Kokstad

Kokstad - Southern gateway to the Drakensberg Mountains

Kokstad is a town in the Sisonke District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Kokstad is named after the Griqua chief Adam Kok III who settled here in 1863. Stad is the Afrikaans word for city. Kokstad is built on the outer slopes of the Drakensberg and is 1,302 m above the sea level. Behind it Mount Currie rises to a height of 2,224 m. Kokstad is a centre for cheese and other dairy products.

Located in the Umzimhlava River basin between Mount Currie and the Ngele Mountain, Kokstad is the ‘capital’ of East Griqualand. The history of the town dates back to 1872 when Griqua leader Adam Kok III and his followers settled here. The Rev W Murray surveyed the town and together with the Rev William Dower laid out the first water furrow to the town. Apart from many other buildings, the Rev Murray planned and help build the Griqua National Independence Church, still in use today. The Griquas finally moved to the town in 1872. Each burger who has made the trek was entitled to a town stand, as well as a farm. Hopes for an independent homeland were finally shattered in 1874 by Mr Open, the British Resident, who briefly announced the annexation of the area. Although the Griquas believed the annexation was official, it actually only came into effect in 1879. While on their way to celebrate New Year in Umzimkulu in 1875, the cart in which Adam and his family was traveling struck a rut, throwing Adam under the front wheel which ran over his chest. He died four hours later and was buried in a corner of his town stand. Having no direct heir, his death stirred up civil unrest. Three rebellions and uprisings occurred after the death of Adam III. In 1878 Smith Pommer and various other rebels threatened the countryside and culminated in the FAMP and pioneers routing the rebels, finally killing or capturing them in the Ingeli Forest. The next uprising, the Basotho War of 1880, or ‘War of the Gun’ resulting from inept government policies, saw the whole area going into laager. After many months, costly in blood and money, the war was ended and farmers and rural shopkeepers could return to their properties – most of which was badly damaged or completely destroyed – for which they received no compensation. The last upraising in 1897 was caused by the agitation of one ‘Le Fleur’ and ended with him and his rebels being captured and sentenced to 14 years hard labour. The site of Kok’s ‘palace’ is located not far from the present post office, and his grave is marked by a monument. The town has an olde-world charm, with several buildings built in the early colonial style. East Griqualand is a fly fisherman’s paradise. Host to many popular tournaments, with entries from all over the country, the three fly fishing clubs in the region provide the opportunity to try waters of a different nature and the chance to catch trout of record size.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Durban 264 km, Pietermaritzburg 190 km, Port Shepstone 145 km

Average Rainfall – 800 mm – 900 mm per annum

Average Temperatures – 12°c – 13°c

Banks – Absa, Fnb, Standard

Dams – Chatwall Farm, Dagster, Elandskuil, Hebron, Highland Home, Kromdraai,

Rivers – Umdwana, Umzimhlava, Umzimumba

Mountains – Drakensberge, Ingeli, Mount Currie, Mvenyane Range, Nungi Mountain, Swartberg

Private Dams – eMoyeni, Fearnley Farm, St Bernard’s Peak, Sussex Downs & Curragh Lake

HISTORICAL VIEW

Adam Kok III

As a result of land disputes with Boer and British settlers, the Griqua people, under leadership of Adam Kok III, left the Philippolis area in 1861 on an eastward trek in search of a new home. After a perilous 2 year trek through the mountainous Basutoland, the group, consisting of 2000 men, women and children and 20 000 head of cattle, arrived in their ‘promised land’, and settled in a laager at the foot of what later became known as Mount Currie. In 1872 Kok and his group settled in the valley below, and declared this the seat of Griqua government and named it Kokstad. Today a memorial marks the site of the original laager, and a monument Adam Kok’s grave in the centre of town.

Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch Reformed Congregation was established on 31 March 1923. In the early years, when they had no church buildings, the Prebyterian and Methodist churches and Town Hall were used for services. Ds MJP Meijj laid the foundation stone of the church on the afternoon of Saturday 23 October 1926. Thereafter the congregation was given the opportunity to lay it’s offerings on top of the stone. The sum of 150 pounds was collected in this way. SJ Halford, the then Mayor of Kokstad, built the church under the supervision of Messr Perry and Brownles, Architects, Cape Town. The design is based upon old Cape Dutch principles. The interior is in the form of a Greek Cross with entrances at the three quadrant angles. The pulpit is placed in the fourth from where the minister is in full view of the whole congregation. Leading from the church is the sanctuary over which is arranged the choir seating and organ loft.

Griqua National Independent Church

Built of cut stone quarried from the farm Koppieskraal on the outskirts of Kokstad, it took 12 years to built and was opened by Margaret, the widow of Adam Kok. The Rev William Dower, who was also responsible for the first water furrow bringing water to the town, was the architect of this building. He also ordered the ‘Peach Bell’ from Scotland, still in use today. The interior of this building is well worth a visit, the communion service artifacts were donated to the original Griqua Church in Phillippolis by the National Independent Church of Wigan in England in 1845. Manufactured of pewter, it consists of four chalices with lids, four patens and two inscribed flagons.

Kokstad Museum

Housed in the town’s former library, a typical red brick building with verandah, the museum gives insight into the history of the Griqua people and the military history oof the area.

