Friday, October 30, 2009

Hendriksdal (K 8)

Name: Hendriksdal

This idyllic setting as described on the website http://www.accommodationnow.co.za/a-artists_cafe_n_guest_house-sabie-p-2018.htm:

"Situated in the mountains above Sabie and surrounded by lush green pine forests, Hendriksdal is situated on the Panorama Route of Mpumalanga, within a day's drive of all the main tourist sites of the area. The Kruger Park is a mere one-and-a-half hour's drive away.

The restaurant is housed in the former Station Master's house and is run as a casual family Italian Trattoria, offering rural Tuscan dishes. Many ingredients are freshly picked in our own vegetable and herb gardens. The atmosphere of the restaurant is special, relaxing and different. After more than 15 years the restaurant has built a reputation for excellent food together with a small, award winning, wine list.

The Hendriksdal Station Buildings, comprising the Station Master's Office, First and Second Class Waiting Rooms as well as the Ticket Office, have been transformed into en-suite accommodation. Furnishings and decor have been set in the milieu of the 1920's when the station was originally built.

No apology is made if the occasional timber train rumbles by, it only adds to the atmosphere."

Was shattered by an R5 rifle...and two dead bodies.

Read more:

Mystery over guesthouse killings: News24: SouthAfrica: NewsLeon and Hetta Steyn were shot dead on Thursday morning with an R5 assault rifle. They were the owners of the Artist's Café at the old Hendriksdal railway ...

www.news24.com/Content/.../Mystery_over_guesthouse_killings - Similar -

'Murders will harm 2010 tourism': News24: SouthAfrica: NewsLeon and Hetta Steyn were shot with an R5 rifle shortly before 07:00 on Thursday morning in their guesthouse at the disused Hendriksdal Railway Station near ...

www.news24.com/.../Murders_will_harm_2010_tourism - 53 minutes ago - Similar -

Show more results from www.news24.com
News2430 Oct 2009 ... They were the owners of the Artist's Café at the old Hendriksdal railway ... When police arrived at the scene, six R5 cartridges and one R5 ...
m.24.com/content/FullArticle.aspx?aid...4c46... - 4 hours ago - Similar -


iafrica.com | news | sa news Guest house owners killed29 Oct 2009 ... his wife Hetta Steyn were shot at close range with an R5 rifle at 7am. They were in their home next to their guest house at Hendriksdal ...
iafrica.com/news/sa/1810323.htm - Similar -


The Lowvelder Online - Die Laevelder Op Die Web29 Oct 2009 ... HENDRIKSDAL - Shock waves reverberated through the entire Lowveld region ... Six cartridges and one round of an R5 assault rifle were found. ...
www.lowvelder.co.za/index.php?option=com...id... - Similar -


NUUSBULLETINS - .:: Radio Sonder Grense ::. - [ Translate this page ]Die polisie het ses R5-patroondoppies en 'n R5-patroon in die huis opgetel. ... bekende Artist's Café by die ou Hendriksdal-spoorwegstasie naby Nelspruit. ...
www.rsg.co.za/nuusbulletins.asp - Cached - Similar -


Egpaar vir niks geskiet: Beeld: Suid-Afrika: Nuus - [ Translate this page ]... Café by die ou Hendriksdal-spoorwegstasie, sowat

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Hermitage

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Hercules

A train driver was stabbed to death on Tuesday (25 December 2012)outside Hercules station in Pretoria, Metrorail said yesterday. The driver, JP du Plessis, was found dead, with several stab wounds in a static train. The cause of the incident was not yet clear and it would be fully investigated, said a spokeswoman. Management has expressed its great regret over this incident. Name:

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Henneman (E 11)

Name: Henneman

Henneman Location, a town in the Free State, South Africa. Routes: R70, R381.
www.routes.co.za/fs/henneman/location.html

Hennenman is unusual within Matjhabeng’s economic make-up in that it has well-balanced economy based mainly on agriculture, an anomaly in an area in which most income is derived from mining and industry. Before the town was officially established it was birthed as a railway station, Venterdorp. This name was changed to Hennenman Station in 1927, after a prominent local farmer.

The town began to grow in earnest after the discovery of gold between Hennenman and Odendaalsrus in 1946 and was proclaimed a municipality in 1947. Hennenman and Phomolong have a population of approximately 25 000, which has been boosted by the recent inclusion of Whites, a self-sustaining private town with its own golf course, originally established for the cement factory.

More at:

http://www.matjhabeng.co.za/towns.htm



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Heilbron (F 10)

Name: Heilbron

Long before the Battle of Vechtkop, European hunters have been active in this area. Heilbron forms part of the Riemland (Place of Thongs). The first law on game was already published in 1858. News travelled very fast about the Game rich area. It became the Mecca for Sport Hunters. The Battle of Vechtkop took place during October 1836. Histiotians claims that hunters were active in this area at that stage. Shiploads of skins were exported to Britain an Europe at that time. Dissatisfied farmers from the Eastern Cape formed different parties and headed either to Natal or futher North. Mzilikazi chief of the Ndebele was strict and punishment severe for those who did not follow his rules. Mzilikazi was very ambitious and he raided cattle from any and sundry. When word came about white people trekking north, he knew that his way of life was in danger. He gave orders to his impis to annihilate any group they came up against. Several small groups of trekkers were killed; fortunately some escaped and could warn other groups. The party at Vegkop 34 able-bodied men able-bodied men and could prepare for an attack.

More at:
http://www.heilbron.info/photos.htm

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Heideveld/Heathfield (B 17)

Name: Heideveld/Heathfield (The map index says Heideveld but on the map it stands as Heathfield.

http://www.volleyballsa.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=26&Itemid=1

says the following in a tribute to Ismail Collier:

"In this regard, the formation of a club such as the Black Panthers as one of the clubs in the Heathfield community and surrounds carries its own legacy undoubtly. The many talented volleyballers from this area will I am sure testify that to some degree Ismail Collier had a hand in the development not just as volleyballers but as truly righteous people. Good healthy rivalry often manifested itself on the playing field with those coming from Heathfield, and those from Heideveld, (synergy in translation"

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Heidelberg (jhb) (G 10)

Name: Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a town with 70,707 inhabitants in the Gauteng province of South Africa at the foot of the Suikerbosrand (Sugarbush Ridge) next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban.

History:

Heidelberg is a town situated some 40 kilometres from Johannesburg.

Heidelberg began in 1862 as a trading station built by a German H.J. Ueckermann. A town was laid out around the store and named after Ueckermann's alma mater and it was established in as atown in 1865. The town was placed at the crossroads of the two wagon trails, one between Pretoria and Bloemfontein and the other between Potchefstroom and Durban. There is a Victorian manor in Heidelburg that was built in 1906 and still has the original wallpaper in most of its rooms. Of great interest to the visitor to Southern Gauteng is the Heidelburg Motor Museum housed in the old station building. The museum collection includes many vintage and veteran motor cars as well as all kinds of cycles and even includes Formula One racing cars.

Heidelberg is some 50 kilometres south-east of Johannesburg, close to the Mpumalanga border. Just south of the town is the De Hoek toll plaza on the newest section of the N3, which opened in December 2001.

Heidelberg sits nestled at the eastern end of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a large tract of land that is home to Gauteng's highest point, almost 2,000 metres above sea level. This part of rural 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 there are regular talks and seminars.

Heidelberg has played an important part in South African history acting as a capital for the Boer republic during the war with Great Britain. During the First War of Independence, Heidelberg served as capital of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek under the Triumvirate of Paul Kruger, P.J. Joubert and M.W. Pretorius, from 1880 to 1883.

In 1885 the Witwatersrand gold reef was discovered in the Heidelberg district and the office of the Mining Commissioner was at first established there.

Heidelberg developed as a typical rural Victorian town. Many buildings dating back to the period between 1890 and 1910 have been preserved.

In addition, Heidelberg was home to A.G. Visser a well loved medical doctor and famous Afrikaans poet. His home only open to the public by appointment can still be seen situated close to the main road through town. Historical landmarks in the town includes A.G. Visser's bust and the Klip Kerk.

The British built a concentration camp here during the Second Boer War to house Boer women and children. A monument was erected in the main cemetery to the memory of the women and children.

A monument was erected by the current ANC-lead municipality in the late 90's. It commemorates the black women and children who also died during the war.

The right-wing political party AWB was founded in Rensburg (a suburb of Heidelberg).

Most of the information is from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidelberg,_Gauteng Other sources include: http://www.wheretostay.co.za/information/g/southern_gauteng


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http://www.hoffeldts.co.za/restaurant.html

Heidelberg c (D17)

Name: Heidelberg c

http://www.heidelberginfo.co.za/

Flanked by major rivers, Heidelberg is conveniently located between the majestic Langeberg mountains and the sea. This beautiful country town, on the banks of the Duivenhoks River, is next to the N2 highway, 276 km from Cape Town and 168 km from George. It is a small, tranquil town with friendly people, good schools and a modern infrastructure.

The Ecology

Heidelberg is the ideal destination for the eco-tourist interested in birding, exploring fynbos, forests, mountains, rivers, streams and observing the fauna of the area.

