Kimberley and was living in adverse poverty. He needed some assistance to make his tender years just a little bit comfortable.”
Crowie added that Mbatha, in a soft voice, told them to hand over the address in secret.
“He placed the piece of paper that we scribbled on in his right jacket pocket without looking at it.”
She added that Van Wyk still proudly wears his medals on his “peacock chest”.
“The best part of our day was to see someone as deserving as Van Wyk now finally being taken care of by his military family as he was officially adopted by the army and will be under the care of the Operational Commander of 3SAI Battalion.
“Van Wyk was adorned with gifts from dignitaries and money for Christmas by Mbatha. The money was collected from a raffle that was drawn for two days’ accommodation in Cape Town together with return flights.”