Name: Vishoek
Source: http://www.myfishhoek.com/fishhoekpast.html
Fish Hoek, or Visch Hoek, as was previously known, was used mainly for fishing and even Simon Van Der Stel, the then Govenor, came here for fishing in the 1600`s. He later built a house here for the fishermen. By 1725, Visch Hoek had become a regular post for the The Dutch East India Company and early maps of Visch Baai, show a company house here.
The original `Hoek` (corner), was on Clovelly side, and not Elsies Peak. The opposite end seems to have held a fishing facilities.
In the development of Visch Hoek , the corner played a significant role and posed daunting challanges. The road from Kalk Bay basically ended here. From here, there was a path going down to the beach over a series of ledges, which was known as `die trappe` (the steps).The Silvermine river here also presented its own challanges by blocking the way over the beach and then there were the quicksand issue there too. Travellers had to go inland and then turn back toward Visch Baai.
Lord Charles Somerset later built a proper road across Visch Baai in early 1800`s. Prior to this Visch Hoek was in use as a loan farm, but after the building of this road the first land grants were applied for.
In 1818, Andries Bruyns received a grant with the following conditions:-
There was to be no public winehouse
The fishing rights were to remain free.
The beach was to remain open to the public.
The land was later sold again and went through various hands and was used for different purposes, including Visch Hoek being used as a whaling station. Still later the land was divided into three portions and sold.
The first portion was the `Great or Whale Fishery`.The second portion was the `Haring Fishery`. Both these were later taken over by Hester Sophia De Kock, in 1883. She married Jacob Isaac De Villiers.
The last portion `Kleintuin` (small garden), was later sub-divided and sold again, esp in the 1890`s, with the balance sold during World War One, and this again contributed to the development of Kalk Bay.
Fish Hoek`s own further development lay in the combined Whale and Haring fisheries,belonging to Mrs. De Villiers, who held the property till 1916, when Mr. De Villiers passed away.During this time there were some noteworthy developments, one being the stone quarry on Elsies Peak in 1896. Most of the homes built during this period were built with stone from this quarry.
Another noteworthy development was the arrival of the railway line in 1890. In 1909 the railway authorities began planting grass to keep the sand off the railway line.This later proved very successful and the upper part of Fish Hoek Bay was reclaimed.
After 1916,with the passing on of Mr. De Villiers, the property was surveyed and the Fish Hoek town laid out.The first sale of plots took place in 1918 and by 1924 there were 294 houses already connected to the water supply.
Fish Hoek became a popular beach destination and was later referred to as the `Margate` of the Cape Peninsula.
In 1927, two amateur archaeologists, Victor Stanley Peers and Bertie Peers, his son, discovered the fossil remains of The Fish Hoek Man, who was an ancestor of the Bushmen , who lived here approximately 15000 years earlier.
In 1940, Fish Hoek obtained Municipal status, but today does fall under the city of Cape Town.
Source: The False Bay Story by Jose Burman
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Monday, June 28, 2010
Virginia (E 11)
Name: Virginia
Virginia: Despite its rapid progress following the gold discoveries of the 1940s, the city has remained a beautiful, tranquil city enhanced by lovely gardens. The Sand River, on which it is set, is ideal for boating, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. A hiking trail along its banks is much frequented by bird-watchers. Nearby, a small game sanctuary supports a variety of antelope.
Source: http://www.matjhabeng.co.za/towns.htm
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Virginia: Despite its rapid progress following the gold discoveries of the 1940s, the city has remained a beautiful, tranquil city enhanced by lovely gardens. The Sand River, on which it is set, is ideal for boating, water-skiing, fishing and swimming. A hiking trail along its banks is much frequented by bird-watchers. Nearby, a small game sanctuary supports a variety of antelope.
Source: http://www.matjhabeng.co.za/towns.htm
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Villiers (G 11)
Name:Villiers
Villiers is situated in the Free State on the Vaal River. is named after Lourens de Villiers on whos farms the town was first built.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Villiers is situated in the Free State on the Vaal River. is named after Lourens de Villiers on whos farms the town was first built.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Village Main (F9)
Name: Village Main
Village Main Railway Station
Fennell Road, Johannesburg
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Village Main Railway Station
Fennell Road, Johannesburg
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Viljoenskroon (E 10)
Name: Viljoenskroon
Source: http://www.viljoenskroon.co.za/
Viljoenskroon is a small maize and cattle farming town in the Free State Province of South Africa and is located approximately 45km from Bothaville and Orkney, and approximately 60km from Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kroonstad and Parys.
Viljoenskroon is named after the original farm owner JJ Viljoen and his horse Kroon (Crown). Viljoenskroon was laid out in 1921 on the farm Mahemskraal. It became a municipality in 1925.
Viljoenskroon also has its own radio station called Overvaal Stereo 96.1FM
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.viljoenskroon.co.za/
Viljoenskroon is a small maize and cattle farming town in the Free State Province of South Africa and is located approximately 45km from Bothaville and Orkney, and approximately 60km from Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kroonstad and Parys.
Viljoenskroon is named after the original farm owner JJ Viljoen and his horse Kroon (Crown). Viljoenskroon was laid out in 1921 on the farm Mahemskraal. It became a municipality in 1925.
Viljoenskroon also has its own radio station called Overvaal Stereo 96.1FM
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Viljoensdrif (F 10)
Name: Viljoensdrif
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Free State, VILJOENSDRIF, Main cemetery
Cemetery information:-
Album incomplete, we have no information about any of the headstones in the cemetery.
The GGSA Cemetery CD only has information on the location of the cemetery
Cemetery ID: 2609
Information submitted by: Peter and Beverley Moss
Google Earth Project Information:-
GPSID: 3151
GPS: -26 44.240, 27 55.182
Where to stay:
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Free State, VILJOENSDRIF, Main cemetery
Cemetery information:-
Album incomplete, we have no information about any of the headstones in the cemetery.
The GGSA Cemetery CD only has information on the location of the cemetery
Cemetery ID: 2609
Information submitted by: Peter and Beverley Moss
Google Earth Project Information:-
GPSID: 3151
GPS: -26 44.240, 27 55.182
Where to stay:
Vila de Manhica (F 10)
Name: Vila de Manhica
Manhica district it is located in southern Mozambique. ...
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Manhica district it is located in southern Mozambique. ...
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vierfontein (E 10)
Name: Vierfontein
Source: http://www.nwpg.gov.za/transport/NWFTD/nw/rail/freightlines/provincialarterial/4_xml.html
Orkney – Vierfontein – Westleigh (Kroonstad)
This inter-provincial line is 102-km in length, providing a direct route to the Free State and serving an important maize producing agricultural area. Only 7-km of the route to the crossing of the Vaal River at Milner Bridge is in the North West Province. This section of line has recently been closed and uplifted, thus breaking the through route.
The possibility of re-opening the line has been investigated but no decision has been made at this time. A thorough long- term traffic scenario will have to be undertaken to this end.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.nwpg.gov.za/transport/NWFTD/nw/rail/freightlines/provincialarterial/4_xml.html
Orkney – Vierfontein – Westleigh (Kroonstad)
This inter-provincial line is 102-km in length, providing a direct route to the Free State and serving an important maize producing agricultural area. Only 7-km of the route to the crossing of the Vaal River at Milner Bridge is in the North West Province. This section of line has recently been closed and uplifted, thus breaking the through route.
The possibility of re-opening the line has been investigated but no decision has been made at this time. A thorough long- term traffic scenario will have to be undertaken to this end.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Victoria West (C 13)
Name: Victoria West
Source: http://www.victoriawest.co.za/
Nestled between two mountains and a river, on route from Johannesburg to Cape Town (via Kimberley),lies Victoria West, a small town with an unofficial population of little over 11 000 people. The town was founded in 1855 and since it has grown into a thriving Karoo town. Over the last few years Victoria West has proven that the so called "platteland" still has a lot to offer. Several businesses have opened in recent years and the town hosted the Agri Expo Show of the year in February 2004.
Victoria West is situated on the N12, halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg making it the ideal stopover point for holiday makers or businessmen on a long journey.
Map courtesy of www.sa-venues.com
Places of interest in Victoria West include the following :
1. A unique collection of Victorian Houses should you enter from Loxton
2. A museum second to none and one of only three regional museums in the Northern Cape.
3. Mannetjies Roux's private collection of Rugby Memorabelia and photos.
4. Then of course there is the Apollo theatre which is the last remaining Art Deco cinema in the whole of South Africa
5. The "Karooland Staproete", a mountain hiking trail on the outskirts of the town, which lets you experience the magic of the Karoo first hand
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.victoriawest.co.za/
Nestled between two mountains and a river, on route from Johannesburg to Cape Town (via Kimberley),lies Victoria West, a small town with an unofficial population of little over 11 000 people. The town was founded in 1855 and since it has grown into a thriving Karoo town. Over the last few years Victoria West has proven that the so called "platteland" still has a lot to offer. Several businesses have opened in recent years and the town hosted the Agri Expo Show of the year in February 2004.
Victoria West is situated on the N12, halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg making it the ideal stopover point for holiday makers or businessmen on a long journey.
Map courtesy of www.sa-venues.com
Places of interest in Victoria West include the following :
1. A unique collection of Victorian Houses should you enter from Loxton
2. A museum second to none and one of only three regional museums in the Northern Cape.
3. Mannetjies Roux's private collection of Rugby Memorabelia and photos.
4. Then of course there is the Apollo theatre which is the last remaining Art Deco cinema in the whole of South Africa
5. The "Karooland Staproete", a mountain hiking trail on the outskirts of the town, which lets you experience the magic of the Karoo first hand
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Victoria Falls (E 4)
Name: Victoria Falls
Source: Wikipedia
Archaeological sites around the falls have yielded Homo habilis stone artifacts from 3 million years ago, 50,000-year-old Middle Stone Age tools and Late Stone Age (10,000 and 2,000 years ago) weapons, adornments and digging tools.[9] Iron-using Khoisan hunter-gatherers displaced these Stone Age people and in turn were displaced by Bantu tribes such as the southern Tonga people known as the Batoka/Tokalea, who called the falls Shungu na mutitima. The Matabele, later arrivals, named them aManz' aThunqayo, and the Batswana and Makololo (whose language is used by the Lozi people) call them Mosi-oa-Tunya. All these names mean essentially "the smoke that thunders".[10]
The first European to see the falls was David Livingstone on 17 November 1855, during his 1852–56 journey from the upper Zambezi to the mouth of the river. The falls were well known to local tribes, and Voortrekker hunters may have known of them, as may the Arabs under a name equivalent to "the end of the world". Europeans were sceptical of their reports, perhaps thinking that the lack of mountains and valleys on the plateau made a large falls unlikely.[11][12]
Livingstone had been told about the falls before he reached them from upriver and was paddled across to a small island that now bears the name Livingstone Island in Zambia (one can visit this island from Livingstone, a truly incredible experience). Livingstone had previously been impressed by the Ngonye Falls further upstream, but found the new falls much more impressive, and gave them their English name in honour of Queen Victoria. He wrote of the falls, "No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."[5]
In 1860, Livingstone returned to the area and made a detailed study of the falls with John Kirk. Other early European visitors included Portuguese explorer Serpa Pinto, Czech explorer Emil Holub, who made the first detailed plan of the falls and its surroundings in 1875 (published in 1880),[13] and British artist Thomas Baines, who executed some of the earliest paintings of the falls. Until the area was opened up by the building of the railway in 1905, though, the falls were seldom visited by other Europeans.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: Wikipedia
Archaeological sites around the falls have yielded Homo habilis stone artifacts from 3 million years ago, 50,000-year-old Middle Stone Age tools and Late Stone Age (10,000 and 2,000 years ago) weapons, adornments and digging tools.[9] Iron-using Khoisan hunter-gatherers displaced these Stone Age people and in turn were displaced by Bantu tribes such as the southern Tonga people known as the Batoka/Tokalea, who called the falls Shungu na mutitima. The Matabele, later arrivals, named them aManz' aThunqayo, and the Batswana and Makololo (whose language is used by the Lozi people) call them Mosi-oa-Tunya. All these names mean essentially "the smoke that thunders".[10]
The first European to see the falls was David Livingstone on 17 November 1855, during his 1852–56 journey from the upper Zambezi to the mouth of the river. The falls were well known to local tribes, and Voortrekker hunters may have known of them, as may the Arabs under a name equivalent to "the end of the world". Europeans were sceptical of their reports, perhaps thinking that the lack of mountains and valleys on the plateau made a large falls unlikely.[11][12]
Livingstone had been told about the falls before he reached them from upriver and was paddled across to a small island that now bears the name Livingstone Island in Zambia (one can visit this island from Livingstone, a truly incredible experience). Livingstone had previously been impressed by the Ngonye Falls further upstream, but found the new falls much more impressive, and gave them their English name in honour of Queen Victoria. He wrote of the falls, "No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight."[5]
In 1860, Livingstone returned to the area and made a detailed study of the falls with John Kirk. Other early European visitors included Portuguese explorer Serpa Pinto, Czech explorer Emil Holub, who made the first detailed plan of the falls and its surroundings in 1875 (published in 1880),[13] and British artist Thomas Baines, who executed some of the earliest paintings of the falls. Until the area was opened up by the building of the railway in 1905, though, the falls were seldom visited by other Europeans.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Friday, June 18, 2010
Vetrivier (E 11)
Name: Vetrivier
Vetrivier, Orange Free State, South Africa
Previous | All | Next
Ads by Google
Direct Flights to India
Jet Airways Launches Daily Non-Stop Flights To India. Book Your Tickets
www.JetAirways.com/Fly_To_India
South Africa Garmin Map
Complete GPS Maps 2009 For Managing Your Garmin GPS Unit
www.Garmap.Co.Za
Thailand Package Holidays
Thailand Packages from Bangkok City to Romantic Island Getaways.
