Wilhelm Haefele arrived in Umtata in 1880.
Everyday Life in Umtata.
Wilhelm settled in Umtata around 1880, – he arrived before the Catholic Church had been built.
He would have witnessed the arrival of priests, the establishment of the parish and the construction of the first church building.
He also would have seen the town acquire municipal government in 1882.
His working life might have involved building, repairs, construction supervision or other practical work.
The church would have been a significant social centre for Catholic families.
The presence of Irish Catholic soldiers also meant that the congregation included people whose backgrounds differed from those of the civilian European settlers.
The church would have been a significant social centre for Catholic families.
The presence of Irish Catholic soldiers also meant that the congregation included people whose backgrounds differed from those of the civilian European settlers