The old Botshabelo mission station a part of Mpumalanga heritage

MBOMBELA – All interested in history and heritage are welcome to join Mpumalanga Heritage on its visit to the historic site of Botshabelo and Fort Merensky outside Middelburg on Saturday July 13. Though this old Berlin mission station, once a pristine museum complex, has suffered some neglect over the past years, some emergency restoration has recently been done.

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Dubbed the “Genadendal of the north”, this pastoral village with its oak- and plane-lined lanes still holds some magic not to be missed. Meet at 06:00 at Crossing Nelspruit to depart for coffee at Alzu. From here the group will follow in convoy through the town of Middelburg to the entrance to Botshabelo on the N11. GPS: -25.692079, 29.453057.

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Bring a picnic lunch, hat and walking shoes. Join us on an important exploration of one of the most endangered heritage sites in South Africa. The visit will also serve as an investigation into the future of the adjacent Fort Merensky, which currently is the property of HASA (previously the Foundation Simon van der Stel).

This site and historic structure needs to be carried over to a relevant institution or government department. The outing will be in conjunction with the recently established Middelburg Heritage Association. To offer space in your vehicle or if you need a seat, please contact Robin Bell on 082-693-0114. We would like to put as many people in as few as possible cars to share the costs.