Kraankuil (D 12)

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When Technikon art lecturer, Andre Cronje, initially arrived in Pretoria to study art, he wasn’t too sure what art classes would be like and whether they would be quite his scene. Playing safe, he enrolled for evening art classes to determine whether this was what he wanted to do.

Living and growing up in the Karoo in a small town called Kraankuil, he had never studied art but had always ha a yearning to become an artist. Fortunately the classes caught his fancy and since completing his studies, his art has dramatically changed direction.
http://www.art.co.za/andrecronje/press.htm

Where to stay:

http://ccl.co.za/areas/l.htm

http://www.hardenstours.biz/Locations/sa_map.pdf

Kraaifontein (B 16)

Name: Kraaifontein in the Western Cape province of South Africa

In the late 1600's a farmer named Joosten was looking for a cattle farm & it is due to the crows that the farmer took a liking to the area & bought the farm.

Kraaifontein now is a town. Due to Cape Town's explosive growth north-eastward, the town has now been absorbed into the Cape Town Metropole and is now considered a suburb.

It is home to Eben Donges High School and Monument Park High School (not to be confused with Monument Park, situated in the Gauteng Province) and has three Primary Schools, Aristea Primary, Fanie Theron Primary and Simonsberg Primary.


Coordinates: 33°52′00″S 18°41′00″E

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraaifontein



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Metrorail passenger train hit a stationary Spoornet goods train between Kraaifontein and Muldersvlei stations during peak hour on January 7, 2003.
www.iol.co.za

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Koster (E 8)

Name: Koster


Koster was named after Bastiaan Hendricus Koster, a native of Rotterdam who in 1860 settled on the farm Kleinfontein on which the town was later established.In 1910 Koster was a railway siding consisting of a single tin shanty on the farm. It became a village in 1913 and a municipality in 1930.


http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/bojanala/koster.html

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Koringberg (B 15)

Name: Koringberg

Koringberg is a hamlet surrounded by expansive wheatfields, vineyards along the Berg River and mountains. It offers peace and tranquility, and is fast becoming a country lifestyle of choice for many professionals, nature lovers and people who want a slower, safer lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Koringberg is situated 15km from Moorreesburg on the N7 to Piketberg. At 120km, it is a mere one hour drive from Cape Town. The area was frequented by Harry die Strandloper in Jan van Riebeeck times. It was first called Warren’s camp and renamed to Koringberg in 1923, when the community decided to break away from the Dutch Reformed church in Hopefield and Moorreesburg.

http://www.seeff.com/western-cape/koringberg.html

Other attractions:

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, with its extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes, lies about 120 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape. The Reserve is situated in the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, north of Tulbagh and east of Porterville. The greater Groot Winterhoek ... more information
Swartland Wine Route
Meaning ‘black country’ and named after the indigenous Renosterbos, which turns a dark colour at a certain time of the year, the wine route extends from Darling on the west coast down to the Oliphants Mountain at Porterville in the east and includes Malmesbury, Riebeek Valley and Piketberg in the north ... more information

More info: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/koringberg.php



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MTB: http://www.live2ride.co.za/swartlandmtb/index.htm

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http://321design.co.za/?tag=koringberg

Koppies (F 10)

Name: Koppies
a village in the Free State, South Africa. Routes: R82, R720.
PLEASE SELECT A LISTING BELOW:
Alternatively use the search facility above



Koppies Info


The picturesque town of Koppies is situated on the banks of the Renoster River, in close proximity to the N1 Highway of the Free State Province. This area holds great historical significance and many remnants of the Anglo-Boer War can still be found here. The Koppies Dam Nature Reserve is a firm favourite for all visitors.

click to enlarge



History and Activities for Koppies



The settlement of Koppies was established in 1904 by General C R de Wet as a haven for underprivileged white people. Emily Hobhouse introduced and promoted the Home Industry concept here and played an important role in the construction of Koppies. This town became a municipality in 1926.

http://www.sa-meanders.co.za/pubphp/town.php?x_town_id=780

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Koopmansfontein

Name: Koopmansfontein

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Koopmansfontein Agricultural Research Centre

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In 1929, overseas interests formed the Manganese Corporation Limited and secured an agreement with the South African Railways to extend the railway line from Koopmansfontein (near Kimberley) to the Mancorp mine on the farm Beeshoek. However, the September 1929 crash on the New York Stock Exchange, followed by the Great Depression, brought all manganese mining operations to a halt, rendering the newly constructed Koopmansfontein / Beeshoek railway line dormant.

May 1930 saw the launch of Ore & Metal Company Limited to import and export mineral concentrates, including manganese. The African Mining and Trust Company Limited was formed in December 1931 to acquire mineral rights and explore mineral deposits. In exchange for shares in African Mining and Trust, the founders transferred their entire Ore & Metal shareholding to the new company, while Guido Sacco transferred his Gloucester Manganese Mines shares. Thus, Ore & Metal and Gloucester Manganese Mines became subsidiaries of African Mining and Trust, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Assore Limited (previously The Associated Ore & Metal Corporation Limited), which was formed in 1950.

During 1934 the South African Railways re-opened the railway line and extended it to Gloucester. In 1935 The Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa Limited ("Assmang") was formed. Anglovaal acquired all the mineral leases of the Manganese Corporation and these were ceded to Assmang, as were the shares of the Gloucester Manganese Mines Limited held by African Mining and Trust in exchange for shares in Assmang. The first shipment of manganese ore left Durban harbour in March 1936 and other shipments continued uninterruptedly.

The Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa Limited changed its name to Assmang on 30 May 2001, and was reorganised into three divisions: Manganese; Chrome; and Iron Ore.

Assmang's Manganese Division consists of the manganese mines in the Northern Cape, Nchwaning and Gloria, and the works at Cato Ridge in KwaZulu-Natal. The Chrome Division consists of the Dwarsrivier chrome mine and the Machadodorp Works both in Mpumalanga, while the Iron Ore Division is made up of the Beeshoek mine and the iron ore resources in the Northern Cape around Postmasburg and on the three farms adjacent to Kumba Resources' Sishen mine.

http://www.assmang.co.za/au/history.asp


Other interesting info:

http://www.demarcation.org.za/new_site/ward/Northern%20Cape/NC093/MDB%20proposed%20ward%20maps/NC093_Ward%205.pdf

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Kommadagga (F15)

Name: Kommadagga
Location of Kommadagga, Cape Province, South Africa (Latitude: 33° 7' 0 S, Longitude: 25° 55' 0 E)

13.10 Kommadagga

Kommadagga is an old railway siding consisting of 5 station houses and approximately 5 labourers houses situated on privately owned property owned by Spoornet, with a total population of approximately 100 people, and lies approximately 55 km south of Cookhouse.

Existing Infrastructure

This establishment was supplied with water from overhead tanks during the operation of steam trains, but this water supply has since ceased. It is reported that the community usually obtains water from a pumpstation 6 km away which is operated by DWAF, but this has been terminated due to the breakage of the supply pipeline.

Water resources

Groundwater is considered the most economical sustainable water source.

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Komga (G 14)

Name: Komga

KOMGA
Komga is a small country town 64 kilometres to the north of East London, in a lush area of the Eastern Cape surrounded that is a centre of cattle ranching and game reserves. .

Komga has an interesting history The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the San people who lived in the area 150 000 years ago. In due course they were joined by the pastoralist Khoe-Khoen people who arrived in the area at least 2000 years ago. One thousans years thereafter, a group of metal working pastoralists who immigrated from the North also settled in the area. These people were probably the forebears of the Xhosa people. The San managed to live their old existance in the folds of the Amatola Range as well as in the valleys and canyons of the Kei, Kubusie and Buffalo Rivers. In the 1700s another group began to make themselves felt in this mix, as Trekboers, descendants of the early Dutch settlers of the Cape began their eastward expansion. All these groups had a world view based on cattle cultuire and it was perhaps inevitable that when grazing grew scarce tensions erupted into violence. This led to a century of conflict, which would soon include the British Empire, the most intense periods were known as the nine Frontier Wars.

Settlement by South Africans of European origin began during the 6th Frontier War, (the War of Hintza), of 1834-1835, when the British established Fort Warden and Fort Wellington in the area. Fort Wellington which was 27kms away was descibed as;

"a circular work of one hundred feet in diameter, with a parapet of sods, having six feet of base and three of crest, with a good ditch around it, was commenced in the morning and completed in the evening. Branches for an abattis were cut and two strong fences were picketed around the work, one on the counterscarp of the ditch, and the other out of assegai, (a throwing spear) range."

From the 1850’s, after the War of Mlanjeni, the longest and most expensive conflict waged by the British Empire in Africa in the Nineteenth Century, European sttlers arrived in the area. Not long afterwards the Cattle Killing Episode began.

The Great Cattle Killing was a sign that after nearly seventy years of ceaseless war to preserve their traditional way of life and their independance, the Xhosa were at the end of their tether. A young girl, named Nongqawuse, apparantly had visions where the Xhosa ancestors told her that if the Xhosa killed all their cattle and destroyyed their grain, the ancestors would rise up and would help the Xhosa defeat the British.

In the starvation that followed an estimated third of the Xhosa people died, another third moved to the Cape to become labourers, something the Xhosa had previously refused to do. A reminder of this dreadful episode is to be found outside Komga which is named Impetu Kop. On the slopes of this hill hundreds of corpses were left to decay. "Impetu" is the Xhosa word for maggots.

After this event, the British government moved many European settlers into the now depopulated area, including a mass settlement of German families who had supported Britain during the Crimean War.

During the 1860s and 1870s the town of Komga began to take shape. St Pauls Anglican Church, now a heritage site, was built in 1865, in 1869 the first school in the town was begun. During the ninth Frontier War, of 1877-1878 the first Victoria Cross to be awarded for an action on African soil was awarded to Major Garret Moore of the Frontier Armed and Mounted Police for bravery at the Battle of Draaibosch, about ten kilometres to the west of Komga.

