SAS-SAR stands for South African Railways - Suid Afrikaanse Spoorweg, spelt in both English and Afrikaans respectively. The railways have always been an essential part of South Africa’s transport system, and the SAR infrastructure is the most developed across the continent.
In 1860, the first locomotive was introduced to South Africa which connected Durban to Harbour Point, by the Natal Railway Company. Other railway lines linked towns and cities within South Africa, constructed and operated by Cape Government Railways and Netherlands South African Railway Company.
In 1910, the four British territories of Cape, Transvaal, Natal and the Orange Free State republic gained nominal independence from Britain. These four provinces formed the Union of South Africa and as a result, the railway lines across the country were merged creating the South African Railway.
The railway pocket watch dial on today’s agenda is inscribed:
SAR-SAS
Omega
C. P. Heydenrych
Johannesburg
But who exactly is CP Heydenrych?
Carel Petrus Heydenrych of Johannesburg was the son of Johanna Jacoba Heydenrych (born Theunissen) and Carel Petrus Heydenrych. He was an important military figure: A Major and Colonel who served with the Rand Rifles during the Boer War and with the Witwatersrand Rifles during the First World War. His war achievements were recognised with an honorary war medal in his name: The Major Heydenrych Medal. | 
