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Coordinates: 27°46′01″S 30°48′00″E / 27.76694°S 30.80000°E / -27.76694; 30.80000
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{{Infobox South African town 2011
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Vryheid
| name = Vryheid
⚫
| native_name =
| other_name =
| other_name =
| image_skyline = Dutch Reformed Church, Vryheid, South Africa.jpg
| image_skyline = Dutch Reformed Church, Vryheid, South Africa.jpg
| image_caption = Dutch Reformed Church on church square.
| image_caption = Dutch Reformed Church on Church Square.
| pushpin_map = South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa
| coordinates = {{coord|27|46|01|S|30|48|00|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|27|46|01|S|30|48|00|E|region:ZA|display=inline,title}}
| province = KwaZulu-Natal
| subdivision_type = Country
| district = Zululand
| subdivision_name = [[South Africa]]
| municipality = Abaqulusi
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| subdivision_name1 = [[KwaZulu-Natal]]
| established_date = 1884<ref name=established>{{cite web|title=Chronological order of town establishment in South Africa based on Floyd (1960:20-26)|url=http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07212011-123414/unrestricted/05back.pdf|pages=xlv-lii}}</ref>
| government_type =
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = [[Zululand District Municipality|Zululand]]
⚫
| leader_party =
| subdivision_type3 = Municipality
| subdivision_name3 = [[Abaqulusi Local Municipality|Abaqulusi]]
| subdivision_type4 = Main Place
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 1884<ref name=established>{{cite thesis |last=Robson |first=Linda Gillian |title=The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact |date=2011 |type=PhD thesis |publisher=University of Pretoria |chapter=Annexure A |chapter-url=https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/26503/05back.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y#page=31 |url=https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26503 |hdl=2263/26503 |pages=xlv–lii}}</ref>
| leader_title = Councillor
| leader_title = Councillor
| area_footnotes = <ref name="census2011">{{cite web |url=http://census2011.adrianfrith.com/place/529014 |title = Main Place Vryheid |work=Census 2011}} </ref>
⚫
| leader_name =
| elevation_m =
| area_total_km2 = 48.71
| population_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| postal_code =
| population_total = 47365
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->
| demographics_type1 = Racial makeup (2011)
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics1_title1 = [[Bantu peoples of South Africa|Black African]]
| demographics1_info1 = 84.5%
| demographics1_title2 = [[Coloureds|Coloured]]
| demographics1_info2 = 1.7%
| demographics1_title3 = [[Indian South African|Indian]]/[[Asian South African|Asian]]
| demographics1_info3 = 1.3%
| demographics1_title4 = [[White South African|White]]
| demographics1_info4 = 12.1%
| demographics1_title5 = Other
| demographics1_info5 = 0.3%
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->
| demographics_type2 = [[First language]]s (2011)
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="census2011" />
| demographics2_title1 = [[Zulu language|Zulu]]
| demographics2_info1 = 79.8%
| demographics2_title2 = [[Afrikaans]]
| demographics2_info2 = 10.2%
| demographics2_title3 = [[South African English|English]]
| demographics2_info3 = 6.2%
| demographics2_title4 =
| demographics2_info4 =
| demographics2_title5 = Other
| demographics2_info5 = 3.7%
<!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
<!-- Other information -->
| timezone1 = [[South African Standard Time|SAST]]
⚫
| utc_offset1 = +2
| postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in South Africa|Postal code]] (street)
⚫
| postal_code = 3100
| postal2_code_type = [[Post-office box|PO box]]
⚫
| postal2_code = 3100
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in South Africa|Area code]]
| area_code = 034
| area_code = 034
| censuscode = 529014
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Vryheid''' is a [[coal]] mining and [[cattle]] ranching town in northern [[KwaZulu-Natal]], [[South Africa]]. Vryheid is [[Afrikaans]] for "freedom".
'''Vryheid''' ({{langx|zu|eFilidi/iFilidi}}Abaqulusi) is a [[coal]] mining and [[cattle]] ranching town in northern [[KwaZulu-Natal]], [[South Africa]]. Vryheid is the [[Afrikaans]] word for "freedom", while its original name of Abaqulusi reflects the [[AbaQulusi (Zulu)|abaQulusi clan]] based in the local area.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://municipalities.co.za/contacts/1112/abaqulusi-local-municipality | title=AbaQulusi Local Municipality - Contact Details }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
⚫
[[File:Kerkstr by Presidentstr, Vryheid.jpg|thumb|upright|View of Church Street in Vryheid's Commercial District.]]
After [[Boer]] farmers, who lived in the Vryheid area, had helped King [[Dinuzulu]] defeat his rival chief [[Zibhebhu]] for succession of the [[Zulu people|Zulu]] throne, land that they occupied was given to them by session from the Zulu king along the banks of the [[Mfolozi River]]. On August 5, 1884 the Boers formed the ''[[Nieuwe Republiek]]'' (New Republic) with Vryheid as its capital and its sovereignty was recognized by Germany and Portugal. It was later incorporated into the [[South African Republic]], but at the end of the [[Second Boer War]] the town and its surrounding area was absorbed into the Natal colony by the British. Vryheid is located along the [[Transnet]] Coaline.
After [[Boer]] farmers, who lived in the Vryheid area, had helped King [[Dinuzulu]] defeat his rival chief [[Zibhebhu]] for succession of the [[Zulu people|Zulu]] throne, land that they occupied was given to them by cession from the Zulu king along the banks of the [[Mfolozi River]]. On August 5, 1884 the Boers formed the ''[[Nieuwe Republiek]]'' (New Republic) with Vryheid as its capital and its sovereignty was recognized by Germany and Portugal colonizers. It was later incorporated into the [[South African Republic]], but at the end of the [[Second Boer War]] the town and its surrounding area was absorbed into the Natal colony by the British. Vryheid is located along the [[Transnet]] Coalline.