Read more: http://www.africantravelexperiences.com/Information/Towns/Komga.htm
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http://sites.google.com/site/saplacenames/municipalities

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Kombat (B 5)

Name: Kombat

Namibia: Weatherly Sells Kombat
Wed, 4th Nov 2009 09:44:29
THE future of Kombat might soon be bright again after a South African firm, Cubenco 192, received an option to buy the copper mine from Weatherly Mining Namibia for US$3 million.

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Komatipoort (L 8)

Name: Komatipoort

Komatiepoort
The Crocodile River reaches the end of its course when it becomes a tributary of the Komati River. At the confluence of the Komati and Crocodile Rivers is the town of Komatiepoort. The word Komatie comes from the Swazi word, "Nkhomati", which means "river of cows".Komatiepoort is situated near the Kruger National Park, on the Western slopes of the Lebombo Mountains. The Lebombo mountains form a natural barrier between South Africa and Mozambique.

Komatiepoort, in the 1890's was hot and fevorous and Malaria was endemic.The Komatiepoort of those days was a wild and uproarious construction camp for the railway being built from Lourenco Marques (now called Maputo). During the Anglo/Boer War, the town was used as a base by Lieutenant-Colonal Steinaecker and his "Forty Thieves". This group was later enlarged to become "Steinaecker's Horse". They were a bunch of mercenaries and bushwackers and were recruited by the British in orde to fight Boer guerillas in the bushveld.

Today, Komatiepoort is a quiet, sedate town. Malaria is under control, but it remains one of the hottest places in South Africa, with summer temperatures averaging about 33 degrees celcius, and balmy winter temperatures of around 26 degrees celcius.

More at http://www.mpumalangahappenings.co.za/malelane_komatipoort_homepage.htm

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Kokstad (J 14)

Name: Kokstad

Kokstad is named after the Griqua chief Adam Kok III who settled here. In the 1860s the Griqua tribe which lived in Griquatown split and under the leadership of Adam Kok III, descendent of the ex-cook who established the tribe, one section first moved to Philipolis, then across the Drakensberg to the vicinity of the modern Kokstad.

http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/kokstad.html

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Koffiefontein (D12)

Name: Koffiefontein

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A fountain in this area was a favourite outspan for transport riders in the 19th century. The riders' habit of constantly making coffee is said to have led to the name Koffiefontein. In June 1870, one of these transport riders picked up a diamond near the fountain. This prompted the usual diamond rush and by 1882 Koffiefontein was a booming town with four mining companies. Ten years later the miners' camp was proclaimed a town and the name Koffiefontein was retained.
www.places.co.za/html/koffiefontein.html


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Koelenhof (B16)

Name: Koelenhof

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The settlement pattern of the region is characterised by a system of urbancentres and satellite towns/villages linked into a broader regional system oftowns. The physiography of the mountains and valleys has resulted in linearsystem of towns and villages along fertile valleys and major transportation routes.As described, previously, most of the towns depend primarily on the surroundingagricultural resource base that drives the economy. Others form part of a systemof inter-linked functional centres. It is estimated that approximately 65% of the population live in the towns. Theremaining 35% of the population reside on farms and rural settlements. Althoughthe settlement pattern in the region is relatively stable, urbanisation isincreasingly taking place, particularly amongst seasonal workers and farmworkers (BDM, 2002). The larger towns are indicated by Figure A below and theirkey aspects are summarised as follows.a)StellenboschOn 8 November 1679 Governor Simon van der Stel first travelled to the EersteRiver valley and described it as the most charming valley he had yet seen. Thevalley of the Eerste River was the first of the inland valleys to be settled in theCape. Van der Stel subsequently named the valley ‘Van der Stel se Bosch’ (Vander Stel’s bush), and was determined on founding a settlement in an area soobviously suited to habitation of man (Erasmus, 2004). Although the first farms were allocated during 1679, the village of Stellenboschwas formally established in 1685 when the first landdrost, Jan Mulder, wasappointed. By then about 30 farms were being cultivated, which included namesthat are used presently, namely Koelenhof, Coetzenburg, Jonkershoek, Ida’sValley and Mostersdrift. Van der Stel surveyed the first residential stands on 15October 1686 and the Drostdy, the official residence of the landdrost, wascompleted in April 1687 (Erasmus, 2004). The town was badly damaged by fire in 1710, 1803 and again in 1875. InDecember 1803 more than 40 homes were burned to the ground. The result wasthat the architectural trend moved away from the single-storey Cape Dutchthatched homes to Georgian-style double-storey edifices. For over a centuryStellenbosch remained the seat of this frontier magistracy. Subsequently,missionary and rural settlements, such as Simondium, Raithby, Pniel,Lanquedoc, Jamestown, Johannesdal, Kylemore, and Klapmuts grew aroundStellenbosch, forming distinct agricultural nodes.Stellenbosch has retained much of its original character. The early settlers wereencouraged to plant oak trees and Stellenbosch subsequently aptly becameknown as ‘Eikestad’ (‘town of oaks’). Stellenbosch is the second oldest town
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(after Cape Town) in South Africa, and its well-preserved buildings are fineexamples of the impact of many architectural styles. Figure A: Larger towns included in the proposed Biosphere Reserve.
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b)PaarlPaarl was formally founded in 1690 and is the third oldest town in South Africa.Its history, however, dates back as far as 1657 when Abraham Gabemmaexplored the Berg River Valley in searched of new meat sources. Gabemmanamed two of the granite outcrops of Paarl Mountain, which was fondly referredto as ‘Tortoise Mountain’ by the Khoi-Khoi, as ‘Peerl’ (‘pearl’) and ‘Diamandt’(‘diamond’). By 1859 Paarl had developed a firm industrial base and it was known throughoutthe colony as the place where the best wagons and carts were made. Masonrywas another important industry during the 19th century. Today, Paarl is the mostindustrialized town in the region and together with Stellenbosch, Paarl and itsenvirons can justly be described as the heartland of South Africa’s ‘Winelands’(Erasmus, 2004).Paarl played a decisive role in the growth of the Afrikaans language. TheAfrikaans Language is the only language for which a monument has beenerected. There are three Afrikaans language monuments in South Africa ofwhich the monument on the Paarl Mountain is the largest c)WellingtonWellington is located in the Limiet (‘limit’) Valley which was settled by the FrenchHuguenots in 1688. The French called this area ‘Val du Charron’ which the Dutchtranslated to ‘Wagenmakersvallei’ (‘the cartwrights’ valley’). However, wagonbuilding only become an important industry in the 19th century (Erasmus, 2004).By 1838 there were enough farmers in the area to warrant a church andcommercial centre and the town of Wellington was proclaimed on 26 March1940. Wellington received a boost with the opening of Bain’s Kloof Pass in 1853and in 1863 the village became the provisional terminus of the first major railwayline in South Africa. Since the opening of the Huguenot Seminary by ReverendAndrew Murray in 1874, Wellington was regarded as one of the most importanteducational and religious centres in the Cape Colony (Erasmus, 2004). Wellington is a primary centre of South Africa’s fruit-growing and dried-fruitindustries. Local industrial activities include textile works, tanneries, footwearfactories, etc. d)FranschhoekFranschhoek was formally established in 1860 almost two centuries after theFrench Huguenot refugees were settled in the valley of Great Drakenstein and itseastern extension (Erasmus, 2004). A number of Huguenots settled inOliphantshoek (Elephant Corner) where vast herds of elephants roamed.
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Besides elephants there were leopards and other ‘dangerous animals’ in thevalley and people soon started referring to the area as Banghoek (frighteningcorner). Over time, the area became known as Franschhoek (French Corner). The French settlers brought with them a sound knowledge of viticulture andsettled down to make wine in the fine French tradition. The French also broughtwith them their delectable food culture, which arguable makes Franschhoek thecurrent gourmet capital of South Africa. Franschhoek is also noted for twoimportant historical monuments, namely the Huguenot Memorial and HuguenotMuseum.e)RawsonvilleRawsonville is located on the north-eastern boundary of the proposed BiosphereReserve in the Slanghoek Valley. The town and the De Goudini School and wasestablished in 1858. The town was named after William Rawson, who becamethe Colonial Secretary of the Cape Colony in 1854. Rawsonville is part of the famous Route 62 Wine Route (e.g. thirteen wine cellarsare found in a radius of ten kilometres of Rawsonville) and it offers a number ofoutdoor activities such as scenic cycling routes, horse and hiking trails, 4x4routes and bird-watching spots. Clear mountain streams are full of big trout,black bass, carp, white fish, water tortoise and eels offering excellent anglingopportunities (http://www.route62.co.za). f)VilliersdorpVilliersdorp is located on the southern boundary of the proposed BiosphereReserve. It was founded in 1844 by Field-Cornet Pieter de Villiers on the farmRadyn. Today, Villiersdorp is known as the ‘Pearl of the Overberg’, withagriculture being the mainstay of the economy. It is the centre of a prosperousapple-growing region which also produces grapes, onions, peaches and apricots. There is a local industry in the making of comfits – fruit preserved with sugar anddried, and it boasts the only moskonfyt (grape syrup) factory in the world(Erasmus, 2004). g)KlapmutsKlapmuts is centrally situated approximately 15 km from Paarl and Stellenboschin the midst of fertile wine farms. Early historical documents record the existenceof one of the Dutch East India’s outposts at Klapmuts in the late 1600s. However, it is not clear whether this was located at Klapmuts farm, a fewkilometres to the south, or in Klapmuts itself. There are a few historic buildings inKlapmuts dating from various periods in the village’s history. These include thelandmark thatched roof church, the Victorian hotel, and a number of buildingsdating from the 1930s.

