For the love of Richards Bay

MOST people carve out a mark where they settle. But there are the few who change the political, social and economic landscape for the benefit of generations to come.

They are the history-makers – pioneers who shape the destiny of towns, cities and countries.
A legend in his own right, is Doctor Jaycee van der Walt, mayor of Richards Bay from 1981 to 1983, a general manager of Bayside Aluminium, celebrated historian, writer, Zululand expert and founder member of numerous business forums, sports and social clubs in Richards Bay.
When Jaycee and his wife Ria, arrived in Zululand with daughters Lizelle, Marianne, Ria and Jaycee, Zululand was a wild and wonderful place, virtually untouched by civilisation, with lagoons, pans, lush greenbelts, beautiful beaches and wildlife in abundance.
‘It was a beautiful country full of rich contrasts and history, largely unknown at the time,’ he fondly remembers.
The Industrial Development Corporation tasked Jaycee to start the smelter to create employment for the local community, curb migrant labour and to find a basis for the harbour, which some influential voices argued, was not viable.
The family fell in love with Richards Bay – a passion which culminated in Jaycee writing more than 150 articles and five books about the town and Zululand, his commissioning of a unique, life size aluminium statue dedicated to ‘the Unknown Artisan’ and the production of a film, ‘Richards Bay!’, screened in 52 theatres nationwide. The film was awarded first prize in its category by SA Marketing.
As a general manager of the first heavy industry in Richards Bay in 1970, Jaycee was far ahead of his time, with his policies ‘A people’s company’ and ‘White involvement in Black Advancement’ aimed at developing good labour practices, safety, productivity and low personnel turnover.
His policies were acknowledged as international examples as far abroad as America, though his ‘liberalism’ gained him some unpopularity in Apartheid South Africa.
He also appointed the first Indian and Black graduandi at Alusaf.
Despite vehement opposition, Jaycee during his mayoral term, declared Soetwaterstrand an ‘international beach’, for Black, Indian and White people.
This he regards as a historic milestone he is most proud of.
His research and books on child slavery in South Africa, caused a heated debate in Rapport, but remained unchallenged despite a R50 000 reward for anyone who could prove factual inaccuracies.
Jaycee was founder member of the Richards Bay Rugby Club, chairman and founder of the ‘Pioneer Fund’ and chairman of the Technical College.
He served on the boards of Meerensee Primary and Richards Bay High School and was founder member of the Richardsbaai Afrikaanse Sakekamer and newspaper ‘Verslag’.
Ria wrote and directed the musical production ‘For the love of Richards Bay’, while Jaycee arranged symposiums to attract investors, under the banner of ‘Richards Bay in focus’.
Their daughters followed in their footsteps, with Ria (junior) writing the coffee table book ‘Richards Bay’ and Lizelle doing the photography for his book ‘Rebels of Slagtersnek 1815’.
His dedication to studies and research, culminated in various university degrees and management diplomas from the Universities of Pretoria, Stellenbosch and Cape Town as well as an extensive and unique library on Zululand history.
The family has lived in the same house for 46 years, surrounded by a garden paradise where Jaycee spends his time when not behind the books. He will celebrate his 80th birthday this year, surrounded by his children, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.