History of Limpopo Province, South Africa - South African Information

South Africa Info Quick Links

South Africa Info Home World Cup 2010 in South Africa Accommodation in South Africa South African Conference Venues Property in South Africa About South Africa Info Contact South Africa Info Links to South African Sites South Africa Info Sitemap

Limpopo Province Information > History

A Short History of the Limpopo Province
Steeped in history, the Limpopo Province celebrates a rich cultural heritage. The province has many of South Africa's archaeological sites where the mysteries of the past and ancient peoples are still being unearthed. The present tranquillity of the Limpopo Province belies a turbulent past, to which many monuments and museums attest.

The Pedi nation formed their homeland centuries ago in the platinum-rich eastern region of the current Limpopo Province. They had to adapt to the harsh landscape that characterised the region. With the arrival of the Voortrekkers circumstances changed radically for the indigenous tribes and conflicts between them and the Voortrekkers started to occur. The Voortrekkers where European settlers who left the Cape to start a new life in the unknown wilderness of the hinterland.

This invasion of their territory by Europeans led to great conflict and resulted in many bloody battles. The history of the Limpopo Province is characterised by many incidents of settlement and conflict, of war and peace. The Anglo-Boer War was one of main causes of the many historicals battle fought in the Limpopo Province. In Haenertsberg the statue of the Long Tom cannon was erected as a memorial to the battles fought on and for this land.

Makapansgat Caves and limeworks near Mokopane is an archaeological site of global importance, reflecting the lifestyle and culture of the first people to discover gold and thrive on the area's bushveld plains. During the Battle of Makapan soldiers found sanctuary from attackers in a place once used as the home of a Stone Age tribe.

 

 

 

©2008 South Africa Info - Information on South Africa Including Property, Conference Venues and Accommodation in South Africa