Krugerdorp (Mogale City), West Rand, Gauteng
Krugersdorp has its foot firmly in the history of South Africa. This is the place where over 6000 Afrikaner men gathered together in December 1880 to pledge their allegiance to President Kruger and to fight for the independence of the Transvaal from the British.
It was in 1887 when gold was discovered on the farm Paardekraal that the town of Krugersdorp was proclaimed and named after President Kruger. Little did anyone realise the extent of the mineral treasures hidden under the ground of this West Rand town.
Historical Krugersdorp
Some interesting historic buildings in town include the station which was built in 1886 and is a national monument; the old Magistrate’s Court Building of 1890 and the Town Hall built in 1907.
The Krugersdorp Museum, at 53 Commissioner Street, focuses on the colourful history of Krugersdorp and the surrounding area.
The old Burgershoop Graveyard in Kremororium Street – some 809 women and children, victims of the British Concentration Camps, lie buried in this graveyard, a stark reminder that the Anglo-Boer War also had a devastating effect on the people of this area. Additionally, there are the graves of all the early residents of Krugersdorp, and many have found their ancestors buried here.
The Paardekraal Monument in Paardekraal Street, marks the site where 6 000 Transvaal “burghers” assembled in 1880 to pledge their allegiance to President Paul Kruger. Each man placed a stone on a cairn to signify his resolve to fight for the independence of the Transvaal.
Krugersdorp Today
Mining has stayed in the life blood of Krugersdorp – apart from gold, manganese, iron, asbestos and lime are also mined in the area. In 1952 the West Rand Consolidated Mine was the first in the world to extract uranium as a by-product of the gold refining process.
Today Krugersdorp is the capital of the Western Gauteng region and has a population of over 400000. In addition to its modern business centre, residential areas, schools, superb sports facilities and other city amenities, Krugersdorp is known for its location – close to the Cradle of Mankind World Heritage Site, the Magaliesberg Mountains and just a short trip to Johannesburg or Pretoria (Tshwane).
Nearby Attractions:
The 1400 hectare Krugersdorp Game Reserve provides a really worthwhile half day trip where you are almost guaranteed of seeing game that includes buffalo, hippo, zebra, giraffe and a number of different giraffe. A separate area encloses the lions, and there are optional night drives. An ideal choice if you cannot make a big reserve.
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is home to more than 700 animals belonging to 30 different species. It covers 1 400 ha and has lion, buffaloes, rhinoceros, cheetahs, wild dogs, hippopotami and several species of antelope. It offers an animal ‘creche’ where you can play with lion cubs.
Within the Cradle of Mankind World Heritage Site is the Cradle Nature Reserve, a 3 000 hectare getaway from the city rush and ideal for a weekend wildlife experience.
Other nearby attractions include the Cradle of Humankind with the Sterkfontein Caves and the Wonder Cave. The Cradle of Humankind is the hotbed of human fossil discoveries.
Feel like chancing your luck at a casino? Silverstar Casino, between Krugersdorp and Muldersdrift, has the best of gaming and much more. This luxury casino is not themed and relies on classy architecture and décor to impress.
The Krugerdorp Golf Course is a championship 18 hole par 72 course with an amazing setting, a great pro-shop and welcoming ambiance. It is considered a well kept secret by those in the know.
The Tarlton International Drag Strip is close by and is a popular venue for petrolheads, drag racing fans and street racing enthusiasts.
For more attractions in Gauteng, visit ShowMe Gauteng.
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