Discovering Kroonstad: A Journey Through History and Culture
Join me as I take you on a fascinating journey to explore the wonders of Kroonstad, a place rich in history and culture. Let’s dive deep into this vibrant town and uncover its hidden gems.
A Trip Back in Time
Imagine stepping back in time to an era when battles were fought and heroes were made. Kroonstad’s historical significance cannot be overstated. As I walk these streets, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and curiosity about the events that unfolded here.
Explore the Battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War, where two forces clashed in a struggle for freedom and independence. Imagine the courage and sacrifice it took to fight for a cause, a cause that shaped the course of this town’s history.
Cultural Delights
But Kroonstad is not just about battles and war. It also boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that is waiting to be discovered. From art galleries showcasing local talent to traditional markets offering a taste of the region’s flavors, there is something here for everyone.
Take a stroll through the town’s museums and immerse yourself in its rich heritage. Marvel at the exquisitely crafted artifacts and learn about the customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The Warmth of the People
What truly sets Kroonstad apart is its warm and welcoming community. The locals here are known for their friendly nature and willingness to share their stories. Don’t be surprised if you strike up a conversation with a stranger and end up making a new friend.
Experience the hospitality firsthand as you indulge in traditional cuisine and hear captivating tales from the locals. You’ll find that the people of Kroonstad are proud of their town and eager to share its treasures with visitors.
A World of Adventure
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a new adventure, Kroonstad has something to offer you. From exploring the enchanting nature reserves to attending vibrant festivals that celebrate the town’s cultural heritage, there is never a dull moment here.
So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery. Kroonstad is waiting to charm you with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people. Are you ready to uncover the wonders of this hidden gem?
When I heard about the annual National Championships in Kroonstad, I couldn’t help but think that if Americans played jukskei, this event would be our World Series, and the winners would be called World Champions. It got me curious, so I decided to dig deeper.
Written & Photographed by Alan Valkenburg
Kroonstad, a town filled with history, boasts a striking statue of Sarel Cilliers. It’s like entering a whole new world, to borrow Dorothy’s words from “The Wizard of Oz.” As I journeyed from Lanseria Airport to Kroonstad, I couldn’t help but empathize with Dorothy’s sentiment.
Earlier that day, I hopped on a plane to Joburg and was graciously handed the keys to the Amarok Highline 3.0 TDI 4Motion by the kind folks at Volkswagen. My purpose? To participate in the National Jukskei Championships.
Jukskei holds a special place in South Africa’s heart, similar to how Gaelic Football does in Ireland. Although lacking the massive crowds of 80,000, it’s an integral part of South African culture, just like vetkoek and biltong.
Now, here’s a confession: I was a bit fuzzy on the details of jukskei myself. So, I thought a visit to Kroonstad – the headquarters of jukskei – was in order. It would be the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps and truly get into the spirit of the game.
Driving the Amarok through the roads of the Free State felt like a joyride, effortlessly maneuvering past potholes and detours.
Just like Dorothy, I quickly realized that this was not the familiar surroundings of Cape Town. The highway seemed endless, with a confusing amount of lanes, and the constant beeping under metal arches was nothing short of annoying. The comfort of the Amarok’s cabin was a stark contrast to the unsettling road signs along the N1. I was confronted with warnings of “Hazardous materials!” multiple times, leaving me baffled about what exactly I should do. Should I duck? Hold my breath? Speed up or slow down?
But finally, I arrived at Sewende Hemel, my cozy B&B in Kroonstad. After dropping off my bags, I headed to Jukskei Park to experience the essence of Afrikanerdom for the first time. It was crystal clear that I had left Cape Town far behind.
Oh no, what a predicament!
Long jump pits were filled to the brim with activities, but they weren’t filled with athletes jumping. Instead, these tracksuit-wearing fanatics were enthusiastically hurling objects into the pits. But not just any objects. These projectiles were like wooden wine bottles with long necks.
Whatever was going on, it was being treated as a matter of great importance. As I stood there observing, players would toss their wooden wine bottles into the pit, only for a teammate to swiftly pull a mysterious cord attached to one side of the sand. Then, with a determined focus, they would ensure that the peg that had just been forcefully knocked away was precisely reinserted within a hair’s breadth of where it had been before… only to be knocked away once again.
As I watched the players compete in jukskei, I was amazed at the level of skill required for this serious sport. Every now and then, a referee would stride over to one of the pits, armed with a brush and callipers. Their mission? To determine which team’s wine bottle was closest to the peg.
