The opening of Barclays Bank in Lobatse in 1950

C. I Ebrahim
C. I Ebrahim

Because we seem to have so few photos of this kind –perhaps because there were few such occasions - it is well worth lingering over this one.

The number of the people present in this photo is extraordinarily few. Self-evidently they must be the Protectorate elite. Standing is the Resident Commissioner, Martin Wray who formally opened the new bank. He appears to be directing his remarks at M.H. Joosub, the developer and owner of the building who for some reason is sitting opposite him and with his back to the photographer. Was he on the programme, I wonder, to say a few words? Standing behind Wray in the shadow and only just visible is MS Ebrahim. 

Seventeen years later the same Joosub would be opening his new Capitol cinema in Gaborone. Sitting next to Wray on one side is JDA Germond, the Divisional Commissioner South, who, a few months earlier, had laid the foundation stone of the new prestige building. Between them is a small cloth covered table which must have been placed there for some purpose. If there was something on it, a glass of water or a presentation of some sort, nothing is visible. On Wray’s other side are sitting four individuals who are presumably Protectorate luminaries. It would be helpful if someone could provide their names.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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