On 4 June 1652, sick-comforter at the Cape, Willem Barentz Wijlant and his wife became the first people to move into the semi-completed fortress, the Fort de Goede Hoop (Fort of Good Hope). Here their son, Bernert Willemz, was born on 6 June.
Jan van Riebeeck was appointed on a five-year contract as an employee of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). His task was to set up a refreshment station at the Cape, which could be used by VOC ships on their way to the spice-rich Far East.
The construction of a fort as a place of safety was a matter of great urgency to van Riebeeck. He went ashore on 7 April, barely one day after dropping anchor in Table Bay, to select the best site. 100 men were occupied daily on the construction of the clay and timber building. On 3 August 1652, the northern rampart, Reijger, was completed and everyone moved in. The fort collapsed partly as result of winter rains in 1663, which led to the erection of the Castle of Good Hope, which began in 1666.Further reading:
Sick-comforter: If anyone was sick and likely to die, the sick-comforter had to encourage him and read some Christian prayers to him (help him to draw up his will). These lay-readers were employed ashore as catechists, primary school teachers, hospital visitors and in similar duties under the supervision of the church.
Further reading: 6 April 1652 - Jan van Riebeeck arrives at the Cape
References:
Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.
Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds) (1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 3, p. 25;
Muller, C.F.J. (ed) (1981). Five Hundred years: a history of South Africa; 3rd rev. ed., Pretoria: Academica, p. 35
Boxer, C.R. (date unknown), The Dutch seaborne empire, 1600-1800, The History of Human Society.