The source of the Duivenhoks river is in the Langeberg mountains close to the town. One of the best whale watching places in South Africa is in San Sebastion Bay,


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Hectorspruit (L 8)

Name: Hectorspruit

Hectorspruit is a small farming town situated between Kaapmuiden and Komatipoort on a southern tributary of the Crocodile River.
www.countryroads.co.za/content/hectorspruit.html

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Hectorspruit is a small farming town situated on the N4 between Kaapmuiden and Komatipoort on a southern tributary of the Crocodile River in Mpumalanga. The farms in the region produce sugarcane, subtropical fruit and vegetables. The town and stream is named after a Pointer dog belonging to Servaas de Kock, chief surveyor of the Pretoria - Delagoa Bay railway line. A railway station was opened here in 1891. Hectorspruit is in the narrow corridor between Swaziland and the Kruger National Park. Just outside Hectospruit is the Malelane Gate and Crocodile Bridge Gate of the Kruger Park, giving easy access to either gate for wonderful game viewing and great birding. This area is called the Maputo � Nelspruit development corridor. The history of this region is echoed in its hills and valleys, where San rock engravings and painting can be seen in profusion. There are archaeological ruins, wagon trails and early gold diggings to be explored, and a wide variety of adventure sports across the area. In the mountains of the region can be found traces of Stromatolites, blue-green algae that formed 3 billion years ago with the first oxygen in Earth's atmosphere.

www.wheretostay.co.za/information/mp/knp/hectorspruit

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Heatonville (L 11)

Name: Heatonville

Heatonville: (28 km from Empangeni on Nkwalini branch)
Over 50 000 tons of sugar cane for the felixton mill was loaded at this station during 2005 – 2006. A total of 435,744 tins of sugar cane was loaded form 16 points on this branch.
http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/public_trans/freight_databank/kzn/rail/Other_lines/index.html
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Thula Thula is situated only 40 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, and less than 2 hours drive from Durban.

From Durban:
Take the N2 North bound to Empangeni. At the Empangeni turn off take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth.

Take a right turn towards Heatonville, cross 3 train tracks. After the 3rd track at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road follow the road upward for about 8 km, then turn right for about 2 km and arrive at the gate.

From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted. There is a 700m airstrip on the property.

http://www.places.co.za/html/8296.html

Heathfield (A 17)

Name: Heathfield

http://www.paintingthetown.co.za/classics/categories/heathfield/
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You Are Here: forgood > News > Rescuing Public Spaces > Clean up around local railway station



More action to rescue public spaces

Youth take action in Jolivet, KwaZulu Natal

Clean up around local railway station

Spring Spruit Clean up, Parkhurst



http://www.forgood.co.za/news/public%20spaces/Pages/Cleanuparoundlocalrailwaystation.aspx

Clean up around local railway station


We have a lot of open land near the Heathfield Railway station (Cape Town) which we decided needed a clean up. The spring flowers are beginning to bloom here but are spoilt by all the rubbish surrounding them. Unfortunately, we left things a bit late and only walked around the neighbourhood on Friday evening with a notice to all neighbours to come and help clean up the area on Saturday 6th September 2008 from 12h00. Two neighbours joined us (thank you Andre and Ricardo) and between 5 of us, over 4 hours, we filled 20 odd black bags of rubbish from the area, which we took to the local dump.
We left a large pile of branches, building rubble, computers, chairs (bigger rubbish) for another neighbour to collect - thanks Charles.

I use the Footprints recycling depot in Wynberg for all my recycling as I love what they do there and think it’s such a great initiative. Unfortunately, during the clean up we did not have the woman/man power to sort the waste for recycling.

We'd really like to do this on a more regular basis and get more people from the area involved. We're going to try to motivate for rubbish bins to be supplied as there isn't one bin between the Spar on Main Road and the station - so everything is just thrown down.





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Heany Junction (G 4)

Name: Heany Junction

Sunday. 13 August 2007

Today we took Class 14A # 525 to Heany Junction. The locomotive performed well, particularly
considering that it was a last minute substitution for the derailed # 611.

http://www.geoffs-trains.com/reportzimbabwe06.html


http://www.geoffs-trains.com/Museum/Museumhome.html

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Headlands (H 3)

Name: Headlands

Headlands is a village in the province of Manicaland, Zimbabwe located on the main Harare-Mutare road about 135 km from Harare. It is a trading post for mixed and tobacco farming area. The settlement was established in 1891 by white settlers and named Laurencedale after the leader of the settlers Laurence van der Byl. In 1897 the village changed its name to Headlands and by 1898 the railway arrived. Copper was discovered about 34 km away in 1908. Inyati Mine (gold and copper) is situated in the district Headlands in the province of Manicaland. Headlands is part of Makoni District. The following areas are found in Headlands: Mufusire, Eaglesnest, Chiendambuya, Mayo, Chikore, Tanda and Baddeley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headlands,_Zimbabwe

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Hazyview (L 8)

Name: Hazyview

Although most of the smaller towns in this part of Mpumalanga are close to the Kruger National Park, Hazyview is the closest – just a short hop to the Phabeni, Numbi and Kruger Gates. It’s a pretty little town with some lovely guest houses on the outskirts, and a couple of good restaurants.

If you’re not the sort who likes to keep your feet on the ground, you could go for a microlight flip, a scenic helicopter flight or even ride in a hot air balloon. There are fun mountain biking trails, which you could do as an escorted trip, if you wish, horse trails, kloofing trips or paddling on the Sabie River, abseiling and, of course, escorted safaris into Kruger National Park.

For something a bit more cultural, you could tour a Shangaan village or a coffee plantation and roastery.

www.safarinow.com/.../hazyview/.../Hazyview-Travel-Guide.aspx


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Hazendal (A 16)

Name: Hazendal

Athlone News. Weekly distribution: 55 697 copies. Areas of distribution: Hazendal, Kewtown, Bridgetown, Silvertown, Rylands, ...
www.iol.co.za/templates/newspapers/ccn/allCCNinfo.pdf

Cape Town Hazendal Islamic Society – Complete Construction of Mosque and adjacent learning centre in Hazendal, Athlone. Fenwick Electrical C.C. ...
www.jensenandsons.co.za/clients.html

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Hawerklip (H 9)

Name:Hawerklip

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http://www.archive.afgri.co.za/Silos/silodetail.asp?silonumber=1986&silo=HAWERKLIP

SILO DETAILS
Silo Name: HAWERKLIP
Manager: Ernst de Jager
Tel: 013-665 3426
Cell: 0823315334
Fax: 013-665 3426
Address:

Area: Streek 3 - Hoeveld/Gauteng
Area Manager: Braam Bosse
Area Manager Cell: 082 653 8940
Area Manager Tel: 017 624 1000
Area Manager Email:

Area Admin Manager :Wayne Brown
Area Admin Manager Cell :084 586 8161
Area Admin Manager Tel :017 624 1000
Area Admin Manager Email :wayne.brown@afgri.co.za

Capacity: 68077


CAPACITY
Road Capacity (m): 21
Intake Capacity (ton/hour): 300
Road Offloading Capacity (ton/hour): 150
Rail Offloading Capacity (ton/hour): 150


Grain Handling
White maize yes Soya beans no
Yellow maize yes Sunflower no
Sorghum no Wheat no


Additional services
Bagging of grain yes Determining of mass yes
Cleaning of grain yes Drying of grain: no


Sales of:
Petrol no Animal feed no
Diesel no Polyprop bags yes
Paraffin no Small quantities of grain no
Meal no Screenings per tender yes
Crop insurance yes seed no


Grain Buyer
Name: AMPIE ROSSOUW
Tel: 013 665 2343
Cell: 083 722 9375
E-mail: Ampie.Rossouw@afgri.co.za


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Hawange (E5)

Name: Hawange (Zimbabwe)

Wednesday. 16 August

The NRZ had sent 15th Class # 424 to Thomson Junction in advance of our train to provide
backup. They kindly agreed to our using both locomotives this morning for a trip to New Hwange
on the new main line, and back to Thomson Junction past Old Hwange Station on the old main
line. This created an unusual, but authentic, double headed 15th class train.

http://www.geoffs-trains.com/reportzimbabwe06.html

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Hattingspruit (J 11)

Name: Hattingspruit

http://www.mbendi.com/a_sndmsg/place_view.asp?pid=5933#nearby

Hattingspruit, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
■Nearest places within 200 Km (20)


:: UpdateDescription
We would like to know more about Hattingspruit. If you live in or have recently visited Hattingspruit and have information to add, you may request an update to make this page more useful to those who access it after you.
:: UpdateGeneral Information
Hattingspruit: a town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa :: View in Google Earth


Nearest places within 200 Km of Hattingspruit (20)
■Kalbassie (9.8 Km)
■Verdriet (9.8 Km)
■Dannhauser (9.9 Km)
■Durnacol (10.0 Km)
■Glencoe (13.4 Km)
■Thembalihle (13.4 Km)
■Strathmore Park (13.8 Km)
■Craigside (14.9 Km)
■Dundee (16.0 Km)
■Peacevale (16.1 Km)
■eSibongile (17.3 Km)
■Nyanyadu (18.5 Km)
■Alcockspruit (18.8 Km)
■Milford (18.9 Km)
■Mullingar (19.4 Km)
■Cork (20.1 Km)
■Flint (20.4 Km)
■Nellie Valley (21.0 Km)
■Mossdale (21.0 Km)
■KwaTelapi (21.9 Km)





Ballengeich:(436 km from Durban and 18 km south of Newcastle on the Durban – Volksrust mainline.)
A coal mine was situated here and while the shaft has closed, anthracite quality coal is brought in by road from a mine near Hattingspruit and loaded to rail. A large plant which processes Silica railed from the Delmas area and which is loaded in containers for export at Durban.