== Education ==
== Education ==
In 2007 [[Inkamana High School]] and [[Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School]] were amongst several schools recognised as "historic schools". Funding of six million rand a year was earmarked for these two and [[Adams College]], [[Ohlange High School]] and Inanda Seminary to make them academies focussing on Maths, Science and Technology.<ref name=witness>{{cite news|last=Ngcobo|first=Gabisile|title=Plea to maintain ‘historic’ schools in SA|url=http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=89076|newspaper=The Witness|date=10 Oct 2012}}</ref>
In 2007, [[Inkamana High School]] and [[Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School]] were amongst several schools recognised as "historic schools". Funding of six million rand a year was earmarked for these two and [[Adams College]], [[Ohlange High School]] and Inanda Seminary to make them academies focussing on Maths, Science and Technology.<ref name=witness>{{cite news|last=Ngcobo|first=Gabisile|title=Plea to maintain 'historic' schools in SA|url=http://www.witness.co.za/archive/2012/10/10/plea-to-maintain-historic-schools-in-sa-20150430/|newspaper=[[The Witness (newspaper)|The Witness]]|date=10 Oct 2012}}</ref>


Other schools are [[Hoërskool Vryheid]], which uses both [[Afrikaans]] and [[English language|English]] as the medium of instruction and Hoërskool Pionier which uses Afrikaans as medium of instruction.
Other schools are [[Hoërskool Vryheid]], which uses both [[Afrikaans]] and [[English language|English]] as the medium of instruction and Hoërskool Pionier which uses Afrikaans as medium of instruction.
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Kilian Academy, a martial arts academy instructing in the arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing, is situated in Vryheid.
Kilian Academy, a martial arts academy instructing in the arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing, is situated in Vryheid.


Vryheid Wrestling Academy, is one of the top wrestling clubs in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Vryheid Wrestling Academy is one of the top wrestling clubs in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.


===Hanami Gi-Challenge===
===Hanami Gi-Challenge===
Line 41: Line 82:


== Religion ==
== Religion ==
The [[Inkamana Abbey]], a Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey is located in the town.
The [[Inkamana Abbey]], a Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey, is located in the town.


