Update 15th May 2007
The sugar tramways of Natal had some 18 systems in operation in their heyday, spread over the north and south coasts. One of these was at Sezela owned by Reynolds Brothers and close to the SAR south coast line. Named after the Sezela River, this 2ft gauge sugar line was extensive. “Sezela” is Zulu for “smell out” and relates to the tale of a notorious crocodile living in the river with an uncanny ability to smell out his victims. Legend has it that the great Zulu Chief, Shaka, killed the crocodile. The system closed in February 1970 along with many other sugar lines.
This is one of the few locomotives in the Sandstone collection with an uncertain identity. A number of rail historians believe it to be Avonside number 2035 of 1929. We know that during the 1960s the locomotive was modified with Walschaerts valve gear which entailed frame modifications and alterations to its tanks. It is probable that during this rebuild its identification marks disappeared.
The locomotive was purchased by the well known rail engineering company, Dunns of Witbank and plinthed outside their offices. Just before Dunns went into liquidation, it was purchased by Pretoria enthusiast, Charles Viljoen, who began to restore it. Sandstone subsequently purchased the loco. Initial work was done at Hoekfontein but the final restoration was completed by Steven’s Mechanical in Howick. The boiler was retubed in Pretoria and Keith Stevens reassembled the locomotive, having to remake many parts along the way. It is painted in Natal Green with yellow lining and is in working order at Hoekfontein.
Avonside Sezela No. 3 at Sandstone – Photograph by Hannes Paling
