The Pioneers of Cela: The True Untold Story

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Introduction: The Generation of Pioneers that Shaped Angola's Future

Angola's history, often marked by conflicts and the fight for independence in the 20th century, tends to overshadow another equally essential narrative: that of the pioneers who paved the way for a modern Angola, long before wars echoed across its vast landscapes.

The men and women who migrated from Portugal in the 1940s and 1950s were not merely seeking a new life. They came with a more ambitious mission: to transform uncharted and challenging lands into a prosperous society, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of cultures, modern infrastructure, and innovative agricultural practices. Among these pioneers were my father, João de Deus Chaves, and a group of 30 Portuguese men, including four visionary engineers like Boa Ventura (the Chief), Melo, Pereira, and Leitão. They arrived in the Cela region before 1949, armed with courage, knowledge, and an unshakable determination to overcome the challenges of both land and time.

These pioneers faced not only the harshness of the land and isolation but also the growing political tensions that, years later, would threaten everything they had built. Despite these adversities, they were fundamental in advancing the multiracial and multicultural progress that is often forgotten in narratives about Angola.

This article is a tribute to the generation that helped guide Angola to the threshold of modernity through hard work and personal sacrifices. It is also a reflection on how external forces and neocolonial interests betrayed the legacy these pioneers built with such dedication.

Divided into five sections, this article will take the reader on a journey through a story often untold:

The Arrival of the Pioneers: Explores Angola's landscape before the Portuguese arrived and the beginning of the Cela Colonato, a project that transformed the region.
The Construction of the Colonato: Describes the challenges and achievements that marked the development of dairy farms and boosted the local economy.
Multiracial Progress and Community Development: Shows how the collaboration between Portuguese and Angolans created an integrated and prosperous society.
The Cold War Threat and Local Defense: Reveals how the peace built by the pioneers was shaken by global conflicts.
Betrayal and Legacy: Analyzes how the pioneers’ sacrifices were forgotten or distorted, yet their spirit of resilience continues to inspire.

This is the story of my family and all those who believed in a better future for Angola. It is a narrative of hope, courage, and a legacy that deserves to be recognized and celebrated.

1. The Arrival of the Pioneers

In the late 1940s, Angola was a vast territory rich in natural resources with untapped potential. Despite being a Portuguese colony since the 16th century, most of its interior regions remained virtually untouched. Infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals were scarce, leaving much of the population reliant on subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing.

The region that would later become the Cela Colonato was composed of small villages, inhabited by local communities who lived in harmony with the land. Life followed the natural cycle of the seasons, and ancestral traditions were kept alive with deep knowledge of the land, forests, rivers, and savannas. However, the geographic isolation also meant an absence of essential services like transportation, healthcare, and education, limiting the region's economic and social development.

In Portugal, the Estado Novo regime, led by António de Oliveira Salazar, viewed Angola as a territory with immense economic potential, driven by resources such as diamonds, oil, and fertile land. Salazar even named a new town in Angola Santa Comba, after his birthplace in Portugal. The colonial government saw the modernization of its colonies as a strategy to strengthen Portugal's position in Africa and the global economy. Agriculture was identified as the key to this development, and the Cela region was chosen for an ambitious agricultural colonization project.

It was in this context that my grandfather, João da Rocha Machado Salvador, and my father, João de Deus Chaves, decided to seek a new life in Angola. Along with a group of 30 Portuguese men, including renowned engineers such as Boa Ventura (the Chief), Melo, Leitão, and Pereira, they arrived in the Cela region before 1949. Equipped with tools, technical knowledge, and unyielding determination, these pioneers had a clear mission: to transform virgin lands into a productive and prosperous agricultural hub.

The arrival of this group of pioneers marked the beginning of a profound transformation. The region, covered by dense vegetation and subject to extreme weather conditions — alternating between torrential rains and severe droughts — posed significant challenges. Additionally, tropical diseases and physical isolation imposed constant risks. Yet, the desire to create something lasting overcame these initial difficulties.