Other interesting info:

Koelenhof Wine Cellar invites you to explore a wide variety of fruity flavoured wines. These wines represent the hard work and dedication of 75 wine farmers ...
www.koelenhof.co.za/

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Koekemoer (E 10)

Name: Koekemoer
Koekemoer (143 km from Krugersdorp)
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Koedoespoort (G 8)

Name: Koedoespoort

Surveyor WR Lanham laid out the suburb of Hatfield on the farm Koedoespoort for the Wesleyan (Methodist) Society in 1905. The suburb was named after Hatfield House in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, the residence of William Waldegrave Palmer, second Earl of Selborne (1859-1942), who became Govenor of the Transvaal (1905) and High Commissioner in 1909. The name Hatfield has its origin from Old English haep field, meaning "heather-covered field". Hatfield township was incorporated into the Pretoria municipality in 1916. Most of the residential houses remaining in the Hatfiield - Hillcrest area date back to the early 1900's.

http://www.tshwane.gov.za/Bus_TshwBusNodes_Histr.cfm

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Check out: http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/grela/transnet.html

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Other:http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/submitted/etd-02162007-161618/unrestricted/03chapter3part2.pdf

Koebergweg (A 16)

Name: Koebergweg

Google count: 1,530 for Koebergweg with Safesearch on.
Date: 28 January 2010

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Other interesting info:

Die hekse van Koebergweg

(Nog stories soos die een by http://lindathreehairs.com/Die%20hekse%20van%20Koebergweg.htm

Die hekse van Koebergweg, Milnerton, sluimer of slaap nie.

Inteendeel. Hulle spandeer hulle dae in Salon Sleeping Beauty. Waar hulle hare kap, kleur en kasty.

Die hoof-heks is Joelle. (Dit kom vanaf die woorde “Jou hel” wat haar man haar toegesnou het kort voor sy dood) Sy is die vet vrou wat haarself uitgee as ’n haarkleur-expert.

Sy’t noupas leopard-print spots in 'n kort, blinde vroutjie se hare gekleur.

Gelukkig sal die vrou dit nie kan sien nie.



Die ander hekse het nie name nie. Twee van hulle het sopas uitgeglip uit die salon, vir ’n smokebreak.

Hulle vat hulle smokebreaks in die hoek van die winkelsentrum se parkeergarage. Naby die garage-wag se hokkie. Waar dit donker is, en na piepie ruik.

Mens skrik nogal wanneer jy hulle daar sien.

Want hulle kyk jou ’n barshou. En van groet weet hulle nie.



Die onder-hoofheks kan uitgeken word aan ’n gebleikte streep in haar raafswart haardos.

Of miskien is dit ’n bliksemstraal wat haar by geboorte getref het: “Dé. Hiesa. Jy's ’n heks ...”

Om die hekserige effek te versterk, dra sy middernagswart Goth-outfits, en ’n swartraambril. Dit lei die aandag van haar dik enkels weg. Of só glo sy.



Die junior heks lyk die normaalste. Sy't chocolate-bruin krulletjieshare, waarvan die agterste gedeelte pers gekleur is.

Sy't in ’n kort rukkie by die salon reeds die volgende aangeleer:

Hoe om mense se hare snaaks te kleur.

Asook die gawe van “niks voel vir my kliënte.”

Die hekse woon almal buite die munisipale distrik van Milnerton, aangesien hulle nie lus is om in hul vrye tyd in die geskende bakkies van hulle kliënte vas te kyk nie.

Hoofheks Joelle woon in Bothasig.

Sy's ’n oondvars weduwee. En nog bietjie sensitief oor die aangeleentheid.

“Het ek met my gawe van vervloek vir Berthus kanker gegee?” het sy vanoggend oor ’n koppie tee vir die onder-hoofheks gevra.



Toe sy die koppie wou neersit, het dit vir ’n oomblik aan haar kersieboord-rooi lippe gekleef.

Soos spookasem.

“Jy weet, onder-hoofheks,” het sy voortgegaan asof niks gebeur het nie:

“Ek kom uit ’n familie van heiliges.

“My ma was ’n heks. En my tante was ’n heks.

“Hulle het heksery in Donker Afrika beoefen.

“Ek het die gawe om mense te vervloek en te laat sterf aan tromboses en bankrotskap van hulle gekry.”



Toe sy sien sy't ’n audience, het sy voortgeborduur.

“Ek voel so rusteloos op ’n Saterdagmiddag.

“Dis asof iets my dryf wanneer ek die salon sluit.

“Ek ry net rond en rond. En wanneer ek by die huis kom, vlieg die kraaie in kringe bo-oor my huis om my welkom te heet.”



Die gesprek word onderbreek deur ’n verwoede kliënt. Sy't haar hare die vorige dag by Salon Sleeping Beauty laat kleur. Sy was grys en het gevra vir ’n bruin- of swartkop. Pretty please.

Toe verf die hoofheks haar hare oranje.

En sy los vir die snaaksigheid ’n grys kuifie.



Om alles te kroon het die sjampoo-heks (wat die afspoel gedeelte van die operasie behartig) nie gebodder om die kleursel van haar wange af te was.

En nou sit die kliënt met oranje wange.



“Sigaret-as vat dit af!

“En haarsprei!” skree die sjampoo-heks vanaf die wasbakke.

Sy's ’n maer, mallerige vrou wat graag die Golden Oldie “How much is that doggy in the window?” sing terwyl sy die kliënte se hare afspoel.


Die sjampoo-heks kom spuit ’n skoot Elnette-haarsprei op die kliënt se oranje wang. Hierna vryf sy hard met ’n sponsie daaroor.

Nou is die wang nóg meer van 'n oogseer.

En die kliënt stap woedend uit die salon.

Die hekse lag tog te lekker onder mekaar.
“Hee hee hee hee!
“Hie hie hie hie hie!

“Oe alla mapstieks!
“Mammie!”



Mens kan die huidige situasie verstaan as jy hoofheks, Joelle, se lewensverhaal ken.
Joelle kom van Riversdal in die Suid-Kaap - doer, aan die voete van Sleeping Beauty-berg.
Sy’t dit egter so hittete nie gemaak Moederstad toe nie, nadat sy haar kar een Saterdagmiddag omgekeer het, toe sy van ’n braai terugry huis toe.

Sy't in die provinsiale hospitaal op Riversdal se ICU beland.



Joelle se ma het min hoop vir haar gehad. Sy het reeds haar grafboodskap gekies by die Coastal Graveworks in Mosselbaai.

“Die mot wat die hoogste vlieg, brand die vroegste in die kersvlam.”



Maar net die volgende dag het Joelle haar dowwe bruin kykers oopgemaak. En die res van die storie is geskiedenis, soos die mense sê.

Hierna het Joelle ’n vet uitbetaling van die Road Accident Fund gekry, en verhuis Moederstad toe.



Sy was 'n nuwe mens. Picky!

Sy het net moddervet stylists gesoek. Vroue wat die skaal by 200 pond laat bewe, asof die skaal kouekoors het.

En as hulle dik enkels en spatare had, was dit ’n bonus.

Mense het na die stylists verwys as “Joelle se koeie.”

En tog was die salon ’n sukses.



Die salon se stapelvoedsel is ’n klomp ou ladies van Huis Herfsblaar in Ysterplaat. Hulle is te swak om te loop en te arm om self kar te ry.

Instede daarvan word hulle Vrydae aangery na die Sleeping Beauty Salon. Hier, kry elkeen ’n was en set wat hulle die res van die week hou.

Die ou ladies se kapsels word so styf gespuit in ’n tipe helmet, dat selfs die Swart Suidooster nie ‘n haartjie uit sy plek kan kry nie.

Daar's nog ander getroue kliënte. Soos die hupse weduwee, Kanker Annie.

Haar man het hom tien jaar gelede oor die etensuur doodgeskiet.

En sy vertel tog te graag die storie van daardie dag wanneer sy haar hare kom laat doen.

Maar vandag moet Joelle eenvoudig die streep trek en sê:



“Tot hierso. En nie verder.

“As Kanker Annie nou vir ’n sjampoe kom, moet julle sê nee.


“Ek vat niemand na twee.


“Ek moet ook afkry.

“Ek wil in my kar klim, en net rondry, en rondry.”

En dan sing sy stuitig: “Aai, aai, die witborskraai, hiervandaan na Mosselbaai!”



Die sjampoo-heks bly laaste.

Op haar breë skouers rus groot verantwoordelikheid. Sy moet die hopies hare van die vloer af opvee en uitsorteer.

Poedelhare, dié kant. Doberman-pincherhare, dié kant. Dooie worshondhare, daai kant. Wildehondhare, daai kant.

Mens kan net wonder wat aangaan by daardie salon.





Where to stay:

Knysna (F 17)

Name: Knysna

Google count:
Date:

Historic fact:

1804: George Rex (a timber merchant and the founder of Knysna) purchased the farm Melkhoutkraal, effectively taking ownership of all the land surrounding the lagoon.
- 1817: Knysna became a port for naval and commercial ships bringing supplies into the area, and later, for transporting shipments of timber out of the area.
- 1870: Arnt Leonard Thesen and his family moved from Norway to Knysna and set up the first trading store and counting house.
- 1876: A gold nugget weighing 17 penny-weight was found by James Hooper in a river bed on his farm Ruigtevlei. The find was significant enough for the authorities to make a grant of 100 pounds for further prospecting (a sizeable sum in those days).
- 1881: The settlements of Melville and Newhaven united to form the town of Knysna.


- 1880's: George Parkes, an industrialist from Birmingham, England purchased over 3,400 ha of Knysna forest to provide a source of wood for his factory which was producing edge tools. He established the first primitive sawmill in the forest and a mill conveniently situated in the centre of Knysna.
- 1885: The search for gold recommenced in the Karatara River after years of postponement and proved to be a successful venture. Many fortune seekers descended on the Millwood area over the next 10 years, until it ceased to be a lucrative operation.
- 1904: Charles Wilhelm Thesen bought Paarden Island (part of the Melkhoutkraal Estate) and began processing timber on the island (now Thesen Island) in 1922.

http://www.knysna.co.za/content/view/73/

Other interesting info:

Where to stay:

Knights (G 9)

Name: Knights

Google count: 146,000 for Knights with Safesearch on (SA)
Date: 27 January 2009

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

In my quest for information on Knights, I ran into a website that lists closed and unused railway stations in the UK and elsewhere - here it is:

http://www.blacklabel.co.za/wiki/Category:Defunct_railroads

http://www.blacklabel.co.za/wiki/

http://www.blacklabel.co.za/wiki/Tolleshunt_Knights_railway_station

Where to stay:

Knapdaar (E 13)

Name: Knapdaar


Knapdaar Station (Closed)

KNAPDAAR FARM SCHOOL EC, BURGERSDORP, TO BE UPDATED, BURGERSDORP

Google count: 2,280 for Knapdaar with Safesearch on.
Date: 27 January 2010

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

Knapdaar
postcode: 9749

latitude: -30.7172 Longitude 26.1439

http://www.aroundme.co.za/category/location/eastern-cape/ukhahlamba-dc14/gariep/knapdaar

Where to stay:

Kloofsig (G 8)

Name: Kloofsig

Google count: 42,500 for Kloofsig with Safesearch on
Date: 26 January 2010

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:
Centurion Historical Sites and Museums

South African Air Force Memorial

The Air Force Memorial on Bays Hill overlooks the Swartkop Air Force Base, where the South African Air Force first began during 1922. The museum was established in October 1973. The monument, symbolizing flight, was erected in memory of the approximately 3,000 members of the Air Force who died over the years during the various wars as well as peaceful operations. The Memorial building has the shape of a triangular star and consists of three wings, one of which is a chapel for family services. The wings enfold a central memorial hall, which contains a cenotaph on a scarlet star, a list of the deceased and illuminated documents.

The monument is as high as a six-storey building and was erected on a raised platform pedestal with fountains underneath the point of each wing. A garden of remembrance and an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 5,000 people form a part of the surrounding grounds. The cast-iron entrance gates were previously used at the old South African Air Force memorial in Waterkloof. The memorial was opened on 1963. The entrance to the museum if off the Old Johannesburg Road in Valhalla. The contact number is 012 351 2290 and the website address is www.saafmuseum.org.za. The museum is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10.00 to 15.00.

Irene Camp Cemetery

The battle of Pretoria in June 1900 started with a skirmish near Irene, upon which Lord Roberts decided to outmaneuver the defending Boers south of Pretoria by following the course of the Hennops River to approach Pretoria from the west. After this a fort was built on Irene’s highest koppie, now known at Cornwall Hill, by the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. The guerrilla tactics of the Boers frustrated the British to the extent that they decided to destroy the farms and homes of the Boers in an effort to end the war. This was part of the British ‘Scorched earth “policy. This left many families destitute and forced the British to take care of them. Concentration camps were established, one of which was a tent camp near Irene on the farm Doornkloof, north of the Hennops River where the first refugees arrived during June 1901. The refugees were housed in extremely poor conditions.

Conditions in the camp deteriorated rapidly and by the end of 1901, 800 people had already died. The camp was later extended to the other side of the river – the second camp was known as Nylstroom. During 1902 the two camps housed an average of 4,500 men, women and children. At its peak the camp housed over 5,500 inhabitants. Although peace was declared on 31 May 1902, the camps were only officially closed during 1903.

More than 2,000 people were allegedly buried at the camp, although the cemetery’s name list only mentions 1 249 names. A name plate with a number of 2 156 was found later, but only 800 graves (heaps of soil indicating a grave) could be found. For this reason all 1 249 names have been inscribed on the 80 memorial tablets. A total of 576 of the original slate tombstones that were carved by hand are preserved in the Cemetery. Access to the graveyard is via Village View Estate in Albert Street, Irene. The Memorial is situated in Bruce Road, Irene.

Porcinarium

The Animal Improvement Institute of the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) is situated just outside Irene and houses among others the world’s only (as far as is known) pig museum or porcinarium. The museum’s displays were arranged with the help of the Transvaal Museum and offer an interesting review of the origin and development of pig species in South Africa. The museum was opened in August 1996 to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of the National Pig Performance Testing Scheme. Since its opening the porcinarium has received many visitors, especially from abroad. The museum is open during the week (office hours) and for weekend visits arrangements can be made at

Tel: 012 672 9235 or 012 672 9083. Entrance is from the Main Road (M18), Irene.

Rooihuiskraal Historical Site

The battle of Rooihuiskraal (Red House Kraal), which took place neat the Rooihuiskraal Historical site in 1881, is viewed as one of the most crucial battles of the First Anglo Boer War. In spite of this only one British soldier was killed and 15 wounded. One of the wounded was Lieutenant Colonel Gildea, or that “Damned Colonel” or “Blasted Colonel” as he was called by the Boers.

By the end of 1880 the Transvaal Boer Forces, has surrounded important towns, which had been occupied by the British, in order to prevent the soldiers in these towns joining General George Pomeroy Colley’s troops in Natal. The British Garrison in Pretoria were also surrounded in Pretoria and their efforts to escape were checked twice before they decided on a large exodus through Rooihuiskraal.

The Boers under the leadership of DJ Erasmus Jr, got wind of this and took up positions behind the stone wall of the farms massive kraal. When the British arrived in large numbers the Boers started to shoot, causing great consternation. Colonel Gildea who was the commanding officer of the Pretoria garrison stood upright in his stirrups to motivate his men and was hit in the buttocks. The Boer’s victory at Rooihuiskraal had a demoralizing effect on the British. They could not join the Natal troops of General George Pomeroy Colley in Natal and after these troops were conquered at Amajuba, the Transvaal regained its independence.

The old stone kraal (animal stockade) at Rooihuiskraal serves as a reminder of the historical victory and was declared a national monument. A recent addition to the site is the Centurion Battle Tank which was among others used by the British in Korea in 1944. It was later acquired by South Africa in the 50’s, upgraded several times and was eventually renamed the Olifants tank which saw service in the South African Border war from 1966 to 1989. Today it is now old enough to serve as a museum piece. The Historical site is accessible via the Rooihuiskraal Road in Rooihuiskraal North. Contact details are 012 6614284.

SA Mint and Coin World

The history of the SA Mint dates back to 1892 when Paul Kruger, president of the then South African Republic, ordered a minting press from Germany. This press (nicknamed Oom Paul), which moved with the mint from Church Square to Visagie street, is still in working order and can be seen at the museum of the SA Mint in Gateway Centurion. This is one of the oldest working presses in the world and was manufactured in 1891. Two were ordered for the Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek (ZAR) from Ludw.Loew and Co. The Mint’s very modern factory was opened in October 1992 and is still regarded as one of the modern mints in the world. The Mint became a private company in 1988 and produces not only South African coins, but also coins for other countries such as New Zealand, Argentina and Switzerland. A museum, known as Coin World, was opened to the public during 1996 and offers an overview of the history of the Mint as well as many a display of South African coins etc. It also houses a jewelry shop and is open from 13h00 to 16h30 on Mondays, 09h00 to 16h30 on Tuesdays to Fridays and 09h00 to 13h00 over weekends. Guided tours are also available, which last approximately two hours and cost R20 per person. A Café Burgundy’s restaurant is also on the premises. More information may be obtained at Tel 012 667 2777. The website address is www.samint.co.za. The Mint is accessible from the Old Johannesburg Road (R101), just after it crosses over Brakfontein Road.

Smuts House

Smuts House was the dwelling of General Jan Christiaan Smuts (Oubaas), twice the prime minister of South Africa, soldier, International Statesman, archaeologist, historian, lawyer, military leader, farmer, philosopher, botanist and grass expert and known internationally, among others for the creation of the term “holism”. He was the only person to have signed the peace treaties of both the first and second world wars. He established the League of Nations and was instrumental in setting up the United Nations. Smuts wrote the preamble to the United Nations charter and was also the only person to have signed the charters of both the League of Nations and the United Nations. Jan Smuts was a General in the Second Anglo Boer War and became the second Prime Minister of South Africa from 1919 to 1924 and as well as the fourth Prime minister again from 1939 to 1948. Previously an Officers mess for British officers in Middelburg, Smuts bought the house for 300 pounds in 1908 and had it transported to Irene, where it was re-erected on the farm Doornkloof at an additional cost of 1,000 pounds. The wood and iron “Big House” features the unique Smuts Library and furnishings, which indicate the modest lifestyle of General and Mrs Smuts. In 1908 Smuts had purchased a third of the original Doornkloof farm. (The original farm was established by a Voortrekker, Daniel Elardus Erasmus which he named Doornkloof. Alois Hugo Nellmapius, a Hungarian later purchased two thirds of the farm in 1889 and named it “Irene” after his daughter. Nellmapius died in July 1893. Johannes Albertus “Bertie” van der Bijl bought the farm in 1896 on an auction which was now named Irene Estate. Part of the original Doornkloof farm was later bought by Jan Smuts in 1908).

The officers mess structure was initially meant as a temporary home until a new house could be built on the koppie behind the house. The Smuts family however grew so attached to the house that they stayed there until the death of General Smuts on 11 September 1950, aged 80. Smuts was born on the 24 May 1870, on the family farm Bovenplaats near Malmesbury.

Today it is a museum to commemorate the life of Smuts. The museum and surrounding grounds are open to the public seven days a week, and a tea garden is situated on the property. The house has eleven bedrooms all fully furnished and also contains a lot of memorabilia. On every second Saturday of each month a very popular craft market is held on the grounds of the Museum. On weekdays the museum can be visited from 9h30 to 16h30 and from 09h00 to 17h00 on weekends. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment. A walking trail of 2.5km starts from behind the house and leads to a koppie (Smuts Koppie) where a monument was erected to commemorate certain members of the Smuts family and where his ashes and his wife’s are scattered. Guided bird and botanic walks are arranged on a regular basis. Information may be obtained at Tel: 012 667 1176. More information can be found on the website www.smutshouse.co.za. The Property is located on 23rd Street, which is accessed via Nellmapius Road in Irene

For property in the area:
http://www.centurionproperty.co.za/centurion-information/heritage-sites-a-museums
Where to stay:

Kloof (L 13)

Name: Kloof

Address: Kloof Railway Station (Stokers Arms) and Inchanga Railway Station, Kloof, Durban
Telephone: +27 (0)31 303-3003 or +27 (0)82 353-6003
Opening hours: By special event or arrangement. Special excursions on the first Sunday of every month. Standard excursions on the last Sunday of every month. Please phone to confirm.


Umgeni Steam Train TripIf you're running out of steam on your holiday, take it easy at a train window while still taking in the country, it's countryside and it's history on one of South Africa's oldest steam trains. Steam puffs as a journey runs on railway lines build in the early 1800's serving as one of South Africa's oldest functioning tracks of history.

This local locomotive fleet is a collection of authentic rail beauties including a Class 3BR, a Class 12R, a Class 14R, two Class 19D's, a Garratt GF, a Garratt GMAM and a 1892 vintage Dübs Class-A; all varying in age from 1892 - 1954. Be pulled by a 1912 locomotive while seated in a carriage built in 1908 accompanied by coaches from the 1930's up some of the steepest railway gradients in South Africa (1:20 -1:50) through one of the oldest running tunnels, Drummond Tunnel (1880) to overlook the Valley of a 1000 Hills with its captivating landscape stretching as far back into history as steam can carry you.

Suitable for lone rangers and social set-ups choo choo your way alone or with the family or a group of friends. Standard excursions explore KwaZulu Natal landscapes on the rails between Kloof and Inchata. Kloof's Stokers Arms Station refreshes locomotive travellers with an ice-cold pub beer at the authentic station restaurant.

The Colonial station of Inchanga has a buzzing Inchanga Craft Market where rail travellers can buy handmade crafts and home-made food. Special excursions take in the scenery of Baynesfiled, Crammond / Bon Accord, Nottingham, Wartburg and Pietermaritzburg on rail. Annual festivals and fairs, the Comrades Marathon and Carols by Candlelight also stoke up the engine and grease the wheels for a ride to cherish. The Umgeni Railway is the Non Profit Organisation Home of the locomotives that could... and still can.

Website:
http://www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za/



Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

Where to stay:


Google count: 339,000 for Kloof with Safesearch on
93,400 for kloof kwazulu natal with Safesearch on

Date: 26 January 2009

Kliptown (F 9)

Name: Kliptown

Google count:
Date:

Historic fact:

Kliptown and the Freedom Charter
Lucille Davie and Mary Alexander

27 June 2005
In the dark days of early apartheid rule half a century ago, on 26 June 1955, over 3 000 representatives of resistance organisations made their way through police cordons to gather on a dusty square in Kliptown, Soweto, 40km south of Johannesburg.

This was the Congress of the People, who met to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alternative vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state.

At the time, Nelson Mandela had to stay concealed to avoid the police. On the second day, the authorities broke up the gathering, but not before the charter was adopted as a guiding document. It remains the cornerstone of African National Congress (ANC) policy to this day, and is seen by many as the foundation of South Africa's 1996 Constitution.

That dusty field has now been declared a national heritage site, and on 26 June 2005 President Thabo Mbeki lit a flame of freedom in Kliptown to mark the opening of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication - and 50 years of the Freedom Charter.

R375m upgrade for Kliptown
Construction of the Walter Sisulu Square began two years ago, spearheaded by development agency Blue IQ. The square will have a park, a marketplace with 700 stalls for traders, about 17 shops and offices, a multipurpose centre and a hotel.

Construction in progress at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication (Photo: City of Johannesburg)

Unskilled labour has been used in the construction work, as have about 90 small, medium and micro enterprises, more than half of which were created to help the project.

Kliptown is a sprawling collection of settlements around 40km from the Johannesburg city centre, with a thriving informal business area where the people of Soweto do their shopping. Some 85% of the township consists of informal settlements.

Aerial view of Kliptown (Photo: Blue IQ)

Established in 1903 and one of the oldest urban multiracial settlements in the Johannesburg area, Kliptown has long been neglected, and many of its old buildings are now dilapidated.

With its history, it is hoped that Kliptown will become "a world-class tourist destination and heritage site offering local and international visitors a unique experience," according to Blue IQ.

The square and monument will form part of the Greater Kliptown Development Project, a massive effort to redevelop the area and make it more habitable and conducive to business.

Some R375-million has been put aside for Kliptown's revival, R293-million from Blue IQ and R30-million from the City of Johannesburg. Project areas include the upgrade of the Kliptown railway station, a market, the relocation of people in informal settlements, new houses, and a new 250-bay taxi rank, which is already complete.

The Walter Sisulu Square
Walter Sisulu was a delegate at the 1955 Congress of the People, a major figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, deputy president of the ANC, underground activist and Rivonia treason trialist.

Released from prison in 1989, he died in 2003, the year the R160-million Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication project was initiated. Its design was awarded to architects and urban designers StudioMAS.

Today the construction of the north and south sides of two squares, one of which is the original square where people gathered to approve the charter, is at roof level.

The complex consists of two long, narrow buildings encompassing the squares, with 10 columns on the eastern edge, representing the 10 clauses of the Freedom Charter.

A map of Kliptown, showing the location of the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication (Photo: Blue IQ)

Not just a construction project
But this is not just a construction project. Enormous effort has gone into relocating traders from Union Street, renovating their historic warehouses - in some cases they are more than 70 years old - and creating new functions for the buildings.

Between the two squares, on the northern end, is a tall tower, the Freedom Charter Monument. Here a freedom flame was lit by Mbeki, providing a landmark beacon to surrounding suburbs.

Opposite this tower, in the middle of the southern building, another tower is rising into the air. The base of this tower will contain a kwashisanyama, a place for preparing food.

The north and south buildings will contain offices, banks, retail space, a tourism office, an art gallery and the community hall. The search is on to place a restaurant and boutique hotel in the buildings.

Housing and wetlands
The city and the province are committed to building 7 100 houses in the coming years - 5 700 RDP houses and 1 400 houses for rental. So far only four houses have been completed, and 1 195 stands have been given services, in preparation for building.

Housing is a complex issue in Kliptown. The densely packed population of about 45 000 people needs to be systematically moved before houses can be built. In addition, electricity, water and sewage connections have to be installed.

The nearby wetlands and parks have been cleared and cleaned, employing about 50 people, with a view to employing another 170 people.

According to Blue IQ, the purpose of the Kliptown project is to redevelop this traditional apartheid-style buffer zone township between Johannesburg and Soweto into a desirable and prosperous residential and commercial locality.

The aim is to use Kliptown's rich history, as the meeting ground of the Congress of the People and the birthplace of the Freedom Charter, as a tool to boost tourism and transform the fortunes of the settlement.

The Congress of the People
The Congress of the People was a dramatic affair held over two days and attended by 3 000 delegates from all over the country, including 320 Indian, 230 coloured and 112 white South Africans.

It came about through the efforts of the Congress Movement, which was made up of the ANC, the SA Indian Congress, the Coloured People's Organisation (later the SA Coloured People's Congress), and the Congress of Democrats - white South Africans who identified with the movement.

A pamphlet published before the Kliptown gathering, calling on people to attend the Congress of the People (Photo: SA History Online)

"When the great day was upon us," wrote one participant afterwards, "we set out on our journey to Kliptown, many of us travelling hundreds of miles, wondering what was going to happen. For it was not as if we had been allowed to campaign in peace. Every meeting was watched by the special branch, our organisers were hounded and arrested, documents seized in raids.

"Cars and lorries were stopped, contingents held back on one or other pretext until it was too late to continue their journey. Yet in spite of all the harassment and interference, about 3 000 delegates pierced the police cordon and arrived at Kliptown, where a patch of open ground had been prepared to seat the huge throng.

"Just imagine the problems of organisation - 3 000 delegates had to be fed and housed. But from every point of view the Congress was an outstanding success."

The various clauses of the charter were introduced, there was an opportunity for impromptu speeches from delegates present, and the clauses were then read out and acclaimed by a show of hands. The Isitwalandwe/Seaparankoe - the highest honour awarded by the ANC - was awarded to Chief Albert Luthuli, president of the ANC, Yusuf Dadoo and Father Trevor Huddleston.

Only Father Huddleston was able to accept his award at the Congress of the People, as Luthuli and Dadoo were under banning orders and unable to attend.

In the afternoon of the second day proceedings were brought to an sudden close by the arrival of a large detachment of police bearing sten guns.

They took over the speakers' platform, confiscated all the documents they could find, announced that they had reason to believe that treason was being plotted, and took the names and addresses of all delegates before sending them home.

But the Freedom Charter was signed a year later by Luthuli, and has remained the central document in ANC policy ever since.

More on the Freedom Charter and Congress of the People:

The Freedom Charter
Call to the Congress of the People - Leaflet issued by the National Action Committee of the Congress of the People, 1955.
Congress of the People - I was there - an eyewitness account.
"Freedom in Our Lifetime" - article on the Freedom Charter by Nelson Mandela in Liberation, the newspaper of the Congress Movement, June 1956.
The African National Congress archive of historical documents relating to the Congress of the People.
SA History Online has a number of features on the Congress of the People.

For links go to:
http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/kliptown-220605.htm
Other interesting info:

Where to stay:

Kliprivier (F 10)

Name: Kliprivier

Google count: 62,900 for Kliprivier with Safesearch on
Date: 26 January 2010

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

Southern Gauteng is dominated by the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve situated just to the West of Heidelberg. Suikerbosrand is an area of unspoilt highveld that covers some 13000 hectares. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife and includes 65 kilometres of roads. There are more than 80 kilometres of hiking trails that are all well marked and the visitors’ centre includes an auditorium where regular talks and seminars are held.

More info: http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsga/southern-gauteng.htm

The communities of Walkerville, Walkerville Manor, Walkers Fruit Farms, Homestead Apple Orchards, Golfview, Blignautsrus, Hartzenbergfontein, Drumblade and Blue Saddle Ranches. With De Deur to the South and Eikenhof to the north comprise the greater Walkerville Area. Situated in Gauteng, the smallest most densely populated province in South Africa. Walkerville is approximately 35kms south of Johannesburg and can be reached by both the "Old Vereeniging Highway" (via Mondeor, Kibler Park and Eikenhof) or from the R59, taking the Walkerville turnoff just after passing Kliprivier. Walkerville offers the peace and tranquility of rural living yet is a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the major conurbation that is Johannesburg.

