Maynie Fleck (1877-1975), The unknown benefactor in the shadow of Emily Hobhouse

The British philanthropist and pacifist, Emily Hobhouse, is not an unfamiliar name among South Africans. In particular, her role in improving the conditions in the concentration camps and alleviating the suffering experienced by the Boer women and children during the Anglo-Boer War (South African War) of 1899-1902 is well known. However, the name Maynie Fleck is less familiar or not known at all in most cases. In many ways, Fleck is the quiet and supportive driving force behind the dynamic figure of Emily Hobhouse; her South African confidant. This article examines Maynie Fleck's role during the Anglo-Boer War concerning her welfare work as the secretary of the Bloemfontein Relief Committee in the Bloemfontein concentration camp.