Krugersdorp’s history is being preserved through the Krugersdorp Heritage Association’s (KHA) Blue Plaque Project, which recently unveiled its second heritage plaque at the historic Krugersdorp Club.

The project aims to recognise and preserve buildings of historical significance across the town. According to KHA co-founder Jaco Mattheyse, a building’s importance to the community carries more weight than its age.

For its second plaque, the association selected the Krugersdorp Club, established in 1894 by two of the town’s prominent doctors, Dr Wouter van der Merwe and Dr Percy Stewart.

According to previous reporting by the Krugersdorp News, Van der Merwe planted a jacaranda tree in his back garden, which became a popular gathering place for visitors, including President Paul Kruger, a close friend. The tree still stands behind the current club building today.

Legend has it that one day, late in 1894, the two doctors decided to create a space where the town’s rising gentlemen could socialise and unwind – perhaps inspired by their daily ritual of enjoying sundowners after work.

Also read: Going back in time – 131 years of gentlemen socialising

Over the decades, the club developed a rich history as a gentlemen’s club and became a popular meeting place for many prominent figures, whose names are recorded in its visitors’ books.

The blue plaque was officially unveiled on May 19 outside the building. Mattheyse said the club holds important historical value for the community.

“We are proud we have made it this far and look forward to the next unveilings we have planned,” he said.

The plaque was designed by Hugo Theysse and features an image of the building alongside a brief history and details of its distinctive characteristics. He explained that the plaque uses the iconic blue colour commonly associated with heritage plaque projects around the world.

Theysse added that the process of having a building recognised begins with a nomination submitted to the KHA, followed by an application process and site visit. If the building is deemed historically significant to the community, the association approves it for certification.

Residents interested in nominating a building for a blue plaque can email the KHA at Krugersdorp.Heritage.Association@gmail.com.