Where to stay:

Klipplaat (E 14)

Name: Klipplaat

Google count:41,600 for Klipplaat with Safesearch on
Date: 26 January 2010

See More:
http://www.ikwezi.gov.za/attractions.htm

Historic fact:

Prior to the coming of the white man, the area in general was inhabited by the nomadic Khoi (the "Hottentots") and the pastoral Xhosa.

Late in the 18th century, the area became known to the Dutch who named the river the Zondagh, after a settler. After the occupation of the Cape by the British the name transmuted to the Sundays.

The actual site of the town (Jansenville) was first surveyed in 1814 and named Vergenoegd. This property was acquired in 1820 by Christiaan Ernst Schutte. He and his successor moved north and in 1838 Vergenoegd became the property of Petrus Jacobus Fourie from Swellendam who began to cultivate the land along the river. This was the beginning of Jansenville history as a matter of record.

The wagon trail from Port Elizabeth to Graaff-Reinet passed through Vergenoegd which increased the number of people in the area.

In 1853, Fourie arranged for the surveying and laying out of 80 plots on his property in order to establish a town. He had intended the town to be named Alexandria after Dutch Reformed minister Alexander Smith of Uitenhage who visited the congregation once a quarter.

In the event, by the time the application had reached Cape Town, the name Alexandria has already been granted to another settlement so the place was then named Jansenville, after General Janssens, the last Dutch Governor at the Cape.

In 1874 work began on the first bridge over the Sundays River at Jansenville which was completed the following year (below the estimated cost!). To-day the piers of this bridge stand next to the present bridge.

1876 saw the establishment of a police station at Jansenville with a force of two constables as well as the appointment of a magistrate.

The outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War caused something of a rift in the community, with some supporting the British while many sympathised with the Boers. A Town Guard was formed in Jansenville and three blockhouses erected; one on a knoll by the bridge, one at the main crossroads in town and the third (The "Fort") on the hill just north of the town where it can be seen to this day.

Jan Smuts and his commando entered the Cape in 1901 with a view to raising the "Cape Dutch" in rebellion although only small numbers joined him. In the event, Jansenville was never attacked although a small engagement took place at Blaauwkrantz, some 20 km north of town.

A somewhat larger engagement also took place in 1901 near Klipplaat between some 300 men of Kritzinger's Commando and a patrol of West Australians and 7th Dragoon Guards who were covering the right flank of a column advancing from Uniondale towards Klipplaat.1907 saw a remarkable storm which de-roofed or destroyed 22 houses in the little town.

During the First World War a number of Jansenville's sons volunteered to serve against the rebels within the country, against the Germans in East Africa as well as on the western front. Of the fourteen who went to France only three returned.

During the Second World War little Jansenville distinguished itself in a small way at the disastrous fall of Tobruk in 1942 when the 2nd South African Division and other allied units had to surrender to the Germans. Lieutenant Cecil Featherstone, born and bred in Jansenville, declined to surrender and, leading a small convoy, succeeded in evading the enemy forces and bringing 46 men back to the allied lines to fight again.

Jansenville also provided the highest per capita number of volunteers for the forces of any place in South Africa during the war.

On 30th October 1941, with the Sundays River almost dry, there fell upstream 275mm of rain in one day. A few hours later water was flowing over the 13m high bridge. The lower part of the town was destroyed as were the farmlands along the river.


Other interesting info:

Where to stay:

Klipheuwel (B 15)

Name: Klipheuwel

Google count: 49,700 for Klipheuwel with Safesearch on
Date: 25 january 2009

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:



In line with global trends towards increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the overall primary energy mix, Eskom is at the forefront in the development of economical, efficient and safe methods of using renewable energy. Eskom is committed to protecting the environment and is continually seeking new and innovative energy solutions.

Recognising that coal, gas and oil are finite resources, Eskom embarked upon a research programme, managed by the research department of its Resources and Strategy Division, to investigate South Africa’s sources of renewable energy.

Klipheuwel Windfarm Research Facility
In 2002/03, Eskom erected three wind turbines at an experimental wind energy farm at Klipheuwel on the West Coast near Cape Town. Research on the potential of wind energy as an electricity generating option has been carried out as well as an evaluation of different wind-based technologies and their economic viability.

Maintenance and operating functions are carried out by Peaking Generation (Eskom Generation Division).

Technical information
The three turbines selected for the Klipheuwel research station are:

Type Rating Commissioned Rotor
diameter Blade length Hub
height
Vestas V47 660kW August 2002 47m 23m 40m
Vestas V66 1 750kW December 2002 66m 32m 60m
Jeumont J48 750kW February 2003 48m 23m 46m

The Danish Vestas units incorporate conventional induction generators with gearboxes, whereas the French Jeumont unit has a permanent magnet synchronous generator without a gearbox.

Nominal wind speeds required for full power operation vary between about 47 and 57 km/hour, with shutdown mechanisms operating at 90km/h. They can start generating at between 11 to 15 km/hour.

These models were selected so that Eskom could demonstrate and assess their different mechanical and electrical performances.

Research is also being carried out on battery storage technology. Wind is an erratic resource which is not always available when most needed. Current time of use figures show a 16% usage during peak periods, 40% at standard times and 44% during off peak periods.

Site selection
Land availability, accessibility and existing grid infrastructures are limiting factors in the construction of wind farms. Wind power potential is best along the coastline.

Twenty potential sites were originally identified and the Klipheuwel site chosen because of acceptable wind speeds, its proximity to Cape Town for research and demonstration purposes and an existing electricity distribution infrastructure.


Environment
The site forms part of a farm in a rural, agricultural area. The area is under wheat cultivation and is used as cattle grazing after the harvest. A small ephemeral pan, which dries up in summer, provides a seasonal feeding habitat for certain birds and a breeding habitat for the endemic frog.

The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) conducted an independent Environmental Impact Assessment of the site.

An Environmental Management Plan, based on ISO14001 standards, has been compiled for the construction, operation and de-commissioning phases of the project. This includes:

• ensuring activities of work personnel and the public are kept within designated areas
• monitoring impact of the operating turbines on bird species in terms of fatalities and breeding habits
• monitoring noise produced and effects on the local community
• recording and assessing complaints from the public

Advantages and disadvantages of wind power

Advantages:
• wind is a sustainable resource.
• wind, as a primary energy source, is free
• technology currently being developed may in future allow for the energy to be stored for use when required, for example at peak periods
• wind is a clean form of energy without emissions or waste products
• there are growing numbers of energy users prepared to pay for the more expensive electricity generated from renewable sources

Disadvantages:
• capital costs (construction) are high and the production cost per kWh is higher than the cheap electricity currently produced by Eskom’s coal fired power stations.
• units are of small capacity (25 to 2 000kW) and it would take hundreds of wind turbines to replace a single thermal unit (currently ranging between 200-600MW).
• wind resources are erratic and can be used only at certain speeds.
• while it is a clean source of energy, environmental impacts can include noise, visual pollution as well as affecting birdlife.

Facts and figures
The Klipheuwel Windfarm has a total capacity of 3,16MW, and is expected to generate at a load factor of 20%-30%

• The three units have been given Khoisan names: Khoebaha Sousa (father of the nation at the time of transformation), Kamisoa (the wind goddess) and Krotoa (one who overcomes adversity)
• Wind generators have an expected lifetime of at least 20 years
• The turbines can withstand wind speeds of between 200-250 km/h. (The highest wind speed measured on the Klipheuwel site is 120km/h)
• A small meteorological station is installed on top of each turbine, as well as an aircraft warning light.
• It is estimated that 1 000MW of wind power is practically available between Langebaan and Springbok



Believe it or not!

The largest Klipheuwel wind turbine, the Vestas V66 has:
• the capacity to supply about 200 first world homes, or as many as 1000 in deep rural areas
• a blade length of 33m - longer than the wing of a Jumbo jet aeroplane
• a tower the height of a 20 storey building
• blade tips that turn at almost 300km/hour at full speed
• a rotor/propeller that weighs 23 tons – more than a fully loaded double decker bus
• 500 tons of concrete as a foundation

References
• SABRE-Gen (South African Bulk Renewable Energy Generation) initiated by Eskom in 1998, is a programme aimed at assessing and demonstrating the viability of renewable energy technologies for large scale power generation in South Africa. Visit the website at www.sabregen.co.za
• Generation Fact Sheet: Renewable Sources of Primary Energy. Website www.eskom.co.za (Go to: About Eskom  Company information  Facts and Figures)

Contact details and viewing opportunities
• Information about Klipheuwel Windfarm and visits to the site can be arranged by contacting Palmiet Visitors Centre – 021 8592690
• The wind turbines are located in the Western Cape at Klipheuwel. The site can be approached via the R302 or R304 from the Philadelphia, Durbanville or Stellenbosch directions. The units are clearly visible from the perimeter fence and information boards have been provided.





Produced by: Generation Communication
GFS 0032 Revision 3 (July 2006)

For more information on Eskom related topics see the Eskom website (www.eskom.co.za).
Select the Publications tab and List of Fact Sheets.

http://www.eskom.co.za/content/RW%200002KliphWindfRev3.doc

Where to stay:

Klipfontein (E 14)

Name: Klipfontein

Google count: 29,600 for Klipfontein with Safesearch on (SA)
Date: 25 January 2010

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

Where to stay:

Olive Schreiner the famous writer of the novel "Story of an African farm" and sympathiser towards the Boers cause during the Anglo Boer War's grave at Buffelskop near Cradock. Olive Schreiner museum at Crodock. Mountain Zebra National Park, 90 km from Oxwagon Camp. Walter Batiss, renowned painters museum at Somerset East.

