Who was China Marais?

 

by Frans Theunissen

Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: During World War 2
Page 3: China and Zig Lived in Fisherhaven

Like so many visitors and property owners in Fisherhaven, you might have noticed and wondered about the unusual name of China Marais Drive at the entrance into Fisherhaven.  It is the main road in our little village and runs all the way from the entrance, down to Lagoon Road near the slipway.  Since my first visit to Fisherhaven in about 1974, I often pondered over the origin of this unusual name and decided to make my own enquiries.  It was not easy, since most of those who could assist have either passed on, or memories were severely faded.  But I did come across some clues when I called a family member related to Bill Mitchell, the man behind Lake Marina Properties and the development of Fisherhaven.

“China” was the nickname of Stephanus Gabriel Marais, born in Paarl on 10 September 1922 and  the third child in a family of 6 children.  His parents were Willem Stephanus and Johanna Hendrika Isabella (born Rust).  China came from a middle-class family in Paarl and his parents ran a dairy from their home at 35 Berlyn street, near the Berg river and the present-day Paarl Medi-Clinic.  Pappa Marais must have been a very industrious man for he, at some stage, also ran a automotive  repair business from his large property.  Mamma Marais was left to raise her large brood, the eldest child was Elizabeth Louisa (Elise), followed by Dirk Jacobus (Dickie), Stephanus Gabriel (China), Hendrik Jacobus (Hennie or “Gummie”, Johanna Isabella (Joan) and, lastly, Charles du Plessis (also known as “Chappie”).

China Marais (on the left), with his parents and brothers in front of their home in Paarl

China Marais (on the left), with his parents and brothers in front of their home in Paarl

China had his schooling in Paarl and left after Standard 8, it does not seem like he had any further training or special qualification after leaving school.  He was slightly short and of medium build with light-brown hair.  It was his slightly slanted eyes that gave him the nickname that stuck for the rest of his life.  In fact, very few people knew his real name!  China said that he would not marry while he had to look after his elderly widow mother.  True to his word, China never married and remained a bachelor for his entire life.  According to his family, he was mischievious, well liked by all and very popular with the ladies.  He enjoyed socializing, smoking Gold Dollar cigarettes and also loved motor cars.

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