The pioneers brought with them technical knowledge and new technologies that would revolutionize agricultural production in the region. At the same time, the local Angolans contributed their knowledge of the climate and native plants, establishing a valuable exchange of expertise. This initial collaboration was crucial to the success of the colonization project.

With the support of the Portuguese government, which provided financial and logistical incentives, the pioneers began building the foundations of the Cela Colonato — an ambitious project that promised not only to transform the region into an agricultural hub but also to modernize its infrastructure with roads, schools, and health clinics, creating a society where Portuguese colonists and Angolans could thrive together.

2. The Construction of the Colonato

After the pioneers’ arrival in the Cela region, a crucial phase began: the construction of a new society based on modern agriculture. The Cela Colonato was conceived as a project that combined economic and social development, where agriculture would not only sustain the colonists but also boost the local economy, creating a solid foundation for future generations.

The land, though fertile, was covered by dense vegetation, and the weather conditions — alternating between torrential rains and intense droughts — complicated initial efforts. The uneven terrain required the construction of terraces, while entire forests had to be cleared to make way for crops. It was in this challenging environment that the pioneers, led by experienced engineers like Boa Ventura (the Chief), Melo, Leitão, and Pereira, began to work tirelessly.

In the early years, the collaboration between newly arrived Portuguese colonists and local Angolans was essential to the project's success. The local Angolans, with their deep knowledge of the climate and soil conditions, helped adapt European farming techniques to the specificities of African land. Together, they introduced innovative agricultural practices that ensured not only survival but prosperity for the farms.

Among the pioneers was the engineer Boa Ventura, who led various initiatives, including the implementation of irrigation systems and the introduction of new crops. Irrigation was crucial to ensuring farm productivity, and canal and terrace systems were built to maximize the use of available water. Over time, sprinkler irrigation technologies were introduced, further increasing water use efficiency, which was critical during the dry seasons.

One of the greatest successes of the Cela Colonato was the creation of dairy farms. Recognizing the region's potential for dairy farming, the pioneers imported European cattle breeds such as Danish, Holstein, and Jersey, known for their high milk productivity. These breeds adapted surprisingly well to the Angolan climate, and careful cattle management, along with modern feeding practices and artificial insemination, ensured that the farms quickly became highly productive.

Milk production not only sustained the colonists and boosted the local economy but also led to the creation of the Empresa de Laticínios de Angola (ELA). ELA processed the farms’ milk into high-quality dairy products like cheese, butter, and pasteurized bottled milk, which supplied not only the region and other parts of Angola but was also exported to Europe. This success in dairy production transformed the Colonato into a thriving economic center, attracting investment and gaining recognition throughout the country.

In parallel with agricultural development, the pioneers understood that social infrastructure was equally important. Dirt roads were opened to connect the villages to the center of the Colonato, facilitating the transport of people and goods. Bridges were built to cross rivers and streams, and planned villages began to emerge, each equipped with schools, health posts, and water supply systems. The engineers involved in construction, like my father, also ensured that each village had water towers, essential for the families’ water supply and the farms’ success.

Here is a list of the 15 villages created in the Cela Colonato, with the number of houses built in each:

Vimieiro – 29 houses
Freixo – 26 houses
Santiago de Adeganha – 26 houses
Pena – 30 houses
Santa Isabel – 24 houses
Monsanto – 29 houses
Carrasqueira – 28 houses
Lardosa – 26 houses
Sé Nova – 24 houses
Vila Viçosa – 28 houses
Gradil – 28 houses
Macedo de Cavaleiros – 24 houses
Alqueidão – 28 houses
Melo – 26 houses
São Mamede – 21 houses

Each village was carefully planned to ensure that families had access to basic services like healthcare and education. Schools in the villages provided primary education, while the Escola Industrial e Comercial Narciso do Espírito Santo was founded to offer technical training in fields such as agriculture, livestock, and agricultural mechanics. This educational approach prepared the next generation of colonists and Angolans to take on leadership roles in the region’s continued development.

