The Pilgrim Rest.
By Samkelisiwe Mhlanga.
As part of the launch of Mpumalanga’s Cultural Xperience (MPUCE) 2025, media representatives from South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique recently toured the historic Pilgrim’s Rest.
The spotlight shone on the rich history of this former mining town which became known for its gold rush. The trip provided a glimpse into the past, but also highlighted its challenges in a modern society.
The media’s first stop was the Printing Museum, with proof of early press freedom and conflict.
The first locally printed newspaper in 1876 was the Gold News with its controversial editor, William James Phelan, becoming a divisive public influence after a scathing editorial criticising Dr. John Scoble, the Gold Commissioner.
This followed a previous editorial in which Phelan also criticised the government of President Burgers of the ZAR (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) while actively supporting the views of the diggers.
Phelan’s journalistic courage came at a price. He was brought before the court, fined £27.10s and sentenced to two weeks imprisonment.
The media group also visited the Dredzen Shop & House Museum which served as general dealer and operated from 1930 to 1950.
General dealers were the commercial and social hubs of towns such Pilgrim’s Rest, not only providing essential goods but acting as a central meeting point for residents.
The trip included a final visit to the Alanglade House Museum. Built in 1915 by the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, the house was the official mine manager’s residence in Pilgrim’s Rest.
At 118 years old (as of 2023), the grand structure is a testament to the town’s industrial past.
Alanglade is furnished with objects dating from the 1900-1935, the decorative style of its first occupants, the Barry family.
The priceless antique furniture primarily reflects the Edwardian era and Arts and Craft movement.
The opulence of the home and that of others who were part of the mine management showed the stark contrast between the privileged and the diggers, desperately panning gold for a better life.
Journalists sifted through sand and water in the age-old tradition of gold extraction.
Some even bagged small flecks of gold as mementoes, a relic of times past when a small piece of gold could change lives.
Despite its glorious past and rich history, Pilgrim’s Rest has become a hot bed of illegal mining activity.
Residents shared their concerns, claiming the town is under criminal siege.
They expressed their fears that the increasing illegal mining created vast underground tunnels which could lead to the ultimate collapse of the area.
The media was treated to games, karaoke and a braai before leaving the past behind.
