What Others Say

Prof Wald Carum, PhD – Your dissertation met the standards of excellence based on its original concept, cogently examined thesis statement, and scholarly writing. More specifically, your work is so impressive we are proud to bestow upon you the honour of Summa Cum Laude and adding your name to our high achieving alumni.

Stedphanie Victor - Curator of History, Amathole Museum King Williams Town

Jean Engelbrecht's distinctive voice is a welcome addition to 'Hubertiana'. In the process, we learn more about the sensitivity that surrounds an often disputed past. The search for the truth has led to new perspectives, which will hopefully lead to positive debate. We welcome Engelbrecht's inititative and feel privileged to have formed a small part of her epic journey.


Stephanie Victor - Curator of History, Amathole Museum King Williams Town

Alison Stent - Research Editor of the Daily Dispatch East London
Jean Marx-Engelbrecht has spent years piecing together how and why her grandfather and two uncles came to shoot Huberta on the banks of the Keiskamma River that fateful day of April 23, 1931, and how the force of the public hatred shattered their lives, split the family and robbed their descendants of their land. With compassion and unflinching regard for the truth she delves into their character flaws and relationships. Marx-Engelbrecht tells of her own journey to reconnect with her estranged family. For me, it is the tale of a family's journey through some dark places - and one woman's decision to walk towards the light, which changed everything.



Pam Fourie - Reporter of Tabletalk (Huberta's tale heals family rift)

Jean Marx-Engelbrecht a descent of the Marx family has researched and succeeded in humanizing the men who once carried the shame and guilt of that dastardly deed. She has contextualized the time, the history, the land, the hardships. Based on fact, she has breathed life into the people and circumstances that led to the shooting through intriguing narrative. More importantly, she instills the message that if you lose hope, you lose everything. The message is clear that truth really does set one free - free to have faith and hope in new beginnings. I quote her: "Sometimes we cover up the truth because we feel so ashamed. When you face the truth, it sets you free. You have to face it, even if you don't like it. Never lose hope. Your past never determines your future depending on the choices you make.