AmazingHolidays.co.za
NHS Maps
PCT map, UK NHS map, Scotland map SHA maps & bespoke maps - BUY NOW
www.binleys.com
Gap Year Ideas
Sail, dive, windsurf or surf. Train as a pro & get paid jobs worldwide.
www.FlyingFishOnline.com
Map data ©2010 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd, Europa Technologies, Tele Atlas - Terms of UseMapSatelliteHybrid
Short place name information
Location Name Type
Alternative Name:
Vetrivier
Name Type:
Native
Area / State:
Orange Free State
Coordinates & Location Type
Area Type:
Spot feature
Location Type:
Railroad Station
Latitude:
-28.48333
Longitude:
26.66667
Latitude (DMS):
28° 28' 60 S
Longitude (DMS):
26° 40' 0 E
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vetrivier, Orange Free State, South Africa
Previous | All | Next
Ads by Google
Direct Flights to India
Jet Airways Launches Daily Non-Stop Flights To India. Book Your Tickets
www.JetAirways.com/Fly_To_India
South Africa Garmin Map
Complete GPS Maps 2009 For Managing Your Garmin GPS Unit
www.Garmap.Co.Za
Thailand Package Holidays
Thailand Packages from Bangkok City to Romantic Island Getaways.
AmazingHolidays.co.za
NHS Maps
PCT map, UK NHS map, Scotland map SHA maps & bespoke maps - BUY NOW
www.binleys.com
Gap Year Ideas
Sail, dive, windsurf or surf. Train as a pro & get paid jobs worldwide.
www.FlyingFishOnline.com
Map data ©2010 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd, Europa Technologies, Tele Atlas - Terms of UseMapSatelliteHybrid
Short place name information
Location Name Type
Alternative Name:
Vetrivier
Name Type:
Native
Area / State:
Orange Free State
Coordinates & Location Type
Area Type:
Spot feature
Location Type:
Railroad Station
Latitude:
-28.48333
Longitude:
26.66667
Latitude (DMS):
28° 28' 60 S
Longitude (DMS):
26° 40' 0 E
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Verwoerdburg (G 8)
Name: Verwoerdburg
Source: Wikipedia
Centurion (previously known as Verwoerdburg, after Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd) is a city with approximately 300,000 inhabitants in Gauteng Province of South Africa.
It is located between Pretoria and Midrand (Johannesburg), and part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. It is located at the intersection of the N1 and N14 highways. The R21 also passes through Centurion.
The Waterkloof Air Force Base, as well as the Swartkop Air Force Base (which includes the South African Air Force Museum) are located in the town.
Pre-Historic
Fossils discovered at the Sterkfontein Caves show that hominids lived in the vicinity of Centurion between 2 to 3 million years ago. The Sterkfontein Caves, a World Heritage Site, is less than 50 km from Centurion, near the town of Krugersdorp.
However, the earliest evidence of modern human habitation in the Centurion area itself does not go this far back. It dates back to 1 200 AD when black African communities settled in this area. They cultivated lands, grazed their cattle, made earthenware containers and smelted iron.
19th Century
From 1825 to 1826 the Matabele peoples defeated the Bakwena tribe and settled along the banks of the Magalies River under the leadership of Mzilikazi.
In 1841 the Erasmus family arrived and settled in the area that would later become Centurion. Daniel Jacobus Erasmus settled on the farm Zwartkop, Daniel Elardus Erasmus on the farm Doornkloof and Rasmus Elardus Erasmus developed the farm Brakfontein. Several of the suburbs like Erasmia, Elardus Park, Zwartkop and Doornkloof were named after these 19th century owners of the land and their properties.
In 1849 Rev Andrew Murray visited the farm Doornkloof and christened 129 babies, heard the confession of their faith of 29 new members of the Reformed Church and the next day, 29 December 1849, celebrated communion.
In 1889 Alois Hugo Nelmapius bought the northern and north-eastern portions of the farm Doornkloof and named it after his daughter Irene (who died 1961).
First Anglo-Boer War
As part of the First Boer War, the battle for Rooihuiskraal (Afrikaans for "Red House Kraal") took place in 1881 nearby here. A Boer commando under the leadership of D.J. Erasmus Jr defeated Colonel Gildea, or "The Blasted Colonel" as they called him, the British Officer Commanding of the Pretoria Garrison. After the cornered British garrison tried to escape to Natal to join General George Pomeroy Colley, the Boers entrenched themselves behind a stone wall surrounding the animal stockade, and wounded the colonel in the backside, who was standing upright in his stirrups. This was no doubt a serious blow to British morale.
Second Anglo-Boer War
During the Second Boer War the Irene Concentration Camp was established in 1901 on the farm Doornkloof, as part of the British scorched earth policy, where Boer women and children were housed under extremely poor conditions. At its peak the camp had 5,500 inhabitants, mostly women and children. Between February 1901 and the end of the war in 1902, 1249 lost their lives here, about 1000 of them children. The Irene Camp Cemetery is well preserved and contains 576 of the original slate tombstones that was carved by hand in the camp.
20th Century
The town of Irene was established in 1902 when 337 plots were laid out on the farm Doornkloof. Jan Smuts later owned part of this farm, and died there in 1950. The Smuts House is a museum today, and regularly hosts open air fleamarkets on its grounds.
Centurion developed from the initial Lyttelton Township that was marked out on the farm Droogegrond in 1904. Lyttelton Manor Extension 1 was established in 1942. These two townships initially resorted under the Peri Urban Board in Pretoria.
Centurion was granted City Council status in 1962 as Lyttelton. It was formed by combining the areas of Doornkloof, Irene and Lyttelton. Lyttelton was renamed Verwoerdburg in 1967, after Hendrik Verwoerd, the so-called "architect of apartheid". The surrounding areas, as they grew, came under the same name and Lyttelton became known as one of the suburbs of Verwoerdburg. Others included Clubview, Eldoraigne, Wierdapark, Zwartkops and their extensions.
The politically neutral name Centurion has no significance, and was presumably chosen by residents in 1995 to match the name of the Centurion Park (now called SuperSport Park) cricket ground, located in the area after the end of apartheid.
Following the end of Apartheid, the Indian township of Laudium and surrounding suburbs including Erasmia and Claudius, which were formerly a part of Pretoria, were made part of Centurion. A black township, called Olievenhoutbosch was created in Centurion at around the same time.
In 2000, the Centurion local government became part of the newly-created City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which also includes Pretoria, and the town ceased to have its own Town Council.
Geography
The Hennops River flows through the heart of Centurion, and causes occasional flooding when heavy rainfall has occurred.
Climate
Centurion is located on the Highveld like Johannesburg and Pretoria and has a similar climate, with dry, sunny winters (max daytime temperature around 20°C dropping to a crisp average minimum of 5°C) , and warm to hot summers (October - April) tempered by late-afternoon showers often accompanied by spectacular thunder and lightning. Hailstorms are not uncommon, but a serious hailstorm has not happened for many years. Summer temperatures range from the mid 20's to the mid 30's (°Celsius). Centurion's weather tends to follow the slightly warmer Pretoria, when compared to that of Johannesburg.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: Wikipedia
Centurion (previously known as Verwoerdburg, after Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd) is a city with approximately 300,000 inhabitants in Gauteng Province of South Africa.
It is located between Pretoria and Midrand (Johannesburg), and part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. It is located at the intersection of the N1 and N14 highways. The R21 also passes through Centurion.
The Waterkloof Air Force Base, as well as the Swartkop Air Force Base (which includes the South African Air Force Museum) are located in the town.
Pre-Historic
Fossils discovered at the Sterkfontein Caves show that hominids lived in the vicinity of Centurion between 2 to 3 million years ago. The Sterkfontein Caves, a World Heritage Site, is less than 50 km from Centurion, near the town of Krugersdorp.
However, the earliest evidence of modern human habitation in the Centurion area itself does not go this far back. It dates back to 1 200 AD when black African communities settled in this area. They cultivated lands, grazed their cattle, made earthenware containers and smelted iron.
19th Century
From 1825 to 1826 the Matabele peoples defeated the Bakwena tribe and settled along the banks of the Magalies River under the leadership of Mzilikazi.
In 1841 the Erasmus family arrived and settled in the area that would later become Centurion. Daniel Jacobus Erasmus settled on the farm Zwartkop, Daniel Elardus Erasmus on the farm Doornkloof and Rasmus Elardus Erasmus developed the farm Brakfontein. Several of the suburbs like Erasmia, Elardus Park, Zwartkop and Doornkloof were named after these 19th century owners of the land and their properties.
In 1849 Rev Andrew Murray visited the farm Doornkloof and christened 129 babies, heard the confession of their faith of 29 new members of the Reformed Church and the next day, 29 December 1849, celebrated communion.
In 1889 Alois Hugo Nelmapius bought the northern and north-eastern portions of the farm Doornkloof and named it after his daughter Irene (who died 1961).
First Anglo-Boer War
As part of the First Boer War, the battle for Rooihuiskraal (Afrikaans for "Red House Kraal") took place in 1881 nearby here. A Boer commando under the leadership of D.J. Erasmus Jr defeated Colonel Gildea, or "The Blasted Colonel" as they called him, the British Officer Commanding of the Pretoria Garrison. After the cornered British garrison tried to escape to Natal to join General George Pomeroy Colley, the Boers entrenched themselves behind a stone wall surrounding the animal stockade, and wounded the colonel in the backside, who was standing upright in his stirrups. This was no doubt a serious blow to British morale.
Second Anglo-Boer War
During the Second Boer War the Irene Concentration Camp was established in 1901 on the farm Doornkloof, as part of the British scorched earth policy, where Boer women and children were housed under extremely poor conditions. At its peak the camp had 5,500 inhabitants, mostly women and children. Between February 1901 and the end of the war in 1902, 1249 lost their lives here, about 1000 of them children. The Irene Camp Cemetery is well preserved and contains 576 of the original slate tombstones that was carved by hand in the camp.
20th Century
The town of Irene was established in 1902 when 337 plots were laid out on the farm Doornkloof. Jan Smuts later owned part of this farm, and died there in 1950. The Smuts House is a museum today, and regularly hosts open air fleamarkets on its grounds.
Centurion developed from the initial Lyttelton Township that was marked out on the farm Droogegrond in 1904. Lyttelton Manor Extension 1 was established in 1942. These two townships initially resorted under the Peri Urban Board in Pretoria.
Centurion was granted City Council status in 1962 as Lyttelton. It was formed by combining the areas of Doornkloof, Irene and Lyttelton. Lyttelton was renamed Verwoerdburg in 1967, after Hendrik Verwoerd, the so-called "architect of apartheid". The surrounding areas, as they grew, came under the same name and Lyttelton became known as one of the suburbs of Verwoerdburg. Others included Clubview, Eldoraigne, Wierdapark, Zwartkops and their extensions.