== Heritage Sites ==
== Heritage sites ==
The Dutch Reform Church in Vryheid, better known as ''Die Moeder Gemeente'' (Afrikaans for the Mother Congregation), has been added to the list of '''12 Gorgeous Churches and Cathedrals''' in Africa, by AFK Insider.<ref>{{cite news| url =http://afkinsider.com/80271/12-gorgeous-churches-africa/13/| last =| first =| publisher =AFK Insider| date = December 5, 2014| access-date = 2015-01-24 | title=12 Gorgeous Churches And Cathedrals In Africa}}</ref>
The Dutch Reform Church in Vryheid, better known as ''Die Moeder Gemeente'' (Afrikaans for the Mother Congregation), has been added to the list of '''12 Gorgeous Churches and Cathedrals''' in Africa, by AFK Insider.<ref>{{cite news| url =http://afkinsider.com/80271/12-gorgeous-churches-africa/13/| publisher =AFK Insider| date = December 5, 2014| access-date = 2015-01-24 | title=12 Gorgeous Churches And Cathedrals In Africa}}</ref>

⚫
==Water shortages==
⚫
The town experienced water shortages from 2016 to 2017 due to neglect of infrastructure. Pumps and pipelines were allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, forcing many town's residents to collect water from 15 communal water tanks provided by the municipality.<ref name="mm">{{cite news|last1=Potgieter|first1=Org|title=Vry, maar met 'n waterkrisis |url=http://maroelamedia.co.za/debat/meningsvormers/vry-maar-met-n-waterkrisis/|access-date=10 March 2017|agency=maroela media|date=9 March 2017}}</ref> In its aftermath the Bhekuzulu clinic received 550 cases of [[diarrhea]] a month. Other residents invested at great personal cost in boreholes, water tanks, pumps, filters and power generators. Three [[sewage treatment]] plants also stopped functioning, polluting the Besterspruit and [[Klipfontein Dam]].<ref name="mm"/> Another outbreak of diarrhea occurred in 2019, with 535 people admitted to either Bhekuzulu or Mason Clinics.<ref name="zd1">{{cite news |last1=Dawood |first1=Zainul |title=Mass diarrhoea outbreak in Vryheid curtailed |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/health/medical/mass-diarrhoea-outbreak-in-vryheid-curtailed/ar-BBVIMl4?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=9 April 2019 |agency=Daily News |publisher=msn.com |date=2019-04-08}}</ref>


== Notable residents ==
== Notable residents ==
* [[Louis Botha]] (27 September 1862 – 27 August 1919), Boer War general and first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa representing the district of Vryheid whilst in parliament.
* [[Louis Botha]] (27 September 1862 – 27 August 1919), Boer War general and first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, who represented the district of Vryheid whilst in parliament.
* [[Charles Theophilus Hahn]] (1870-1930), Canon of St Peters in Vryheid from 1913.
* [[Charles Theophilus Hahn]] (1870-1930), Canon of St Peters in Vryheid from 1913.
* [[Colleen De Reuck]] (born 13 April 1964), South African long-distance runner was born in Vryheid.
* [[Colleen De Reuck]] (born 13 April 1964), South African long-distance runner was born in Vryheid.
Line 56: Line 100:
* [[Mouritz Botha]] (born 29 January 1982), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Mouritz Botha]] (born 29 January 1982), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Thomas Spreiter|Thomas (Franz Xavier) Spreiter]] (1865 – 1944), a German missionary lived in Vryheid.
* [[Thomas Spreiter|Thomas (Franz Xavier) Spreiter]] (1865 – 1944), a German missionary lived in Vryheid.
* [[Bob Holness]] (1928 – 2012), British radio and television presenter was born in Vryheid.
* [[Bob Holness]] (1928 – 2012), British radio and television presenter was born in Vryheid.
* [[Thys Lourens]] (born 1943), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Thys Lourens]] (born 1943), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Ruan Combrinck]] (born 1990), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Ruan Combrinck]] (born 1990), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
* [[Keegan Longueira]] (born 1991), South African cyclist and current holder of the [[Guinness World Record]] fastest man ever to cross the continent on Bicycle from [[Cairo]] to [[Cape Town]].<ref name="Guinness">{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/south-african-cyclist-raises-smiles-with-epic-cairo-to-cape-town-journey-378179 |title=Guinness World Record |date=2011-01-27 |accessdate=2015-05-06}}</ref>Danny Myburgh Springbok amatear champion 1985 to 1988 and Vryheid Sportman of the year 1986 1987. Professional South African Lightweight Champion 1993 to 1995. World Lightweight Intercontinental contender 1994 and 1995.
* [[Keegan Longueira]] (born 1991), South African cyclist and current holder of the [[Guinness World Record]] fastest man ever to cross the continent on bicycle from [[Cairo]] to [[Cape Town]].<ref name="Guinness">{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2015/5/south-african-cyclist-raises-smiles-with-epic-cairo-to-cape-town-journey-378179 |title=Guinness World Record |date=2011-01-27 |access-date=2015-05-06}}</ref>
* [[Danny Myburgh]] (born 1965), Springbok amateur boxing champion 1985 to 1988 and Vryheid Sportman of the year 1986 and 1987. Professional South African Lightweight Champion 1993 to 1995. World Lightweight Intercontinental contender 1994 and 1995.
* [[Rolf Stumpf]] (1945–2020), statistician and Vice Rector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://leadership.mandela.ac.za/Our-Leadership/Vice-Chancellor/Profiles-of-previous-Vice-Chancellors |title=Prof Rolf Heinrich Stumpf (First Vice-Chancellor and CEO of NMMU)|website=Nelson Mandela University|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref>

