Fighting Men of Rhodesia ep179 | Jan Stander | Mateke Hills Farmer 

Bravery beyond belief. The Afrikaans settlers in rhodesia were special people. My utter respect. Hou Vas mense

Farmers are a special breed. And the Afrikaans community of Rhodesia isn't covered as much as it should be.

Real people, real events, narrated with absolute honesty and integrity. As the son of an English speaking Mateke Hills farmer, I learned to play jykskei, that PHS boys beat the crap out of us Capricornians at rugby, Archie and Annamie Stander are some of the finest people I have had the privilege of knowing, after visiting anyone in the district you never left empty handed, droughts, flood and fire United the community, rugby, cricket and cattle were serious topics of conversation to be hashed out over cold beers at the 'Bubi Trap'. I never learned to call my elders Oom and Tannie, it was always Mr/s, equally respectfully though. Hunting was a way of life, wildlife was revered and respected, but never considered more important than the occupation of cattle ranching.

Brilliant interview Jan, the farmers were the backbone of Rhodesia. To protect the windows of the house, I remember my uncle made a frame with two steel plates about 10cm apart, the gap was filled with granite chips. These panels were set on a rail and late afternoon we would push them together to cover the windows. My uncle slept with an FN next to his bed as did I and my oldest cousin (about 13 in 1979). If we got “revved” the idea was to crawl to the one room together. From that room we could lock a steel door and there were small slits in the wall from which we could fire. Miraculously it never happened, farmers all around got revved but not us. Looking back now we were fearless (or maybe stupid)

Another great interview. What a great young man! Farmers were the life blood of Rhodesia. God bless them all.

We take for granted the gallantry of the farmers snd their families. When people play one unit against the other or say if it wasn’t for the SAS or RLI or Selous Scouts blah blah blah. it makes me mad. Everyone in Rhodesia had a roll to play in the success of the security forces. From the WVS through to Com-ops a network of dedication and expertise. When I read people blowing smoke up their gat’s it disappoints me at how naive and ridiculous they are. Jan great account on your life as a youngster. For all the families that lost members of their family to this war I thank you all. Respect ✊

Well, I am really shocked and excited to see this interview come up! I have paused it less than one minute into listening because I just have to comment first. For about 45 years I have told this family's brave and tragic story to my friends and family whenever I have to impress on someone the need to hold fast and never give up. The Standers exemplified everything our Nation stood for and sacrificed for! I operated in the Mateke Hills, was based up on Sheba ranch(with the pet monkey that used to ride around on the back of the english bull terrier like a lord surveying his estate on horseback, and would also steal the packets of peanuts out of our ratpacks and stash them up in the rafters of the barn!). To give you an idea of what amazing people the Stander Family were, they would call my whole section - fully armed and weighed down with kit while on patrol - into their home, sit us down in the kitchen and feed us a huge breakfast of buffalo steaks. For so many of the Stander menfolk to be ambushed and murdered, is a tragic blow. I have thought about them all my life and grieved for this family's loss. Those were difficult days and places in the district like Ranche Louis, Donde pan and Guri pan are stuck in my head forever. God bless you Jan and and thanks to John and Hannes for this interview.

I met my Wife Lesley Harrold at the Lion and Elephant Neville her dad managed the hotel for Ray Torr. The leopard was named Tammy used to lay on the bar counter. I started my hunting career with Ray :)

Thanks Jan for an interesting talk. I was with the BSAP reserve and after the tragic killings I was sent down to the farm tasked with escorting the herders moving the herd at Battlefields back towards the main road where the RMS would be able to truck them out to Triangle. As we went in the ambushed vehicle was still where they were hit. On a lighter note - we owe u for one cow which broke its leg while the herd were be gathered at the house. I shot it for rations for the herders and we made biltong to supplement our rations.

Someone, somewhere HAS to make a movie out of this!

One of the most interesting, informative and revealing of the 30-40 episodes in this series that I.ve seen so far. Congrats to Jan and Hannes.

Jan, stunning interview. I was privileged to meet Archie last Friday at his wife's sister's place. Really enjoyed chatting with him. What a nice guy. A heartfelt salute to all your family. PS. Tell Archie that the folks at the L&E thanked him for his greetings and also spoke well of him.

Back in 1974/5, I erected security fences around the farmhouses and compounds on the Mateke Hills road, and met the gentleman, who walked the 17 kms, I had heard he had been shot in the foot too. Remarkable men and women. I stayed on one farm, where the farmer was married to a much younger woman (perhaps Glynnis). He had a white Citroen which my employer bought. I wish I could remember the farms names on which i worked.

