History - Lydenburg-how it came to be

In 1842 Britain annexed Natal and consequently also the Republic of Natalia. As a result of this Andries Hendrik Potgieter and about 1000 Voortrekkers trekked to the Eastern Transvaal.
After the annexation of Natal by Great Britain in 1843, the Transvaal Pioneers had no harbour facilities available, Durban was out of bounds. Andries Potgieter concluded an agreement with the Portuguese authorities for the use of Delagoa Bay harbour facilities by the pioneers (Modern day Maputo harbour).

Potgieter felt the need for a capital city situated closer to the commercial centre of Delagoa Bay. The then seat of government, Potchefstroom, was too remote. In 1845 he founded the town Ohrigstad in the Eastern Transvaal. From Potchefstroom he brought a number of followers and their families. Together with some Natalians under Frans Joubert and Kootjie Burger they would found a new town.
The pioneers were constantly afflicted by malaria. In addition, they often disagreed on many issues. In 1848 Potgieter moved to Zoutpansberg. Meetings of the National Council (Volksraad) south of Ohrigstad, were led by Jacob de Clerq. During one of its meetings the Council decided to found a new town on the farm Rietspruit, through which three streams flowed, Sterk Spruit, the Dorps River and Klipgat Spruit.

The new town was called Lydenburg because of the hardships and suffering which the pioneers endured at Ohrigstad.

Posted: 2004/04/14