If South African history – indigenous, colonial, political and heritage – grabs you, take an hour or two to wonder the Mafikeng Museum.
Housed in an ornate old building dating back to 1902, the Mafikeng Museum offers some interesting and diverse displays that take in all of the above. A retired steam locomotive outside the museum, as well as displays of prehistoric artifacts will appeal to children and adults, and displays concentrating on Tswana culture and history tell interesting stories of the heritage and history of the region’s people.
One of the most notable events in Mafikeng’s history was a protracted stand-off that took place betwen the British and the Boers (Afrikaaners) during the Second Boer War at the end of the 19th Century. The Siege of Mafikeng lasted 217 days, from October 1899 to May 1900, and this part of Mafikeng’s history is well covered at the Museum.
A permanent exhibition is also dedicated to Sol T Plaatje – the founder of the African National Congress (ANC).
The Curator of the Museum also holds the keys to various historical sites in and around Mafikeng and will be able provide you with some sightseeing information.
Getting there: The Mafikeng Museum is located in Shipyard Street, Mafikeng.
Contact details:
Tel: +2718 381 6102
| More on the quaint town of Mafikeng | More on the Central District area |
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