I couldn’t help but be captivated by the action unfolding before me. The sound of a whistle marked the end of each match, leaving around 20 matches scattered across the ground. It was a spectacle unlike anything I had ever seen before. This world of jukskei was a world apart from what I was familiar with.
When I came back the next day, I couldn’t help but notice how serious and skillful this sport was. The more I observed, the more I understood that there was a lot more to it than meets the eye. I discovered that there were various throwing techniques involved. If you knock over the peg, you earn three points. However, you can also earn extra points by strategically placing your skeis (turns out, they’re not actually wine bottles) closer to the peg spot. But be careful not to accumulate more than 23 points, or else you go bust and have to start all over again from zero.
In the midst of the ongoing and ever-present coronavirus crisis, some provinces decided against sending teams to Kroonstad. Despite this, there was a strong presence of teams in the tournament, evident from the flags fluttering outside the clubhouse.
What caught my attention was that it wasn’t just Afrikaner men in veldskoen shoes. There were kids, women, people from different races. And what was truly heartwarming was that everyone had a smile on their face and was eager to explain the rules to a clueless Englishman like me, who had come all the way from Cape Town. It made me want to try my hand at skei, a game of skill and precision.
I had an absolute blast at the Jukskei World Championships and I am thrilled to announce that Gauteng North emerged as the champions of the world in 2021.
When I wasn’t busy watching jukskei, I took the opportunity to explore the Amarok and venture into Kroonstad, immersing myself in the role of a tourist and visiting various attractions such as churches, the river, and graveyards. However, there was one particular place I was eager to find but was proving to be quite elusive. Prior to my visit, I had conducted some research and came across information about a graveyard specifically dedicated to Afrikaner women and children who were victims of the Boer War concentration camps.
A concentration camp? In South Africa? Wait a minute, aren’t those things synonymous with the evil deeds committed by the Nazis during World War II? Surprisingly, that’s not the case. It turns out that Hitler may have taken inspiration from the British, who had already established concentration camps. No wonder there is some lingering resentment within certain South African circles. After all, having your great grandparents confined to a concentration camp would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
As I watched, the skei approached its target, ready to deliver another powerful blow.
The Kroonstad Concentration Camp was one of eleven camps in the Free State during the South African War of 1899 to 1902. It was established in November 1900 and within five months, it had 2,500 “residents”. The conditions in the camp were harsh, with poor hygiene leading to rampant disease. Between April 1901 and April 1902, over 1,200 people lost their lives. Finally, in January 1903, the camp was shut down.
I always believed that a culturally and historically significant place like this would be a top attraction in Kroonstad, but I was mistaken. There were no signs, at least not until I got closer. Despite the town’s efforts, I eventually stumbled upon it, and what a discovery it was. Even though it’s in a state of disrepair, the camp holds an eerie and profound aura.
A never-ending saga
As I left Kroonstad behind, I couldn’t help but notice numerous road signs warning about potholes. Curiously, there were only a few potholes in reality, leading me to question whether the municipality’s efforts would be better focused on fixing them instead of putting up signs. However, my doubts were put to rest when I encountered a stretch of road with a substantial number of potholes. To my surprise, the Amarok tackled them effortlessly, its 19-inch Milford alloy wheels unbothered.
One thing I’ve come to realize about this area is that there is always another battlefield waiting to be explored.
After having my fill of Boer versus Brit history, I found myself yearning for a clash between the Boer and the Matabele.
When I came across the plaque at the cemetery for the Boer War concentration camp, it really hit me how the majority of those who died and were laid to rest here were women and children.
In Heilbron, not too far away, you’ll find the Vegkop monument. It’s a memorial for the battle that took place in 1836 between a small group of 33 Boers, along with their wives and children, and an army of Matabele, led by Chief Moselikatse. What’s interesting is that despite being armed with rifles and using their ox wagons as a defensive measure, the Boers only lost two people. While the men were firing the guns, it was the women and children who were responsible for reloading them. One of the children, an 11-year-old named Paul Kruger, would go on to become the president of the Transvaal Republic and a well-known figure among the Boers.
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting the Vegkop monument. Even though it may be a bit out of the way, it’s definitely worth the trip.
