Amabele (G14): 27

Name:Amabele

Google count: 5970 (Including "Amabeleizn >>Updates >>Amabele. izihlahla zokuthula- 11-17-2004. amabele is sorghum as well as breasts.
according to: izn.2.forumer.com/a/amabele_post186.html

Date:25/06/08

Historic fact:
the story is as follows: "At that time it was common for the Xhosa employees living on the farm area around the mill to own cattle and these cattle were allowed to graze alongside those of Mr P.F.D.Burmeister. During a drought the grazing was badly depleted and Mr Burmeister found it necessary to hire grazing from a farm in the Amabele area. Some of the cattle from Burmeister's farm, including those of his employee, were sent to graze at this farm.

Unfortunately, due to their poor condition, some of Burmeister's and the employee's cattle died. The employee went to Mr Burmeister and demanded compensation since "he had not asked permission to send his (the employee's) cattle to this hired land and he was therefore responsible for their death." Mr P.F.D. Burmeister refused to pay the "large compensation" demanded and said that he too had lost some cattle. Whilst arguments concerning this matter continued, the mill was burnt down. The arsonist was thought to be the employee "James", who was observed by Mr Adolf Frache't sitting on his white blanket on a hill overlooking the mill whilst it burnt down.

Read more: http://www.burmeist.com/history.htm


A railway, 107 m. long, the first link in the direct Cape-Natal line, runs from Indwe, 65 m. from Sterkstroom Junction on the main line from East London to the Transvaal, to Maclear, an agricultural centre in Griqualand East. Another railway parallel but south of that described also traverses Kaffraria. Starting from Amabele, a station on the main line from East London to the north, it goes via Butterworth (132 m. from East London) to Umtata (234 m.).

Source: http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Kaffraria


Other interesting info:

Kei Rail is currently a weekend daytime passenger service between East London and Mthatha. A one-way trip costs R30 and tickets are available for sale at the East London, Amabele, Komga, Butterworth and Mthatha stations, or from mobile ticket sellers.

Mhlahlo said that the service would be integrated with other modes of transport to allow for better service delivery for the passengers and people of the rural communities.

Passengers will initially be transported by bus between East London and Amabele station. In addition, there will be a bus service between King William's Town and Amabele for Kei Rail ticket holders.

Once passengers reach their desired station, they are transported to the nearest public transport pick-up point, if it is far from the station, to make it easier for them to reach their final destinations.

He added that in order for the department to support this passenger service, it is currently refurbishing additional passenger coaches, which will provide better comfort for passengers.

A total of 20 coaches will be used, with ten seater coaches used for economy class, two seater coaches used for business class, four six-sleeper coaches, and four four-sleeper coaches.

"The department will allocate R30-million during this financial year to provide these coaches," said Mhlahlo.

To ensure the safety of passengers, members of the newly established South African Police Service (SAPS) Eastern Cape Railway Unit, will be deployed inside the trains and at the stations working together with the private security companies that have been hired by SARCC Metrorail.

"Already, there are 145 members employed in this unit and have been deployed at contact points.
www.engineeringnews.co.za/

(Reminder - Story I heard when working for SATS: "Mahala, mahala")

Amahlathi is Settler country, and the home of Xhosa kings. It is steeped in history, tradition and culture. More frontier battles have arguably been fought in the district than anywhere else in South Africa. Battles were fought between the British soldiers and the Xhosa warriors for over 100 years. Yet the area is considered to be the cradle of democracy for Southern Africa and the rest of the African continent. The grave of the late King Sandile is at Izidenge forest.

Aside from its natural beauty, the region's tourist attractions include historical-cultural sites and popular outdoor activities such as bird watching, water recreation and sports at Gubu and Wriggleswade Dam.

The municipality abounds with architecture reflective of its past settler history - predominantly British and German influences. This is evident in town names such as Stutterheim, Cathcart and Keiskamahoek

The Amatole Hiking Trail was recently voted the best in SA by the Getaway Magazine, the greater part of which falls within the jurisdiction of the Amahlathi municipality. Mountain Bike trails has also been developed at Cathcart.

The municipality is also host to the Mgwali Village where tourists can experience African traditions in a village setting.

The existing manufacturing sector in the Amahlathi includes the timber products, these firms assist in reduction of unemployment and economic growth of this area.

Where to stay:

Amabele Station Bed and Breakfast

Cheap Hotel Guest House Accommodation
The following Hotel, Bed and Breakfast and Guest House accommodation is suitable for visiting Amabele Station
southafrica.bedandbreakfasts.net/propertysearch.asp?location=Amabele+Station