During this period, Sister Berta, along with other pioneering women, played a key role in managing the health posts and supporting the health of local families. The commitment to community well-being was a priority, and public health was an area in which the pioneers invested heavily.

The construction of the Cela Colonato was a monumental effort that required a combination of technological innovation, cultural collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. The success of agriculture and livestock farming was only part of the story — the true achievement was the creation of a prosperous and integrated society, where Portuguese and Angans worked side by side to build a shared future.

3. Multiracial Progress and Community Development

As the Cela Colonato developed, a new social dynamic emerged, uniting Portuguese colonists and Angolans. From the outset, it was clear to the pioneers that the project's success depended not only on technology and infrastructure but also on collaboration between the different communities living in the region. The Cela Colonato became a rare model of multiracial progress, where local knowledge and the innovations brought by European colonists complemented each other, creating an integrated and prosperous society.

Coexistence and cooperation between Portuguese and Angolans were fundamental to the Colonato's growth. While the Portuguese introduced new agricultural techniques and advanced machinery, the local communities shared their deep knowledge of the land, climate, and agricultural traditions passed down through generations. This exchange of knowledge was essential in adapting European practices to African conditions, ensuring sustainable and high-quality agricultural production.

Local farmers played an important role, teaching the pioneers how to work with Angola’s seasons and use native plants to maximize production. In return, the Portuguese introduced irrigation and artificial insemination techniques to improve livestock farming and increase dairy farm productivity. This exchange generated an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between the two peoples, creating a solid foundation for community development.

Education played a central role in promoting this multiracial progress. Schools were built in all 15 villages of the Colonato, offering primary education to both Portuguese and Angolan children. This was an innovative concept at the time, as many colonial areas maintained rigid racial segregation in educational opportunities. In the Cela Colonato, children from different backgrounds studied side by side, learning not only the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic but also agricultural practices and advanced techniques that would prepare the next generation to lead the region’s future.

The Escola Industrial e Comercial Narciso do Espírito Santo, founded in the Colonato, offered technical courses in Agriculture, Electricity, Commerce. In the commune, they taught Livestock Farming and Agricultural Mechanics. Young Portuguese and Angolans had the opportunity to learn new skills that would ensure the Colonato’s continued development. Additionally, many of these young people took on leadership positions on farms and in community projects, promoting ongoing collaboration between the two communities.

Public health was also an area of cooperation. Health posts were established in all the villages, ensuring that both Portuguese and Angolans had access to basic care. The central hospital in Cela, where my aunt volunteered, was the main healthcare center, offering more advanced medical services and treatments for tropical diseases. Moreover, vaccination and health education programs were introduced, significantly improving the quality of life and reducing infant mortality. These joint efforts strengthened the bonds between communities, demonstrating that the Colonato’s prosperity was directly linked to the well-being of all its inhabitants.

The Colonato da Cela's economic success would not have been possible without the economic empowerment of the local communities. As the farms and dairy production grew, Angolan workers were trained in new agricultural techniques, carpentry, masonry, and livestock farming, allowing them to play increasingly important roles in managing the farms and building the villages. Over time, many of these workers became skilled craftsmen and respected leaders in their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility in the Colonato.

Cultural exchange between Portuguese and Angolans also flourished. Community celebrations, such as religious festivals and the vibrant multiethnic Carnival, brought people from different backgrounds together in moments of joy and integration. Music and dance became cultural bridges, with traditional Portuguese songs blending with African rhythms, creating a unique expression that reflected the community’s diversity and harmony. Carnival, in particular, was a special occasion, where Portuguese and Angolans paraded together through the streets to the sound of drums, colorful costumes, and dances that celebrated this cultural fusion.

In addition to celebrations, culinary traditions also merged, creating a unique scene of exchange. The Portuguese brought dishes such as bacalhau and caldo verde, while local communities shared traditional Angolan recipes like funge and muamba. These food exchanges became symbols of integration and peaceful coexistence.

As the Cela Colonato prospered, multiracial coexistence and economic and cultural cooperation became the pillars of a society that, for a brief period, seemed to have found a formula for shared progress. The belief that different peoples, united by a common goal, could build something greater than their individual differences was the driving force behind the Colonato's success.

