[PHOTOS] Krugersdorp from a historical perspective

It can be hard to imagine a town you know so well once being a flat open space with one or two buildings on a farm.

In 1886, that was all it was. But the discovery of gold on Marthinus Pretorius’ Paardekraal farm sparked a West Rand gold rush. With it came many people and an urgent need for housing. Everyone wanted a piece of the gold pie.

Krugersdorp was named in honour of President Paul Kruger by the request of Pretorius, the founder of Krugersdorp. Today, Krugersdorp is home to 30 630 people.

Modern shopping malls like Key West and Cradlestone to historic sites, including the Mogale City Museum and the Old Magistrates’ Court, all are associated with the early years of mining. Krugersdorp is a happy mix of old and new.

Krugersdorp’s Mogale City Museum, partly housed in the 124-year-old court house in Commissioner Street, has numerous exhibits depicting the history of the town.

By the time the town was founded, the gold reef along the Witwatersrand had become common knowledge, and thousands flocked to Krugersdorp, seeking their fortunes. In 1888, the town was proclaimed a separate gold field.

Krugersdorp also has its own fable – centred around gold – that still inspires residents to dig a hole in their back yard in search of the famous Kruger Millions.

“My mother-in-law told me during the Boer War (1899-1902) Paul Kruger carried gold over the hilltop behind today’s Silverstar and buried it when they were attacked by British soldiers,” said Frank Perreira who has been living in Krugersdorp for 60 years.

When Frank came to Krugersdorp in 1952, the gold mining was blossoming. The West Rand Consolidated Gold Mining Company (many know it as West Rand Cons) headed mining activities.

“There were a few shops and houses and what is known today as the R28 already had been paved,” Frank said.

“It used to be a small town, mostly consisting of farms, where everyone knew each other.”

Among art, history writings, profiles, exact replicas of court cells and a narrow climb up some stairs of the museum, you will find a self-published book by a local author.

Laurika Norval, the Mogale City museum assistant explained that Jannie Rossouw donated his book about the history of the town.

“Sadly, he passed away about two years ago,” she explained.

“Compared with every other historical study on Krugersdorp, this book was very interesting to read.”

In the introduction Jannie explains the book to be a more personal account of the town he so loved. Of course, Krugersdorpers have a lot to be proud of.

Throughout town, historical buildings are found among more recently constructed buildings.

The town, for all its flaws, still remains home to its people.

If you have an interesting story to tell about Krugersdorp or if you know where the Kruger Millions are, leave your comment in the comments section below.