The politically neutral name Centurion has no significance, and was presumably chosen by residents in 1995 to match the name of the Centurion Park (now called SuperSport Park) cricket ground, located in the area after the end of apartheid.
Following the end of Apartheid, the Indian township of Laudium and surrounding suburbs including Erasmia and Claudius, which were formerly a part of Pretoria, were made part of Centurion. A black township, called Olievenhoutbosch was created in Centurion at around the same time.
In 2000, the Centurion local government became part of the newly-created City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which also includes Pretoria, and the town ceased to have its own Town Council.
Geography
The Hennops River flows through the heart of Centurion, and causes occasional flooding when heavy rainfall has occurred.
Climate
Centurion is located on the Highveld like Johannesburg and Pretoria and has a similar climate, with dry, sunny winters (max daytime temperature around 20°C dropping to a crisp average minimum of 5°C) , and warm to hot summers (October - April) tempered by late-afternoon showers often accompanied by spectacular thunder and lightning. Hailstorms are not uncommon, but a serious hailstorm has not happened for many years. Summer temperatures range from the mid 20's to the mid 30's (°Celsius). Centurion's weather tends to follow the slightly warmer Pretoria, when compared to that of Johannesburg.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Verulam (M 13)
Name: Verulam
Source: http://verulam.co.za/welcome.htm
Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal
Verulam is a town 28 kilometres north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. In 1850 a party of 400 methodists settled here and formed the town. The town was then named after the Earl of Verulam, patron of the Brits who settled here. It is now a town inhabited mainly by Indians.
The town is large with a population well over 60,000. There are over several high-schools and primary schools catering for all races and all areas of the town. It contains densely populated residential and industrial areas, which include a multitude of shopping centres, mosques, temples & churches. At the outskirts are large farming areas several "suburbs" which are mostly rural. There has been slow but steady progress in modernising the town by providing adequate infrastructure to the rural areas.
There are a few major attractions in Verulam but the most spectacular is probably the Sri Gopalall Hindu Temple which was opened in 1913 by Mahatma Gandhi. It is situated in the small suburb of Temple Valley in Verulam. It is one of the oldest temples in South Africa and still caters for prayer & wedding ceremonies. The Hazelmere Dam, just a few kilometers from Verulam features a variety of activities, such as watersports, fishing, nature walks and bird Watching. There is a wide range of Game and also has camping sites & luxury accommodation. Lastly is the Verulam market. People from all around Kwa-Zulu Natal come here to get their fresh fruits & vegetables as there is a large variety at incredible prices. There are 3 levels of the market; the upper two levels is opened daily and here you can get anything from clothing to fresh fruits. The lower level, open only on certain days, features the freshest fruits and vegetables of KwaZulu-Natal at reasonable prices.
An interesting fact is that Verulam is the only town in the world where the main street (Wick Street) ends into a river!
Province
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://verulam.co.za/welcome.htm
Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal
Verulam is a town 28 kilometres north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is now part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. In 1850 a party of 400 methodists settled here and formed the town. The town was then named after the Earl of Verulam, patron of the Brits who settled here. It is now a town inhabited mainly by Indians.
The town is large with a population well over 60,000. There are over several high-schools and primary schools catering for all races and all areas of the town. It contains densely populated residential and industrial areas, which include a multitude of shopping centres, mosques, temples & churches. At the outskirts are large farming areas several "suburbs" which are mostly rural. There has been slow but steady progress in modernising the town by providing adequate infrastructure to the rural areas.
There are a few major attractions in Verulam but the most spectacular is probably the Sri Gopalall Hindu Temple which was opened in 1913 by Mahatma Gandhi. It is situated in the small suburb of Temple Valley in Verulam. It is one of the oldest temples in South Africa and still caters for prayer & wedding ceremonies. The Hazelmere Dam, just a few kilometers from Verulam features a variety of activities, such as watersports, fishing, nature walks and bird Watching. There is a wide range of Game and also has camping sites & luxury accommodation. Lastly is the Verulam market. People from all around Kwa-Zulu Natal come here to get their fresh fruits & vegetables as there is a large variety at incredible prices. There are 3 levels of the market; the upper two levels is opened daily and here you can get anything from clothing to fresh fruits. The lower level, open only on certain days, features the freshest fruits and vegetables of KwaZulu-Natal at reasonable prices.
An interesting fact is that Verulam is the only town in the world where the main street (Wick Street) ends into a river!
Province
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vermaas (D 9)
Name:
Source: Mbendi Gerdau (11.4 Km)
Ga-Maloka (16.4 Km)
Saamwerk (19.4 Km)
Biesiesvlei (19.4 Km)
Sannieshof (19.9 Km)
Bospoort (22.0 Km)
Hakboslaagte (27.8 Km)
Hauptsrus (28.3 Km)
Ottosdal (31.6 Km)
Twycross (32.6 Km)
Erma (36.0 Km)
Dudfield (37.1 Km)
Tlhabologang (37.5 Km)
Coligny (38.6 Km)
Vaalplaats (41.1 Km)
Boikhutso (41.2 Km)
Syferkuil (41.5 Km)
Sias (42.4 Km)
Dupperspos (43.2 Km)
Witfontein (43.5 Km
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: Mbendi Gerdau (11.4 Km)
Ga-Maloka (16.4 Km)
Saamwerk (19.4 Km)
Biesiesvlei (19.4 Km)
Sannieshof (19.9 Km)
Bospoort (22.0 Km)
Hakboslaagte (27.8 Km)
Hauptsrus (28.3 Km)
Ottosdal (31.6 Km)
Twycross (32.6 Km)
Erma (36.0 Km)
Dudfield (37.1 Km)
Tlhabologang (37.5 Km)
Coligny (38.6 Km)
Vaalplaats (41.1 Km)
Boikhutso (41.2 Km)
Syferkuil (41.5 Km)
Sias (42.4 Km)
Dupperspos (43.2 Km)
Witfontein (43.5 Km
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vereeniging (F 10)
Name: Vereeniging
Main Source: Wikipedia
Vereeniging is a city in Gauteng province, South Africa, with a population of more than 400,000. It is also one of the constituent parts of the Vaal Triangle region and was formerly situated in the Transvaal province.
The name Vereeniging is derived from the Afrikaans/Dutch word meaning "association" or "union", "joining" or "uniting", is located around the old rail and road crossing points between the two old republics: the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic and the Republic of the Orange Free State.
Geographical Information
Vereeniging is situated in the Southern part of Gauteng Province, and neighbors Vanderbijlpark (West), Three Rivers (East), Meyerton (North) and Sasolburg (South).
The predominant language in Vereeniging is Afrikaans, which is followed up closely by English and Sesotho.
The motto of the city is : Per Pacem ad Industriam (Through peace to industry)
[edit] History
The city was founded in 1892 and is situated on the banks of the northern loop of the Vaal River. Much of its early growth was due to the nearby coal mines.
The city is well known for being the location where the Treaty of Vereeniging ending the Second Boer War (1899-1902) was negotiated. During this conflict, a concentration camp was set up by the British military in the area.
Nearby Vereeniging is the predominantly black community of Sharpeville, Gauteng, the site of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Main source: http://www.places.co.za/html/vereeniging.html
In the late 1800s the Vaal River was crossed at Viljoensdrift, on the Free State side of the present Vereeniging. In 1878 coal was dicovered on the farm Leeuwkuil and a town developed around the mine on the northern bank of the Vaal River. The first stands were sold in 1892 and the railway track crossing the Vaal River was also completed that year.
It is one of the busier industrial areas in South Africa. The town is one of the most important heavy industrial centres in South Africa and cables, chains, steel tubing, farm implements and many steel and other products are manufactured here.
Coal reserves have been estimated at as much as 4 billion tons and substantial deposits of fire-clay, silica and building stone are also mined.
Activities
Klip River Terrace
One of the most valuable archaeological sites in the world. A rich store of Stone Age implements has been uncovered here.
Maccauvlei
Is a coal-rich farm that is also the site of an Anglo-Boer War concentration camp
and has a memorial to the Canadian soldiers who were killed in that war.
Mona Lisa
Very few people will be leave the Mona Lisa shop without buying at least one souvenir.
The shop offers a wide selection of homemade gifts, Swazi glass, candles, clay hangings and paintings.
Museum
Houses an interesting collection of photographs that were taken during the peace negotiations that ended the Anglo-Boer Warin 1902.
Three Rivers Nature Trail
Takes hikers along the Klip (Stone), Vaal and Suiker-bosrand Rivers. Also oppertunities for watersports.
Treaty of Vereeniging (actually finally signed at Melrose House in Pretoria)
The memorial was first erected on the spot where representatives of the Boer Republics and Rhodes initially discussed the conditions of the treaty - and later moved to the library.
The Vaal Teknorama
Is the only museum of its kind in the country. It focuses on industrial development in the area. The Witkop Blockhouse is a relic from the Anglo-BoerWar.
Where to stay:
Main Source: Wikipedia
Vereeniging is a city in Gauteng province, South Africa, with a population of more than 400,000. It is also one of the constituent parts of the Vaal Triangle region and was formerly situated in the Transvaal province.
The name Vereeniging is derived from the Afrikaans/Dutch word meaning "association" or "union", "joining" or "uniting", is located around the old rail and road crossing points between the two old republics: the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic and the Republic of the Orange Free State.
Geographical Information
Vereeniging is situated in the Southern part of Gauteng Province, and neighbors Vanderbijlpark (West), Three Rivers (East), Meyerton (North) and Sasolburg (South).
The predominant language in Vereeniging is Afrikaans, which is followed up closely by English and Sesotho.
The motto of the city is : Per Pacem ad Industriam (Through peace to industry)
[edit] History
The city was founded in 1892 and is situated on the banks of the northern loop of the Vaal River. Much of its early growth was due to the nearby coal mines.
The city is well known for being the location where the Treaty of Vereeniging ending the Second Boer War (1899-1902) was negotiated. During this conflict, a concentration camp was set up by the British military in the area.
Nearby Vereeniging is the predominantly black community of Sharpeville, Gauteng, the site of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Main source: http://www.places.co.za/html/vereeniging.html
In the late 1800s the Vaal River was crossed at Viljoensdrift, on the Free State side of the present Vereeniging. In 1878 coal was dicovered on the farm Leeuwkuil and a town developed around the mine on the northern bank of the Vaal River. The first stands were sold in 1892 and the railway track crossing the Vaal River was also completed that year.
It is one of the busier industrial areas in South Africa. The town is one of the most important heavy industrial centres in South Africa and cables, chains, steel tubing, farm implements and many steel and other products are manufactured here.
Coal reserves have been estimated at as much as 4 billion tons and substantial deposits of fire-clay, silica and building stone are also mined.
Activities
Klip River Terrace
One of the most valuable archaeological sites in the world. A rich store of Stone Age implements has been uncovered here.
Maccauvlei
Is a coal-rich farm that is also the site of an Anglo-Boer War concentration camp
and has a memorial to the Canadian soldiers who were killed in that war.
Mona Lisa
Very few people will be leave the Mona Lisa shop without buying at least one souvenir.
The shop offers a wide selection of homemade gifts, Swazi glass, candles, clay hangings and paintings.
Museum
Houses an interesting collection of photographs that were taken during the peace negotiations that ended the Anglo-Boer Warin 1902.
Three Rivers Nature Trail
Takes hikers along the Klip (Stone), Vaal and Suiker-bosrand Rivers. Also oppertunities for watersports.
Treaty of Vereeniging (actually finally signed at Melrose House in Pretoria)
The memorial was first erected on the spot where representatives of the Boer Republics and Rhodes initially discussed the conditions of the treaty - and later moved to the library.
The Vaal Teknorama
Is the only museum of its kind in the country. It focuses on industrial development in the area. The Witkop Blockhouse is a relic from the Anglo-BoerWar.
Where to stay:
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ventersdorp (E 9)
Name: Ventersdorp
Main source: http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/southern/ventersdorp.html, Also Wikipedia
Ventersdorp is a town situated in North West Province of South Africa.
The town's population is just 2,000 while the nearby township of Tshing has a population of around 15,000.
