Entry in the book
Eclectic ZA Wilhelmiens : A shared Dutch built heritage in South Africa
Chapter 04 page 66
Through his own Dutch origins Bakker finds resonance in the aims of this project. His researches broaden the historiography of this period and his contribution deepens an understanding of the development and role of the Departement Publieke Werken (DPW) of the ZAR. A critical appreciation is formulated for its contribution and endurance, and those that made it possible, particularly the person of Wierda and his lieutenant Van Rijsse. He also alerts us as to the skewed race and labour policies of the time and the contribution of the many unsung and sadly anonymous black labourers, unrecognised and unrecorded.