Great stories

Thank you, Jan for sharing your and your family's story. If memory serves the chap that was with Oom Ben on that tragic day was Clive. A group of us assisted by providing an escort for I think it was Oom Ben's daughter to get to the farm to do what needed to be done after the tragic event. Thank you to Hannes, John and Tony for a series that portrays and preserves a history of the men, women and friends of Rhodesia. At the going down of the sun, we will remember

The BSAP posted me to Nuanetsi after Chiredzi in 1973. Another place in paradise, a little country club, tennis and gin with the local ranchers and government staff on Saturday afternoon. The Standers were men of men and stood their ground until the bitter end! No wonder Zim is such a complete fuck up with the loss of such quality men and never replaced! 1976 was the start of the war in that area, which followed 2RR basing at Rutenga.

I was in Voorwaarts Koshuis with Archie. He was in matric and I was st 7. The nicest guy ever. I always remember his high pitched laugh, especially on the rugby field when he tackled someone. You guys paid an incredible price. What a bunch of giants you where! Sterkte julle. Soveel respek vir julle almal.

Greetings Jan A good friend of mine, his family were farmers who settled outside Oumtali after WW2 , he often reflects on the dangers of growing up on the farm during the bush war , on several occasions the terrorists attacked & tried to take the farmhouse , his family were well prepared & fought them off , his father was wounded twice & regrettably his Uncle was killed in the late 70's. God bless.

What a great interview. I remember well reading the story of the family after Oom Ben was killed. My dad was a Brightlight closer to Nuanetsi usually with Harry van der Vinne and his wife, leaving Mom and my young sister on his own ranch near Ngezi to do so. He went through to the Matekes several times to to buy cattle with Harry, and made no bones about the fact that it scared the hell out of him. I have the greatest of respect for the Lowveld ranchers. Thanks Jan for sharing your story for posterity.

What a marvellous insight into the struggles of the farming community in Rhodesia during the pre and post war years! Resilience and courage was exceptional quality of these people... thankyou both for this interview and talk!

What a fascinating story , can,t wait to see if there is another one. Was so sad , they had to go through so much. I suppose like all the other farmers and then to have it all taken away after all that blood sweat and tears.

My utmost respect and thank you for sharing your story of tragedy and courage. We fought a righteous war.

I had tears in the corners of both eyes right up to the end, then just let go....I cannot believe what my countrymen and women went through and what they have lost. So much anguish and painful memories in the majority of us! Great interview Hannes, lets have at least 3 more from him please.

Harrowing , chilling & moving ordeal of growing up during the guerrilla war on the Mateke Hills farms in that part of southern Zim 🇿🇼 !

Jeez what a bunch of tough buggers. Hard hard people. Fighting against savage barbarians. Well done to Jan holding back his true opinions.

Well done Jan and Hannes. Great story about the brave farmers of Rhodesia. Salute you all.

Salt of the earth people. Thanks for sharing your family's story and those of the other farmers. Unsung heroes.

Another interesting yet sad story, thanks to Hannes for getting this up and widely disseminated

I worked on Nuanetsi Ranch with Maj Don Price 1980 I remember Mateki hills well especially Rolf Vanderheever from Mateki hills quite the character.

There something a bit magical about these stories. I'm drawn to them and thank you all for sharing such poignant memories.

Hi Hannes, some interesting facts, first it was Rhodesia and Nyasaland, then Southern and northern Rhodesia, then Rhodesia, then Zimbabwe Rhodesia, then Zimbabwe and now Zimbabwe ruins, what a fantastic country, such a shame

Great interview - thanks Jan and Hannes - Mateke Hills area and Battlefields brings back many memories.

Thanks for sharing this very interesting life story. My parents worked for the Rhodesia Railways stationed at Rutenga. During the construction of the Rutenga to Beitbridge line in 1974 ,we were briefly stationed at Bubi. We often walked across the highway to Lion and Elephant motel to buy food and drinks.

For this war a lot of atrocities were committed on both sides. A genuine reconciliation 🤝 for the peoples of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 is long overdue. Wishing you lack.

Thanks Jan, great interview yet sad! We farmed in centenary throughout the war but never went through what u did, kudos to you! I agree we will never see compensation, our title deeds our as worthless as as a 20 million zim bearers cheque!!!!!

was based at CC when Ben and Adrian were ambushed. Ben and Adrian went to dip cattle. All hell broke loose and we reacted to the gun fire. Will never forget that day.

An amazing story, Jan. Thank you for sharing your family history.

Those times are like a dream now. Thank you so much for this series, John and Hannes. Brave brave people.

Salute our Farmer's great people!

Excellent interview, Respect is earned and you have mine. Thank you sharing your story.

I really enjoyed this episode.. Tatenda Jan for sharing your lives with us all , so much sadness and hard times for your family and farming friends . Much respect to you all , my condolences to you for all the family members you lost throughout your life . Really sad . A beautiful area you farmed at . I do hope to see you again for a second part ! Stay well . Tatenda Hannes and Boss John .. always a brilliant show with excellent videography productions ! First class 👍👏👏👌🏻

We sold our beautiful country Rhodesia now we regret 😢 even if I was a young boy now we suffer

That was a great chat. Seeing some of those river pics and the CC recollections by the both of you bring back fond memories. That old saying re "misspent youth" doesn't always hold true! Thank you.