Rates:
Season Single Double
In season R 0.00 R 0.00
Out season R 0.00 R 350.00
Remarks: Rates on request. 5 Oxwagons. Each oxwagon sleeps 2 persons. Maximum capacity of camp is 10 persons. One "bush shower" with hot water and toilets in laager. One bathroom with toilet in the wagon house.
Rooms include : Yes No

Phone
Television
Radio
Heater
Roof Fan
Airconditioner

The cosy interior of an oxwagon
(Click for a larger picture)







Nearest Town:
Somerset East
Distance: 70km
Police: Yes
Hospital: Yes
All necessary amenities available. The town originated as the hunting lodge of Lord Charles Somerset, governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1826. As first settlement under the Bosberg (Bush Mountain) it served to provide fresh produce for the military garrison at the time.RESERVATIONS: Make a reservation enquiry (only an enquiry) by clicking on the reservation icon at the bottom of this page or contact the Farmstay reservation office hours: 039 313 0770 or phone August after hours on 082 882 7475. E-mail enquiries to August at august@farmstay.co.za

Tourist attractions in the area.
Cheese factory at Cookhouse. Fish River irrigation scheme as an outlet of the Gariep Dam irrigation scheme. The tunnel and canal at Uitkeer near Cookhouse where the Gariep waters are poured into a canal after their long journey from the Gariep.

Agricultural sites of interest in the area.
Sheep and Angora goat sheering. Cattle and Boergoat farming. Game farm management. Irrigation from the Fish River which is fed from the Gariep Dam, 300 km north of the Elands Drift Dam.
The Menu
Full farmhouse brunch: Bacon, eggs, sausage, home baked bread and muffins. Traditional South African dishes. Potjiekos, braaivleis and potbrood. Coffee and rusks availabe in the morning at no extra cost.

Farm Details
Farm Name/s: Witmoskloof - 4500 ha
Farming Activities: Dohne Merino Sheep, Angora Goats and Bonsmara Cattle.
Farm History: The farm has been the property of the Jordaan, van Gend and Nel families since 1830.


A bit about your hosts:
Len and Lyn Nel farm on the Karoo farm Witmoskloof. Their son, Anton, have equestrain sport and holds Springbok colours in American saddle sport. He is in control of all the farming operations, while his father manages the maintenance. Len also performs the restoration of antique furniture of which there are examples in the oxwagon camp. Lyn is in control of the catering and manages the antique shop. Katrina, Anton's wife, assists with the catering and management of the guest facility.
Len and Lyn Nel, proud owners of Witmos Oxwagon Camp
(Click for a larger picture)

How to get there:
68 km from Cradock on the N10 on your way to PE take the Klipfontein turn off. Follow the road to Witmos Oxwagon Camp.

Klipdale (D17)

Name: Klipdale

Other names in the Klipdale
Napier
Kars
Bredasdorp
Protem
Kykoedie
Botrivier
Halfaampieskraal
Soutkuil
Langkuil
Rietpoel
Skildskloof
Jongensklip
Krige
Drayton
Caledon
Mission
Die Vlei

Google count:
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Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

Where to stay:

Klerksdorp (E 10)

Name: Klerksdorp

Google count: 548,000 for Klerksdorp with Safesearch on (SA)
Date: 24 January 2010

Historic fact:


Klerksdorp is a city and administrative district located in the North West Province (formerly Western Transvaal),
South Africa.
History:
The city was founded in 1837 when the Voortrekkers settled on the banks of the Schoonspruit ("Clear stream"), which flows through the town. Klerksdorp is the oldest European (white) settlement of the then Transvaal.

The most prominent of the first settlers was C.M. du Plooy who claimed a farm of about 160 km², called it Elandsheuwel ("Hill of the Eland"). He gave plots of land and communal grazing rights on this farm to other Voortrekkers in return for their labour in building a dam and an irrigation canal. This collection of smallholdings was later given the name of Klerksdorp in honour of the first landdrost (magistrate) of the area, Jacob de Clerq.

In August 1886 gold was discovered in the Klerksdorp district by M.G. Jansen van Vuuren as well as on the Witwatersrand, which lies about 160 km to the east. As a consequence, thousands of fortune-seekers descended on the small village, turning it into a town with 70 taverns and even a stock exchange of its own.

However, the nature of the gold reef demanded expensive and sophisticated equipment to mine and extract the gold, causing the majority of diggers to move away in the late 1890s and leading to a decline in the gold mining industry.

During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), heavy fighting occurred in the area. The most famous of the battles around Klerksdorp, is that of the Battle of Ysterspruit (Iron Stream), in which the Boer General, Koos de la Rey, achieved a great victory. He battle is one of the most celebrated of the general's career, being the battle in which the Boer soldiers pioneered the art of firing from horseback. On April 11, 1902, Rooiwal, near Klerkdorp, saw
the Battle of Rooiwal, the last major engagement of the war, where a Boer charge was beaten off by entrenched British troops.

More information: http://www.africaninvitation.co.za/towns/Klerksdorp

Other interesting info:

Where to stay: http://www.africaninvitation.co.za/towns/Klerksdorp

Kleinbegin (B 11)

Name: Kleinbegin

Kleinbegin
Northern Cape
South Africa


Google count: 24,500 for Kleinbegin with Safesearch on
3,310 for Kleinbegin Upington with Safesearch on
Date: 23 January 2010

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

www.railsafari.co.za/infoimg/rovos-pretoria-swakopmund-map.swf

Where to stay:

From Kimberley to Thuru Lodge:

Take the N8 to Upington via Griekwastown to Groblershoop (Distance +- 260km) Turn right into N10 to Upington (Distance +- 15km) Turn left at Kleinbegin dirt road until you reach the gate at your left (Distance +- 12km).
Look out for the Thuru directional signs.

From Upington to Thuru Lodge:

Take the n10 to Kimberley via Groblershoop. After +-100km make a right turn at Kleinbegin dirt road until you reach the gate at your left (Distance +- 12km).

Klawer (B 14)

Name: Klawer

Klawer is situated 283km from Cape Town on the N7. The town is nestled between the Matzikamma Mountains in the east and the Olifants River to the west. The towns name originated from the wild clover that grows in the area. The siphon at Kransbrug is on of Klawer's unique sights. The siphon draws water from the western to the eastern channel of the river. The eastern channel flows the entire length of Klawer. During the flower season Klawer is transformed to a wild flower paradise.

Read more: http://www.namakwa.com/dorpe/Klawer/klawer.htm

Google count: 42,100 for Klawer
Date: 22/01/09

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

During the flower season Klawer and the surrounding countryside is transformed from an arid landscape into a flower lover´s paradise. The nearby Doring River is ideal for river rafting and exploration of the river banks. Klawer is hoast to the Klawer winery where visitors can taste and purchase award-winning wines. For the adventure lover there is River Rafting to set the dare devil within free!The traveller interested in history will find the Windhoek Farm, situated 7km outside Klawer en-route to Vanrhynsdorp, of particular interest. It was here that a skirmish between the troops of General Jan Smuts and the British took place in 1902. Another attraction of note is the irrigation canal siphon constructed by Italian prisoners of war.

Read more: http://www.tourismcapetown.co.za/index.php?cityhome+97028

Where to stay:

Southern cape railway stations

Name:

Google count:
Date:

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

http://www.intabarailtours.co.za/

Where to stay:

http://www.southerncape.co.za/history/transport/railways/stations/welcome.php

Mossel Bay: http://www.southerncape.co.za/history/transport/railways/stations/mossel_bay.php

Klaserie (L 7)

Name: Klaserie

Google count: 24,300 for Klaserie with Safesearch on.
Date: 18 January 2009.

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

The Klaserie Camps are part of an exclusive wildlife sanctuary within the Greater Kruger National Park.


http://www.klaseriedam.co.za/
Where to stay:

Klapmuts (B 16)

Name: Klapmuts

Klapmuts western cape

Google count:
Date:

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

http://www.uncoverthecape.co.za/indoors/animals-indoors/butterfly-world/

Where to stay:

Just 50 kilometres from Cape Town,Klapmutskop Renosterveld Conservancywas established in 2004 as part of CapeNature’s Stewardship Programme by the five farms that share ownership ofthe land - Delheim, Elsenburg, East Hill, Le Bonheur and Warwick. These winefarms act as curators of the conservancy and plough their efforts into protecting and conserving the area through sustainable practices. Trail Centre /STARTBIKE TRAILS 523.49m If you want to become a friend of the Klapmutskop Conservancy please contact thesecretary by email: adele@delheim.com or call +27 (0) 21 888 4615 o/h IndigenousYellowwood Forest Paarl Delvera Stellenbosch Muldersvlei Road Peppertree Le Bonheur Klapmutskop Delheim Vineyards
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Page 2
[ More hidden treasures ][ A haven for the nature enthusiast ]This small area – Klapmutskop is just 150 hectaresin size – is bursting with wildlife and rare gems. Swartland Shale Renosterveld The Conservancy has one of the best examples of Swartland Shale Renosterveld, a type of fynbos that only occurs in the Western Cape lowlands and which is seriously threatened. Today, less than four percent of this unique vegetation still remains Geological Formations Klapmutskop is botanically significant because it is a meeting point for three different geological formations: Sandstone, Granite and Conglomerate(Magrug Formation). These formations support different vegetation types; Mountain Fynbos/Afromontane Forest (Sandstone), Boland Granite Fynbos (Granite) and a Mountain Fynbos-Boland Granite Fynbos mosaic (Magrug).

