Volksrust facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Volksrust
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SAR Class 19D 2696 4-8-2 plinthed in Volksrust, 2 June 2005
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 Volksrust
Location in Mpumalanga
Volksrust
Location in South Africa
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| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| District | Gert Sibande |
| Municipality | Pixley ka Seme |
| Established | 1888 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 25.43 km2 (9.82 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,660 m (5,450 ft) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 24,281 |
| • Density | 954.82/km2 (2,473.0/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • Black African | 79.56% |
| • White | 16.46% |
| • Indian/Asian | 1.99% |
| • Coloured | 1.65% |
| • Other | 0.34% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • Zulu | 72.38% |
| • Afrikaans | 15.77% |
| • English | 4.41% |
| • Sesotho | 1.74% |
| • SiSwati | 1.28% |
| • Setswana | 1.13% |
| • isiNdebele | 0.96% |
| • Other | 0.95% |
| • Sign language | 0.45% |
| • Sepedi | 0.40% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) |
2470
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| PO box |
2470
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| Area code | 017 |
Volksrust is a town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It is located near the border with the KwaZulu-Natal province. The town is about 240 kilometers southeast of Johannesburg. It is also 53 kilometers north of Newcastle and 80 kilometers southeast of Standerton.
Contents
History of Volksrust: A Nation's Rest
Volksrust was officially started in 1889. It was planned out in 1888 on several farms, including Boschpad Drift and Zandfontein. The town sits high up, about 1,660 meters (5,429 feet) above sea level. It is also about 4 kilometers north of a mountain pass called Laing's Nek in the Drakensberg mountains. Volksrust became a municipality in 1904, meaning it got its own local government.
How Volksrust Got Its Name
The town was named Volksrust by Dorothea de Jager. She was the daughter of Dirk Uys, who was a victim of a battle. The name "Volksrust" means "Nation's Rest" in Afrikaans. This name likely refers to people resting here after the Battle of Majuba. This important battle happened on February 27, 1881. It was a big win for the Transvaal against the British in the First Boer War.
Volksrust During the Boer Wars
During the Second Boer War, the British built a camp in Volksrust. This camp was for Boer women and children. A memorial stands in the town square today. It honors the Boer women and children who were held in the camp during that time.
Agriculture: Farming in Volksrust
Volksrust is an important area for farming. Farmers here raise beef cattle and produce dairy products. They also grow crops like maize (corn), sorghum, and sunflower seed. Raising wool sheep is another important part of the local economy.
Notable People from Volksrust
- Rolene Strauss, who became Miss World 2014, was born in Volksrust.
