‘Bahnmeister’ launched in Swakopmund

THE story of ‘Bahnmeister’ , dates back to 1907. While working on the construction site of a new railway line in northern Germany, August Stauch was offered a promotion to ‘Bahnmeister’ (station master) if he was prepared to fill a two-year post at the railway firm’s project in German South West Africa.

This would mean that he would have to leave his young wife and two small children because of the harsh living conditions in the inhospitable region. Initially hesitant, it was the financial benefits and prospects for his professional future, that swayed his decision to go.’The rendition is based on published accounts seeking to present the momentous events and role players as the diamond industry pioneer, former Bahnmesietr Stauch, may have experienced and remembered them,’ said author, Nicolas Pienaar.The book was launched at the Swakopmunder Buchhandlung about a week ago, and according to Pienaar, 2 000 copies were printed for the Namibian market – in English. An attempt will follow to translate and print German copies too. He hopes also to market his book in SA.Pienaar is not new to writing. He has published several titles, mainly for school use.He grew up in the Cape (South Africa), graduating from the Potchefstroom University and the Teachers’ Training College. He taught for ten years while also studying further in literature and library science.Pienaar, now 79, was appointed as the first Head of Library Services in South West Africa (Namibia), responsible for the development of school, public and government libraries. Later in his life he was in a position to fulfill a life-long dream when he became a cattle farmer.He is now retired and lives in Swakopmund.