The Northern Cape should be your next destination, with this province leading South Africa’s (SA) proactive stance in leveraging the significant advances made in the development of the world’s largest space telescope array with a comprehensive astro-tourism strategy.
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), located near Carnarvon, is set to become the world’s most powerful radio telescope, enabling studies of the universe dating back 13.5 billion years and a visit to this site, is a must. Carnavon, in the Karoo, was chosen as the perfect location for SKA.
Although the Northern Cape is less popular as a holiday spot than other provinces in the country, it is truly a gem within SA’s borders, offering diverse experiences and catering for diverse tastes and interests. With breath-taking landscapes and a vibrant cultural heritage, it provides unparalleled experiences for adventure and cultural immersion.
From the iconic Kalahari Desert’s rugged terrain to the breathtaking Namaqualand wildflower display, which is seeing an influx of visitors during this time of the year, this province embodies the essence of natural beauty.
Galeshiwe is one of its major attractions, which with its sometimes tragic, but rich history, it is a vibrant hub of contemporary arts and culture, ideally situated for visitors. It provides fascinating insights into the early days of the Kimberley diamond rush, as well as the area’s resistance to colonialism and apartheid.
Galeshewe was named for Chief Kgosi Gale-shewe of the Bathlaping tribe, who led a rebellion against the Cape Colony Government’s decision to kill all cattle in order to combat rinderpest. The Pan Africanist Congress leader and anti-apartheid hero, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, spent the last years of his life in Galeshewe, practising as a lawyer after being released from prison in 1969. His offices still exist and are now used as a centre for Youth Network in the area. The house of Sibukwe, were he was banished to, is also still in the same area, but currently belongs to another family.
The township is home to a monument commemorating the Mayibuye Uprising which started in November 1952 in protest against “whites-only” public benches. This led to riots in which 13 people were killed and 78 others wounded by police.
For the active visitors, the area’s clean air and beautiful nature, is ideal for biking and a restaurant offers dishes to satisfy many different palates.
On this route is also the first Bantu community hall. The Abantu-Batho Hall, now called the Galeshewe Centre, was opened on July 22 in 1931 and cost £3000, provides space for 500 people and was used as a movie theatre. Sol Plaatje, another well-known activist, made a public speech at its official opening. His last ever speech was made at this historic hall in Kimberley before his death in Johannesburg in 1932.
To stop protesters from marching into town during the protests, the first police station with its double staircase is still to be seen in Galeshewe. It is one of the many police stations where anti-apartheid activist, Phakamile Maja, was detained before being killed by the then police who threw him out of the sixth floor of another police station. All this makes for an informative journey and plays a major part in in Kasi Tourism, highlighting the history of our country.
