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Monuments
Old Station Building
The first railway line between Springs and Krugersdorp was constructed by the Nederlandsche Zuid-Afrikaansche Spoorweg Maatschappy in 1887. The line was subsequently extended to Randfontein in 1896. The building, which was proclaimed a national monument in 1984, was completed in 1896. The Dutch architectural influence is obvious. The official inauguration ceremony was conducted by the then president of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger, after whom Krugersdorp is named.
Voortrekkerpad Monument
Voortrekkerweg, as it is known today, was the route used by the pioneer wagons of Andries Pretorius and Hendrik Potgieter when they left Krugersdorp on 2 December 1938. A blue granite stone was placed near this road to serve as a beacon and Mr J Botha (Oom Jaap) delivered a short speech before the wagons departed.
Town Hall
It was decided at a public meeting on 12 July 1906 to build a town hall that would include all municipal offices, the fire brigade and a library. A Krugersdorp architect, Chas Hoskings, was appointed to draft the plans, and 17 tenders were received for the building work. However, the firm Robson and Holton completed the structure.
In 1974, when the Town Hall had become too small, a proposal was made to demolish the building and build a new one. However, after much protesting the plan was abandoned and instead extensions were added to the building on its western and eastern sides. The complex is now worth R39-million, and the big white building serves as a beacon on some routes for South African Airways aircraft.
Old Magistrate's Court Building
The Old Magistrate's Court Building was designed by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek state architect, Sytze Wierda, and built by J Mante. Restoration of the magistrates court was untertaken in a functional way, as the purpose of the restoration was to re-use the building as a museum.
The building reflects the Renaissance-Baroque style of the northern hemisphere of the late 19th century. The facade and porch, which has columns and is crowned with an open turret, and the sandstone features depict some of the outstanding characteristics of this architectural style.
Paardekraal Monument
During a national assembly in 1880, under the leadership of the triarchy of Paul Kruger, Piet Joubert and MW Pretorius, about 6 000 burghers decided to reinstitute the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek and to reject British reign. As a symbol of their unity they built a cairn.
After the battle of Majuba in 1881 the republiek was reinstated and the House of Assembly decided that on 16 December 1881 there would be a national festival to celebrate independence. MW Pretorius donated the Paardekraal land to the government and in 1889 it was decided to erect a monument over the old cairn. The cairn was removed by British soldiers in 1900 on the instruction of the British authorities, and thrown into the Vaal River. The site was declared a national monument in 1936. The monument was designed by the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek state architect, Sytze Wierda, and built by WY Vietch. On 16 December 1891 it was officially unveiled by President Paul Kruger. At the site, to the south of the monument, ox wagon carts wheels have been cast in concrete.
JG Strijdom Bust
According to the West Rand Times of 18 November 1966, a bust of former prime minister JG Strijdom was erected opposite the statue of Paul Kruger. In commemoration of Strijdom the Krugersdorp square was also named after him.
"The late advocate JG Strijdom has played a leading and active role in the promotion of the republican ideal since the early twenties of this century. He was the prime minister of South Africa from 1954 to 1958 and in commemoration of his devotion to his country, Dr JJ van Tonder unveiled the JG Strijdom bust, which was created by Mr J Labuschagne of Meyerton, on 16 December 1966."
Paul Kruger Statue
The history of Paul Kruger is the history of the Afrikaner nation and South Africa over the past century. The urge to escape foreign oppression in the Cape Colony drove the Afrikaners northwards on the quest for freedom, peace and the right to self-determination. The Great Trek - with all its hardships, sacrifices and suffering, but also successes and victories - speaks of bravery, toughness, endurance and determination. Their faith and trust in God kept them going on the search for their destiny.
Paul Kruger experienced the establishment of a new civilisation in Africa, including setting up new, free and democratic states; the development, building and re-building of a new nation, with a new language, a new culture and new traditions; the loss of that freedom; and grief, suffering and defeat in war, after a brave struggle. The statue of Paul Kruger, once president of the Zuid-Afrikansche Republic, depicts him in the prime of his life with the Bible in the one hand - speaking of his religion - and his hat in the other - speaking of his courtesy and humanity. It was unveiled by the then state president of the Republic of South Africa, CR Swart on Kruger Day, 10 October 1962. The sculptor was Laurika Postma.
The Blockhouse
The Blockhouse is one of 8 000 such structures built during the South African War. In June 1900 General Hunter occupied Krugersdorp. The Blockhouse was built to overlook the concentration camp below. It was declared a national monument in 1984.
The Concentration Camp
In 1901 there were 5 488 people in the Concentration Camp; in November 1901 178 of these people died. Krugersdorp's camp was one of the biggest in the Transvaal.
At the council meeting on 21 December 1908, Henry Sharp reported, "The Concentration Camp was situated in the area north-east of Coronation Park. The first reference to this area was called the Hillside. A spring (an eye) embedded today on the north-west side of the Reservoir was the source of sparkling clean water to Krugersdorp from the date of establishment until the connection to the Rand Water Board. The reservoir on top of the hill was built in 1907. "From 1900 to 1903 the Concentration Camp, from where thousands upon thousands of prayers must have ascended to heaven for the Afrikaner nation, was situated on the foot of the hill. The vegetation in those days was veld, grass, aloes, a small type of protea, ferns and a variety of other wild flowers. "Below the hill was the spruit which was fed from fountains in Factoria, which have been since covered up with ash heaps. The flow from the fountains decreased because of mining operations, which lowered the water table. Now the mines are closed possible water pumped from them could make a lake a feasible proposition. "There was a rifle range in this area, with toilet facilities, the latter broken up by vandals. Especially in the early years many of the original trees were destroyed by veld fires. I notice later tree planting in that area by Mr Webster conformed more or less in straight rows. He also planted Christmas trees for the purpose of "Christmas decorations".
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