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http://www.issafrica.org/CJM/stats0909/provinces/kzn/hattingspruit.pdf

CONTACT CRIME (CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON)
Murder 6 1 4 4 3 3
Total sexual crimes 3 10 16 7 6 5
Attempted murder 6 0 3 2 3 2
Assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm 39 40 37 40 43 31
Common assault 44 46 53 20 24 36
Robbery with aggravating circumstances 4 3 1 2 3 6
Common robbery 9 4 3 5 3 7

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Hartswater (C 10)

Name: Hartswater

The burial site of Tswana Chief Galeshewe is near Hartswater. Hartswater Wine Cellar Enjoy wine tasting and buy local wines, bottled under the Overvaal and ...
www.northerncape.org.za/getting_around/towns/Hartswater/

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Name of company / brand:
Hartswater Wine Cellar
Region: Northern Cape
Physical Address:




Postal Address: Box 2335 , Hartswater, 8570


Telephone #: 053 4740700
Fax #: 053 4740975
Website:
e-mail: wynkelder@senwes.co.za

Volume Produced (Cases)
Volume Produced (Tons) 5000
Owner(s): Senwes

Winemaker(s): Roelof Ma ree

http://www.winesource.co.za/wineminiH/hartswater.htm



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Hartenbos ( E 17)

Name: Hartenbos

Hartenbos is situated next to the Mossel Bay industrial town, known as Voorbaai. The resort is on the banks of the Hartenbos river and is extremely popular and during peak season, December to January, when about 100 000 visitors from the interior flock to the resort.

Visitors can enjoy all kinds of activities but boating and fishing are by far the most popular. The Hartenbos resort was started in 1936 by an organisation called the ATKV - Afrikaanse Taal en Kultuur Vereniging, (The Afrikaans Language and Culture Organisation) which was part of the old South African Railways.

Initially the Hartenbos Resort was reserved for railway workers only, but currently it is open to anyone. The resort has a 10 000 seat stadium which is used for entertainment like traditional dancing festivals and church services.

The Voortrekker museum in the Hartenbos resort displays ancient relics associated with the Great Trek in 1938 to Pretoria. The exhibit includes Bibles, clothes, and two of the carriages that were on the trek, owned by Magdalena De Wet and Andries Pretorius.

http://www.wheretostay.co.za/information/wc/gr/hartenbos

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One train leaves from the Railway Museum in George, the other starts at the Knysna Quay. Trains leave in the morning and return in the afternoon around 17:00.

Each the train stops at the other town, where passengers may get off to have lunch at a restaurant.

Except on public holidays, you do not really have to book.

The stations on the route of the Outenique Choo-Tjoe are the following -- from west (George) to east (Knysna):

•Train Museum at George
•George
•Victoria Bay
•Wilderness
•Fairy Knowe
•Serpentine
•Duiwerivier
•Rondevlei
•Dennebos
•Swartvlei
•Bleshoender
•Sedgefield
•Ruigtevlei
•Mielierug
•Goukamma
•Keyersnek
•Belvidere
•Brenton
•Knysna

http://www.routes.co.za/wc/choo-tjoe/index.html

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Hartbeesfontein (D10)

Name: Hartbeesfontein

Travel related info about Hartbeesfontein, a settlement in the North-west Province, South Africa. Routes: R503, R507.
www.routes.co.za/nw/hartbeesfontein/index.html

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Harrismith (H 12)

Name: Harrismith

Harrismith was established in 1849 on the banks of the Wilge River with Platberg (Flat Mountain) keeping watch over the town. Situated halfway between Johannesburg and Durban it offers good and varied accommodation and it is the gateway to the Drakensberg with its beautiful scenery and many things to do. Harrismith is also home to one of the original blockhouses built during the Anglo Boer War to catch General CR de Wet and President MT Steyn. Harrismith has many things to do and plays host to mountain marathons and bike rallies. Close to Harrismith is the Sterkfontein Dam on top of the escarpment. The dam is ideal for sailing and water sports and it is unique in the respect that it is filled with water that is pumped from the foot of the mountain to the dam. It is the deepest dam in Africa and from here water is supplied to Gauteng via the river system into the Vaaldam. Bearded and Cape vultures can be seen at the viewpoint in the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve and also in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
http://grasslandsmeander.co.za/index_files/Towns.html#harrismith


Harrismith is a small, charming country town, founded in 1849, but discovered by tourists only recently.
www.countryroads.co.za/harrismith.html


Surrounded by buttes and mesas the town was founded in 1849 and named after Governer Harry Smith An important crossroad in the land trade ...
www.places.co.za/html/harrismith.html


Harrismith is the centre of one of the five wool producing districts in Southern Africa. Harrismith has progressed since then to a delightful, spacious town ...
www.drakensberg-tourism.com/harrismith.html

Travel related info about Harrismith, a major town in the Free State, South Africa. Routes: N3, N5, R712, R722.
www.routes.co.za/fs/harrismith/index.html

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Harfield Road (A 16)

Name: Harfield Road

Harfield Village is situated in Claremont, a suburb in Cape Town and is described as a thriving group of residential shops and cottages deriving from a mixed South African culture. The choice of the name Harfield Village probably was taken from the association of the area with the Harfield Road railway station. The station and Harfield Road running alongside it, received its name from its proximity to "Harfield Cottage" which was built by a Mr Thomas Mathew who was one of the earlier residents of Claremont and a successful cooper and wine merchant. This remarkable man also lovingly known as 'Father Mathew', built a circular chapel on the grounds in 1840 where Dr David Livingstone once preached and was to be the beginning of the Claremont Congregational Church.

Residents from different racial, social and religious backgrounds live and work together in this village hoping to protect its' rich historic physical environment and recognizing its painful history which is described in a history document.

With events such as the Harfield Village Carnival, the unique character of the village radiates, and so cultivating further community and spirit amongst its residents.

http://www.harfield-village.co.za/


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Harding (J 15)

Name: Harding

Harding is a town situated in the Mzimkulwana River valley, KwaZulu-Natal

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Harare (H 3)

Name: Harare

Harare - The capital city of Zimbabwe Harare is a beautiful light-filled open city; high on the country`s central plateaux with modern buildings wide ...
www.places.co.za/html/harare.html

Zimbabwe workers are racing against time to patch up the sewage system in Harare, where an outbreak of cholera has struck only weeks before the expected ...
www.iol.co.za/index

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Hanover Road (D 13)

Name: Hanover Road

Noupoort is east on the R389 , and Hanover Road (which is the railway station of Hanover) is about 20Km north on the R389 toward Philipstown . ...
www.routes.co.za/nc/hanover/index.html

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Hankey (F16)

Name: Hankey

a village in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Routes: R330, R331.
www.routes.co.za/ec/hankey/index.html

Google count: 32,200 for Hankey
Date: 2 November 2009

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Dr. John Philip of the London Missionary Society, who died in 1851, is buried near Hankey railway station in the Gamtoos valley, and with him his son William Enowy, who drowned on the day when his father’s water scheme was officially opened.

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From Port Elizabeth travel south on the N2 highway, pass the van Stadens Bridge, take the Hankey turn-off and approx 25km from there you will find Klein ...
www.g-i.co.za/clubs/

Hammarsdale (L 13)

Name: Hammarsdale


http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/public_trans/freight_databank/kzn/rail/Other_lines/index.html
Hammarsdale: (58 km from Durban on Pietermaritzburg – Volksrust mainline)
There is a coal depot at Hammarsdale. Which has in the past brought in coal by rail for distribution by road. This traffic was entirely on road during 2005 – 2006.



http://www.saexplorer.co.za/south-africa/map/Hammarsdale_map.asp
http://www.umgenisteamrailway.co.za/Inchanga_Station.php
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Hammanskraal (H 7)

Name: Hammanskraal

http://www.hammanskraal.co.za/

Hammanskraal is about 40 km north of Pretoria And is one of the previously disadvantaged areas that suffered tremendously due to the marginalisation and neglect before South Africa's transition of democracy.

Come to Mandela's square and bear witness to Africa's testimony of freedom by seeing a man-sized statue of ex president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Visit St. Peters, which was the sanctuary of many who fled from the oppressive hand of the apartheid system.

All this and much more without compromising the excitement of township life. Visit an authentic township shebeen, spaza shop or an inyanga. For those who would like to try their hand of fortune, we offer the gambling facilities of the Carousel.

After an exciting day of site seeing and enriching adventure we recommend you kick of your shoes at one of the excellent bed and breakfasts.

http://www.hammanskraal.co.za/
http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-11272008-154322/unrestricted/02chapter2.pdf

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Hamilton (E 12)

Name: Hamilton - Bloemfontein

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Hamburg (F 9)


Name:Hamburg (on Map) actually Hamberg


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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halfweg (B 12)

Name: Halfweg

[PDF] PHASE 2 EXPANSION OF THE IRON ORE EXPORT CHANNEL SCOPING REPORT ...File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
The railway line from Sishen to Saldanha is an 861 km long, ... facility, Halfweg or Loop 10, which is a crew change area and Salkor Yard at Saldanha, where ...
www.shecape.co.za/.../Scoping%20Report%20Executive%20Summary.pdf - Similar
Sishen Saldanha railway line and harbour, Route 27, Cape West ...Saldanha Bay and the Sishen railway line, Cape West Coast R27.
www.route27sa.com/sishen.html - Cached

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Transnet Limited is conducting a feasibility study for a proposed upgrading of the Sishen-Saldanha
railway line to achieve capacity of around 93 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), to match Iron Ore
Channel planning milestones.
The railway line from Sishen to Saldanha is an 861 km long, purpose-built single, heavy haul line,
to carry export iron ore from mines in the Sishen area. The line has progressed from having 10
crossing loops at ± 90 km intervals to the current 19 loops, generally at ± 45 km apart. The line is
electrified to 50 kV AC. Trains comprising 216 wagons with a payload of 85t or 100t are hauled by
a combination of Class 9E electric and Class 34 diesel-electric locomotives on the head end.
Investment and infrastructure upgrading to achieve 41MTPA iron ore export using 342 wagon
trains and lengthened crossing loops is currently in progress. However, it is technically possible to
achieve 47MTPA or even 67MTPA using the same built track and basic infrastructure, through
improved timetabling and reducing turnaround time. This increase in tonnage is not subject to
Environmental Authorisation, provided no further infrastructure is constructed. Ore traffic on the
line can be expected to be between 8 and 12 trains per day in 2008 and move to between 13 and
24 trains per day beyond 2013, depending on the operating model chosen.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Gweru (G 3)

Name:Gweru
Principal city of the midlands area, Gweru lies on the main road between Harare and ... Its name is derived from the Gweru (dry) River which occasionally ...
www.coastingafrica.com/city-Gweru.htm
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Gwanda (G 5)

Name: Gwanda

http://allafrica.com/stories/200905140320.html

Zimbabwe: Gwanda, Zinwa Battle Over Water Control - THE Gwanda Municipality and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority are locked in a dispute over the control of water and sewer reticulation systems. [AA Urbanisation]
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Gumtree (F 11)

Name: Gumtree Free State

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http://auctions.citycoins.com/postal-medal-auction-no-57.pdf

– Military Medal (MM) Army (Geo. V) EF- 12.000 – 14.000
3198 Cpl. C.A. Noble 2/S. Afr. Inf.;
BWM; AVM (Bil.) Cpl. C.A. Noble M.M. 2nd S.A.I. Mounted on a pin.
MM LG 9.12.1916
The (handwritten) recommendation states: “In the raid which took place on the morning of
the 14th September 1916, this NCO was the leader of a fighting section. He was the first of his
section into the trench and the last to leave. He led them around all the traverses and showed
skill and courage in commanding his section. The raid took place on trenches in Sector
Carency 1”. Buchan’s History of the South African Forces in Franc” provides some
perspective. An extract from page 85 states: “There was a bright moon occasionally obscured
by passing clouds, but the raiding party managed to reach the enemy’s side of the Brigade’s
wire without being observed. Allied artillery put down a barrage and under its cover the men
doubled across No Man’s land and jumped into the enemy’s trenches, the barrage lifting as
they arrived there. Prisoners were secured, dugouts were bombed, and at a prearranged
signal the raiders returned to their lines before the German barrage began. Their casualties
were only 2, though one was so seriously wounded that he could not be moved from the
German trenches.” Prior to the war Noble was a clerk with the SA Railways. He had joined in
SECTION II
61
1909 and was based at Gum Tree Station in the Orange Free State. He joined the (South
African) Union Defence Force in 1913 (11th Dismounted Rifles), but he did not see service in
South West Africa. Noble served in Egypt and was present at Delville Wood during the battle
of the Somme. He was wounded on 26th October 1916 during the fighting for the Butte de
Warlencourt (GSW, left wrist, chest and abdomen). He remained seriously ill and died of
wounds on 10 November 1916 at No 9 General Hospital, Rouen, France. He was buried in the
St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen in Grave No 5350 on 12 November 1916. Sold with extensive
research including copies of battalion records, citation, service and medal records and 2
photographs of the cemetery and of his grave.
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Groutville (M 12)

Name:Groutville

Groutville has a long and proud history. One of the church's sons, Chief Albert Luthuli was the first President of the African National Congress and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Luthuli, along with Gandhi, M.L. King, Jr., Bishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela stand as one of the greatest leaders for peace in South Africa and the world. His burial on the church grounds has been declared a National Heritage Site by the South African government.

In the green rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, a narrow railway bridge crosses the Mvoti River. It was once used by locals to access their sugar cane fields. One cloudy winter’s day in July 1967, a man was walking on it when he was fatally struck by a freight train. Anyway, that was the official story. Many people believe that he was pushed in front of the train by those who feared his ideas. His name was Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli, president of the African National Congress.

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Grootvlei (G 10)

Name: Grootvlei

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Almost two decades ago, the small town of Grootvlei was a thriving community with a booming economy. For the quaint Mpumalanga town, 15km from Balfour, the 1970s and 80s were a boom time. In its heyday the town had a railway station, mine workshops, churches, schools and chain stores.

It also boasted a golf course, a health centre, sports facilities, restaurants and pubs. Building also boomed as new houses went up to accommodate the burgeoning population.

The wages of the miners, who worked nonstop shifts in the seven shafts of the nearby coal mines to feed the hungry furnaces of Eskom's Grootvlei power station, minutes from the town, contributed hugely to local coffers.
Continues Below ↓








But then disaster hit the town … Eskom mothballed the power station in the late 1980s because the utility was generating more electricity than was needed, and the coal mine - without its major client - was forced cease operations.

Soon afterwards the railway station closed. Miners and townsfolk who depended on the mines and the power station left, and, almost overnight, businesses were forced to the wall and Grootvlei became a virtual ghost town.

But now, with the recommissioning of the power station as Eskom races to increase its power generation capacity, the town has sprung back to life.



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Springfield Hostel & Village

The Springfield Hostel & Village is situated in the ‘old mining town’ of Grootvlei, about 5km from the Grootvlei Power Station entrance, also 5km from the grootvlei off-ramp on the N3.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Groot Marico (E 8)


Name: Groot Marico

The author Herman Charles Bosman, one of South-Africa's best known short story writers,

held the Marico in high esteem.



He wrote many wonderful stories full of humour about the Marico and its people.




Where is the Marico?



The Marico District is situated in the North-West Province

in the Republic of South-Africa.



Towns located in this area are: Zeerust, Swartruggens, Groot-Marico and Nietverdiend.




The town Groot-Marico (it means Big-Marico) is named after the Groot-Marico river, one of the few perennial rivers in this area. The name has got nothing to do with the size of the town, which is very small. Groot-Marico is well known for its beautiful African bushveld surroundings and the special kind of hospitality of its people. It is the ideal place to come to when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.


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Grootfontein (B 5)

Name: Grootfontein

http://www.namibia-direct.com/activities.html

Get up close to the biggest ever meteorite to hit the earth in Grootfontein. Grootfontein lies on the B8, the Namibian National Road which leads from Windhoek to the Caprivi Strip in the north-eastern part of Namibia. The name, Grootfontein, means “Big Spring” in the Afrikaans language.

Namibia’s claim to fame is the Hoba Meteorite, which rests on the farm “Hoba” - lying 24 kilometers from the town of Grootfontein. It is approximately 3 meters in length, 1 meter in width and weighs over 50 tons. It is estimated at being between 200 and 400 million years old and fell to the earth about 80,000 years ago. It is also the largest naturally occurring mass of iron known to exist on the planet’s surface. The curious thing about the Hoba Meteorite is that there is no impact crater and it is estimated that it is possible that it entered the earth’s atmosphere at a rather low trajectory, impacted far away and bounced its way to its final destination.


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Plumstead?

http://www.sahistory.org.za/franco/postal-history-wynberg-plumstead.html

THE POST OFFICES AT WYNBERG AND PLUMSTEAD - A Colonial Puzzle
Franco Frescura

FOREWORD
When, in 1978, a small group of researchers including Michael Nethersole, David Morrison, my wife Lesley and I first began our reconstruction of the postal records for the Cape Colony, none of us believed that this task would ever prove easy, and we quickly came to realize that the final product could never be complete. A lot of our work consisted of the cross-correlation of information originating from a number of diverse sources, and the potential for contradiction and error was, therefore, potentially high. In reality most records proved to be remarkably consistent and normally made good sense. Not so with a small minority of post offices where not only did archival history and common sense rapidly part company, but the Post Office’s own Archives often could not agree for longer than one or two years, thus creating contradictions, confusion and unbelievable chaos in our minds. As a result the travails of postal establishments such as Assegai Bush, Buffels Klip, Calitzdorp, Knysna, Kowie East and Kowie West, and Port Alfred, to name but a few, became the subject of many a late night debate. Even after we had all gone our separate ways, Michael and I still managed to keep up a vigorous postal debate on issues which, in some instances, have never been fully resolved. One such area is the relationship between the neighbouring villages of Wynberg and Plumstead, whose story is retold in this article, in the hope that some postal historian will be able to take a fresh look at some of the issues involved.

SOCIAL AND POSTAL HISTORY
Wynberg and the neighbouring village of Plumstead were situated some 13km south of Cape Town. It would appear that, during the early years of the nineteenth, the history of their post offices was interlinked and, indeed, there is good reason to believe that, for a time, they shared in the same postmaster and, perhaps, even in the same location.

The village of Wynberg was laid out on the estate of Klein Oude Wynberg, part of the farm Oude Wynberg whose establishment dated back to the early days of Dutch settlement. Its name was derived from the vineyard laid out in 1658 by Governor Van Riebeeck on the farm Bosheuvel, since renamed Bishop's Court, located on the slopes of Wynberg Hill. In 1809 the Colonial government acquired the land from Andrew Tennant for the purpose of erecting a military camp. By 1826 this consisted only of a military hospital, a set of tumbledown huts serving as barracks, and a ruined store. In 1831 parts of the military camp were laid out into residential plots and sold to the general public, while one stand each was granted to the Dutch Reformed Church and the Anglican Church respectively. The sale gave impetus to the growth of the village and before long prosperous Capetonians were using it as a location for their country villas. In the 1830s it was officially designated as a “village”, by which stage it had about 70 residents and had became a popular holiday resort for British officials on leave. By 1840 over 100 visitors from India were living both in Wynberg and in neighbouring Kenilworth. At that time its streets were lined with rustic cottages interspersed with handsome houses. Plumstead, on the other hand, was developed on the site of an old VOC military camp and, by 1823, was already a growing village (SESA 1972). It would probably be true to surmise that, of the two, Wynberg became the more popular residential area, and consequently developed a more affluent economic infrastructure.

By the 1850s this influx of Indian visitors had dried up and both villages had entered a period of decay. In 1862 Mrs Ross, an English visitor to the Cape, resided in Wynberg for some time and reported it to be:

"... a very pretty place, but shamefully neglected. Everything seems tainted with decay; and yet there are few villages in England to compare with it, for natural beauty of position and surroundings ... At present all the nice cottages are tumbling to pieces; the gardens are choked with weeds and brushwood; the roads and bridle-paths are worn down to their foundations" (Anonymous 1998: 61)

This down-turn in its fortunes did not last for very long. The village was commonly held to have one of the healthiest climes in the Cape, and its hills were particularly esteemed for their bracing atmosphere as well as the extensive views they offered, even as far as False Bay. Consequently, in 1861 the colonial authorities chose it as the site for a military sanatorium. In 1864 the Cape Town suburban railway line was extended to Wynberg, giving it the impetus for further residential development. By the 1880s it could boast of several good schools, a number of churches, and chapels of various denominations.

In 1886 the local economy received a further boost with the development of a military camp on a site adjacent to the village. A post and telegraph office was opened there in April 1888 to meet the immediate needs of the Military, although they still had to go into the village for transactions of a financial nature and the purchase of money orders. Wynberg Camp, as it became known, attracted to the neighbourhood a variety of small retailers seeking the custom of the military. They, in their turn, provided an infrastructure, which made Wynberg all the more attractive to prospective residents. Jonathan Hodgkin, an English visitor to the Cape commented on 31 March 1894 that “Wynberg itself is a very straggling suburb, indeed there seems nobody to the place at all, and it seems all composed of private houses.” (Hodgkin 1970). After the South African War the camp lost some of its prominence but, by this time, the local economy had begun to develop independently of the military.

The railway line from Salt River reached Wynberg on 19 December 1864. It was built and operated by the Wynberg Railway Co, and was leased to the Cape Government on 1 January 1873. On 1 January 1876 the transfer was made permanent. In 1882 the post office at Wynberg was transferred to a new premises at the railway station, and was fitted with an open counter. In 1886 Wynberg was raised to the status of a Head Office in the Western Administrative District and, as a result, the post offices at Diep River, Kenilworth, Muizenberg, Plumstead and Retreat were brought under its control. In 1891 it was refitted and transferred to new premises, also at the local railway station (PMG 1882, 1891). Unfortunately the buildings provided by the Railway Department at Wynberg, as well as other offices along the Muizenburg line, proved to be less than ideal. In 1901 the Postmaster General identified this post office as one of the establishments in urgent need of improved accommodation. He pointed out that "The condition of (this office) imperatively demands that some special effort be made to facilitate the acquirement of more suitable premises or the adaptation of existing buildings to the requirements of the time".

In 1903 he complained to Parliament that "The premises at present occupied are so limited and overcrowded as to render it an impossibility to obtain that degree of efficiency which is so highly desirable at such an important centre". The pressure, he stated, had been created by the fact that the establishment of private estates in the district had placed upon the market an innumerable number of commercial and residential plots. The attendant influx of population, encouraged by the availability of a rapid rail transit system, had created a demand for postal services which his Department could not meet within the already limited office space provided by the railway stations. These claims were borne out by census figures over the previous 28 years. In 1875 Wynberg had a population of 2,504; in 1891 this number had nearly doubled to 4,952; and by 1904 it stood at 18,477, of whom 10,337 were literate. The Railway Department, for its part, owned itself to be "so heavily handicapped for space for its own requirements that it (could) not agree to any extension for the present Post Office".

In 1902 proposals were put forward for the acquisition of a site located at the foot of Lower Church Street, almost opposite the existing post office. This was finalized in 1904, and early in 1907 architectural sketch plans for the project were completed. The new building was designed as a brick structure standing on a stone foundation and plinth, with the roof covered over with English pattern tiles. Although the internal plan was irregular in form, the various branches were accommodated in open-plan offices separated by glazed timber partitions. The building was reported to be virtually the same as the post office at Mowbray, but slightly larger in size.

Further action in 1907 was suspended through a lack of funds, although later that year the Postmaster General singled out Wynberg as one of three towns in the Cape where a new post office was most urgently required. Public tenders for the new building were only invited in 1909, but not before it became necessary to make interim extensions to the buildings it occupied at Wynberg Station (PMG 1901-9; PWD 1907, 1909).

During the course of 1895 the Post Office began the experimental use of bicycles for the delivery of mails in smaller towns and villages. This was found to be highly effective and in 1896 the experiment was extended to include Wynberg (PMG 1896).

In common with Wynberg, as well as many other villages on the Cape Town-Muizenberg line, in about September 1884 the postal establishment at Plumstead was relocated to the local railway station, and until August 1893 was known as Plumstead Station. Unfortunately the premises provided by the Railway Department also proved to be less than ideal, and in 1903 the Postmaster General announced that the post office had been transferred to new quarters in the village. During the course of 1905 the premises were broken into on two separate occasions, but both times the burglars failed to open its safe and nothing of value was taken (PMG 1903, 1905).

In addition to their local post office, during the 1890s the residents of Wynberg could also purchase stamps from the following licensed stamp vendors: Bennett & Baker, EH Clarke (Main Road), G Dunkling (corner Wolfe and Riebeek Streets), M Fig (Ottery Road), Mrs Genan (corner Alphen Hill and Bower Road), Mr Heesen (Durban Road), C Hurlin (Main Road), TG Kelly (Ottery Road), Mr McCrindle, HF Miller (Durban Road), S Rogoff (Gabriel Road), G Schwabel (Ottery Road), Shiffman (Ottery Road), C Vosper (Durban Road). In Plumstead the following shopkeepers offered a similar service: RG Darroll & Co, AM Matz (Main Road), and Wilson (Market Building, Plumstead).

Groot Drakenstein (C 16)

Name: Groot Drakenstein

The Groot Drakenstein correctional facility (the former Victor Verster maximum security prison near Simondium, between Franschhoek and Paarl) is a working ...
www.tsibatsiba.co.za/.../groot-drakenstein-prison.html

1895 - HEV purchases Delta farm in Groot Drakenstein and later Meerlust next to ... Hence, Hermanus boasts the only railway station in South Africa with no ...
www.lagratitude.com/hermanus-holiday-home.htm

As its name and population grew, Hermanus acquired municipal status in 1904. However, it never lost its tranquillity. Recognising this, Sir William Hoy, general manager of the South African Railways, was so taken with Hermanus that, together with Jan Smuts (later General), they made certain that the railway did not reach the town. Hence, Hermanus boasts the only railway station in South Africa with no tracks, trains or timetables.

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Newcastle section of the map


Name:

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Groot-Brakrivier (E 17)

Name: Groot-Brakrivier


Great Brak River nestles in a perfect Garden Route setting situated midway between George (30 km) and Mossel Bay (27 km). Sweeping panoramic views complement the outstanding characteristics of this jewel of the Southern Cape.

If you need total relaxation, discover the unspoilt beaches from Glentana to Little Brak River. Sport activities in Great Brak include tennis, squash, bowls and cycling. You may practice your golf at Dolphins Creek Golf Estate and at De Kaap Driving Range

http://www.greatbrakriver.co.za/

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Groenbult (J 5)

Name: Groenbult

Duiwelskloof (66 km east of Groenbult on the Kaapmuiden line) A large timber ... Orangedene (19 km south of Tzaneen on the Groenbult – Kaapmuiden line) Over ...
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Groenbult - Railway Station in Groenbult, Limpopo, South AfricaA profile of Groenbult, Railway Station, located in Groenbult, Limpopo, South Africa, showing the following: Description; General Information; ...
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Hayward's Press ReleaseMurmuring diesels bellow black, coiled energy, and with a gentle roll of thunder ease the train into the night towards Groenbult. The sense of motion is ...
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Greytown (K 11)

Name:Greytown

http://www.countryroads.co.za/content/greytown.html

Greytown, situated on the Mvoti River, was established in 1854 and named after Sir George Grey, the Governor of the Cape at that time. It was also the birthplace of General Louis Botha, the first prime minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Driving through the Greytown area you will see timber plantations and if you are travelling north towards Dundee, stop off en route to look at the Bushman paintings on the rocky hillsides.

Accommodation in Greytown
The Post House
Attractions in Greytown
Lilani Spa
38 Km on the Stanger Road, popular and is favourably compared to the best in Europe.

The Greytown Museum
The Greytown Museum is situated in Scott Street between Durban and Voortrekker Streets in a building erected by Dr Birtwell in 1879 and sold to the Colonial Government as "The Residency" or "Drostdy" for the local magistrate. It remained as such until 1971 when the then Magistrate found it unacceptable and persuaded the authorities to build a new residence on adjoining land. The then Borough Council acquired the property and the Gerytown Museum was officially opened on 17 August 1973 by the Administrator of Natal, Ben Havemann. It is now a National Monument and considered to be one of the best small museums in the country

The Kop
This hill 45 km from Greytown on the Stanger road, overlooks the Tugela River, which meanders nearly 700m below. From the eyrie of the Kop one can view black eagles, rock kestrels, white-necked ravens, lanner falcons, rock pigeons, red winged starlings, alpine and black swifts, lesser- and larger-striped swallows.

Greytown Town Hall
The foundation stone was laid in 1897 but the building was only opened in 1904 after redesigning by Street Wilson on original plans drawn up by Stott and Tomlinson. The Towns resources had been drained by the Anglo Boer war, so the building was only partially completed in 1898.

Vintage Tractors
Vintage and veteran farm tractors of English and American manufacture dating between 1920 and 1953.
3km from Greytown on the way to Mooirivier

http://www.countryroads.co.za/content/greytown.html

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Greylingstad (H 10)

Name: Greylingstad


Greylingstad's history is tied up with the Anglo-Boer war and started as a British fort on a hill that now overlooks the town. ...
www.q.co.za/directory/greylingstad.htm

Google count: 99,300 for Greylingstad
824 for Greylingstad Railway Station
Date: 26 October 2009

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Greylingstad is a small farming town to the East of the N3 highway. During the Boer War the Scottish Rifles built a number of small forts overlooking the town and the farms beyond the hills. The Scottish Rifles laid out the initials "SR" on the hill overlooking the town, and it was always clearly visible from the main street of Greylingstad. In the 1950's and 1960's the town had a flourishing farming community and two well known local grocery shops, that of the Melmans, Joe and his son George, and that of the Hendrik Morsner. The O'Connell's owned the two other two cafe's in town and did brisk business with the passing traffic stopping for refreshments. The local coffee shop was owned by Aunt Tina Fourie, who ran it on her own. She also did hair perms and the like after hours, and was also living behind the cafe. The farmers always converged there for a cup of tea or coffee during their visits to the town. People like Doors Kriek and the Volschenks were frequent customers. The local lads used to trade in their empty Coca Cola & Sparletta bottles for sweets! A major change came about in 1962 when ESCOM (now called ESKOM) erected a 88kV substation and the town, which had about 300 residents at the time, was connected to the main electricity grid. Mrs. Susan Botha, chairperson of the local council, was the key driver to get electricity supplied to the town, and negotiated the supply with ESCOM. When the main road between Johannesburg and Durban was upgraded in the 60's, a bypass was built around Greylingstad, and this effectively starved the small businesses in town.

http://grasslandsmeander.co.za/index_files/Towns.html#greylingstad
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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Greenwood Park (M 13)

Name: Greenwood Park

http://www.skillsportal.co.za/asgisa/081127-metrorail-train-soccer.htm

Metrorail KwaZulu-Natal has set aside an amount of R140 million to build a new train station next to the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Acting Manager Business Development Danny Hattingh announced this during a briefing on Metrorail’s preparations towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Hattingh said the new train station would be called the Moses Mabhida Station and it would be built next to the stadium in order to make the stadium easily accessible for soccer fans.

According to Metrorail there is also a shopping mall planned to be built near the new railway station.

“We expect the train station to be ready by September 2009 and it will also serve as a safe and convenient crossing point for pedestrians wishing to reach the stadium from Umngeni and Walter Gilbert roads,” said Mr Hattingh.

Mr Hattingh said they would also increase the number of South African Polices Services Railway Police from 350 to 700 by 2010.

Metrorail Regional Manager in KwaZulu-Natal Dumi Dube said it was part of the National Transport Strategy to ensure the safe and comfortable conveyance of fans.

He said in an effort to avoid congestion around the stadium, park and ride facilities will be available at several stations. Sports fans would be able to park their cars at stations and catch a ride to the stadium.

“The major improvements to existing stations and the construction of altra modern station near the stadium will be a legacy we want to put in place for our commuters beyond 2010,” said Mr Dube, adding that 20 refurbished 10M5 trains will also be ready for use by passengers by 2010.

The first phase of an integrated communications system, costing R25 million, will be installed at five stations, Berea Road, Rossburgh, Reunion, Umlazi and Duffs Road and will include passenger communication equipment, electric notice boards and emergency panic buttons.

Million of rands have already been spent on renovating ticket offices and public toilets, building new paraplegic toilets, painting all buildings, fencing, resurfacing platforms, installing new station signage and upgrading station lights and public address systems, according to Metrorail.

Stations which have received a facelift are Thembalihle, Greenwood Park, Briadene, Dalbridge, Congella, Montclair, Lindokuhle and Umlazi. Refurbishment is in progress at Brea, Umngeni, Redhil, Umbilo, Merebank and Malvern.


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AC/2000/170

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION

AMNESTY COMMITTEE

APPLICATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 18 OF THE PROMOTION OF NATIONAL UNITY AND RECONCILIATION ACT, NO.34 OF 1995.



BILLY NAIR APPLICANT

(AM 5613/97)



DECISION



The above applicant was convicted on the 28th February 1964 on 15 counts of sabotage. He is now applying for amnesty for his personal involvement in a number of sabotage offences as well as for his involvement as Commander in instructing others to commit acts of sabotage.


He was a member of the ANC, MK, SACP, UDF, SACTU and NIC and served on the executive committees of a number of them. He was also a Commander of MK and issued commands in the Kwa-Zulu Natal.


On the evidence before the Committee, it is clear that his application complies with the requirements of Act 34 of 1995, that the acts and offences were associated with a political objective, that they were committed in the course of the conflicts of the past in accordance with the provisions of Section 20(2) and (3) of Act 34 of 1995, that they did not involve gross violations of human rights and that the applicant has made full disclosure of all the relevant facts.


Amnesty is accordingly GRANTED in respect of the following offences and/or delicts executed under the applicant's command and/or participation:

1. placing an explosive and/or inflammable substance or material (incendiary bomb) in a railway passenger coach on the 14th October 1962 between Durban and Verulam.

2. cutting the railway signal wires and/or signal cables at Georgedale on the 14th October 1962.

3. placing and igniting an incendiary bomb against the door of an office in Madalene Building, Durban on the 14th October 1962.

4. placing and igniting an incendiary bomb against the door of the Bantu Commissioner's office in Stanger Street, Durban, on the 14th October 1962.

5. placing an incendiary bomb at the Bantu Administration Office at Kwa-Mashu, Durban, on the 14th October 1962.

6. placing and igniting an incendiary bomb under the offices of the Superintendent of Kwa-Mashu, on the 14th October 1962.

7. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a pylon at New Germany on the 1st November 1962.

8. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a power transmission line pylon at Sarnia, on the 1st November 1962.

9. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a power transmission line pylon, at Montclair on the 1st November 1962.

10. affixing dynamite to a power transmission carrier and detonating it, between Cliffdale and Ntchongweni Station, on the 19th November 1962.

11. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a power transmission line carrier at Umlazi Bridge, on the 5th December 1962.

12. placing and detonating charges of dynamite at the offices of Mr Kajee at Alice Street, Durban on the 9th December 1962.

13. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to the legs of a power transmission line pylon on both sides of the railway line between Cliffdale and Hammersdale, on the 9th December 1962.

14. placing and igniting an explosive and/or an inflammable substance (pipe-bomb) in the bedroom window of Charles Mbuthu at Kwa-Mashu, on the 12th December 1962.

15. placing and igniting a pipe bomb in the window of a room of W. Dhladhla at Kwa-Mashu on the 12th December 1962.

16. placing and igniting a pipe bomb in the window of a room of J L Msiwazi at Kwa-Mashu, on the 12th December 1962.

17. inserting and igniting a pipe bomb into the airmail letter box of the Main Post Office in West Street, Durban on the 23rd December 1962.

18. affixing a pipe bomb onto a communication cable, at Victoria Embankment, Durban on the 23rd December 1962.

19. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a railway line between Durban and Port Shepstone on the 8th January 1963.

20. placing a pipe bomb in the letter box of the Central Mercantile Corporation and/or Nickle Square Holdings (Pty) Ltd at Durban, on the 11th January 1963.

21. placing and detonating charges of dynamite in the telephone communication cable chamber at Montclair on the 13th January 1963.

22. placing charges of dynamite and/or other explosives and/or inflammable substances at the building of the Drakensburg Pers. Ltd. And igniting and/or detonating the said charge at Durban on the 18th January 1963.

23. sawing off three wooden telephone standards at Greenwood Park, Durban on the 20th January 1963.

24. placing a pipe bomb in a Durban Cooperation Beer Hall at the Point, Durban on the 10th February 1963.

25. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to the railway lines and cables at Victoria Street Bridge, Durban on 21st March 1963.

26. preparing and throwing explosives and/or inflammable substances, igniting bombs on a moving passenger train near Duff's Road Station, at Durban on the 7th April 1963.

27. affixing and detonating charges of dynamite to a signal control box near the Duff's Road railway line, at Durban, 21st June 1963.

28. unlawfully possessing explosives: 2,500 feet of cordtex, 370 cartridges of dynamite, a quantity of fuse, and a quantity of potassium chloride, in or on various premises, in pursuance of a common purpose, during the same period.


SIGNED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS DAY OF 2000.
http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/decisions/2000/ac200170.htm

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Where did the name come from?

http://www.tzaneen.co.za/where_did_the_name_come_from.htm

Gravelotte (K 7)

Name:Gravelotte

railway line from Gravelotte to Leitsetele

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Graspan (D 12)

Name:Graspan



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GRASPAN (2). on 25 November 1899, was similar to Belmont, albeit on a smaller scale. Graspan, also known as Enslin or Rooilaagte, 16 kilometres further along the road to Kimberley, lay on a line of kopjes straddling the railway. The key to the battle, a short, steep kopje, was on the Boers' left flank. Methuen attacked it with. among others, the Naval Brigade, who captured it at great cost. Official casualty figures put British losses at 16 killed with the Boers losing 23. Belmont and Graspan can be seen from the Kimberley - Cape Town road (N12). A Naval Brigade memorial rests on a small kopje west of the road. Memorials to fallen Boers are on both battlefields, the Belmont memorial a little beyond Belmont station, which extsted at the time.

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The Boers were beaten off only to clash again with the British forces at Graspan on 25 November 1899. By now, Boer General Prinsloo¹s Free State commandos had been reinforced by the Transvaal commandos of General de la Rey. However, the Boers again fell back to the banks of the Modder River where they fought the Battle of Modder River on 28 November 1899. Again the Boers had to abandon their positions. They withdrew but then dug in at the foot of the Magersfontein hills which became the scene of one of the most epic Boer victories of the entire war. British artillery opened fire on the Magersfontein hills on the afternoon of 10 December 1899. This signalled to the Boer forces that an all-out attack was imminent. However, as at Modder River, the Boers had made use of trenches which, as they advanced, took the British by surprise. It laid the foundation for an emphatic victory for the Boers.

http://www.francesbaard.gov.za/tourism/attcontent.php?id=battlefields
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Not on the map: Chiawelo

Name:Chiawelo

Chiawelo Rail Station is located in the southwest of the City of Johannesburg and is to a largedegree isolated from the rest of the City. Area comprises parts of Chiawelo Extension 5 and 2,Klipriviersoog Extension 1, Protea South and Remainder of 55/299 IQ. It is strategically located along Potchestroom Road and Lenasia Drive (both futureBRT routes), N12 and the Lenasia-Joburg railway line. This makes the node accessible to the city ingeneral and to both Regions D and G

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Grasmere (F 10)

Name: Grasmere

The Lawley-Grasmere Rail Corridor is located in the southern parts of the City of Johannesburg, and is to alarge degree isolated from the rest of the City. The areas surrounding the corridor are characterised by pooreconomic development, poverty and unemployment. In response to this the City of Johannesburg hasintroduced numerous development initiatives and strategies with specific emphasis on encouragingeconomic development and improving service delivery in the marginalised areas.

http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:DHLCCUxN-uYJ:www.joburg-archive.co.za/2009/pdfs/rsdf/regiong/section5.pdf+Grasmere+Railway+Station&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=za
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Finally, these boxes pass to the transport department where they are quickly loaded into the transport lorries for conveyance to the railway.

What is the nearest station to the packing shed?

Grasmere. It is just five miles away from the Homestead on quite a good road as far as country roads go. It is situated on the loop line which runs out from Johannesburg via Langlaagte, Nancefield and Lawley. But we are only a mile and a half from the excellent main road that runs between Johannesburg and Vereeniging, and just 18 miles from the "Golden City", so that you will see that we are very conveniently situated. From Grasmere our fruit is sent by rail to all parts of the Union and Rhodesia, and even travels as far as India.

What do you do with your "culled" fruit?

That has become a very important branch of our apple business. Fruit which is unsuitable for marketing purposes, either from bruises or insect marks, etc, is carefully examined and graded into two classes. One lot is sent to the Cider Factory, while the other goes to our piggeries.

More:

http://walkervillesa.co.za/walker.html

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Graskop (K 7)

Name: Graskop

http://www.lowveldinfo.com/info/history/graskop.asp

In the 1850s a renowned eastern Transvaal character, Abel Erasmus, known to the Africans as Dubula Duze ('he who shoots at close range'), had a farm called Graskop ('grassy Hill'). From here he exercised rough justice as the Native Commissioner of the lowveld. Today, Graskop is the terminus of the branch railway from Nelspruit and a centre of a substantial timber industry.

Just like other towns in Mpumalanga farming was the important occupation in Graskop as well. When gold mines were discovered in Pilgrims Rest, it became necessary for having an access through rail transport , Since Graskop was the nearest settlement available , a railway station was opened here in 1914 paving way for a blossoming growth era for Graskop.

In 1910 the building of a railway spur from Nelspruit through the farm Sabie and onto the farm Graskop had begun. The line was completed in June 1914, and Graskop was declared a town later in that year. By 1918 the town would have a church, a store, and a primary school. Because of the high rainfall, vegetable and fruit farming were not viable in the area. The vegetation was also not well suited to cattle farming, and the town remained a railway town for some time.

The first modern records relating to the town of Graskop date back to 1843, with the arrival of the Voortrekkers in the area. They were searching for a route to the coast, to what is known today as Maputo in Mozambique. In the 1850s, the farm Graskop (so named because of the vast tracts of grassveld and absence of trees in the area) was owned by one Abel Erasmus, who leaves his name on a pass over the Escarpment


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A contract with the Nederlandsche Zuid Afrikaansche Maatskappy, approved by the Volksraad on 23 August 1884, stipulated for work on the construction of a railway line from the border of Mozambique subject to the provision that a section from Lourenco Marques (Maputo) to Komatipoort should first be completed , to enable the carriage by rail of the necessary construction material.

This provision would however delay the construction and only in 1888 did the N.Z.A.S.M commence practical work in anticipation of being able to link up track when this railroad should reach the border. The eventual construction would, however, turn out to be extremely
dangerous. The death rate amongst the workers was 135 per thousand.

The bridge over the Komati River was completed at the end of May 1891 and the railhead reached Komatipoort Station on 1 July 1892. On 1 October it reached Hectorspruit Station; on 28 December it had arrived in Malelane, and it eventually reached Krokidilpoort Station in April 1892. The railhead reached Nelspruit and was put into commission on 20 June 1892. Construction continued and by 1 June 1893 it was at Alkmaar, and on 20 January 1894 at Waterval Onder. Wateval Boven was reached on 20 June 1894 and the line was completed when the last bolt was driven by President Kruger in November 1894.


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Grahamstown (G 15)

Name:Grahamstown

The Alicedale/Johannesburg line from Grahamstown was closed earlier in the year (2009).

Related story: All aboard in a fond farewell

He says he was expecting the ticket price to be affordable (around R50) but Metrorail says the trip will cost R350 per person because hiring the train itself costs R193 000.

The date that has been set for the trip is 10 October 2009 and 550 passengers are expected to board the train. "I am disappointed because it's expensive and not everyone can afford to pay that price,'' he said. Although Metrorail has decided on a ticket price and a passenger number, Ferreira says he is trying to negotiate with them to at least offer the passengers a more reasonable price for a ticket.




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Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Province is the fascinating Victorian Village of Alicedale which until the mid 1990's was the Central Railway Junction for rail transport throughout South Africa. In the charming old fashioned style of train travel, board the train at Grahamstown at 08h00 and meander through spectacular landscapes of ancient rock strata, game reserves and an historical tunnel whilst viewing the wild life from the comfort of your train window. As you chug across the old railway bridge and through, (yes through!) the newly designed Gary Player Signature Golf Course, you will arrive at Alicedale Station at 09h30 where you will be welcomed by trained tour guides to take you through an exciting and unusual day. Return to Grahamstown by train at 16h00, or overnight at one of the varied accommodation establishments.

The Alicedale Adventure includes a Cultural Xhosa Village Experience with Song, Dance, Poetry and Traditional Cooking, a Township Tour, an Oxwagon Trail, Donkey Cart Rides, a Garden of Gethsemane Olive Grove Tour along with olive tasting and a light lunch as well as a tour of untouched Bushman Cave and Rock Art. Also not to be missed is the Weaving Museum which is part of the oldest Mohair Factory in South Africa. An internationally renowned Interior Decor and Designer furniture outlet is also worth a visit. Living skills workshops, beadwork and cultural games also form part of the programme. Alicedale is an easy hour's drive from Grahamstown on the old N2 to Port Elizabeth. Turn right at the Alicedale sign 25 km from Grahamstown and take a further 30 km scenic drive on gravel road to enter this delightful little hideaway.

http://www.grahamstown.co.za/alicedale/adventure/index.html

All aboard! Former railway station operating inspector, Hennie Ferreira is people to join him in the last train trip from Grahamstown to Alicedale.

The chugging and whistling of trains died away in Grahamstown since the railway line was closed earlier this year. Since it's existence in 1878 the Grahamstown railway station has had a fascinating history and saw trains (and people) of many different types all different types passing through. According to Ferriera trains all the way from Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) carried passengers travelling to Grahamstown.

More recently the train travelled to Alicedale, where passengers could catch a connecting train to Johannesburg. Locals and tourists have now been given the opportunity to board the metallic millipede as it travels to Alicedale for the last time.

Ferreira says he is arranging with Transnet to assist him in the organisation of the last passenger train to run on Grahamstown's scenic railway. According to Ferreira, Transnet assured him that the train can be arranged if he manages to organise 500 passengers who can pay a R50 fee to bid farewell to the railway line. Sharing memories about the railway's heydays, Ferreira recalled a Class GDA maiden locomotive which made its last run on the Grahamstown line in December 1968.

Ferreira says he is displeased that the train was stopped and nothing has been done to bid farewell."I feel sorry and disappointed to see that after 130 years of the railway line's experience, it has now been abondoned," says Ferreira.


3.5 Railway Links, Alicedale – Port Alfred line: Mr. Makkink reported on a meeting in Port Alfred.
The line from Grahamstown is leased by “Ndlambe Arts and Culture Committee”, and the Kowie –
Bathurst toy train is being run by a private company. The Grahamstown – Bloukrans leg could be
leased, and the bridge is useable, but the costs of rolling stock and maintenance make it non-viable. So
Grahamstown – Port Alfred is not on the cards, and Alicedale – Grahamstown is still under discussion
with Spoornet.
http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:IhPotwAkX4UJ:www.smarthost.co.za/gra/minutes/gra_mins_200707.pdf+Grahamstown+Raiway+Station&hl=en&gl=za&sig=AFQjCNFH6qfvMGhFdpWbvOqZY44bbhZSzQ

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Which station was this?

A particularly intense moment demonstrating trust and kindness was Brett Bailiey’s Blood Diamonds – a site-specific performance art installation in the abandoned railway station on the outskirts of Grahamstown, alongside vandalized graves in an old settler cemetery. In the dark cold of a Grahamstown evening, every patron moved through the installation individually and in silence. On walking onto the derelict train platform, your hand was taken by an under-dressed, under-nourished, urchin-like child – the child’s small icy hand finding yours in the darkness. A strange couple – anonymous festino and unknown child walking hand-in-hand without words along a blustery train station and through a shadowy cemetery.

http://www.pubmat.co.za/art_matters.htm Grahamstown Websites

Greenlands (F 10)

Name:Greenlands

http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol025cb.html

A few days previously (on 28th May 1900) the Orange Free State had been proclaimed a British colony and 40 000 troops were left behind to keep this new addition to the British Empire in subjection. The resistance of the Free Staters was confined to the North-Eastern Free State, where De Wet had 8 000 burghers under his command. A strong cordon had already been thrown around them; in the south it stretched from Winburg via Senekal to Ficksburg, and in the west there were British garrisons at Kroonstad, Lindley and Heilbron (see map 1). Behind these garrisons, however, the railway, Lord Roberts's main supply line, was relatively unprotected. The railway, which had been severely damaged by the retreating Transvaal commandos, was now repaired as far as Vredefort Road (the present-day Greenlands) and huge quantities of food, clothing and ammunition were accumulating at Rooiwal in anticipation of the opening of the line northwards to the Transvaal.(3) This gave De Wet an opportunity which he seized with alacrity...


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Graafwater (B 14)

Name:Graafwater

http://www.namakwa.com/dorpe/Graafwater/graafwater.htm

Graafwater is situated approximately 300km north of Cape Town in the Sandveld. The town is situated about halfway between Clanwilliam and Lamberts Bay. After the railway junction between Cape Town and Bitterfontein was build in 1910, the town Graafwater was established. The local Dutch Reformed Church of Leipoldtville developed the town further. The Graafwater Dutch Reformed church formed its own congregation after a few years.

Olaff Bergh came to Graafwater in November 1682 in search of the mythical gold fields of Monomotapa. Bergh and his party stayed at a cave about 30km north of Graafwater that is known as the Heerenlogement. Another famous visitor that "lodged" at the Heerenlogement is Simon van der Stel. The lettering "Simon van der Stel commandeur aan de Caap de Goede Hoop" was chiseled on the rock face in 1685. The Heerenlogement became a permanent visitor's book with 130 dated named, 30 undated names and 14 sets of initials.

Tourist Information
Cederberg Municipality
Private Bag X06
Graafwater, 8120
Tel : +27 (0) 27 422 1108
Fax : +27 (0) 27 422 1109
e-mail : mungrw@mweb.co.z Main Attractions and Activities
Fourwinds Protea Farm
Heerenlogenment
Olaff Bergh Stone & fountain on the Klipfontein farm
Wildflowers in flower season (Spring)
Zink Blockhouse on the Graafwater farm



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Graafwater was established after the railway junction was built in 1910 between Cape Town and Bitterfontein. The town was further developed by the local Dutch Reformed Church of Leipoldtville. A few years later Graafwater Dutch Reformed Church formed its own congregation. Leipoldtville was named after Friederich Leipoldt, the then minister at Clanwilliam and father of poet and author C.Louis Leipoldt.
Information
• Cederberg Municipality,
Private Bag X02
Clanwilliam
8135 Tel.: 027 422 1108
Fax : 027 422 1109

Attractions
• Fourwinds Protea Farm 027 422 1732
• Heerenlogement (overhanging rock used as overnight place by early settlers) 027 422 1723
• Oloff Bergh Stone & Fountain on the farm Klipfontein
• Wild Flowers in Spring
• Zink Blockhouse on the farm Graafwaterplaas.

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Graaff Reinet (E 14)

Name: Graaf Reinett

Surrounded by the Camdeboo National Park, Graaff-Reinet, the heart of the “Great Karoo” – Place of Thirst – is a boundless and mysterious area covered by vast sheep and game farms, where broad plains roll away to distant koppies and multilayered mountains that seem to touch the indigo sky. Listen to the silence, breathe in the aged earth and the Karoo bossies (which conjure up the taste of Karoo lamb!), and gaze at a startlingly clear horizon that seems drawn at the other end of the earth. Our clear night skies are studded with countless stars and huge bright planets; even other galaxies are visible with the naked eye, offering some of the best star gazing in the world. Fossils of some of the earliest forms of one-celled life have been discovered here, indicating that life has existed in this region for three billion years. The richness of pre-dinosaur fossils in this region is world-renowned.


http://www.graaffreinet.co.za/
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Graaf-Reinet a small Karoo town in South Africa is today a tourist destination because of its history. Graaff-Reinet has much of its history preserved in its architecture one of the reasons Tourists flock to the area. Around 1770 the trek of the Boers had penetrated from the Cape into the area of todays Graaff-Reinet. Here, at the margin of the colony, they led an unsteady life under constant threat from Xhosa groups, but as independent and autonomous farmers.

This situation was too difficult for the Cape Town administration to inspect, so they decided to establish a state authority in the region. The first administrator was installed here in 1785. He determined the borders of his territory in 1786, had an administration building erected - the Drostdy - and named the place after the then Governor Jacob van der Graaff and his wife Cornelia Reinet.

The attempt to secure government authority turned out to be difficult. The self-assured citizens resisted any supervision. In 1795 they even proclaimed an autonomous republic, an endeavour which failed however, mainly due to the arrival of the English at the Cape that same year.

But the government also did not manage to establish lasting peace, and when at the end of the 19th century the Boer War broke out, the citizens of Graaff-Reinet fought fiercely on the side of the Boers. Nowadays Graaff-Reinet with its 200 monument-protected buildings is one of the best preserved historical places in the country.
http://www.countryroads.co.za/content/graaff-reinet.html
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Cradled in a crook of the Sundays River, to the approaching traveller, Graaff -Reinet seems like a verdant oasis in the stark surrounding landscape.

Graaff-Reinet is home to more National Monuments than any other town or city in South Africa. Round every corner a piece of our history is revealed to intersted visitors.

A short stroll down Cradock Street will reveal more than 50 of these historic homes. Take a walk down Parsonage Street in the centre of town - on the western end is the seat of the former Dutch authority of the Cape (Drostdy Hotel), while facing it at the estern end lies the erstwhile ecclesiastical power.

Or visit Reinet House, which forms part of a museum complex of four historic builidings.

The imposing stone structure of the Grootkerk at the norhern end of Church Street overlooks the commercial hub of the town. http://www.places.co.za/html/graaff_reinet.html


Spandau Hill is another famous landmark in the Graaff-Reinet region.

The charming little town of Nieu-Bethesda is set in a fertile valley of the Sneeuberg mountains beneath Compassberg (2502m). It is 56km from Graaff-Reinet.

Where to stay:

http://www.graaffreinet.co.za/listing/gideon_scheepers_memorial

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