| Tarkastad | |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Time zone | SAST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 5370 |
Tarkastad is a small Karoo town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Tarkastad is on a plain to the north of the Winterberg mountain range. The name Tarkastad is believed to come from the Khoi-Khoi word Traka (meaning women) or the Celtic word Tarka (meaning otter) and the Afrikaans word Stad (meaning city).
Tarkastad was established in 1862 as a church centre and became a municipality in 1864. The grave of Lt. Sheridan, cousin of Winston Churchill, who was killed in the Battle of Elands River during the Second Boer War, can be found on the farm Modderfontein just outside of Tarkastad.
San rock paintings can be seen in the area. Victorian cast iron lamp posts and broekie lace adornments indicate the British colonial influence. Tarkastad's first Municipal Manager after apartheid was Mr Smilo Dayi an ex-political prisoner. The first mayor after apartheid was Mr Ntsikelelo Sampempe.