Bright future for 150-year-old town
"Development and upliftment are long overdue in the area."
Members of the Muldersdrift community celebrated the town’s 150th birthday by marching across the newly restored Muldersdrift bridge.
Muldersdrift was established in 1866 and was the main route between Pretoria and Rustenburg. Before the highway was built, traders used the town as a refuge, trading post and a place where travellers could let their cattle graze. From the discovery of gold in the area to the drowning of an entire herd of cattle in the Olifants River, Muldersdrift has a vibrant history.
The town was named after the Mulder family. Shenan Cochrane, a longtime resident of Muldersdrift wrote a book on the history of the town which was released earlier this year. The book’s title is The history of Muldersdrift 1850–2015.
More recently, Muldersdrift was named the wedding capital of Gauteng, because of its many incredible wedding venues, including Usambara Venue and Lodge, and the Avianto, Engedi, Memoire and Moon and Sixpence wedding venues, to name but a few. The town has also recently received been upgraded, with a new private hospital, Netcare Pinehaven, that helps carry the medical load of an increasing population. Cradlestone Mall has also become an icon of Muldersdrift’s ever-growing economy. Considering the municipality’s effort to upgrade the N14, it is clear the town’s potential is finally being recognised.
Zillah Wehinger-Maguire, Ward councillor for a section of Muldersdrift, said she is excited about the potential investors in the Muldersdrift area.
“It will most definitely be beneficial to the Muldersdrift community,” Zillah said. “Development and upliftment are long overdue in this area and I am sure that the community will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years to come.”
Along with the celebration walk-over, which took place on Monday, 10 October, the pupils of Laerskool Muldersdrif sang commemorative songs such as Ons vir jou Suid-Afrika in honour of the farmers who have used the town’s resources for so long.
Mogale City Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Lynn Pannall, also celebrated with the residents by planting a tree near the bridge.
“A tree is a symbol of enduring strength,” Lynn said. “This tree shows us the undying hope of the town’s existence.”
Lynn said the town’s vibrant economy is an ever-growing commodity and the municipality will attempt to create an environment where local community members can flourish.
