Newclare (F 9)

Name: Newclare

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Historic fact:

.Politics and Violence in the 'Russian Zone': Conflict in New Clare South, 1950-7Gary KynochThe Journal of African History, Vol. 41, No. 2 (2000), pp. 267-290
(article consists of 24 pages) Published by: Cambridge University PressStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/183436

Politics and Violence in the 'Russian Zone': Conflict in New Clare South, 1950-7, by Gary Kynoch © 2000 Cambridge University Press.

Abstract
This article deals with the migrant Basotho gangs known as Marashea, or Russians, during the 1950s, when they were the most dominant force in the freehold area of Newclare, a township on the western fringes of Johannesburg. Newclare South was a battleground where different Marashea factions vied for supremacy and fought with civilian guards, tsotsis and ethnically-organized gangs in a series of conflicts. The Russians relied heavily on battlefield proficiency to rout their enemies, but also demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of governmental political concerns and proved adept at negotiating the maze of official urban structures which affected their interests. Additionally, commandeering the support of local residents and gaining the allegiance of mineworkers from neighbouring compounds were crucial elements in the Russians' campaigns. Their success stemmed from the adoption of a strategy designed to serve their needs in an urban environment in which the white-ruled state wielded ultimate power, but where their immediate antagonists were fellow black residents. The Newclare conflicts reveal two contradictory elements of power politics in apartheid-era townships. Firstly, the importance of police collusion with 'conservative' black groups is evident. The Russians of Newclare South were a precursor of later groups which the government sponsored to suppress political agitation and to sow discord in the townships. Secondly, at least from the residents' perspective, the limits of the government's authority in day-to-day life could not have been more apparent. The real powerbrokers in Newclare South were the Russians. This article explores the manner in which they established and maintained supremacy over Newclare South, and assesses the legacy of their reign.



Other interesting info:

Newclare Primary


Principal:


Mr. D.B Eastwood

Address: Pollack Avenue
Newclare, Johannesburg
Tel: +27 (0)11 477 4088

Brief History:

The school was established in 1917 by Founders Memorial Congregational Church and it was known as Newclare Colored School.
The first principal was Mr Hoskins who was succeeded by Mr C.J. Botha, a preacher who lived in Meyers farm.

The school at this stage was the biggest school in South Africa, consisting of 84 teachers and approxamately 3600 pupils. It originated as a double story building made of corrugated iron (zinc) with 10 classrooms. The office block was made of brick and it is still in use today.
At one point in time, the school had a platoon system i.e. morning sessions from 7h30 - 12h00 noon and afternoon sessions started 12h00 until 17h00. Afternoon classes started under trees while waiting for the morning classes to dismiss.
The school extended accross the road where the park is now before that section became a secondary school. Later this section of the school moved to Bosmont where it was named C.J Botha High School.
Newclare Primary gave birth to Dowling Primary chool, a former Bantu school during the apartheid era. Dowling became overcrowded and from it, a new school known as Voorwaarts Primary was established. Everest Primary is also an off spring of Newclare Primary. The school was originally known as W.R Goliath.

Newclare Primary has always been active in sports. The school is now under leadership of Mr D.B. Eastwood. It presently has 28 teachers and approximately 1200 learners.




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