Weenen, a town nestled in the heart of South Africa, holds within its streets a rich tapestry of history and culture. Amidst its landscapes, two iconic shop buildings stand out – the Coolamgause Building and Abdoolgafoor Goolamsahib Arabian Merchants. Erected in 1910, these structures not only narrate tales of commerce but also chronicle the journey of Indian immigrants in the nation.
On 22nd August 1980, these two buildings were rightly accorded the stature of national monuments by the minister of National Education, T.N.H.Janson. The official proclamation from the government gazette eloquently states, "...hereby declare the properties with the two Indian shop buildings thereon, in Retief street, Weenen, to be a national monument." The gazette further emphasized their architectural significance: "These two typical Indian shops date from the beginning of the twentieth century and form an impressive architectural entity."
The establishments not only highlight an architectural marvel but also offer a window into the world of early 20th-century Indian merchants in South Africa. This community had a unique approach to commerce and bookkeeping. Their methods, albeit criticized by some, were distinct and deeply rooted in their cultural ethos.
Indian merchants and storekeepers often maintained their records in Hindi, Urdu, and predominantly Gujarati – reflecting the linguistic backgrounds of the 'passenger' Indians who formed a majority. In a time devoid of digital platforms and sophisticated software, the primary tools of trade for a petty storekeeper were a cash book and a daily book, diligently recording transactions. Larger establishments were more meticulous, maintaining both an invoice and stock book.
Interestingly, the entire process was collaborative. The store owner would typically dictate the entries to the accountant, especially if the accountant was unfamiliar with the Gujarati language. This intimate and hands-on approach to bookkeeping was emblematic of the close-knit nature of the community.
However, this unique method of bookkeeping faced criticism, particularly from petty colonial traders. They viewed the Indian merchants' practices with suspicion, accusing them of deceitful trading tactics. As a response, in 1897, the Natal government introduced the General Dealers' Licensing Act. This mandated that all traders maintain their account books in the English language, marking a significant shift in the business landscape.
Today, as one walks down Retief street and beholds the majestic facades of the Coolamgause Building and Abdoolgafoor Goolamsahib Arabian Merchants, it's essential to remember the stories they hold. They are not just architectural marvels, but chronicles of a community's resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. These monuments are a testament to the rich, intertwined histories that make South Africa the diverse and vibrant nation it is today.