Graaff-Reinet witnessed a memorable moment on 15 May when a carefully restored historical lantern was officially unveiled in the garden of the Reinet House.
The lantern, believed to date back to the 1930s, was originally one of fourteen installed on the wall of the Van Ryneveld’s Pass Dam — known today as the Nqweba Dam — to illuminate and safeguard the path for pedestrians crossing the dam at night.
The dam, which was officially opened on 16 July 1925, was later closed to the public, and the lanterns were removed. Some were sold to private buyers, while others were repurposed as streetlights along Parsonage Street, directly in front of the Reinet House.
The lantern unveiled last week carries a particularly meaningful story.
Credit: Supplied Credit: Supplied
It was donated to the museum in 2021 by Johann Human, whose father had originally acquired it and proudly installed it in the backyard of their home at 72 Somerset Street.
Human vividly recalls how his father mounted it — a cherished memory that adds a deeply personal dimension to this heritage item.
At the unveiling, Human had the honour of cutting the ribbon and shared the story of how the lantern became part of their family’s legacy.
Professor Johannes Haarhoff, compiler of The Van Ryneveld’s Pass Dam Book, provided a historical overview of the lantern’s journey — from its original position on the dam wall, to the Human family’s backyard, and now to its new home at the Reinet House.
Peter Whitlock, Chairperson of the Museum Board and a well-known historical architect, spoke about the restoration process, and excerpts from the original design sketches were also displayed.
Dr Anziske Kayster, Manager of the Graaff-Reinet Museum, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Human family for entrusting the museum with this remarkable piece of heritage.
“The unveiling of the lantern forms part of the commemoration of the 100-year milestone since the construction of the Van Ryneveld’s Pass Dam — a landmark project in the town’s engineering and water supply history,” Kayster explained.
“This lantern is more than just an object — it is a memory, a legacy, and light. It will now stand testament to those who built our dam for generations to come.”
Special thanks were also extended to the dedicated museum team and the following individuals for their contributions:
- Gustav Grassman (Grassies Staal) for the intricate metalwork
- Thinus Minnie for the electrical connections and wiring
- Wynand Kuhne and team for the construction of the pedestal
- James van Rhyners and Zennevin Isaacs for initiating the restoration
- Zakiyyah Mahomed for the exceptional refreshments
The Graaff-Reinet Museum invites the public to visit the Reinet House and view this unique piece of local heritage.
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