Flora and Fauna

You can see 23 bird species, 126 indigenousplants, at least 24 geophytic plant species (bulbs/bolplante) most of which flower during Spring,16trees and larger shrubs, plus a range of reptiles- such as tortoises, lizards and snakes - andmammals, including vlei rats, striped mice, duikers,dassies and porcupines.Dirtopia, a leading mountain bikeevent and trail building company,organises and runs all the trails atKlapmutskop. Dirtopia’s Trail Centreoffice at Delvera is open 8am-5pm,seven days a week.At the nursery, you can learnaboutthe Conservancy’s vital workwith the Millennium Seed BankProject to propagate the seedsof rare and endangered species. Klapmutskop nursery is workingclosely with CapeNature andwith the botanical gardens at bothKirstenbosch and Kew in the UK.The nursery also sells some species ofindigenous seedlings and plants.Klapmutskop Conservancy is playing its part in environmentaleducation. Over the last couple of years, it has hosted field classesand outdoor classrooms for nearly 350 children from local schools. It has also provided environmental studies training – such as alienclearing and plant identification - for over 20 previouslydisadvantaged people.The hiking trail to the top ofKlapmutskop takes about twoand half hours and is probablythe most beautiful hike inthe Stellenbosch Winelandsregion. The views areincomparable; to take inFalse Bay, Table Mountain,Paarl Rock, Franschhoekand the magnificentSimonsberg mountain inone sweep would thrillanyone.From September to April,Dirtopia also runs the popular Full Moon hikes (booking essential). Allyear round, one can enjoy the bird walk, the vineyard walk and themountain-biking trails, which are the only marked trails in Stellenbosch.Hikers and bikers pay a modest fee for their permit, of which 25% isploughed back into the Conservancy. Bikes and Nordic Walking polesare available for rental.Bring water, a hat, a lightweight jacket and walking shoes and set asideat least three hours to enjoy your visit.For more information and bookings, contactDirtopia: +27 (0) 21 884 4752 or theteam@dirtopia.co.za[ Hikes, mountain bike trails & more ]300 Year old Yellowwood Forest - Podocarpus elongatesA massive fire in 2000 and the clearance of alien trees from the slopesof Klapmutskop led to the discovery, on top of the mountain, of anindigenous yellowwood forest. The Breederiver Yellowwood trees(Podocarpus elongates), some of which are 300 years-old, representthe southernmost patch of the species. If the author Lewis Carrollhad climbed Klapmutskop, he would probably have fashioned a storyaround the forest because it’s so mystical, magical and enchanted.The old yellowwoods creak their welcome in the wind and your path isframed by archways of branches. Miraculously surviving what nature’sserved up over the years, this small indigenous forest acts as a starkreminder of why conservation is so essential.[ Securing the future ]Nature Takes its CourseIn January 2007, an intense veld fire ravagedthe south-western slopes of Klapmutskop. Thiswas the fourth fire in 64 years and it was alsothe worst. Although the Yellowwood forest wasbadly damaged, it survived. The miracle of fire isthat fynbos needs to burn in order to rejuvenateitself and for the seeds to germinate. Seedssometimes lie dormant in the soil for many yearsand it is only a veld fire that will provoke thesehidden treasures to re-sprout and flourish again. For this reason, it is very important that, after afire, visitors keep to the marked paths. The Klapmutskop Conservancy is in the processof registering as a Non Profit Organisation. Klapmutskop is a safe place to be. It is a place where the land andthe views, the animal and the plant life merge for the good of theenvironment as well as for the visitor’s enjoyment. Entry to Klapmutskop is at Delvera Agri-Tourism Centre, CornerMuldersvlei Road and R44, StellenboschYour visit to this natural wonder of the Winelands will be rewarding toyou and to the conservancy.The agri-tourism activities, together with funding from LandCare(a Department of Agriculture programme), support the KlapmutskopConservancyCAPE FOX AWARD WINNER 2007

For later use

Wind farm village at Wolvefontein and/or Kleinpoort railroad station towns that have become derelict and facilitate rail links to existing eco- tourism routes to Eastern Cape .

http://haaspoortwolvefonteinkleinpoort.blogspot.com/

Kirkwood (F 15)

Name: Kirkwood

Addo, Sunlands and Kirkwood boast with South Africa's "Big 7". Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Great White Shark and Whales are all viewed from this area.

The citrus route also offers other attractions and wild life, such as;

•National Addo Elephant Park
•International Class accommodation
•Worlds best citrus, local and export
•Annual Rose festival
•Bird watching
•Adventure Sports and team building
•Lion cub handling
•Top Class restaurants
•Crocodile Parks
•Beautiful view of the majestic Sundays River Valley
•Warmest Hospitality

The ever exciting crocodile and lion farm specially catering for big school and educational groups.


Google count: 75,300 for Kirkwood with Safesearch on Date: 14 January 2010
75,600 for Kirkwood with Safesearch on Date: 26 January 2010


Historic fact:

Town of Kirkwood is situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley and can be considered the citrus capital of the Eastern Cape. It is hard to believe that this beautiful valley was witness to bloody border wars between the Xhosa tribres and white settlers (British and Boer) a mere two hundred years ago. Also a place where, a little more than a 100 years ago, Afrikaner farmers (Boers) fought for freedom against the British Empire.

The 250km (156 miles) long Sundays river, with its origin in the Compassberg mountains near Nieu Bethesda (highest mountains in the old Cape Province), is the fastest flowing river in South Africa. It flows into the Indian Ocean at Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth. The river winds its way through the Zuurberg mountains and passes Kirkwood in the fertile Sundays River Valley. Kirkwood is 80 km (50 miles) from the ocean and 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level. The weather bureau recorded a temperature of 50.3 C (122.5 F) in 1928. This is still the highest temperature recorded in South Africa. All these factors add to Kirkwood's subtropical climate and make it ideal for the growing of citrus fruits.

At the turn of the 19th century, the Sundays river formed the eastern border of the then Cape colony. This is one of the few areas where all of the South African ethnic groups were at war at one time or another. Khoi against Xhosa, Khoi and Xhosa against Boer and British, and finally Boer against the British. During the Anglo Boer war, General Smuts and his Commando of 250 men passed through the valley on their epic quest to the northwest. The three men who died the furthest south during the war, were killed on Cecil John Rhodes's farm, "Brakkefontein". Arri van Onselen and Henri Rittenberg were buried in the Kariega cemetery, which is next to the main road towards Jansenville. Cornelius Vermaas was buried in Uitenhage. After these casualties, a major battle ensued on the "Bedrogsfontein" mountain pass.

In 1814, Governor Cradock awarded the first Sundays River Valley farms to leaders of the successful burger commandos for their role in the victories in the border wars of 1811 and 1812. Magistrate Cuyler (originally from America) of Uitenhage received "Geelhoutboom" (later Dunbrody), Commandant Ignatius Muller received "Klaaskraal" (just outside Kirkwood) and Fieldcornet J.S. van Niekerk received "Gouwernements Belooning" - the farm where Kirkwood would be established almost 100 years later.

James Somers Kirkwood, an auctioneer from Port Elizabeth, arrived in 1877 to auction off the farm "Gouwernements Belooning". A flooded Sundays river prevented him from reaching the farm and instead he climbed a hill, known today as The Lookout, from where he had a view of the entire valley. He also had a vision of the valley, overgrown by valley bushveld at the time, being transformed into lush green irrigated fields with fruit trees. His vision also included farm produce being delivered via river barges connecting the fertile valley with Port Elizabeth.

Shortly afterwards, James purchased "Goewernements Belooning" and other farms in the valley. He established the Sundays River Land and Irrigation Co and also the small village Bayville. He started preparing irrigation land on a big scale. In spite of a very positive prospectus and tons of publicity, he failed to attract any interest in buying stock in this big venture. It coincided with the big diamond rush to Kimberly. Everyone was investing in diamond companies. His company eventually failed due to a lack of public interest and was declared bankrupt. Kirkwood died a financially and spiritually broken man in 1889.

Like many pioneers, James Somers Kirkwood was ahead of his time. His vision became true in the next century with the Sundays River Irrigation Project and eventually the Orange River Water Project. His name lives on in the town of Kirkwood that originated on his first farm, "Gouwernements Belooning", in 1912.

www.kirkwood.co.za/pages/history.htm

Other interesting info:

Kirkwood is one of the largest citrus-growing regions in South Africa.

ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees - 4 Junie 2010 - 6 Junie 2010

Where to stay:

Story:

TWO volunteers from America have started a programme that allows parents to make a quilt depicting the dreams they have for their children’s future.

Eileen Kugler, 59, and her husband, Larry, 60, organised the quilting programme at Addo’s AV Bukani Primary School in a bid to increase parent involvement at the school.

Eileen said: “There is a lot of research showing that when parents are actively involved in a school, pupils do better.

“When a parent is involved, the child tends to pay more attention and do homework more often.”

She said it was a worldwide problem that parents had little contact with schools. Only if a problem arose would the parents be contacted.

In cases where the families did not have had a good education themselves, or worked long hours, there was often no connection felt with the school, Eileen said. “So they tend to stay away from the school ... they think it is the teachers’ job to educate their child.

“Creating the quilt is a non-threatening way of getting parents involved.”

A parent, or grandparent in some cases, of each pupil has made a square, with the squares then being sewn together into a quilt that will be presented to the school.

The squares illustrate the hopes and dreams the parents have for their children. “On many there are children with graduation caps, to say they want their child to graduate.

“Some have specific careers depicted, like a medical doctor. Others are very personal and are decorated with things that are important to the families.

“One parent wants her child to become a social worker. So she put on a hand, saying we must always be willing to help someone and that a social worker must have a good heart.”

So far there have been seven meetings where parents work on the quilt and discuss ways of bettering their children’s school performance and future. At the end of each meeting, the parents receive a full meal, prepared by several mothers in the community.

Eileen said she and her husband had picked Addo’s Nomathamsanqa township because it was a rural area where they felt they could make a difference. This is their second visit here and they look forward to coming back next year. “The quilt is only the beginning, ” Eileen said.

The quilt will be presented to the school at a farewell for the Kuglers later today. It will then be hung at the school.

Source: Esté Coetzee, HERALD REPORTER


Websites:

www.myaddo.co.za/

Kinross (H 9)

Name: Kinross

Kinross is a small gold mining town in Mpumalanga, South Africa with four gold mines in the region. The town, named after Kinross in Scotland, was established in 1915.

Google count:
Date:

Historic fact:

Other interesting info:

"Roelof van Wyk subscribed to Cosmopolitan magazine in 1983, as an 11 year old boy, in the godforsaken little town of Kinross, Mpumalanga. Thanks Jane Raphaely for shaping his vision of the world, together with Huisgenoot, resulting in a strangely twisted sense of what’s modern, popular and fashionable. A degree in architecture and a day job in media and marketing honed an eye and a visual sensibility that has now matured sufficiently to be exposed to the public eye. Van Wyk shows photographs that tend ‘towards an architectural language’, blurring the boundaries between art and architecture, form and function, construction and deconstruction, and focusing on three key thematics: Natural phenomena, manmade form and machine metaphor."


Where to stay: