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North West Province - Mafikeng |
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In northern North West province, close to the Botswana border. Formally known as Mafeking, the town hit the international headlines a century ago, during the first months of the Anglo-Boer war, when its British garrison and civilian residents were besieged by republican forces for several months. During the apartheid years it was incorporated into the Tswana 'homeland' - the 'independent' republic of Bophuthatswana - and a brand new state capital, named Mmabatho (which means 'mother of the people') was established right next door. Mmbatho is now the North West provincial capital. The twin towns are so close to each other they're pretty well inseparable geographically, though quite different in character. Mafikeng has a scatter of pleasant colonial buildings, a fine Anglican church, an interesting museum, but is otherwise a fairly standard, unremarkable provincial centre. Mmabatho has more pretensions, boasting spacious, modern government offices, a state-of-the-art sports stadium and wide thoroughfares. Here and there are reminders of the siege, which lasted from October 1899 to May 1900 and catapulted the garrison commander, Robert Baden-Powell, to public prominence. In retrospect the accolades were probably undeserved: the Boers made few serious attempts to storm the fortress, perimeter defences and dugouts kept the white troops and townsfolk safe enough, and in fact life went on much as usual (polo and cricket continued to feature prominently on the social calendar). The town's African residents, however, suffered grievously. Baden-Powell went on to found the world-wide Boy Scouts movement. Mafikeng MuseumDisplays include sections featuring Tswana lifestyles and crafts, and space is devoted to the Bushman (or San) people. Also featured, of course, is the siege of Mafeking, brought to life by a selection of flags, uniforms, photos, diaries. Ga-Rona The provincial government complex in Mmabatho, designed in the style of the kgotla, the traditional Tswana meeting place. Kanon KopjeThe hill on the south bank of the Molopo River, from which the Boers fired their heavy guns on besieged Mafeking. More prominent is the fort on its slopes, used in the struggle between the Boers of the one-time, miniscule republic of Goshen and the Barolong people. Fine views unfold from the higher parts. Megacity Shopping Centre Largest in North West province. Mmabana Cultural Centre In Mmabatho: a focus of the arts, sports, drama and general cultural ennrichment. Fauna and Flora Wildlife in the Mafikeng Game Reserve, on the edge of town; includes white rhino, giraffe, buffalo and various kinds of antelope. The sanctuary can be explored both by vehicle (4x4) and on foot. The Mmabatho Botanical Park is also of interest. The Lotlamoreng ('great water of the king') Dam cultural reserve hosts a variety of bird and plant species, and a Tswana cultural village (which was badly damaged in 1994). Barberspan Nature Reserve The region's largest waterfowl sanctuary lies due south of Mafikeng, near the village of Delareyville. The spacious pan (shallow lake), fed by the Harts River, attracts a huge number and variety (about 350 species) of birds, among them waders, egrets, herons, coots, wild ducks and, especially flocks of flamingos. Facilities include a birding trail, hide, picnic sites, fishing spots and camping ground. Botsalana Game Reserve A fine array of animals is on view in this 5,800-hectare sanctuary, located some 30 kilometres from Mafikeng on the Ramatlhabana road (take the R52). The countryside is a mix of grassland and woodland (acacia and karee) savanna; the reserve is a noted breeding centre for the white rhino. Other animals include giraffe, blue wildebeest, springbok and other antelope. Tented accommodation; game-viewing roads; guided walks and drives on offer. Lichtenburg lies to the south-east (take the R52); beyond, in the same direction, are Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp . |
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MAFEKING Western Cape
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