Imagine this: I was on a road trip when suddenly, there was a road closure just after Heilbron. They redirected us along a farm road that had become a pothole-ridden mudbath due to the rain the night before. At that moment, the Amarok truly proved its worth. While other cars cautiously made their way through, I confidently sped along, relishing in the power and comfort of the vehicle as its shocks effortlessly handled the rough terrain. Unlike many other bakkies these days that claim to be SUVs, this bakkie knows its identity – it’s a bakkie through and through. And when you’re driving on a treacherous road full of potholes and puddles, that’s exactly what you need.
As I continued my journey back to Joburg, nearing the end of my trip, a sign caught my attention – I was about to cross the Jukskei River. It felt like a fitting conclusion to my adventure.
Welcome to Sewende Hemel B&B!
Your Home Away From Home
When I stayed at Sewende Hemel B&B, I was amazed by how peaceful it was. It’s located just far enough from the town center to offer a quiet retreat, but still close enough to easily reach Jukskei Park in a matter of minutes. The executive suite I stayed in was incredibly spacious – it was so big that I almost needed a map to navigate my way around the bathroom! And let me tell you about the breakfast – for an extra R90, it’s absolutely worth it. I’m not someone who usually takes pictures of my food, but this meal was so good that I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots for Instagram.
Choose Your Room
Sewende Hemel B&B offers two types of rooms: executive rooms and queen rooms. The executive rooms are perfect for two people, and they only cost R800 for the night. If you prefer a queen room, you can enjoy a comfortable stay for just R700. And don’t forget to add on the delicious breakfast for R90 – trust me, it’s worth it!
If you’re ready to book your stay, give us a call at 083 261 7441 or visit our website at sewendehemel.co.za. We can’t wait to welcome you to Sewende Hemel B&B!
Indulge in Our Local Cuisine
Tharine Hurter assures you that when you visit her unique store, Kroonstad Times, she’ll have coffee ready to warm your soul. She’s a connoisseur of all things exquisite, and her store is a treasure trove of memories and nostalgia. Tharine takes immense pleasure in witnessing the awe on her customers’ faces as they enter her shop. “It’s a special feeling to see the wonder in their eyes when they come across something that sparks fond memories,” she shares. When Tharine isn’t engrossed in the world of vintage wonders, you might find her enjoying a crochet session or indulging in a smoke. She even has plans to create a nursery garden on the premises, further enhancing the tranquil ambiance of her store.
If you’d like to get in touch with her or pay a visit, you can reach her at 083 647 0076 or check out the Kroonstad Times page on Facebook. Don’t miss out on this remarkable experience!
Now, let’s dive into an exciting motoring match-up!
Road-trip vehicle
VW Amarok Highline 3.0 TDI 4Motion
The Amarok is a beast of a truck – powerful and comfortable. It took care of everything it needed to, but boy, did it go through diesel quickly! I did have some issues with Apple CarPlay and navigation, but that might have been because of my phone. It’s got some impressive specs, though:
- 190kW @ 3 000-4 500r/min
- 580Nm @ 1 400-2 750r/min
And the price tag is hefty: R921 900 – definitely not cheap.
Now, let’s talk about the first contender: the Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab PRO-4X 4×4. This truck means business.
Hey there! I want to introduce you to the all-new Navara from Nissan. They’ve made some amazing upgrades to this truck, except for the engine which remains the same at 2.5 liters. But don’t worry, there’s a lot more to love about this truck!
First of all, they’ve made it safer. They’ve added some cool new safety features that will give you peace of mind on the road. And the interior has also been given a digital makeover, so you’ll feel like you’re driving a spaceship!
But that’s not all. Nissan has also given the Navara two different transmission options. You can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
They’ve also made some improvements to the chassis and added better noise suppression. So you can enjoy a smoother and quieter ride. And let’s not forget that stylish grille, it really adds a touch of elegance to the truck!
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the price. It’s really affordable, starting at R740,000. That’s a great deal for all the amazing features you’re getting!
Now, let me introduce you to another contender in the truck world – the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 double cab 4×4 Legend RS auto.
Last year, Toyota’s double-cab treasure got a 20kW power boost and some ergonomic enhancements. They fine-tuned the chassis and steering, making the car pleasantly quiet and enjoyable to drive. While the RS version can be pricey, there are more affordable options available.
The vehicle’s power specs are as follows: 150kW @ 3 000 – 3 400rpm and 500Nm @ 1 600 – 2 800rpm. The price for this model is R868 100.
