SOUTH-AFRICA-L Archives

Archiver > SOUTH-AFRICA > 1998-04 > 0892100425


From: Wally & Elrine Greig <>
Subject: GISA
Date: Wed, 08 Apr 1998 22:40:25


I have just read all the notes on this topic. I am appalled at the attacks
that have been launched, especially the aggressive questions posed by
Barend Venter.

Whatever genealogists may think, the HRSC is no longer able to offer their
genealogical service. This, I presume, is due to financial constraints. We
have had very little that is constructive, on this subject, on this list.
It has been made abundantly clear that Stellenbosch University cannot fund
this project - all of our Universities are battling financially. Hence the
perfectly logical decision to charge a fee.

We should be grateful that this invaluable collection of material has
remained intact, and that access to it is still available. I understand
that not every genealogist, in this country, lives in Stellenbosch, and,
for many, Stellenbosch is not an easy place to get to. This is not an
uncommon situation in this country or elsewhere in the world for that matter.

I am interested in S A Railway history, and the Transnet Heritage Library
happens to be located in Johannesburg - not convenient to a Capetonian, but
that's the way the world operates. Although understaffed, the Transnet
Library staff do their best to help with the many requests. They charge for
photographs or photocopies, and railway enthusiasts are prepared to pay. I
am sure that GISA staff will also be as helpful as possible.

The idea of putting GISA records onto the Web is good; GISA may have
realised that some time ago. Please remember they have no official funding,
and it probably costs an arm and a leg to put a vast quantity of info onto
the Web.

I suggest that list members start being constructive, and think of trying
to help GISA cope with their difficulties. One way would be to put our
hands in our pockets!! Is that too much to ask , Mr Venter? Further, Mr
Venter, why don't you face the challenge and start a finacially sound
regional centre, in your part of the country? That would be far more
valuable than the attacks you have made against GISA, as well as
questioning the integrity/qualifications of certain individuals. Mr
Venter, please give me early warning of the opening date of your centre, as
I would like to be there, to celebrate your success with you.

I would also have thought that the fact that the S A Genealogical Society
was a founder member of GISA, should speak volumes for the integrity of GISA.

LETS CUT OUT THE DESTRUCTIVENESS, BE CONSTRUCTIVE AND GET ON WITH OUR
INTEREST IN GENEALOGY

Wally Greig.

This thread: