Drakensberg Blog

Kokstad is the capital of East Griqualand, it lies in the valley of the Umzinhlava River between Mount Currie and the Ingeli Mountains at the height of some 1280m above sea level. Few towns in South Africa can compare in scenic beauty or in picturesque history with this unique little town whitch literally rose from the bare veld just over 100 years ago.

The Founders

In the middle 19th centuries the Griquas were prosperous, settled community living in the area of Phillippolis on the banks of the Orange River under their hereditary chief, Adam Kok III. They had come under the influence of the London Mission Society and had their own church and parliament.
They had reputation as hunters and had on several occasion fought alongside the British with skill and courage. It was inevitable that these people should in time clash with the large parties of organised Trekkers moving north from the colony.
In fact in 1857, the new Orange Free State Republic brought them under direct control and fearing that his people would be disposed of their land, Adam Kok III appealed to the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir George Grey. Sir George Gray offered Adam Kok III and his people a new country called Nomansland, far to the east, on the other side of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains.

Nomansland

Adam Kok III lost no time in sending an advance party to report on the Promised Land and in 1861 with 2000 men, women and children and 20 000 head of stock started to trek.
This epic journey emerged over the rugged mountains of Lesotho took over two years to complete and pays tribute to the courage and tenacity of these hardy people

The Laager

The Griquas emerged from the mountain to see endless green grazing, abundant water and game of every kind. The destination was the spur on the south slopes of Mount Currie where they threw up a sod fort. As the wagons out spanned, each burgher put up a primitive hut. The building inside the fort was to serve as a church, assembly and school untill more permanent quarters could be built.

The New Town

In August 1869 the Reverent William Dower of the London Mission Society visited the laager. He was hospitable welcomed and asked to remain as a minister. Dower accepted on condition that Adam Kok and his people should move down from the mountain to the site chosen for the town.

Second Trek

In the middle of 1872, Adam Kok III led his people in procession to the new town. Where the cavalcade drew up at the “Palays” which had been hastly run up not far from the present post office, he announced that henceforth this was the seat of the government which was to be called Kokstad.

The Griqua Church

This church was started in 1870 and completed in 1877. It was built by the Griquas themselves when they had the time to spare from their farms. The pulpit was made by William Dower using yellowwood from the Ingeli Forest. The communion set is very special as it was sent to the original Griqua Church in Phillippolus in 1845 as a gift from a church in Wigan, England.
This set is made of pewter and is still used regularly at every communion service in this church.
The windows and brass lamp fittings are all originals dating from 1870′s. The wooden rail down the center of the church separated the men and women although this is no longer practiced.

The Museum Building

This building was originally built to house the local public library.
It was built in 1907 on a plot of land which was generously donated by Mr & Mrs Wirth. Mrs Wirth was the librarian for many years. The building, an attractive red brick structure with a veranda and stucco decoration, was built by W. J. Wilmot.
The interior comprised a large public reading room and a library members reading and smoking room. The library was well furnished and equipped. Gas lighting was installed and the portable reading lanps on the table were novelty.

In 1982 the building was taken over for the use as a museum.

Source: Kokstad Museum