DR NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA DISTRICT

Rooigrond

Location

Rooigrond is 18km from Mahikeng on the Lichtenburg road.

Interactive Map

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History

The modern building of the old Bophuthatswana High Court overlooks the tiny village of Rooigrond. The village was named for its red soil of the area and is today predominantly populated by small holders. But once it was a centre of attention in the old Zuid Afrikaans Republijk. More history....

The relocation programme of the apartheid government during the 1960s and 70s, saw the removal of Tswana-speaking people from Machaviestad outside Potchefstroom to Rooigrond. The relocation followed a long and bitter legal battle. A part of the Rooigrond community has, since 1994, returned to their original homes under the government's Land Restitution programme.

Today, Rooigrond is still a smallholding centre. Many landowners have erected guest houses in the area and along with the Sehuba Inn, the area has become a popular getaway for people from Mahikeng, Lichtenburg and Zeerust, Much of the through-trade comes from commercial travelers although the Sehuba Inn is well-known for its conference facilities.

Just off the main road to Mahikeng is the Rooigrond Prison, headquarters of the North West Prisons service. The gallows used to execute those sentenced to death during the Bophuthatswana period can still be seen at the prison.

Places Of Interest

Battle of Tigele Site

On July 31, 1884, a battle took place between the BaRolong and their allies the BaNgkwaketse and Boer Goshenites. After the battle, all 67 BaNgwaketse were buried in a cemetery at Setlhopo, near the battle site. It is the intention to declare it a national monument, but further research is required, 231 people were killed in battle. The site is about 10 km south west of Mahikeng.

Botshabeb (Putfontein)

Here one can see the extensive ruins and cemetery of the large BaTdoung settlement that was completely destroyed in 1916/17 when the entire population was forcibly removed to Ramatlabama, about 35km north of Mahikeng on the Botswana border.

The Sehuba Inn

Mr. E. Platnaeur started the hotel currently known as the Sehuba Inn, in 1903 In 1907 the hotel belonged to S. Rowe and he changed the name to Wayside Hotel. In 1915, it was taken over by Mr. David Fish and renamed the Tipperary Hotel. In 1920 it became the Fishoek Hotel.

Phoenix Raceway

A tarred racetrack has been constructed on one of the plots at Rooigrond. Visitors to the raceway can experience the thrills of motor racing. The circuit is flood lit to host night events.