However, as Angola moved closer to the global stage of political tensions, the foundations of this multiracial progress began to be threatened. The dark clouds of the Cold War and revolutionary movements would soon test everything that had been built with such effort. Still, the legacy of integration and cooperation would remain as an example of what could have been Angola's future.

4. The Cold War Threat and Local Defense

In 1961, Angola became an unexpected battleground in the great ideological conflict of the Cold War. What began as a legitimate fight for independence from Portuguese colonial rule was quickly co-opted by global superpowers — the Soviet Union, the United States, and China — who saw in the country a strategic opportunity to expand their respective influences in Africa. Each of these powers offered military and financial support to different Angolan groups, turning what could have been a peaceful transition into a brutal and prolonged conflict.

The Soviet Union and Cuba supported the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), a Marxist-Leninist group, while the United States, along with Mobutu’s regime in Zaire, backed the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA). China, meanwhile, provided initial support to the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), which later also received aid from the U.S. and South Africa. Thus, Angola became a stage for Cold War proxy battles, with each superpower using the territory to advance its global interests, while the local population bore the brunt of the war.

For the residents of the Cela Colonato, who had thus far lived in an environment of progress and multiracial cooperation, the war seemed like a distant threat. However, this changed quickly in 1961 when armed uprisings began to spread across the country. The war arrived in Cela abruptly, with rumors of insurgent attacks and violent actions approaching the region. My father, João de Deus Chaves, and other community leaders were forced to take drastic measures to protect their families and neighbors.

In April 1961, with the threat of an imminent attack, the men of the Colonato organized a local militia to defend the region. Armed with Mauser rifles and other weapons obtained clandestinely, they patrolled the community's borders day and night, seeking to protect families and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable. While my father patrolled the borders with a Mauser machine gun in hand, my mother was at the Cela Hospital, where my brother would be born two days later, on April 17, 1961. Tensions were extreme, and each day without a direct attack was considered a temporary victory.

The situation was further complicated by the lack of direct military support from the Portuguese government. The army was overstretched and concentrated in other regions of Angola, leaving communities like the Cela Colonato practically on their own. It was then that local leaders, like my father, decided to acquire weapons from outside to reinforce the defense. In a clandestine operation, a shipment of rifles and ammunition arrived in Cela on a night flight, landing on an improvised runway lit by the headlights of community cars. This ingenuity and courage demonstrated the pioneers' resilience in the face of a growing threat.

The arrival of the weapons provided temporary relief, but the danger was constant. The Colonato, located in a relatively isolated region, became a potential target for insurgents, who sought to destabilize Portuguese control and seize strategic areas. Guerrillas, trained and supported by the Soviet Union and Cuba, began infiltrating the region, spreading fear and uncertainty.

The growing influence of revolutionary movements also directly affected the community’s internal stability. One of the most shocking episodes involved the local priest, Father Alfredo, who was initially seen as a respected figure but had allied himself with the revolutionary insurgents. Along with his group, he planned brutal attacks, including the complete elimination of the region's white population, making no distinction between men, women, and children. Reports of the insurgents' brutal training, which included inhumane tactics such as killing children by throwing them against walls, left the community in a constant state of alert and reinforced the need to maintain a strong defense.

Over time, the Colonato militia became the community's only line of defense. The men of the region, although not trained soldiers, took on the responsibility of protecting their families and the legacy they had built with so much sacrifice. During the day, they worked to reinforce defensive positions around the villages, while at night, they patrolled the most vulnerable areas. The Cela Hospital, where women and children sought shelter, became one of the community's most fortified points, with armed men protecting the site at all times.

Meanwhile, the women maintained household tasks and cared for the children, trying to create a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. My mother, like other women in the community, played a crucial role, not only as a mother but also as emotional support for the men on the front lines.

