Residents enjoy sunset at Fort Klapperkop

The third annual Sundowners was abuzz with the excitement of revelers around Tshwane.

People from as far as Centurion to enjoy the city’s historic landmark and views from Fort Klapperkop.

A tourist from Canada, Erika says she fell in love with the Capital City and the scenery at the Klapperkop.

“I wouldn’t mind coming back here. I see families, friends and acquaintances coming together to enjoy the views,” Erika said.

Councillor Shaun Wilkinson, who also attended, told Rekord the event is a great for meeting and getting to know people in the community.

“This is a great place to mingle and also to create a harmonious atmosphere for the community. I came here as a community member and it’s good to be outside politics for a bit,” Wilkinson added.

Fort Kloppers were built between 1899 and 1902 ahead of the Anglo-Boer as the then government of Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) fortifed Pretoria.

It built forts in Klapperkop, Schanskop, Daspoortrand and Wonderboompoort. Fort Klapperkop was the third fort erected and was completed on January 18, 1898.

“Various pieces of heavy artillery were placed in the forts as armament, but not one of the forts was ever fully armoured. The well-known 155mm Creusot cannon (“Long Tom”) was purchased specifically for the forts and although at a certain stage every fort was armed with a Long Tom, these cannons were withdrawn over time.

“As was the case at the other forts, a paraffin engine generated power at Fort Klapperkop and lightning conductors were erected. A heliograph and overhead telegraph equipment were installed. The fort also had a telephone. A water reservoir, which received water from the Fountains Valley, was built under the provisions room,” Sundowners organiser Angelique Geerignh said.

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