AWB legacy
Afrikaner nationalist Eugène Terre'Blanche was born in Ventersdrop.[3] The town is the base of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), a far right secessionist political organisation and former paramilitary group, which Terre'Blanche founded.
Many of the AWB's major figures live in Ventersdorp, including Terre'Blanche's former driver JP Meyer. Eugene Terre'Blanche's security firm was rented out to the town council for a long time as an almost private police force.[citation needed]
In 2000 the new black Mayor of Ventersdorp terminated this contract.[citation needed] Shortly thereafter he disappeared, never to be seen again and his car was found in a nearby field.[citation needed] The Mayor's cousin was found guilty of his murder, but some people, particularly black people, believed that Terre'Blanche had ordered the murder and that the AWB influenced the outcome of the trial.[citation needed]
However, separately, Terre'Blanche was sentenced to six years in prison on June 17, 2001, of which he served three years, for assaulting a petrol station worker and the attempted murder of a security guard in 1996.[citation needed] One of only three whites in the Rooigrond prison near Mafikeng, during his time in prison he became a born-again Christian and later claimed to have moderated many of his more racist views.[4] Terre'Blanche was released on June 11, 2004[5] and the AWB website claims these court cases and other scandals involving him were fabricated by the 'Black Government and the left wing media'.
Terre'Blanche, who had lived in relative obscurity since his release from prison, was murdered in his sleep on his farm Villana just outside of Ventersdorp on April 3, 2010. He was reportedly beaten to death with pipes and pangas by two black men, one of them a minor, allegedly over "a wage dispute". Terre'Blanche's body was found on the bed with facial and head injuries. Ventersdorp police said two suspects were taken into custody over his killing.
The Ventersdorp High School has changed quite dramatically, with non-white students attending since 1995. These students are mostly Afrikaans speaking coloured residents of the smaller township Toevlug.
The Tshing township has a diamond mine nearby: a town councillor owned it in the early 1990s.
Ventersdorp is at the centre of a large agricultural area.
The enormous silos, with a two million bag capacity, stand as proof of the farming activities in the area.
Eye of the Schoonspruit River
This is one of many river eyes in the area. It is 6km from Ventersdorp on the road to Koster. The town depends on its water for human consumption.
Water Mill
The mill is in Roscher Street (off N14 on R30 just south of town). The mill was built on the Schoonspruit River, on a farm the government granted to Mrs de Beer after the death of her first husband. Her next husband, a Welshman named Mr Richard Carew Wilson, built the mill in 1866. It still works today, although it has been electrified and the wheel has long since gone.
Rietspruit Dam Resort
Elandskuil Dam
Klerkskraal Dam
Swartrand Caves
Tarentaal Hiking Routes
The grave with eternal flowers
In the town cemetery is the grave of an Irish soldier, G. Shaw, who fought on the side of the Boers during the South African War. He was court-marshaled by the British authorities and executed by firing squad. Use the entry gate to the left of the old cemetery. The lonely grave is in the shade of a huge tree, next to the fence on the left.
NG Church Hall & NG Church
Anglo Boer South African War Memorial
Near the Voortrekker Hall, next to the fire and ambulance services. In memory of Boer soldiers who died during skirmishes, and women and children who died in the concentration camps.
Boer Fort
The fort is on the farm Elandskuil 4km out of town on the road to Klerksdorp. It is on the left side of the road, at the turn-off to the Rietspruit Dam.
Battle of Ventersdorp Memorial
In memory of those who died on August 9, 1994.
History
The Eye of the Schoonspruit attracted people for hundreds of years to this fertile valley and it still is a never-ending source of life for the people of the town, even during the harshest drought.
Some BaTswana groups settled in the Ventersdorp region in the mid 18th century, but fled the area in the early 19th century during an invasion by other groups. Most of them fled to the Free State. They later returned only to find that white farmers had already claimed the land along the Schoonspruit River.
The first white people came to the area in 1840, making it one of the first settlements in the old Transvaal Republic. The first farm in the area was called Sterkstroom ('strong flowing stream'). The town was established on the farm Roodepoort 22, property of Mr JH Venter. It is believed that Venter allocated stands as early as 1860.
With the development of a farming community in the area, more and more people bought property from Venter.
History
The town grew around a Dutch Reformed parish that was established in 1866.[1] [2] The town was named after Johannes Venter who owned the land the church was built on.
The first church was built in 1889. This building was later used as the church hall, with the completion of a larger red brick church in 1912, which still stands sentinel over the town.
More people settled in the town after the discovery of diamonds in the area. Gold was also discovered but turned out not to be worth mining.
During the South African Anglo Boer War, most of the men folk joined the Boer commandos. When the British introduced their scorched earth policy, an Irish soldier, G. Shaw, considered the tactic immoral and defected. He stayed with the Engelbrecht family at Ventersdorp. When food ran out he went to a local shop for rations. British soldiers recognised him. After his capture he was tried and executed. He was buried in a far corner of the cemetery, away from both British and Boer soldiers. The site is known as The Grave With Eternal Flowers. The grave is under a tree which stays in bloom for months.
In the 1960's and 1970's, hundreds of blacks in the town and surrounding areas were forcefully removed under apartheid laws. They were relocated to newly declared townships such as Makgokgwane in the former Bophuthatswana.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Main source: http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/southern/ventersdorp.html, Also Wikipedia
Ventersdorp is a town situated in North West Province of South Africa.
The town's population is just 2,000 while the nearby township of Tshing has a population of around 15,000.
AWB legacy
Afrikaner nationalist Eugène Terre'Blanche was born in Ventersdrop.[3] The town is the base of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), a far right secessionist political organisation and former paramilitary group, which Terre'Blanche founded.
Many of the AWB's major figures live in Ventersdorp, including Terre'Blanche's former driver JP Meyer. Eugene Terre'Blanche's security firm was rented out to the town council for a long time as an almost private police force.[citation needed]
In 2000 the new black Mayor of Ventersdorp terminated this contract.[citation needed] Shortly thereafter he disappeared, never to be seen again and his car was found in a nearby field.[citation needed] The Mayor's cousin was found guilty of his murder, but some people, particularly black people, believed that Terre'Blanche had ordered the murder and that the AWB influenced the outcome of the trial.[citation needed]
However, separately, Terre'Blanche was sentenced to six years in prison on June 17, 2001, of which he served three years, for assaulting a petrol station worker and the attempted murder of a security guard in 1996.[citation needed] One of only three whites in the Rooigrond prison near Mafikeng, during his time in prison he became a born-again Christian and later claimed to have moderated many of his more racist views.[4] Terre'Blanche was released on June 11, 2004[5] and the AWB website claims these court cases and other scandals involving him were fabricated by the 'Black Government and the left wing media'.
Terre'Blanche, who had lived in relative obscurity since his release from prison, was murdered in his sleep on his farm Villana just outside of Ventersdorp on April 3, 2010. He was reportedly beaten to death with pipes and pangas by two black men, one of them a minor, allegedly over "a wage dispute". Terre'Blanche's body was found on the bed with facial and head injuries. Ventersdorp police said two suspects were taken into custody over his killing.
The Ventersdorp High School has changed quite dramatically, with non-white students attending since 1995. These students are mostly Afrikaans speaking coloured residents of the smaller township Toevlug.
The Tshing township has a diamond mine nearby: a town councillor owned it in the early 1990s.
Ventersdorp is at the centre of a large agricultural area.
The enormous silos, with a two million bag capacity, stand as proof of the farming activities in the area.
Eye of the Schoonspruit River
This is one of many river eyes in the area. It is 6km from Ventersdorp on the road to Koster. The town depends on its water for human consumption.
Water Mill
The mill is in Roscher Street (off N14 on R30 just south of town). The mill was built on the Schoonspruit River, on a farm the government granted to Mrs de Beer after the death of her first husband. Her next husband, a Welshman named Mr Richard Carew Wilson, built the mill in 1866. It still works today, although it has been electrified and the wheel has long since gone.
Rietspruit Dam Resort
Elandskuil Dam
Klerkskraal Dam
Swartrand Caves
Tarentaal Hiking Routes
The grave with eternal flowers
In the town cemetery is the grave of an Irish soldier, G. Shaw, who fought on the side of the Boers during the South African War. He was court-marshaled by the British authorities and executed by firing squad. Use the entry gate to the left of the old cemetery. The lonely grave is in the shade of a huge tree, next to the fence on the left.
NG Church Hall & NG Church
Anglo Boer South African War Memorial
Near the Voortrekker Hall, next to the fire and ambulance services. In memory of Boer soldiers who died during skirmishes, and women and children who died in the concentration camps.
Boer Fort
The fort is on the farm Elandskuil 4km out of town on the road to Klerksdorp. It is on the left side of the road, at the turn-off to the Rietspruit Dam.
Battle of Ventersdorp Memorial
In memory of those who died on August 9, 1994.
History
The Eye of the Schoonspruit attracted people for hundreds of years to this fertile valley and it still is a never-ending source of life for the people of the town, even during the harshest drought.
Some BaTswana groups settled in the Ventersdorp region in the mid 18th century, but fled the area in the early 19th century during an invasion by other groups. Most of them fled to the Free State. They later returned only to find that white farmers had already claimed the land along the Schoonspruit River.
The first white people came to the area in 1840, making it one of the first settlements in the old Transvaal Republic. The first farm in the area was called Sterkstroom ('strong flowing stream'). The town was established on the farm Roodepoort 22, property of Mr JH Venter. It is believed that Venter allocated stands as early as 1860.
With the development of a farming community in the area, more and more people bought property from Venter.
History
The town grew around a Dutch Reformed parish that was established in 1866.[1] [2] The town was named after Johannes Venter who owned the land the church was built on.
The first church was built in 1889. This building was later used as the church hall, with the completion of a larger red brick church in 1912, which still stands sentinel over the town.
More people settled in the town after the discovery of diamonds in the area. Gold was also discovered but turned out not to be worth mining.
During the South African Anglo Boer War, most of the men folk joined the Boer commandos. When the British introduced their scorched earth policy, an Irish soldier, G. Shaw, considered the tactic immoral and defected. He stayed with the Engelbrecht family at Ventersdorp. When food ran out he went to a local shop for rations. British soldiers recognised him. After his capture he was tried and executed. He was buried in a far corner of the cemetery, away from both British and Boer soldiers. The site is known as The Grave With Eternal Flowers. The grave is under a tree which stays in bloom for months.
In the 1960's and 1970's, hundreds of blacks in the town and surrounding areas were forcefully removed under apartheid laws. They were relocated to newly declared townships such as Makgokgwane in the former Bophuthatswana.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Veertien Strome (D 10)
Name: Veertien Strome
This place is situated in Warrenton, Northern Cape, South Africa, its geographical coordinates are 28° 4' 0" South, 24° 53' 0" East
Veertien Strome.
Veertien Strome is a village in Northern Cape, South Africa. It is 426km south west of Pretoria and 329km south east of Tshabong (Tsabong, Botswana).
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Warrenton Railway Station - - streetmaps.co.za - Road and ...Warrenton Railway Station.kml (Opens in new window). Similar Nearby Points. Veertien Strome Railway Station (5km); Dowlish Railway Station (11km) ...
www.streetmaps.co.za/detail.asp?ref... - Cached
Where to stay:
The World's Best Photos of storm and train - Flickr Hive Mind50 storm train 19 clouds 17 sky 13 tracks 12 railroad 11 rain 10 snow 9 weather hdr 7 station night canon rail 6 winter railway photomatix blue 5 dark nikon ...
fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/storm,train - Cached
This place is situated in Warrenton, Northern Cape, South Africa, its geographical coordinates are 28° 4' 0" South, 24° 53' 0" East
Veertien Strome.
Veertien Strome is a village in Northern Cape, South Africa. It is 426km south west of Pretoria and 329km south east of Tshabong (Tsabong, Botswana).