⚫
==Water shortages==
⚫
The town experienced water shortages from 2016 to 2017 due to neglect of infrastructure. Pumps and pipelines were allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, forcing many town residents to collect water from 15 communal water tanks provided by the municipality.<ref name="mm">{{cite news|last1=Potgieter|first1=Org|title=Vry, maar met 'n waterkrisis |url=http://maroelamedia.co.za/debat/meningsvormers/vry-maar-met-n-waterkrisis/|accessdate=10 March 2017|agency=maroela media|date=9 March 2017}}</ref> In its aftermath the Bhekuzulu clinic received 550 cases of [[diarrhea]] a month. Other residents invested at great personal cost in boreholes, water tanks, pumps, filters and power generators. Three [[sewage treatment]] plants also stopped functioning, polluting the Besterspruit and [[Klipfontein Dam]].<ref name="mm"/>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category-inline|Vryheid}}
*{{commons category-inline|Vryheid}}
⚫
[[File:Kerkstr by Presidentstr, Vryheid.jpg|thumb|left|250px|View of Church Street in Vryheid's Commercial District.]]

{{Zululand District Municipality}}
{{Zululand District Municipality}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vryheid, Kwazulu-Natal}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vryheid, Kwazulu-Natal}}

Latest revision as of 12:23, 12 October 2024

Vryheid
Dutch Reformed Church on Church Square.
Dutch Reformed Church on Church Square.
Vryheid is located in KwaZulu-Natal
Vryheid
Vryheid
Vryheid is located in South Africa
Vryheid
Vryheid
Coordinates: 27°46′01″S 30°48′00″E / 27.76694°S 30.80000°E / -27.76694; 30.80000
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceKwaZulu-Natal
DistrictZululand
MunicipalityAbaqulusi
Established1884[1]
Area
[2]
 • Total
48.71 km2 (18.81 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total
47,365
 • Density970/km2 (2,500/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
[2]
 • Black African84.5%
 • Coloured1.7%
 • Indian/Asian1.3%
 • White12.1%
 • Other0.3%
First languages (2011)
[2]
 • Zulu79.8%
 • Afrikaans10.2%
 • English6.2%
 • Other3.7%
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
3100
PO box
3100
Area code034

Vryheid (Zulu: eFilidi/iFilidiAbaqulusi) is a coal mining and cattle ranching town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Vryheid is the Afrikaans word for "freedom", while its original name of Abaqulusi reflects the abaQulusi clan based in the local area.[3]

History

[edit]
View of Church Street in Vryheid's Commercial District.

After Boer farmers, who lived in the Vryheid area, had helped King Dinuzulu defeat his rival chief Zibhebhu for succession of the Zulu throne, land that they occupied was given to them by cession from the Zulu king along the banks of the Mfolozi River. On August 5, 1884 the Boers formed the Nieuwe Republiek (New Republic) with Vryheid as its capital and its sovereignty was recognized by Germany and Portugal colonizers. It was later incorporated into the South African Republic, but at the end of the Second Boer War the town and its surrounding area was absorbed into the Natal colony by the British. Vryheid is located along the Transnet Coalline.

Education

[edit]

In 2007, Inkamana High School and Vryheid Comprehensive Secondary School were amongst several schools recognised as "historic schools". Funding of six million rand a year was earmarked for these two and Adams College, Ohlange High School and Inanda Seminary to make them academies focussing on Maths, Science and Technology.[4]

Other schools are Hoërskool Vryheid, which uses both Afrikaans and English as the medium of instruction and Hoërskool Pionier which uses Afrikaans as medium of instruction.