Despite the community's efforts to protect themselves, insecurity was constant. Without military support from Lisbon and with the growing threat of an attack, the community lived with uncertainty about the future. News of attacks in other parts of Angola only heightened the fear, and the Cela Colonato knew it was only a matter of time before they faced insurgent forces directly.

The Cold War, which seemed like a distant dispute between superpowers, had arrived at the Colonato's doorstep. The peace and prosperity that the pioneers had built were now at risk, and the community was determined to fight to protect everything they had achieved. However, even with the pioneers' bravery and resilience, global tensions and revolutionary movements were turning Angola into a new battleground — and the Cela Colonato's fate was becoming increasingly uncertain.

5. Betrayal and Legacy

As the Cold War intensified and the conflict in Angola became more brutal, the pioneers’ dream for the Cela Colonato began to crumble. The vision of a prosperous and integrated Angola, which they had worked so hard to build, was being destroyed by both external and internal forces that did not share the same vision. What began as a legitimate movement for Angola’s independence had transformed into a proxy war, where superpowers like the Soviet Union, the United States, and China used the country as a battleground for their geopolitical interests.

Pioneers like my father and my grandfather, João de Deus Chaves and João da Rocha Machado Salvador, saw their hopes for a better future eroded by the growing violence and instability. The multiracial collaboration and community progress they had fostered in the Cela Colonato were undone by global conflicts and internal divisions. Angola, a country that could have become an example of shared development, was betrayed by foreign powers that sought only their own interests.

With the escalation of the civil war after independence in 1975, the Cela Colonato — like many other areas of Angola — was devastated. The dairy farms, schools, health clinics, and planned villages, which had been the cornerstones of progress in the region, were destroyed or abandoned. The war, fueled by foreign military support to the various revolutionary movements, dismantled everything the pioneers had built. The fight for survival replaced optimism for the future.

Cuban forces, allied with the MPLA, and interventions by South Africa and the United States, supporting UNITA and the FNLA, turned Angola into one of the main Cold War battlegrounds on the African continent. The civil war that followed independence was long and brutal, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. The hopes for a united and prosperous Angola disappeared amid the chaos.

For the pioneering families who had dedicated their lives to building Angola, like mine, this destruction felt like a betrayal. Not only by foreign powers but also by subsequent narratives that distorted or erased their contributions. Pioneers are often simplistically portrayed as “colonists,” without due recognition for the crucial role they played in Angola's economic and social development.

The pioneers’ legacy, however, was not entirely erased. The memories of the communities that flourished, the cultural bonds that were established, and the technological and social achievements remain alive in the stories told by subsequent generations. My father and grandfather, along with other pioneers, deeply believed in Angola’s potential as a multiracial and prosperous nation. They believed that the joint efforts of Portuguese and Angolans could build a more just and equitable society, and their example of determination and courage still inspires those who know the true story.

Although the official history often ignores or distorts the role of the pioneers, it is important to remember that they were the true builders of Angola. They were the ones who faced the land’s hardships, the isolation, and the political challenges to transform an unexplored region into a prosperous agricultural and community center. They laid the foundation for what could have been a very different Angola, if not for the external interventions and conflicts that followed.

Had the superpowers allowed Angola to follow its own path, the progress initiated in the Cela Colonato might have flourished. The model of community development, based on cooperation, agricultural innovation, and multiracial coexistence, could have expanded throughout the country, providing a solid foundation for a united and modern Angola. However, foreign intervention and military support for different political factions turned Angola into a prolonged battleground, with the civilian population paying the price.

Even so, the spirit of resilience and hope that guided the pioneers was never completely destroyed. What they built, though devastated by war, remains an example of what is possible when different peoples unite for a common good. The story of my father, my grandfather, and all the other pioneers who helped modernize Angola is a lesson in perseverance in the face of adversity and proof that, even in the darkest moments, the human spirit can achieve great things.

The legacy of the Cela Colonato, with its farms, schools, and integrated communities, continues to stand as a testament that, with hard work and cooperation, it is possible to build something lasting and meaningful. Although the pioneers' dream was interrupted by war, their example continues to inspire those who still believe in a more just and prosperous Angola.