Jock of the Bushveld waymarker destroyed by vandals
The vandalism of the marker is a huge blow for the area's cultural heritage.
The historic Jock of the Bushveld waymarker, located along the scenic R533 road on Robbers Pass near Pilgrim’s Rest, has been destroyed by vandals, leaving locals and heritage enthusiasts outraged.
The damage was reported by Karen de Jong, who discovered the broken marker during a recent visit to the area. While it remains unclear exactly when the incident occurred, the destruction has prompted calls for increased efforts to preserve and protect South Africa’s cultural heritage.
The waymarker commemorated the legendary journey of Jock, the brave Staffordshire bull terrier immortalised in Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s beloved book Jock of the Bushveld.
This literary classic details the adventures of Fitzpatrick and Jock through the rugged landscapes of the Lowveld during the late 19th century.
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De Jong expressed her dismay at the vandalism, stating, “It is so sad that our monuments are being destroyed. There is no respect for culture history.”
The newspaper was informed that the incident has been reported to local authorities, who are investigating the matter.
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The destruction of the marker led to various outcries on online platforms for heightened security measures to protect such sites, emphasising their importance for cultural tourism and education.
Robbers Pass, a route steeped in history, is a popular destination for tourists exploring Pilgrim’s Rest.
The loss of the waymarker is seen as a blow to the area’s cultural appeal.
There are about 36 Jock markers in total. They follow the two roads most frequently used by Fitzpatrick, the northern route that ran from Lydenburg to Delagoa Bay, and a southern route from Delagoa Bay to Barberton – the notorious Pettigrew Road.