Sport

[edit]

Kilian Academy, a martial arts academy instructing in the arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Kickboxing, is situated in Vryheid.

Vryheid Wrestling Academy is one of the top wrestling clubs in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Hanami Gi-Challenge

[edit]

The Hanami Gi-Challenge (commonly known as The Challenge) is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournament in Africa. The Hanami Gi-Challenges are hosted annually by the Hanami Martial Arts, with the first Challenge hosted in 2014 at the Indoor Speedball Club Vryheid in South Africa. In 2015, it will be held once again in Vryheid, South Africa.

Religion

[edit]

The Inkamana Abbey, a Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey, is located in the town.

Heritage sites

[edit]

The Dutch Reform Church in Vryheid, better known as Die Moeder Gemeente (Afrikaans for the Mother Congregation), has been added to the list of 12 Gorgeous Churches and Cathedrals in Africa, by AFK Insider.[5]

Water shortages

[edit]

The town experienced water shortages from 2016 to 2017 due to neglect of infrastructure. Pumps and pipelines were allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, forcing many town's residents to collect water from 15 communal water tanks provided by the municipality.[6] In its aftermath the Bhekuzulu clinic received 550 cases of diarrhea a month. Other residents invested at great personal cost in boreholes, water tanks, pumps, filters and power generators. Three sewage treatment plants also stopped functioning, polluting the Besterspruit and Klipfontein Dam.[6] Another outbreak of diarrhea occurred in 2019, with 535 people admitted to either Bhekuzulu or Mason Clinics.[7]

Notable residents

[edit]
  • Louis Botha (27 September 1862 – 27 August 1919), Boer War general and first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, who represented the district of Vryheid whilst in parliament.
  • Charles Theophilus Hahn (1870-1930), Canon of St Peters in Vryheid from 1913.
  • Colleen De Reuck (born 13 April 1964), South African long-distance runner was born in Vryheid.
  • Cindy Elizabeth Eksteen (born 21 November 1977), South Africa cricketer was born in Vryheid.
  • Christian du Plessis (2 July 1944), famous opera singer was born in Vryheid.
  • Joe Pietersen (born 18 May 1984), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
  • Albert William Lee, Anglican Bishop of Zululand lived in Vryheid from 1928-1935.
  • Mouritz Botha (born 29 January 1982), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
  • Thomas (Franz Xavier) Spreiter (1865 – 1944), a German missionary lived in Vryheid.
  • Bob Holness (1928 – 2012), British radio and television presenter was born in Vryheid.
  • Thys Lourens (born 1943), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
  • Ruan Combrinck (born 1990), South African rugby player was born in Vryheid.
  • Keegan Longueira (born 1991), South African cyclist and current holder of the Guinness World Record fastest man ever to cross the continent on bicycle from Cairo to Cape Town.[8]
  • Danny Myburgh (born 1965), Springbok amateur boxing champion 1985 to 1988 and Vryheid Sportman of the year 1986 and 1987. Professional South African Lightweight Champion 1993 to 1995. World Lightweight Intercontinental contender 1994 and 1995.
  • Rolf Stumpf (1945–2020), statistician and Vice Rector.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Robson, Linda Gillian (2011). "Annexure A" (PDF). The Royal Engineers and settlement planning in the Cape Colony 1806–1872: Approach, methodology and impact (PhD thesis). University of Pretoria. pp. xlv–lii. hdl:2263/26503.
  2. ^ a b c d "Main Place Vryheid". Census 2011.
  3. ^ "AbaQulusi Local Municipality - Contact Details".
  4. ^ Ngcobo, Gabisile (10 Oct 2012). "Plea to maintain 'historic' schools in SA". The Witness.
  5. ^ "12 Gorgeous Churches And Cathedrals In Africa". AFK Insider. December 5, 2014. Retrieved 2015-01-24.
  6. ^ a b Potgieter, Org (9 March 2017). "Vry, maar met 'n waterkrisis". maroela media. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  7. ^ Dawood, Zainul (2019-04-08). "Mass diarrhoea outbreak in Vryheid curtailed". msn.com. Daily News. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  8. ^ "Guinness World Record". 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2015-05-06.
  9. ^ "Prof Rolf Heinrich Stumpf (First Vice-Chancellor and CEO of NMMU)". Nelson Mandela University. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
[edit]
  • Media related to Vryheid at Wikimedia Commons
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