The Inside Story - Edition 5

GNUS and G.N.U.S.

What are GNUs?   A wildebeest with a beard, a mane and a sloping back?   A telegraphic code invented by author, Terry Pratchett, in his Discworld comic fantasy book series?   Free software?   A Government of National Unity as in contemporary South Africa? 

Yes, all those, but not omitting  Genealogical News, Utterances and Scribblings! This is the name of the newsletter published by the KZN Family History Society.

The gnu as the black wildebeest has featured as part of the symbolism of the Colony and Province of Natal since 1870. It has been part of the coat of arms since 1907. In the new coat of arms of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the gnu features as a rampant gnu and not a running gnu.

In the coat of arms of the KZN Family History Society reproduced above, you see the rampant gnu on the crest with an old scroll in his hooves. The family tree is shown in both black and white. The motto is ‘Seek and Record’.

There is also a spiritual meaning attached to the gnu or wildebeest. It is symbolic of one’s need to connect with friends and family and strenthen the bonds. So the name of the Family History Society newsletter, G.N.U.S., is appropriate.

What will one find in these newsletters?

Fascinating stories of the families of yore, particularly those who settled in Natal; stories of fathers, mothers, grandparents and early ancestors buried in local cemetries; missionaries; old houses and buildings; Archives; tours; old stations; Indian settlers; and so on. Also articles offering practical help for one’s genealogical research (e.g. on estate files and death notices).There are also reports on some of the meetings (e.g.the meeting on the Italian prisoners of war in South Africa). These are largely written by local members of the society. Here are the intriguing titles of some articles: ‘Stations in the Mist’, ‘Live Cousins and Dead Relatives’, ‘Gratitude’.

Members of the society are emailed a copy of the newsletter every quarter. Newsletters are also available to non-members for a fee of R50/pa. Malcolm Brown, our chairman and editor, can be reached at this email address: chairman@kznfamilyhistory.ORG.za

If you are keen on finding more about your roots and interested in history, take a look at the website of the society on http//kznfamilyhistory.org.za. Our meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month, in Hilton.

 Just an important  warning: genealogical research is addictive!