SA Irish Pipes & Drums march through Barberton

The familiar sound of bagpipes once again echoed through the streets of Barberton this past weekend as the SA Irish Pipes & Drums completed their 54th annual march through the town. The parade, beginning at the Barberton Museum and ending at the Cenotaph, drew residents and visitors alike, who lined the streets to witness a tradition that has become part of Barberton’s heritage.

This has become an annual parade organized by the MOTH’s of Barberton Lone Tree Shellhole. According to Zane Jacobsen, adjutant of the MOTH’s, the annual MOTH Platinum AGM was also hosted by them during the weekend. “As we have the freedom of the town, we are the official custodians of the parade, which is only one of many events we organize,” he said.

During the ceremony Lt Col Kevin Townsend, ex commander of the Witwatersrand Rifles, gave some background on why they come to Barberton every year. It was 80 years ago on September 2, 1945 that WW2 officially ended with the signing of the Japanese surrender following the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Germany already surrendered on May 7 that year.

“WW2 is the costliest loss of human lives in history with an estimated 72 million deaths of soldiers and civilians combined,” Townsend said. “We gather here annually to remember the men from Barberton who gave their lives in both world wars and those of our regiments who trained here prior to being shipped to North and East Africa and later to Italy to fight for the freedom which we enjoy today.”

He further said that only a handful of survivors are still alive today, and they are remembered with pride in the remembrance parades which has taken place in Barberton over many years. After 80 years of freedom the regiments of Transvaal Scottish, SA Irish Regiment, Witwatersrand Rifles and Regiment Botha along with light infantry are able to continue remembering by participating in this annual event.

This year’s parade carried special meaning. After an extraordinary 46 years of service as Pipe Major, Chris Herwill officially handed over leadership to David Harris in a moving ceremony at the Cenotaph. Herwill has been the longest serving Pipe Major at present in the SANDF.

Matthew Buttle, drum mayor of the SA Irish Pipes and Drums gave a brief resumé of Herwill and Harris. He then went ahead to remove the flag Herwill use to carry as leader of the band and handing it over to Harris. Veterans, townspeople, and fellow band members applauded as Herwill passed on the responsibility, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the band.

As a special symbol of recognizing Herwill’s service, Buttle also handed over a sgian-dubh. This is a small, single-edged knife worn as part of traditional Scottish Highland dress. It used to be worn tucked into the top of the kilt hose with only the upper portion of the hilt visible. Unfortunately it is not allowed as part of their uniform anymore today.

The SA Irish Pipes & Drums have been visiting Barberton since 1971, their annual march forming part of the town’s rich tradition of remembrance. The sound of the pipes added solemnity to the moment, while the presence of veterans from the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH) and local community members ensured that the act of remembrance remained a living tradition.

Known for their distinctive orange kilts, the SA Irish Pipes & Drums are more than a ceremonial band. They are active in competitions, teaching piping and drumming to new generations, and playing an important role in community and veteran events. Their annual visit to Barberton is one of the highlights of the local calendar, uniting residents in music, memory, and camaraderie.

Herwill’s farewell as Pipe Major was filled with emotion, his 46 years of leadership having shaped the band’s sound and discipline. In his place, David Harris takes up the mantle, promising both continuity and new energy. For those present at the Cenotaph, the moment symbolised both respect for the past and hope for the future.

Residents spoke of the pride they felt as Barberton once again hosted the Pipes & Drums. Children and adults attended, veterans saluted, and families applauded as the band marched past in precise formation. At the Lone Tree Shellhole, where the parade traditionally ends, the sense of shared history and community spirit was palpable.

Following the march of the morning, the band once again moved to the Garden of Remembrance as the sun set for the Drumhead Service. 

Events like the SA Irish Pipes & Drums march show how traditions endure through community participation. For Barberton the band’s return each year on invitation of the Lonetree Shellhole MOTHS, is more than a parade, it is a reminder of the importance of remembrance, heritage, and continuity.