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Warrenton Railway Station - - streetmaps.co.za - Road and ...Warrenton Railway Station.kml (Opens in new window). Similar Nearby Points. Veertien Strome Railway Station (5km); Dowlish Railway Station (11km) ...
www.streetmaps.co.za/detail.asp?ref... - Cached
Where to stay:
The World's Best Photos of storm and train - Flickr Hive Mind50 storm train 19 clouds 17 sky 13 tracks 12 railroad 11 rain 10 snow 9 weather hdr 7 station night canon rail 6 winter railway photomatix blue 5 dark nikon ...
fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/storm,train - Cached
Vasco (B 16)
Name: Vasco
Take a bet - SA Horseracing - Western CapeAdderley Street, No 3 Adderley Street, Cape Town Station, Cape Town. Bellville, Cnr Church & Durban Road, ... Vasco, Vasco Hotel, 225 Voortrekker Rd, Vasco ...
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Take a bet - SA Horseracing - Western CapeAdderley Street, No 3 Adderley Street, Cape Town Station, Cape Town. Bellville, Cnr Church & Durban Road, ... Vasco, Vasco Hotel, 225 Voortrekker Rd, Vasco ...
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Van Reenen (H 12)
Name: Van Reenen
Source: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/van-reenen.php
Van Reenen’s Pass, a sweeping pass renowned for its slippery and precarious roads (particularly as a result of the frequent misty conditions), and some of the most gorgeous views, is the main route through the Drakensberg Mountains connecting Jo-burg and Durban with Van Reenen, a little town perched on the high summit of the Pass, between Harrismith and Ladysmith on the N3.
Van Reenen has a history steeped in the Anglo-Boer War, and a lookout point, called Windy Corner, about 3 kilometres out of town with views over the mountains and lower lying regions - virtually all that there is to the town’s credit, apart from the Llandaff Oratory - a small chapel with only eight seats built by a father in memory of his son, and ostensibly the smallest Roman Catholic church in the world.
South Africans and travellers alike pass through this part of the world on the way to somewhere, and seldom stop to appreciate the unique mountainous area, the Battlefields Route sprawled out in the valley below filled with a unique charm, arts and crafts, hiking trails and Zulu culture.
Source: http://www.vanreenentourism.co.za/
Van Reenen and the Pass have always been associated with transport. First it was a migratory route for hordes of animals migrating from the Orange Free State to KwaZulu Natal in winter and back again in summer.
Frans Van Reenen, after whom the Pass is named, farmed at the base of Van Reenen Pass and trekked his oxen inland using the paths worn by the migrating animals. In the mid 1800’s he assisted the transport riders with laying out a route for the wagons carrying supplies to the gold mines.
The area traversed by Van Reenen Pass was originally known as Underberg and there was a settlement 9 km south of the present village around Wyford where the border post was between the Orange Free State and KwaZulu Natal. This was manned by Customs officials, a Dipping Officer and a Police station. There was also The Good Hope Hotel, a boarding house and two blacksmith shops.
In 1891 the railway line was opened and the present village of Van Reenen came into being as all the services were taken to the top of the Pass. The railway line was a massive engineering feat to negotiate the steep incline and involved a series of tunnels and reversing stations. The latter were later replaced by more tunnels which is the route to-day
A green lantern was hung at the top of the pass to signify that travellers had reached the summit as it was often very foggy. At this time near to where the Caltex garage is to day, a guard from 6 a.m. manned the border post until 6 p.m. No movement was allowed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Van Reenen Hotel was built in 1892 which in 1948 was renamed The Green Lantern Inn. At the time of the Siege of Ladysmith in 1899 the Van Reenen Hotel was commandeered by the British as their headquarters for the troops stationed on Gun Hill which gave then a commanding view of both the Orange Free State and KwaZulu Natal. They also built a blockhouse, which has since been demolished.
During the 2nd World war Van Reenen was a great tourist destination with some 4 hotels in the area. Guests arrived by train and many activities were organized such as tennis and cricket matches. The Little Church or Llandaff Oratory was built in memory of Matthew Maynard’s son who was killed while trying to rescue others in a mining accident in 1925. The Moorddraai monument was erected in memory of 9 people murdered in 1865 who were transporting merchandise from Durban to Pretoria.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/van-reenen.php
Van Reenen’s Pass, a sweeping pass renowned for its slippery and precarious roads (particularly as a result of the frequent misty conditions), and some of the most gorgeous views, is the main route through the Drakensberg Mountains connecting Jo-burg and Durban with Van Reenen, a little town perched on the high summit of the Pass, between Harrismith and Ladysmith on the N3.
Van Reenen has a history steeped in the Anglo-Boer War, and a lookout point, called Windy Corner, about 3 kilometres out of town with views over the mountains and lower lying regions - virtually all that there is to the town’s credit, apart from the Llandaff Oratory - a small chapel with only eight seats built by a father in memory of his son, and ostensibly the smallest Roman Catholic church in the world.
South Africans and travellers alike pass through this part of the world on the way to somewhere, and seldom stop to appreciate the unique mountainous area, the Battlefields Route sprawled out in the valley below filled with a unique charm, arts and crafts, hiking trails and Zulu culture.
Source: http://www.vanreenentourism.co.za/
Van Reenen and the Pass have always been associated with transport. First it was a migratory route for hordes of animals migrating from the Orange Free State to KwaZulu Natal in winter and back again in summer.
Frans Van Reenen, after whom the Pass is named, farmed at the base of Van Reenen Pass and trekked his oxen inland using the paths worn by the migrating animals. In the mid 1800’s he assisted the transport riders with laying out a route for the wagons carrying supplies to the gold mines.
The area traversed by Van Reenen Pass was originally known as Underberg and there was a settlement 9 km south of the present village around Wyford where the border post was between the Orange Free State and KwaZulu Natal. This was manned by Customs officials, a Dipping Officer and a Police station. There was also The Good Hope Hotel, a boarding house and two blacksmith shops.
In 1891 the railway line was opened and the present village of Van Reenen came into being as all the services were taken to the top of the Pass. The railway line was a massive engineering feat to negotiate the steep incline and involved a series of tunnels and reversing stations. The latter were later replaced by more tunnels which is the route to-day
A green lantern was hung at the top of the pass to signify that travellers had reached the summit as it was often very foggy. At this time near to where the Caltex garage is to day, a guard from 6 a.m. manned the border post until 6 p.m. No movement was allowed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Van Reenen Hotel was built in 1892 which in 1948 was renamed The Green Lantern Inn. At the time of the Siege of Ladysmith in 1899 the Van Reenen Hotel was commandeered by the British as their headquarters for the troops stationed on Gun Hill which gave then a commanding view of both the Orange Free State and KwaZulu Natal. They also built a blockhouse, which has since been demolished.
During the 2nd World war Van Reenen was a great tourist destination with some 4 hotels in the area. Guests arrived by train and many activities were organized such as tennis and cricket matches. The Little Church or Llandaff Oratory was built in memory of Matthew Maynard’s son who was killed while trying to rescue others in a mining accident in 1925. The Moorddraai monument was erected in memory of 9 people murdered in 1865 who were transporting merchandise from Durban to Pretoria.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Vandyksdrif (J 9)
Name: Vandyksdrif
Vandyksdrif, region: Mpumalanga
Latitude -26.0833330
Longitude 29.3166670
http://www.the-gables.co.za/pages/history.pdf
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vandyksdrif, region: Mpumalanga
Latitude -26.0833330
Longitude 29.3166670
http://www.the-gables.co.za/pages/history.pdf
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vanduzi (J 3)
Name: Vanduzi
Vanduzi Mozambique
Longitude : 33 16' 00''
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Vanduzi Mozambique
Longitude : 33 16' 00''
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Monday, June 14, 2010
Van der Stel (B 17)
Name: Van der Stel
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Valsrivier (G 11)
Name: Valsrivier
Location of Valsrivier, Orange Free State, South Africa (Latitude: 27° 22' 60 S, Longitude: 26° 31' 0 E)
http://www.airrifle.co.za/album.php?albumid=543
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Location of Valsrivier, Orange Free State, South Africa (Latitude: 27° 22' 60 S, Longitude: 26° 31' 0 E)
http://www.airrifle.co.za/album.php?albumid=543
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Valsbaai (A17)
Name:Valsbaai
Valsbaai (Engels: False Bay) is 'n baai met 'n lengte van sowat 48 kilometer naby Kaapstad, met Kaappunt en die Kaapse Skiereiland aan die westelike kant en die Hottentots-Holland-berge aan die oostekant.
Onder die vroeë Portugese seevaarders het Valsbaai as Golfo Dentro das Sierras of "Baai tussen die Berge" bekend gestaan. Baie skepe, wat van die Verre Ooste terugkeer, het die Kaap Hangklip aan die oostelike kant van die baai as Kaappunt aangesien en vaar dus die "vals baai" in. Gevolglik kry Kaap Hangklip vinnig die Portugese naam Cabo Falso ("Vals Kaap").
Danksy die Agulhasstroom, wat hier vloei, het die water in die baai 'n matige temperatuur. Talle vissersdorpies en vakansieoorde het langs die kuslyn van Valsbaai ontwikkel, waaronder Vishoek, Muizenberg, Strand en Gordonsbaai. Simonstad is die hoofkwartier van die Suid-Afrikaanse Vloot.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Valsbaai (Engels: False Bay) is 'n baai met 'n lengte van sowat 48 kilometer naby Kaapstad, met Kaappunt en die Kaapse Skiereiland aan die westelike kant en die Hottentots-Holland-berge aan die oostekant.
Onder die vroeë Portugese seevaarders het Valsbaai as Golfo Dentro das Sierras of "Baai tussen die Berge" bekend gestaan. Baie skepe, wat van die Verre Ooste terugkeer, het die Kaap Hangklip aan die oostelike kant van die baai as Kaappunt aangesien en vaar dus die "vals baai" in. Gevolglik kry Kaap Hangklip vinnig die Portugese naam Cabo Falso ("Vals Kaap").
Danksy die Agulhasstroom, wat hier vloei, het die water in die baai 'n matige temperatuur. Talle vissersdorpies en vakansieoorde het langs die kuslyn van Valsbaai ontwikkel, waaronder Vishoek, Muizenberg, Strand en Gordonsbaai. Simonstad is die hoofkwartier van die Suid-Afrikaanse Vloot.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Val (H 10)
Name:Val
Source: http://www.linx.co.za/accommo/provinces/mp70acom.html
Val
Type: Hotel Location: 4 Smith Street
Enquiries: Rita Brits
Cell: +27 (0)82 550 5540
e-mail: val.hotel@webmail.co.za
Web: http://www.valhotel.co.za
Description: The almost unknown little hamlet of Val about 30 minutes from Heidelberg in Gauteng and only a stone's throw from Greylingstad on the road to Standerton, is surely one of the smallest, cleanest and most beautiful little towns on the highveld. It has only 28 inhabitants and is really worth a visit. Andre and Rita bought almost the whole town on an auction in 1994, including the dilapidated old "Val Hotel". The hotel offers a cozy private pub, large fireplaces and spacious entertaining areas for functions and weddings. The railway station building opposite the street from the guesthouse will soon be available for backpackers. The small and beautiful thatched chapel further down the road is becoming a very popular wedding venue from where bridal pairs and their guests move to the Val Hotel for wedding receptions. Val Hotel's accommodation consists of twelve rooms, 2 self-catering cottages and a backpackers which sleeps 15. It can accommodate 22 or more guests and offers full catering by prior arrangement.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.linx.co.za/accommo/provinces/mp70acom.html
Val
Type: Hotel Location: 4 Smith Street
Enquiries: Rita Brits
Cell: +27 (0)82 550 5540
e-mail: val.hotel@webmail.co.za
Web: http://www.valhotel.co.za
Description: The almost unknown little hamlet of Val about 30 minutes from Heidelberg in Gauteng and only a stone's throw from Greylingstad on the road to Standerton, is surely one of the smallest, cleanest and most beautiful little towns on the highveld. It has only 28 inhabitants and is really worth a visit. Andre and Rita bought almost the whole town on an auction in 1994, including the dilapidated old "Val Hotel". The hotel offers a cozy private pub, large fireplaces and spacious entertaining areas for functions and weddings. The railway station building opposite the street from the guesthouse will soon be available for backpackers. The small and beautiful thatched chapel further down the road is becoming a very popular wedding venue from where bridal pairs and their guests move to the Val Hotel for wedding receptions. Val Hotel's accommodation consists of twelve rooms, 2 self-catering cottages and a backpackers which sleeps 15. It can accommodate 22 or more guests and offers full catering by prior arrangement.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Vaalwater (G 6)
Name: Vaalwater
Source: http://www.places.co.za/html/vaalwater.html
Situated in the upper reaches of the Mokolo River, Vaalwater is a village within the Waterberg Mountain range.
