Heidelberg, Gauteng

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Heidelberg is a South African town situated at the foot of the Suikerbosrand (Sugarbush Ridge) next to the N3 highway, which connects Johannesburg and Durban. Heidelberg began in 1862 as a trading station built by a German HJ Ueckermann. A town was laid out around the store and named after Ueckermann's alma mater.

[edit] Overview

Heidelberg is some 50 kilometres south-east of Johannesburg, close to the Mpumalanga border. Just south of the town is the De Hoek toll plaza on the newest section of the N3, which opened in December 2001.

Heidelberg sits nestled at the eastern end of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, a large tract of land that is home to Gauteng's highest point, almost 2000 metres above sea level.

Heidelberg has played an important part in the South African history acting as a capital for the Boer republic during the war with Great Britain. During the First War of Independence Heidelberg served as capital of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek under the Triumvirate of Paul Kruger, PJ Joubert and MW Pretorius, from 1880 to 1883.

In 1885 the Witwatersrand gold reef was discovered in the Heidelberg district and the office of the Mining Commissioner was established there.

Heidelberg developed as a typical rural Victorian town. Many buildings dating back to the period between 1890 and 1910 have been preserved.

In addition Heidelberg was home to A G Visser a well loved medical doctor and famous Afrikaans poet. His home only open to the public by appointment (+27 16 349-6105) can still be seen situated close the main road through town. Historical landmarks in the town include AG Visser's bust and the Klip Kerk ( Stone church).

The British built a concentration camp here during the Second Boer War to house Boer women and children. A monument was erected in the main cemetery to the memory of the women and children.

A monument was erected by the current ANC-lead municipality in the late 90's. It commemerates the black women children who also died during the war.

The right-wing political party AWB was founded in Rensburg (a suburb of Heidelberg).

Heidelberg offers some fine guesthouse accommodation and is the main hub for British American Tobacco (BAT) in Africa.