I really enjoyed this, thank you! What made it even more pertinent was the fact that you wanted to be surrounded by Black people again!!!!!!!!!!!! I understand that sentiment entirely, got so tired of being called a "K Boetie" by the South African white males. I'm fairly lucky here in Hout Bay as I have a number of Zimbabweans and Malawians with whom I associate.

I’ve just come across this discussion and all the memories have come flooding back. I moved to Lesanth Ranch in 1966 with my brother when our Mum married Les Mitchell. The names are so familiar although as a teenager one doesn’t take much notice of adults! Played tennis regularly at L&E and at Nuanetsi club, my stepfather Les was a great patron of the bar at L&E!! Ben Stander is such a familiar name. Thank you for sharing the happy and the sad times. Mum and Les were attacked as well. Do you know if there is any documentation or books written about the lowveld and the farmers?

Jan mentions Sheba Ranch with Boitjie Bosman - that's were I spend many happy days before I got crook. It's maybe not the easiest video to watch Jan and Ben had some terrible times - their ranches were either side of Sheba and we passed through many times. The dam he talks about going fishing in was one that I surveyed back in the day, Boitjie and I would fish there - when the Elephants didn't hassle us. Jan, thank you for sharing such a moving bit of history and yes Mateke was a war ravaged paradise. Mazvita Changamire.

Thank God for the Rhodie farmer!

Legendary Farmers and their families, my highest respect to these fine people standing up to gangs of armed thugs. God Bless them all.

This was fascinating. We need more of these about farmers during that time. Excellent Hannes

Great video hat's of to these people 👏 👍

Dankie Jan. With parents in Bindura & in-laws farming l was aware of the plight of farmers during the hondo, but you guys were to hell & gone in the sticks! Towards the end of the war l know that things got very hot down your way. Dankie for letting the world hear your story

Brave Standers !

Tx manne .. so many supportive comments!

Wow what a story .such a down to earth tough man!!!

Thanks again for another Interesting interview. And thanks to Mr Standers for sharing his story. Keep up the great work 👍😊

Hi Jannie, Archie bly so 3 min van my af.Ken al die mense wat jy van gepraat het. Dankie wonderlik om weer van daai harde maar goeie tye te kon hoor. Thanks Hannes Great work.

Terrific interview

Thank you.

The best, tastiest steak and wors I every ate was from a buffalo Adrian had shot. Tannie Gerda made the wors and we had a braai. She also made fantastic bread. The incident Jannie refers to, I have a newspaper photo of Oom Ben and Tannie Gerda showing the shrapnel wounds in her harm.

An education! 🙏 Love hearing about tennis being played 🎾👍 thanks guys

Great chat guys, my coments on the video in the patrons early video.

Salut

Also born in kitwe

great! thanks !! -- part 2 ?

Interesting i was born myself in 1965 in zambia and 1972 as family we settled in Rhodesia the enterprise road near umwindsidale huge 3 acre plots and massive bush areas where in 70 s with air rifles me and friends we would shoot birds etc as you know with the petrol rationing you could nt go anywhere etc the armed convoys is what i remember most and my father in the police reserve call ups 6 week stints was happy days was 3 ex army guys i met in salisbury told me better to leave when i could which was early 86 to aberdeen the albury guesthouse met colin tapsell there ex rli the rigs and became a commercial diver soon after was crazy days 86 was a very tough year for me mike stirup s farm in tengwe was taken he is now in perth australia ivremember in 99 the first attempt at the seizures i was in spain at the time but i knew in mid 90 s they would end up going for the farms very sad

BSAP General Service Unit

So Jan is die oom van Manna Stander....? Ook was Eric Francois en 'n Ferreira van Nuanetsi Ranch was in Pietersburg op skool

Ysters💪🏻

I'm saddened by atrocities committed to the farmers ,and to any human being thereof ,I'm of the view that without politics, we can all live together in harmony

Gold Mafia was aired, I think there were 4 or 5 episodes so Al Jazeera came through.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s

There is a lesson here. The longer a country waits to fight communist/socialists, the more likely they lose.

Sterkte Jan. Jammer jy moes daar deur gaan. Die donner alleen weet hoekom dit moes gebeur.

I'm from Phalaborwa too There is a awesum channel called history reviewed channel. That goes into deep detail about this. i cannot share the link youtube takes its down.

GSU was based at Lion and Elephant for a while

Hannes you will find more Chinese in Zambia

A few of us in the tshipise area still taking on the poachers from across the boarder here farms invading by gangs etc and cattle rustler no law and order here

How many Whites live in Zimbabwe today?

What was the percentage of Afrikaanse speaking Rhodesiërs in the Security Forces as it seems most were English but I see many Afrikaans names in the decease lists.

Heartbreaking story.