The Waterberg's rugged beauty, together with its diversity in plant- and animal life, has led to the development of several exciting eco-tourism projects such as the biosphere reserve - the Waterberg Nature Conservancy - protecting more than 150 000 hectares of the Waterberg-habitat.
The Waterberg-range, incorporating many rivers, streams and swamps, stretches for 150 kilometres in a long arc from east to west.
Apart from the spectacular scenery of the mountains, the area’s popularity is growing thanks to the wide selection of accommodation, game and nature reserves.
The working farms in and around the village, all offer numerous outdoor activities.
Activities
Adventure Activities:
The area offers guided bush walks, day and night game drives, mountain bike trails, bird watching, boat cruises, hunting and hiking.
Church of St John the Baptist:
A charming thatched church made of local materials and designed by Sir Herbert Baker, architect of the Union Building in Pretoria.
Mokolo Dam and Nature Reserve:
Fishing, barbecuing and picnicking are the most popular activities at this spot 50km northwest of Vaalwater.
San Rock Artwork:
The area boasts many fascinating rock paintings and geological sites to visit.
Rhino Museum:
The museum depicts all the facets of rhino conservation.
Waterberg Cultural Museum:
Situated at the original Melkrivier School, offers a variety of interesting information on the cultural history of the area.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: http://www.places.co.za/html/vaalwater.html
Situated in the upper reaches of the Mokolo River, Vaalwater is a village within the Waterberg Mountain range.
The Waterberg's rugged beauty, together with its diversity in plant- and animal life, has led to the development of several exciting eco-tourism projects such as the biosphere reserve - the Waterberg Nature Conservancy - protecting more than 150 000 hectares of the Waterberg-habitat.
The Waterberg-range, incorporating many rivers, streams and swamps, stretches for 150 kilometres in a long arc from east to west.
Apart from the spectacular scenery of the mountains, the area’s popularity is growing thanks to the wide selection of accommodation, game and nature reserves.
The working farms in and around the village, all offer numerous outdoor activities.
Activities
Adventure Activities:
The area offers guided bush walks, day and night game drives, mountain bike trails, bird watching, boat cruises, hunting and hiking.
Church of St John the Baptist:
A charming thatched church made of local materials and designed by Sir Herbert Baker, architect of the Union Building in Pretoria.
Mokolo Dam and Nature Reserve:
Fishing, barbecuing and picnicking are the most popular activities at this spot 50km northwest of Vaalwater.
San Rock Artwork:
The area boasts many fascinating rock paintings and geological sites to visit.
Rhino Museum:
The museum depicts all the facets of rhino conservation.
Waterberg Cultural Museum:
Situated at the original Melkrivier School, offers a variety of interesting information on the cultural history of the area.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Utrecht (J 11)
Name: Utrecht
Source Wikipedia
Utrecht is a small town in the foothills of the Balele Mountains in the North Western corner of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Newcastle, Kwazulu Natal's third largest urban center is 50 km away from Utrecht. Utrecht boasts a population of approximately 32000 people including the surrounding areas.
Coal mining and cattle ranching are the predominant economic activities of the citizens of Utrecht.
Mapungubwe (1050–1270)
[show] 1600-1700
Cape Colony (1652–1910)
[show] 1700-1800
Swellendam (1795)
Graaff Reinet (1795–1796)
[show] 1800-1850
Waterboer's Land (1813–1871)
Zulu Kingdom (1818–1897)
Adam Kok's Land (1825–1861)
Winburg (1836–1844)
Potchefstroom (1837–1848)
Natalia Republic (1839–1843)
[show] 1850-1875
Orange Free State (1854–1902)
Republic of Utrecht (1854–1858)
Lydenburg Republic (1856–1860)
South African Republic (1857–1902)
Griqualand East (1861–1879)
Griqualand West (1870)
[show] 1875-1900
Stellaland (1882–1885)
Goshen (1882–1883)
Nieuw Republiek (1884–1888)
Klein Vrystaat (1886–1891)
[show] 1900-present
Cape Colony (1652–1910)
Union of South Africa (1910–1961)
Transkei (1976–1994)
Bophuthatswana (1977–1994)
Venda (1979–1994)
Ciskei (1981–1994)
Republic of South Africa (1961–present)
In 1843 the English annexed the Klip River Republic. Most of the inhabitants moved to the latter day Free State and Transvaal, but three of them, A. T. Spies, J. C. Klopper and C. J. van Rooyen, traded land east of the Buffalo River for 300 cattle in 1852 from king Mpande. Van Rooyen, who spoke isiZulu fluently, was a personal friend of king Mpande, and even salved him in the biblical manner a few years earlier. Even before 1852 Van Rooyen had permission to use this tract of land as grazing.
The majority of Northern Natal was uninhabited, as king Sjaka, circa 1820, got rid of the amaHlubi (the Hlubi-tribe), who were the then inhabitants. The amaZulu never inhabited this land.
In the archives the settlers who moved there with the trio were called the "Buffel rivier maatschappij".
In a proclamation dd 27 December 1852 the "Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic", the ZAR, by a letter signed by kmdt-genl A. W. J. Pretorius (the hero of the battle of Blood River) warned them that the ZAR did not recognize this transaction. The reason being that they were scared of antagonizing the English, as they will be neighbors on the other side of the Buffalo River, after the annexation of the Klip River Republic. This warning was re-issued during December 1853, in a letter written to a certain "Phillip Koch and the rest of the inhabitants of the area of the Buffalo River". (My translation)
The same inhabitants wanted to be incorporated in the ZAR, but the latter wanted none of this. On 8 September 1854 the trio named above, again traded the same land for a further 100 cattle, but then had this bill of sale signed, which can be viewed in the Transvaal Archive:
“ Dumasoela 8 September 1854
Bij deze neemd ik de staad den vrijheid bij mijn outoriteit Panda Konig der Zoelas dat ik een deel van mijn gronde verhandelt heeft aan de ondergetekende Emigranten voor een honderd beesten het welke ik op datum deser als contant ontvangen heef te zegge degronde hier onder vermeld als een Eewig durende Eigendom der Emigranten:
XXXXXXX (de merk betekend naam Panda)
De lijn zal zijn alwaar bloet revier in buffel revier loop en langes bloet revier op verder langes de buitenste spruit (Lynspruit) op en onder de gebergtes langs alle open gronde die nu niet door Pandas kaffers bewoond is tot aan de ronde kop tusschen de twee spruiten van Pongola en tot vast aan de lijn der vrije republiek en alle in geslote gronde tot aan de Btitsche lijn.
Als getuigen J. C. Klopper P. W. Jordaan C. J. van Rooyen J. G. Herbst A. T. Spies Aldus gedaan en bekragtig op Datum deser
xxxxxx (De merk beteken de naam Mapasha).
”
The Republic of Utrecht (after the forming of the New Republic on its eastern side, which was known as the Old Republic), existed until 1858 when it joined the Republic of Lydenburg. This republic then joined the ZAR in 1860. Utrecht and Vryheid (the capital of the former New Republic) was then part of the ZAR until 31 May 1902 when the ZAR surrendered to Great Britain, after which both towns and their districts, were incorporated into Natal as spoils of war.
[edit] HISTORICAL & OTHER FACTS
Tucked away in the corner of the picturewsque Balele mountains lies Utrecht, a rare gem, unique in that it lies within a Game Park.
Established in 1854, the town is steeped in history which is reflected in beautiful historical buildings like the Old Parsonage Museum, the Dutch Reformed sandstone church, the unique old military cemetry and stately colonial houses and other buildings.
Utrecht does not only offer an historical experience to the tourist. The picturesque Balele mountains whti its waterfalls and ecological diversity is home to a wealth of fauna and flore, especiallu in the Balele Game Park which encircles the town.
The conservancy and district offers a variety of experiences that include hiking and horse trails, trout fishing in dams of the pristine Bivane river, birding as well as water sport at the redreation resort.
The Utrecht district is the tribal domain of no fewer than 5 Amakosi (Zulu Chiefs) who, today play an active role in the development of the area. The Mangosuthu Arts and Crafts village with backpacker accommodation and craft shop that sells a variety of traditional Zulu articles is a must!
Utrecht has excellent agricultural potential and is the most important wool producing area in KwaZulu-Natal. It is, howeer, also a major cattle and mixed farming region. Farm holidays are on offer to the city dweller in search of an alternative experience.
Municipality
Utrecht is the seat of the local eMadlageni municipality and the Amajuba District Municipality. The Amajuba District Municipality is the fifth most densely populated district in KwaZulu-Natal, comprising Dannhauser (1516 km²), Newcastle (1956 km²), and Utrecht (3539 km²). The average population density that was recorded in Amajuba was 67.7 people per km² in 2001. In 2001 the district was home to 468030 people, with 22% residing in Dannhauser, 72% residing in Newcastle and 7% in Utrecht.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source Wikipedia
Utrecht is a small town in the foothills of the Balele Mountains in the North Western corner of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Newcastle, Kwazulu Natal's third largest urban center is 50 km away from Utrecht. Utrecht boasts a population of approximately 32000 people including the surrounding areas.
Coal mining and cattle ranching are the predominant economic activities of the citizens of Utrecht.
Mapungubwe (1050–1270)
[show] 1600-1700
Cape Colony (1652–1910)
[show] 1700-1800
Swellendam (1795)
Graaff Reinet (1795–1796)
[show] 1800-1850
Waterboer's Land (1813–1871)
Zulu Kingdom (1818–1897)
Adam Kok's Land (1825–1861)
Winburg (1836–1844)
Potchefstroom (1837–1848)
Natalia Republic (1839–1843)
[show] 1850-1875
Orange Free State (1854–1902)
Republic of Utrecht (1854–1858)
Lydenburg Republic (1856–1860)
South African Republic (1857–1902)
Griqualand East (1861–1879)
Griqualand West (1870)
[show] 1875-1900
Stellaland (1882–1885)
Goshen (1882–1883)
Nieuw Republiek (1884–1888)
Klein Vrystaat (1886–1891)
[show] 1900-present
Cape Colony (1652–1910)
Union of South Africa (1910–1961)
Transkei (1976–1994)
Bophuthatswana (1977–1994)
Venda (1979–1994)
Ciskei (1981–1994)
Republic of South Africa (1961–present)
In 1843 the English annexed the Klip River Republic. Most of the inhabitants moved to the latter day Free State and Transvaal, but three of them, A. T. Spies, J. C. Klopper and C. J. van Rooyen, traded land east of the Buffalo River for 300 cattle in 1852 from king Mpande. Van Rooyen, who spoke isiZulu fluently, was a personal friend of king Mpande, and even salved him in the biblical manner a few years earlier. Even before 1852 Van Rooyen had permission to use this tract of land as grazing.
The majority of Northern Natal was uninhabited, as king Sjaka, circa 1820, got rid of the amaHlubi (the Hlubi-tribe), who were the then inhabitants. The amaZulu never inhabited this land.
In the archives the settlers who moved there with the trio were called the "Buffel rivier maatschappij".
In a proclamation dd 27 December 1852 the "Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic", the ZAR, by a letter signed by kmdt-genl A. W. J. Pretorius (the hero of the battle of Blood River) warned them that the ZAR did not recognize this transaction. The reason being that they were scared of antagonizing the English, as they will be neighbors on the other side of the Buffalo River, after the annexation of the Klip River Republic. This warning was re-issued during December 1853, in a letter written to a certain "Phillip Koch and the rest of the inhabitants of the area of the Buffalo River". (My translation)
The same inhabitants wanted to be incorporated in the ZAR, but the latter wanted none of this. On 8 September 1854 the trio named above, again traded the same land for a further 100 cattle, but then had this bill of sale signed, which can be viewed in the Transvaal Archive:
“ Dumasoela 8 September 1854
Bij deze neemd ik de staad den vrijheid bij mijn outoriteit Panda Konig der Zoelas dat ik een deel van mijn gronde verhandelt heeft aan de ondergetekende Emigranten voor een honderd beesten het welke ik op datum deser als contant ontvangen heef te zegge degronde hier onder vermeld als een Eewig durende Eigendom der Emigranten:
XXXXXXX (de merk betekend naam Panda)
De lijn zal zijn alwaar bloet revier in buffel revier loop en langes bloet revier op verder langes de buitenste spruit (Lynspruit) op en onder de gebergtes langs alle open gronde die nu niet door Pandas kaffers bewoond is tot aan de ronde kop tusschen de twee spruiten van Pongola en tot vast aan de lijn der vrije republiek en alle in geslote gronde tot aan de Btitsche lijn.
