Dean McCleland, Author at The Casual Observer

Zimbabwe: A Coup by another Name

By Dean McCleland in Rhodesia / Zimbabwe 16 November 2017 0 Comment

The surreal recent developments in Zimbabwe do not portend the long-awaited dawn of democracy. Rather it signals the transition from one-man rule to one-party rule. The role of the opposition parties in this charade is to provide legitimacy to the process of usurping power by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Perhaps the only heartening news of this “non-coup” is that the 37-year dictatorship by a senile despot is at an end and that Mugabe’s former secretary, now wife, is no longer the preferred and only candidate as future president.

Main picture: Zimbabwe unplugged referring to Grace’s attack on a model with an electrical extension cord

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Westbourne Oval – Once a Vlei

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 15 November 2017 3 Comments

This sports oval, now host to many school sports days and track and cycle events, was originally a muddy vlei (wetland) known in the late 1800s as “Russell Road Dam”. It is right next to the land which belonged to the London Missionary Society, where bubonic plague broke out in 1902.

Main picture: The Westbourne Oval in 1914

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Japanese warplanes over PE during WW2

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 13 November 2017 0 Comment

In 1942, Port Elizabeth had some unwelcome aerial visitors. During the period 20-27^th April, unidentified aircraft flew over South African ports, including Port Elizabeth. Fighters were scrambled but they never made any contact with the intruders. It was only after the war that researchers and historians found out more about these mysterious visitors.

Main picture: The Yokosuka E14Y “Glen” Scout Plane painted by Ron Belling

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Defiance Campaign of 1952

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 12 November 2017 0 Comment

Just like the fact that the destruction of South End is an integral part of Port Elizabeth’s history, so is the paint theft which culminated in the Defiance Campaign. How did such a minor issue transmogrify into a riot? It was the sense of displacement and discrimination that the Black population had endured from the time of their relocation from the inner-city locations such as Strangers’ Location in Russell Road and Gubb’s Location in Mill Park. Perhaps this was the defining moment when forever White domination in South Africa would be under siege.

Main picture: New Brighton Railway Station

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Port Elizabeth Club

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 12 November 2017 0 Comment

Until fairly recently the concept of a gentlemen’s club was in vogue and all the rage. Businessmen felt the need for pleasant relaxation playing snooker and billiards after a day at the office. Only the finest whiskeys would slake their thirst. So as not to be distracted, the admission policies usually excluded females, blacks, Jews and the chattering classes. Even Bohemian types were probably excluded.

In 1866, Port Elizabeth joined the ranks of towns which catered for the needs of this select group of individuals.

Main picture: The original Port Elizabeth Club building circa 1880s

Port Elizabeth of Yore: St George’s Club

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 11 November 2017 0 Comment

Perhaps younger members of society have always had a different view on how life should be led. It certainly was also apparent in the mid-1800s when they refused to become members of the long-established Port Elizabeth Club. Instead they ultimately formed their own Club; the St. George’s Club.

Main picture: St George’s Club in Western Road

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Mission: Destroy U-Boat South of Cape Recife

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 10 November 2017 0 Comment

These are the reminiscences of Denis Glendinning, one of the first pilots posted to 6 Squadron RAF based at 42 Air School, Port Elizabeth. Denis is well known in Port Elizabeth having served as a City Councillor. Apart from being a war story, it highlights the fundamental difference in the martial activities of the Allies and their German opponents whereby the SAAF placed its members in extreme danger in order to rescue the crew of a U-Boat after it had been sunk.

This depiction of a flight in atrocious weather encapsulates the pathos of the situation. This is his personal story in Glendinning’s own words.

Main picture: Avro Anson over Cape Recife in November 1942

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Genteel Living in Walmer

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 8 November 2017 16 Comments

With its wide avenues, broad pavements, a cornucopia of trees and houses set far back from the road, Walmer was rightly known as the garden town when it was a separate municipality. Divided from its larger sibling by the Baakens River, it evoked a sense of genteel suburban living.

Main picture: Target Kloof

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Humewood Hotel

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 1 November 2017 0 Comment

The history of this beachfront hotel is shrouded in mystery. Details of its past are sketchy. Unlike other prominent and venerable old hotels in Port Elizabeth, I am unable to produce a complete history of this hotel. Suffice to say that this is an attempt to lay out the facts that are known.

Various establishments over the years bore the word Humewood as part of their name. Some of them are unrelated to one another. This blog serves to set out what these establishments were and their connection if any to the others.

Main picture: The Humewood Beach Hotel was located where the current Garden Court is situated before it was burnt down

The Port of Cape Town of Yore

By Dean McCleland in Historical 17 October 2017 0 Comment

Is one even able to contemplate what Cape Town’s harbour was like in the days of sail? These photographs evoke that period. Imagine the harbour without a steamship in sight. The first regular service between SA and the UK was only commenced in 1857 by the Union Steam Company.

Main picture: Sailing ships at anchor in Table Bay mid 1800s

The Opinion Pieces are an eclectic bunch on current affairs & history often with a human interest aspect. The Movie/DVDs reviews are mainly on documentaries with a smattering of movie reviews.

Author: Dean McCleland