Large Medal March 1972 Department of Water Affairs Hendrik Verwoerd Dam

 Large Medal  March 1972 Department of Water Affairs Hendrik Verwoerd Dam

RSA (Pre-1994): Commissioning of the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam

Form:    Circular.

By:          A.L. Sutherland (obv.) & Tommy Sasseen / South African Mint

Date:     1972

Ref:        Laidlaw: 1329;

Variations:         

Size           Metal                Mass     

63 mm  Yellow Bronze   88.4 gm

Edge:     Plain. Thickness 4 mm

Condition as per photos.

Obverse:             Aerial view of the dam and the dam wall, mountains behind. Across: MARCH 1972 MAART. Legend on a raised band above: HENDRIK VERWOERDDAM HENDRIK VERWOERD DAM, and below between stops: DEPARTMENT OF WATER AFFAIRS DEPARTEMENT VAN WATERWESE.

Reverse:              Arms of the Republic of South Africa with motto: "EX UNITATE VIRES". Signed: "T.S." below. Legend above: I.O.R.C.C. CONSULTANTS G.H.P" and below: "B.V.S. CONTRACTORS U.C.D.B.D."

Notes:  Comes in a blue, square, fitted case lined on the inside with white silk and blue velvet.

The Hendrik Verwoerd dam (now renamed the Gariep Dam) is on the Orange River near the border between Eastern Cape and Free State. 

Note: Under the new bobshop R30 shipping program, I am obliged to ship with RAM couriers. Your package will be shipped at your risk, without insurance.

The dam was designed and built by a consortium of local and overseas consultants and contractors. This medal was commissioned by the International Orange River Consultants Company (I.O.R.C.C.) and the Union Corporation-Dumez-Borie-Dams (U.C.D.B.)

The dam was officially inaugurated by President Jacobus Fouche on 4th March, 1972, and named after the former prime minister Hendrik Verwoerd.