Laager Memorial

Parish of the Holy Trinity

Established in 1881, services were first held in a small building that served as a school during the week. A granite cross today commemorates the site of this first church. The foundation stone of the present church was consecrated in 1881 by Bishop Key who subsequently consecrated the first part of the building in 1891. The chancel and sanctuary were completed in 1905 with the organ being built in 1906. The front is a gift from the holy Trinity Church of Sterling in Scotland and the candle sticks are from a bombed out city church in London. The parish includes a school in St Andrew’s in the Bonapartes District. The gound for St Andrew’s was donated by the late Charles R Rennie as a thanks offering for being spared the rinderpest and was dedicated by Bishop Keys on 23 April 1899. St Aidan’s was built in 1907. One of the interesting graves that can be seen in this graveyard is that of one ‘Chaddrus Caplyn’, born May 23^rd 1855 Barbados, British West Indies. East Griqualand

St Patrick’s Cathedral

The original St Patrick’s was built in 1884 by Cape Mounted Riflemen at a cost of R12 000.00. The second church was built in the same spot as the original one and the first church was demolished. The arched pillars and the alter step mark the area occupied by the original church. St Patrick’s Cathedral, with it’s elegant architecture and graceful twin towers can justifiably be called the most dominant feature of Kokstad. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop A Fleisher of Mariannhill on 27 February 1924. Built in West European style by the father and son team of Klement Malinaric. There are three magnificent stained glass windows all created by the firm of Dr Didtman of Germany.

NATURE

Chatwell Farm Dam

Situated in the Bonaparte’s District. Chatwell offers you a choice of two dams, one three hectares and another of four hectares. The largest fish caught weighed 4 kg. craft and boats essential. No accommodation on the property.

Dagster Dam

Set in a peaceful secluded valley, near the Ingeli Mountains, a small dam of one hectare offers rainbow trout of average size. No accommodation on the property, but luxury fully catered accommodation close by.

Elandskuil Dam

Between Kokstad and the Ingeni there are two medium sized dams, one with rainbow trout the other with brown. Average size of 1,8 kf being caught. Luxury, fully catered accommodation on the property.

Hebron Dam

Situated in the mountains between Kokstad and Franklin close to Ben Cairn, raising to 1986 km, largest trout caught being 4,5 kg. Rainbow trout. No accommodation on the property.

Highland Home Dam

Nestling in the shadow of Mount Currie 2222 m above sea level. Highland Home has a three quarter acre dam with rainbow trout. Largest trout caught was 1,8 kg. No accommodation on the property. Camping and caravanning at Mount Currie Nature Reserve close by.

Kromdraai Dam

A medium sized dam covering three hectares close to the Ingungi Mountains in the Bonapparte’s District. Largest trout caught being 2,7 kg. No accommodation on the property.

Mount Currie Nature Reserve

The 1700 ha reserve covers a pristine area of rolling grasscovered hills, and offers fishing, picnicking, boating, water sports, walking and camping.

Location

The reserve is located in the Southern Drakensberg foothills, north of Kokstad.

Accommodation

The reserve has caravan and camping sites with ablution facilities

Activities

The reserve is home to a number of mammal species, including grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, springbok, bushbuck, oribi and common duiker. The Crystal Springs Dam is located withing the reserve, and is stocked with bluegill, bass and trout. The slopes of the 2224 m high Mountain Currie offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Black Eagles, Cape Vultures and the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer) can also be seen. Boating is allowed. Two historical site are located within the reserve, namely the laager site used by Adam Kok in 1863 together with an earlier cross shaped Griqua cemetery, and a memorial to those who died during the First World War.

Private Dams

eMoyeni

A 20 ha dam set against the backdrop of mountains just outside Swartberg. Rainbow trout and a few brown trout. Largest fish caught being 5 kg. Comfortable self catering wooden chalet available on the banks of the dam. Able to accommodate up to eight persons. Fully equipped, with gas stove and fridge. No electrical power. Popular destination.

Fearnley Farm

Two average sized dams with largest fish being caught 2,7 kg. Accommodation available on the property in fully equipped, self catered cottage able to accommodate up to five persons. Also a popular Wattled Crane viewing spot and close to Thule Rustlers Route.

St Bernard’s Peak

Situated at the foot of the Berg, St Bernard’s has a average size dam, with 1,3 – 1,8 kg trout. Affordable accommodation with rooms in the hotel, cottages, bunkhouses, camping and caravanning on the property. Horse riding, volley ball, trampoline, guided walks and close to Thule Rustlers Route. The ideal family destination.

Sussex Downs and Curragh Lake

Fish for rainbow trout in the Ndawane River and Curragh Lake. Very comfortable large fishing lodges in magnificent setting available on the property. Self catering. Between Swartberg and Underberg.

ATTRACTIONS

Kokstad 4 x 4 Annual Rally

A two day trip organized by the Kokstad 4 x 4 Club around Kokstad and into the former Transkei. Held around during June or July, it is becoming increasingly popular, there are also routes for motorbike quads. Accommodation – camping only, take all your own gear, food and plenty of warm clothing for the cold evenings.

ACTIVITIES

4 x 4 Routes

East Griqualand is an ideal place for off road vehicles. Rimmed by mountains, with the range known as the Bokkiesberg in the middle, it offers three 4 x 4 routes and one annual rally organized by the Kokstad 4 x 4 Club. All very different from each other, all at different locations in the area.

Fishing

Bass is plentifull in local dams, while carp fishing is popular in the lower Umzimhlava River.

Paragliding

Heights such as Mount Currie draw paragliders from far afield. Several private landowners offer facilities on their property.