Central Region

MAFIKENG CAPITAL CITY - SITES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST

Mafikeng, the capital of the North West Province of South Africa, is a cultural jewel. It offers much to the visitor both in terms of fascinating history, culture and hospitality. For historians, archaeologists, casual visitors, and nature enthusiasts alike, Mafikeng proudly fills its corner of the North West Province.

The Mafikeng Museum

A good place to start a tour of Mafikeng is at the Museum, situated in Martin Street. The displays are superb, and the curator holds the keys to a number of historical sites around the town. The Museum is housed in the former Old Town Hall, built in 1902. This ornate building dominated the centre of the town at the time. With its impressive steel ceiling, old town clock and elaborate architectural style, the museum itself deserves a visit.

Outside the museum is a 6-H class steam locomotive, weighing 90 tons. Its tender was constructed in Scotland in 1901. This locomotive pulled trains on the route between Mafikeng and Bulawayo until 1971. In 1985 it was moved from the railway siding to its present position. There is also a 1919 steam engine which provided power for machinery.

The old Mafikeng Club which was recently closed, is represented in the museum by a piece of its roof which was hit by shrapnel from a 94 pound shell. Inside the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. An interesting feature is the emphasis on the Tswana culture and history which, for so long, was ignored. A traditional hut greets visitors at the main hall and,opposite, in sharp contrast,stands an old ship's cannon "the Nelson" manufactured in 1770. The gun weighs 436 kilograms, has a calibre of 94mm and had a range of 2,769 metres. It came to Mafikeng in 1883, sold to chief Montshoia by chief Lentshwe of the Bakgatla for 22 oxen. It was used against land-hungry Boers of the Goshen Republic. Baden-Powell's forces later used it in defence of Mafikeng during the Siege.

A unique feature at the museum are objects and pictures related to the Siege, including part of a steel boiler of the train which was ambushed by General De La Rey's commando at Kraaipan. The hole in this piece of steel was caused by the first artillery shot of the war.

The Siege Room features displays of hundreds of artifacts and photographs from Mafikeng's most famous moments and an entire display is dedicated to Sol T Plaatje, academic and founder member of the ANC. His diary of the Siege written when he was a court interpreter provides one of the few written accounts of those events by a black person.

Bethel's Rocks

These stones, erected by Christopher Bethell in 1878, indicate the exact latitude and longitude of the establishment of Mafikeng.

Mafikeng Town Beacon

The beacon, near the corner of Nelson Mandela Drive and North Street, was erected in 1885 by General Sir Charles Warren to mark the north east corner of the new town of Mafikeng.

Masonic Lodge

This building, erected in 1894, was a venue for concerts during the Siege. Boer prisoners, Commandant Sarel Eloff and his men, who surrendered after a batttle on May 12, 1900, were housed here before being exiled to Saint Helena.

Cecil John Rhodes Monument

Although Rhodes supported the BaRolong. his ulterior motive was to annex this area to the Cape Colony and Rhodesia. When his plan was thwarted by chief Kgama of the Bamangwato tribe, the British government assumed direct rule over the former Protectorate (now Botswana).

Kanon Kopje & Warren' s Fort

On the outskirts of town, Kanon Kopje to the south-east and Warren's Fort on the northern side, pay tribute to the desperate defences of the defenders of Mafeking. Both sites have been well maintained and Kanon Kopje provides an excellent elevated view of Mafikeng.

The kopje was probably first occupied by Stone Age people about 8,000 years ago. It was here the Goshenites first launched an artillery attack on Mahikeng between 1882 and 1884.

Two forts were built during the Warren expedition of 1885 on either side of the Molopo River.

To get to Kanon Kopje, take the Danville turn-off opposite the Tourist Information Centre and follow the signs. Kanon Kopje is adjacent to the hospital parking lot.

Enquiries: at the museum.

HISTORY

AROUND MAFIKENG

politician, journalist, campaigner for human rights, novelist & translator

He was the first known black person to keep a diary during a protracted war. During the siege of Mafikeng he wrote his 'Boer War Diary' - a valuable historical document, unique in its presentation of an African perspective.

Places linking him to Mafikeng at the time of the siege include his residence, his newspaper office and printing works.

more about Sol Plaatje ...

more about the Boer War ...

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