Als getuigen J. C. Klopper P. W. Jordaan C. J. van Rooyen J. G. Herbst A. T. Spies Aldus gedaan en bekragtig op Datum deser
xxxxxx (De merk beteken de naam Mapasha).
”
The Republic of Utrecht (after the forming of the New Republic on its eastern side, which was known as the Old Republic), existed until 1858 when it joined the Republic of Lydenburg. This republic then joined the ZAR in 1860. Utrecht and Vryheid (the capital of the former New Republic) was then part of the ZAR until 31 May 1902 when the ZAR surrendered to Great Britain, after which both towns and their districts, were incorporated into Natal as spoils of war.
[edit] HISTORICAL & OTHER FACTS
Tucked away in the corner of the picturewsque Balele mountains lies Utrecht, a rare gem, unique in that it lies within a Game Park.
Established in 1854, the town is steeped in history which is reflected in beautiful historical buildings like the Old Parsonage Museum, the Dutch Reformed sandstone church, the unique old military cemetry and stately colonial houses and other buildings.
Utrecht does not only offer an historical experience to the tourist. The picturesque Balele mountains whti its waterfalls and ecological diversity is home to a wealth of fauna and flore, especiallu in the Balele Game Park which encircles the town.
The conservancy and district offers a variety of experiences that include hiking and horse trails, trout fishing in dams of the pristine Bivane river, birding as well as water sport at the redreation resort.
The Utrecht district is the tribal domain of no fewer than 5 Amakosi (Zulu Chiefs) who, today play an active role in the development of the area. The Mangosuthu Arts and Crafts village with backpacker accommodation and craft shop that sells a variety of traditional Zulu articles is a must!
Utrecht has excellent agricultural potential and is the most important wool producing area in KwaZulu-Natal. It is, howeer, also a major cattle and mixed farming region. Farm holidays are on offer to the city dweller in search of an alternative experience.
Municipality
Utrecht is the seat of the local eMadlageni municipality and the Amajuba District Municipality. The Amajuba District Municipality is the fifth most densely populated district in KwaZulu-Natal, comprising Dannhauser (1516 km²), Newcastle (1956 km²), and Utrecht (3539 km²). The average population density that was recorded in Amajuba was 67.7 people per km² in 2001. In 2001 the district was home to 468030 people, with 22% residing in Dannhauser, 72% residing in Newcastle and 7% in Utrecht.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Usakos (A 6)
Name: Usakos
The first town east of the Namib Desert on the main B2 road from Swakopmund, Usakos lies on the southern bank of the Khan River, nestled in the last hills before the Namib, at the edge of a vast expanse of nothingness. The town originally developed around the railway workshops which were built to service the narrow-gauge Otavi line, completed in 1906. Until 1960, the town prospered but when the old steam locomotives were replaced by diesel engines it lapsed into its present sleepy state.
Accommodation in the area: Bahnhof Hotel, Usakos Hotel, Namib Wuste Camping and Die Bahnmeister.
source: http://www.usakos.com/
Usakos is a city[1] 140 kilometres north-east of Swakopmund in the Erongo Region of Namibia. It is located on the B2, the main road between the coast and Okahandja, where the road turns towards the capital, Windhoek. Surrounded by mountains, Usakos is quite picturesque. There are several gasoline stations and banks as well as other town services.
Usakos is the closest town to the Spitzkoppe, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia."
Railways
Usakos is the junction of the branch railways to Tsumeb and the Angolan border, Outjo and Grootfontein from the line to Windhoek
Source: Wikipedia (June 2010)
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
The first town east of the Namib Desert on the main B2 road from Swakopmund, Usakos lies on the southern bank of the Khan River, nestled in the last hills before the Namib, at the edge of a vast expanse of nothingness. The town originally developed around the railway workshops which were built to service the narrow-gauge Otavi line, completed in 1906. Until 1960, the town prospered but when the old steam locomotives were replaced by diesel engines it lapsed into its present sleepy state.
Accommodation in the area: Bahnhof Hotel, Usakos Hotel, Namib Wuste Camping and Die Bahnmeister.
source: http://www.usakos.com/
Usakos is a city[1] 140 kilometres north-east of Swakopmund in the Erongo Region of Namibia. It is located on the B2, the main road between the coast and Okahandja, where the road turns towards the capital, Windhoek. Surrounded by mountains, Usakos is quite picturesque. There are several gasoline stations and banks as well as other town services.
Usakos is the closest town to the Spitzkoppe, often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia."
Railways
Usakos is the junction of the branch railways to Tsumeb and the Angolan border, Outjo and Grootfontein from the line to Windhoek
Source: Wikipedia (June 2010)
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Upington (B 11)
Name: Upington
Upington is situated on the banks of the Orange River (which is one of the largest rivers in South Africa). Upington is rich in culture and history. The town was established in 1870. Since 1880 the town has expanded rapidly and is now the commercial, agricultural and educational centre of the Gordonia district.
Source: http://www.upington.co.za/
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Upington had a few clubs when I started visiting the town but as alcohol prices went up and people started partying at home the clubs closed one after the other and only two remained in Upington. Last night we made an appearance at “Plan B” to round off our perfect night with some dancing and a couple of shooters.
Plan B is your typical “platteland” club that focus on “langarm” and lots of alcohol consumption. The place is massive with a huge dance area, some pool tables and a large bar area. Plan B is great fun but only start picking up speed after 11 as people move from home parties after they have lost all ambitions and don’t care about booze prices.
I must admit that I am too old to do the club thing and the loud music, waiting for drinks and driving under the influence just doesn’t do it for me anymore. That said if I were 10 years younger it would have been a blast!
Source: http://www.rivercity.co.za/2009/06/plan-b/
Where to stay:
The railway line between Upington and Keimoes.
Upington is situated on the banks of the Orange River (which is one of the largest rivers in South Africa). Upington is rich in culture and history. The town was established in 1870. Since 1880 the town has expanded rapidly and is now the commercial, agricultural and educational centre of the Gordonia district.
Source: http://www.upington.co.za/
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
Upington had a few clubs when I started visiting the town but as alcohol prices went up and people started partying at home the clubs closed one after the other and only two remained in Upington. Last night we made an appearance at “Plan B” to round off our perfect night with some dancing and a couple of shooters.
Plan B is your typical “platteland” club that focus on “langarm” and lots of alcohol consumption. The place is massive with a huge dance area, some pool tables and a large bar area. Plan B is great fun but only start picking up speed after 11 as people move from home parties after they have lost all ambitions and don’t care about booze prices.
I must admit that I am too old to do the club thing and the loud music, waiting for drinks and driving under the influence just doesn’t do it for me anymore. That said if I were 10 years younger it would have been a blast!
Source: http://www.rivercity.co.za/2009/06/plan-b/
Where to stay:
The railway line between Upington and Keimoes.
Unified (F 9)
Name: Unified
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
•Hamberg (5.9km)
•Roodepoort (8.8km)
•Roodepoort-Wes (13.5km)
•Florida (13.5km)
•Maraisburg (18.8km)
•Unified (18.8km)
•Phomolong (20.4km)
•Witpoortjie (21.9km)
•Mzimhlope (22.8km)
•Bosmont (24.4km)
•New Canada (26.4km)
•Phefeni (26.8km)
•Orlando (28.6km)
•Newclare (30.1km)
•Westbury (30.1km)
•Luipaardsvlei (30.6km)
•Mlamlankunzi (31.5km)
•Croesus (32.2km)
•Longdale (32.2km)
•Nancefield (33.2km
Where to stay:
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:
•Hamberg (5.9km)
•Roodepoort (8.8km)
•Roodepoort-Wes (13.5km)
•Florida (13.5km)
•Maraisburg (18.8km)
•Unified (18.8km)
•Phomolong (20.4km)
•Witpoortjie (21.9km)
•Mzimhlope (22.8km)
•Bosmont (24.4km)
•New Canada (26.4km)
•Phefeni (26.8km)
•Orlando (28.6km)
•Newclare (30.1km)
•Westbury (30.1km)
•Luipaardsvlei (30.6km)
•Mlamlankunzi (31.5km)
•Croesus (32.2km)
•Longdale (32.2km)
•Nancefield (33.2km
Where to stay:
Ungubana (M 7)
Name: Ungubana
Ungubana, Mozambique
Google count:Date:Historic fact:
Other interesting info:
Ungubana is situated in the destination of Mozambique. Lies in the south-web part of country.As to the administrative division, Ungubana belongs to Maputo . Several major tourist attractions can be mentioned in the town’s surroundings, like Nelspruit (South Africa) about 172 km, Maputo (Mozambique) about 109 km, Kruger National Park (South Africa), about 156 km, Phophonyane Falls (Swaziland) about 169 km, Mlawula Nature Reserve (Swaziland) about 144 km, Mbabane (Swaziland), about 209 km, Mantenga Cultural Village (Swaziland) about 223 km, Mkhaya Nature Reserve (Swaziland) about 206 km, (South Africa), about 339 km, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park (South Africa) about 316 km, Kingdom of Mapungubwe (Zimbabwe) about 448 km.
The nearest international airport (JNB) Johannesburg Intl Airport is situated about 455 km from the town of Ungubana..
http://en.tixik.com/ungubana-1718192.htm
Where to stay:
Ungubana, Mozambique
Google count:Date:Historic fact:
Other interesting info:
Ungubana is situated in the destination of Mozambique. Lies in the south-web part of country.As to the administrative division, Ungubana belongs to Maputo . Several major tourist attractions can be mentioned in the town’s surroundings, like Nelspruit (South Africa) about 172 km, Maputo (Mozambique) about 109 km, Kruger National Park (South Africa), about 156 km, Phophonyane Falls (Swaziland) about 169 km, Mlawula Nature Reserve (Swaziland) about 144 km, Mbabane (Swaziland), about 209 km, Mantenga Cultural Village (Swaziland) about 223 km, Mkhaya Nature Reserve (Swaziland) about 206 km, (South Africa), about 339 km, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park (South Africa) about 316 km, Kingdom of Mapungubwe (Zimbabwe) about 448 km.
The nearest international airport (JNB) Johannesburg Intl Airport is situated about 455 km from the town of Ungubana..
http://en.tixik.com/ungubana-1718192.htm
Where to stay:
Underberg (J 13)
Name: Underberg
Underberg is an administrative town in a dairy and cattle farming community in the Mzimkulu River valley of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated at the foot of the 1,904 m Hlogoma Peak (place of echoes) in the foothills of the southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal. Underberg began in 1917 when the railway from Pietermaritzburg reach the area. It is an important commercial centre for the region's farming industry and a gateway to the Southern Drakensberg resorts; it is also a trading point for people who come down the nearby Sani Pass from Lesotho.
There are a couple of decent restaurants - The Lemon Tree in the centre, Roxy's, located in the Underberg Hotel, and Mikes' a great one for the family
Tourism the area is the second biggest industry next to farming. To enjoy the full extent of Southern Drakensberg, tourists are encouraged to stay in Underberg for more than one day, to be able to take in and apreciate the true splendour of Underberg. TripAdvisor points to Pile-Inn B&B for quality accommodation.
The Underberg district is, along with Dullstroom, Mpumalanga one of South Africa's premier flyfishing destinations. Splashy Fen, an annual outdoor music festival, is held on a farm near Underberg.
(Source: Wikipedia - June 2010)
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Underberg is an administrative town in a dairy and cattle farming community in the Mzimkulu River valley of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated at the foot of the 1,904 m Hlogoma Peak (place of echoes) in the foothills of the southern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal. Underberg began in 1917 when the railway from Pietermaritzburg reach the area. It is an important commercial centre for the region's farming industry and a gateway to the Southern Drakensberg resorts; it is also a trading point for people who come down the nearby Sani Pass from Lesotho.
There are a couple of decent restaurants - The Lemon Tree in the centre, Roxy's, located in the Underberg Hotel, and Mikes' a great one for the family
Tourism the area is the second biggest industry next to farming. To enjoy the full extent of Southern Drakensberg, tourists are encouraged to stay in Underberg for more than one day, to be able to take in and apreciate the true splendour of Underberg. TripAdvisor points to Pile-Inn B&B for quality accommodation.
The Underberg district is, along with Dullstroom, Mpumalanga one of South Africa's premier flyfishing destinations. Splashy Fen, an annual outdoor music festival, is held on a farm near Underberg.
(Source: Wikipedia - June 2010)
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Umzumbe (L 15)
Name: Umzumbe
http://www.kzntopbusiness.co.za/site/umzumbe
The municipality of Umzumbe extends along the coast for a short stretch between Mtwalume and Hibberdene, and then balloons out into the hinterland for some 60 km. It covers a vast, largely rural area of some 1 182.7 sq km. Only 1% of the municipality is built up (semi-urban). The rural hinterland incorporates 17 traditional authority areas.
There are no established towns in the municipality, which is characterised by a vast backlog of basic services, high levels of poverty and virtually no economic base. The most striking physical feature is the extent of undeveloped natural land, which represents almost 60% of the total land area. The topography can be described as extremely rocky and hilly.
Economy
Umzumbe is a very popular holiday resort consisting of Hotels, Self-Catering Holiday Resorts, a Caravan Park, and a small business community.
Income levels in Umzumbe are very low, and reflect a situation of acute impoverishment. Almost 60% of all households have an income of less than R500 per month. Households rely for survival on pension and other welfare grants, migrant remittances, informal earnings and casual employment wages. Most rural households depend on the land and other natural resources for fuel, water and subsistence crops. An aim of the municipality is to reduce economic growth backlog by ensuring economic growth and job creation through product or service niche market development in various economic sectors.
Agriculture
Large-scale commercial farming is limited to the northern and eastern parts, generally outside the traditional settlement areas. However, the area has high agricultural potential.
Tourism
An unspoilt environment provides significant opportunities for tourist development.
Accommodation is available in chalets, caravan parks and the Pumula Hotel. Watersports including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, surfing and ski-boat fishing are popular activities.
Local Economic Development
The municipality intends to adopt an economic development strategy that will focus on agriculture, tourism and marketing. An integrated land reform programme is to be adopted that not only addresses land restitution and redistribution but also identifies land that can be used for rural housing projects.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
http://www.kzntopbusiness.co.za/site/umzumbe
The municipality of Umzumbe extends along the coast for a short stretch between Mtwalume and Hibberdene, and then balloons out into the hinterland for some 60 km. It covers a vast, largely rural area of some 1 182.7 sq km. Only 1% of the municipality is built up (semi-urban). The rural hinterland incorporates 17 traditional authority areas.
There are no established towns in the municipality, which is characterised by a vast backlog of basic services, high levels of poverty and virtually no economic base. The most striking physical feature is the extent of undeveloped natural land, which represents almost 60% of the total land area. The topography can be described as extremely rocky and hilly.
Economy
Umzumbe is a very popular holiday resort consisting of Hotels, Self-Catering Holiday Resorts, a Caravan Park, and a small business community.
Income levels in Umzumbe are very low, and reflect a situation of acute impoverishment. Almost 60% of all households have an income of less than R500 per month. Households rely for survival on pension and other welfare grants, migrant remittances, informal earnings and casual employment wages. Most rural households depend on the land and other natural resources for fuel, water and subsistence crops. An aim of the municipality is to reduce economic growth backlog by ensuring economic growth and job creation through product or service niche market development in various economic sectors.
Agriculture
Large-scale commercial farming is limited to the northern and eastern parts, generally outside the traditional settlement areas. However, the area has high agricultural potential.
Tourism
An unspoilt environment provides significant opportunities for tourist development.
Accommodation is available in chalets, caravan parks and the Pumula Hotel. Watersports including scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, surfing and ski-boat fishing are popular activities.
Local Economic Development
The municipality intends to adopt an economic development strategy that will focus on agriculture, tourism and marketing. An integrated land reform programme is to be adopted that not only addresses land restitution and redistribution but also identifies land that can be used for rural housing projects.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Umzinto (L15)
Name: Umzinto
Source: Wikpedia (June 2010)
Umzinto is a town 10 kilometres inland from Park Rynie on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa in the Umdoni Local Municipality which is under the Ugu District Municipality. It was a sugarcane growing area and the town was set up as the centre for a sugar mill. The first public company in Natal was established at Umzinto in 1858. Umzinto has grown and developed to a self-sustaining urban place.
There is a dispute about the original name of Umzinto. History says it is Umenzi wezinto, a Zulu name meaning doer of things and due to continuous mis-pronunciation by white people it was convenient for everyone to say Umzinto, which we know today. But other history says it was named after a river, Mzinto River, which passes the town.
Unofficially, Umzinto was at one time the 'Capital' of Alexandra County, a district that also includes the areas and suburbs surrounding the towns of Scottburgh, Umkomaas, and Sezela-Pennington. Umzinto hosted two class-A cricket matches at the Alexandra Memorial Ground, one on March 2, 1974, when Natal B hosted Griqualand West in the Currie Cup Section B, and again on March 19, 1977, when Natal B faced Border in the same contest.
Today, Umzinto remains a semi-Urban town, with not much progress compared to its neighbouring town of Scottburgh. This is due to the Group Areas Act of the previous Apartheid era. It was once the home of three large textile mills, namely Alitex, Bally Spinning Mills and MYM Textiles that used to export abroad. Today only one survives and is not as productive as it used to be. Consequently, this has affected the economy of Umzinto negatively.
Umzinto also houses a Darul-Uloom called Madrassa Da'watul Haq that has produced many graduates who have memorised the entire Quraan.
The municipality has not maintained the roads and currently the roads are in a deplorable condition. In 1995 low cost hosing was developed on the outskirts called Gandhi Nagar.
Source: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/umzinto.phpUmzinto is a town that has lasted the ages and grown steadily over the many years of endless trading. Indians that were brought in to work on the cane farms in 1860 have made a valuable contribution to economy of the town. Shopping in this little town is an "Eastern" experience and boasts a lot of charm.
In the Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve near to UmzintoA short ten minute drive out of Umzinto is the Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve. The Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve boasts breath taking scenery in an eco-system encompassing lush coastal forests and grasslands. Bird lovers can look forward to spotting some of the 300 stunning species, which include raptors. Wildlife is abundant and includes impala, eland, blue wildebeest and bushbuck.
A stroll in this reserve is a spectacular experience. The 11km “Happy Gold Mine” trail in the reserve leads to an aged gold mine which still holds the mine shafts as well as a steam traction machine with the main traction engine and ball mill machine in place. The reserve offers superb picnic sites and walks. King Shaka also visited this area on his travels and within the reserve lays the words: “Umthombo Kashaka” meaning a well of fresh water, found by his warriors. According to historians, Shaka relaxed here on his homeward journey in 1828, whilst his army sported on the beach making mock attacks against the waves that are today enjoyed by holidaymakers.
Umzinto’s beaches are serene and picturesque. Shark nets make for safe swimming, snorkelling and surfing. The warm waters complement the unique beauty of these beaches and boast ample tropical fish and stunning coral reefs. These beaches are also popular fishing destinations.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Source: Wikpedia (June 2010)
Umzinto is a town 10 kilometres inland from Park Rynie on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa in the Umdoni Local Municipality which is under the Ugu District Municipality. It was a sugarcane growing area and the town was set up as the centre for a sugar mill. The first public company in Natal was established at Umzinto in 1858. Umzinto has grown and developed to a self-sustaining urban place.
There is a dispute about the original name of Umzinto. History says it is Umenzi wezinto, a Zulu name meaning doer of things and due to continuous mis-pronunciation by white people it was convenient for everyone to say Umzinto, which we know today. But other history says it was named after a river, Mzinto River, which passes the town.
Unofficially, Umzinto was at one time the 'Capital' of Alexandra County, a district that also includes the areas and suburbs surrounding the towns of Scottburgh, Umkomaas, and Sezela-Pennington. Umzinto hosted two class-A cricket matches at the Alexandra Memorial Ground, one on March 2, 1974, when Natal B hosted Griqualand West in the Currie Cup Section B, and again on March 19, 1977, when Natal B faced Border in the same contest.
Today, Umzinto remains a semi-Urban town, with not much progress compared to its neighbouring town of Scottburgh. This is due to the Group Areas Act of the previous Apartheid era. It was once the home of three large textile mills, namely Alitex, Bally Spinning Mills and MYM Textiles that used to export abroad. Today only one survives and is not as productive as it used to be. Consequently, this has affected the economy of Umzinto negatively.
Umzinto also houses a Darul-Uloom called Madrassa Da'watul Haq that has produced many graduates who have memorised the entire Quraan.
The municipality has not maintained the roads and currently the roads are in a deplorable condition. In 1995 low cost hosing was developed on the outskirts called Gandhi Nagar.
Source: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/umzinto.phpUmzinto is a town that has lasted the ages and grown steadily over the many years of endless trading. Indians that were brought in to work on the cane farms in 1860 have made a valuable contribution to economy of the town. Shopping in this little town is an "Eastern" experience and boasts a lot of charm.
In the Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve near to UmzintoA short ten minute drive out of Umzinto is the Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve. The Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve boasts breath taking scenery in an eco-system encompassing lush coastal forests and grasslands. Bird lovers can look forward to spotting some of the 300 stunning species, which include raptors. Wildlife is abundant and includes impala, eland, blue wildebeest and bushbuck.
A stroll in this reserve is a spectacular experience. The 11km “Happy Gold Mine” trail in the reserve leads to an aged gold mine which still holds the mine shafts as well as a steam traction machine with the main traction engine and ball mill machine in place. The reserve offers superb picnic sites and walks. King Shaka also visited this area on his travels and within the reserve lays the words: “Umthombo Kashaka” meaning a well of fresh water, found by his warriors. According to historians, Shaka relaxed here on his homeward journey in 1828, whilst his army sported on the beach making mock attacks against the waves that are today enjoyed by holidaymakers.
Umzinto’s beaches are serene and picturesque. Shark nets make for safe swimming, snorkelling and surfing. The warm waters complement the unique beauty of these beaches and boast ample tropical fish and stunning coral reefs. These beaches are also popular fishing destinations.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Monday, June 7, 2010
Umtata (H 13)
Name: Umtata
Mthatha is the main town of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The town has an airport, previously known by the name K. D. Matanzima Airport after former leader Kaiser Matanzima.
It was a military post for the colonial forces in 1882, and the town itself was founded in 1883, along the banks of the Mthatha River. The Mthatha Dam was constructed about eight kilometers upstream of the town. Mthatha became the leading administrative center of the area, having both Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. It also became the seat of the traditional authorities and a parliament building for this purpose known as the Bunga, was erected.
Wikipedia
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Mthatha is the main town of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The town has an airport, previously known by the name K. D. Matanzima Airport after former leader Kaiser Matanzima.
It was a military post for the colonial forces in 1882, and the town itself was founded in 1883, along the banks of the Mthatha River. The Mthatha Dam was constructed about eight kilometers upstream of the town. Mthatha became the leading administrative center of the area, having both Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. It also became the seat of the traditional authorities and a parliament building for this purpose known as the Bunga, was erected.
Wikipedia
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Umlazi (L14)
Name: Umlazi
Umlazi is a township on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The wider Umlazi area has a population of 750,000. The township is located south-west of Durban.
According to legend, the name Umlazi comes from "umlaza" (Zulu for the sour acid produced from fermented milk or sour milk). It is believed that when Shaka was passing through the area, he refused to drink from a local river claiming it had the taste of "umlaza", from that incident, the area has infamously been called Umlazi.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Umlazi is a township on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The wider Umlazi area has a population of 750,000. The township is located south-west of Durban.
According to legend, the name Umlazi comes from "umlaza" (Zulu for the sour acid produced from fermented milk or sour milk). It is believed that when Shaka was passing through the area, he refused to drink from a local river claiming it had the taste of "umlaza", from that incident, the area has infamously been called Umlazi.
Google count:Date:Historic fact:Other interesting info:Where to stay:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)