Volksrust’s history is evident in its memorial sites: Voortrekker Square has memorials to victims of the camps, while another monument honors British soldiers. Gandhi’s protest history and the broader context of the Mpumalanga Liberation Heritage Route are also part of the story. Travelers planning a trip can explore different historical perspectives; fishing and water sports are separate interests associated with Mahawane Country Resort.
Memorial Sites and the History of the Square
Volksrust’s market square was renamed Voortrekker Square in 1938. At its northeastern end, the Wall of Remembrance commemorates people who died in the British concentration camp. On Volksrust Town Square, a memorial statue and the wall also commemorate Boer women and children who died in the Volksrust concentration camp. In this way, remembrance of camp victims is linked to a specifically named commemoration of women and children. The 1881 War Memorial is also located at the northeastern corner.
Protest History and Liberation Heritage
Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and other Indian protesters were repeatedly arrested in Volksrust as they marched peacefully against the Black Act and the Immigration Law. Gandhi’s former prison cell was converted into a classroom where inmates are taught life skills for the period after their release. The former cell thus connects Gandhi’s historical association with its present-day use as a learning space. It is not open to the public; confirm its access status again before traveling.
Volksrust is one of the six towns named in the Mpumalanga Liberation Heritage Route that were extensively involved in the anti-apartheid liberation struggle. The route is intended primarily to lead domestic and international tourists to various liberation heritage destinations associated with South Africa’s liberation history. This regional context complements the local protest history with a broader perspective on South African liberation heritage.
Another Memorial Site
North of Volksrust, a park is home to the cross-shaped British Soldiers Memorial. It honors British soldiers who died in battles in the areas around Volksrust and Amersfoort. Unlike the Wall of Remembrance, the memorial focuses on fallen soldiers, while the wall commemorates people who died in the British concentration camp. The memorial sites therefore differ both in location and in the groups they commemorate.
More Travel Interests
Fishing and water sports are also associated with Mahawane Country Resort in Volksrust. The resort’s address is N11 along the Amersfoort/Ermelo Road. Check in advance whether fishing or water sports will be available during your visit. If you are looking for a hotel in Volksrust, you can first consider whether the town’s history or these activities will be the deciding factor in planning your trip. This lets you choose between historical memorial sites and another area of interest.
Discover more destinations: Balfour, Grootvlei, Elukwatini, Bethal, Chrissiesmeer, Morgenzon, Piet Retief, Standerton.
For the regional travel overview: Gert Sibande.
