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Coordinates: 27°27′48.6″S 23°26′10.68″E / 27.463500°S 23.4363000°E / -27.463500; 23.4363000
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{{Short description|Spring in the Northern Cape, South Africa}}
{{Use South African English|date = September 2023}}

{{Infobox body of water
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Eye of Kuruman
| name = Eye of Kuruman
| image = South-Africa - Kuruman - Eye.jpg
| image = South-Africa - Kuruman - Eye.jpg
| caption = The „Eye of Kuruman“
| caption = The Eye of Kuruman
| pushpin_map = South Africa
| pushpin_map = South Africa
| location = [[South Africa]]
| location = [[Kuruman]], [[Northern Cape]]
| coordinates = {{coord|27|27|48.6|S|23|26|10.68|E|region:ZA-ZN|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|27|27|48.6|S|23|26|10.68|E|region:ZA-NC|display=inline,title}}
| inflow =
| inflow =
| outflow =
| outflow =
| length =
| length =
| width =
| width =
| area =
| area =
| depth =
| depth =
| max-depth =
| max-depth =
| volume =
| volume =
| shore =
| shore =
| elevation =
| elevation =
| islands =
| islands =
| cities =
| cities =
| basin_countries = {{flag|South Africa}}
| type = Natural spring
| embedded = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=1|stroke-color=#d6d6d6}}
}}
}}


The '''Eye of Kuruman''' ({{lang-af|Die Oog}}) is a [[Spring (hydrosphere)|spring]] in the town of [[Kuruman]] (part of the [[Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality]]) in the province of [[Northern Cape]], [[South Africa]]. One source states it is the largest known [[natural spring]] in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref name="OlivierOlivier2001" /> although the [[Te Waikoropupū Springs]] in Golden Bay, New Zealand has been reliably measured at an average flow some 60 times greater ({{convert|14| m3/s|USgal/min|abbr=on}}).{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}}
The '''Eye of Kuruman''' ({{langx|af|Die Oog}}) is a [[Spring (hydrosphere)|spring]] in the town of [[Kuruman]] (part of the [[Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality]]) in the province of [[Northern Cape]], [[South Africa]]. Currently, it is known as the largest [[natural spring]] in the Southern Hemisphere;<ref name="OlivierOlivier2001" /> although the [[Te Waikoropupū Springs]] in Golden Bay, New Zealand has been reliably measured at an average flow some 60 times greater ({{convert|14| m3/s|USgal/min|abbr=on}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=A clearer look at Te Waikoropupū Springs {{!}} NIWA |url=https://niwa.co.nz/lakes/freshwater-update/freshwater-update-77-june-2018/clearer-look-te-waikoropupu-springs |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=niwa.co.nz |language=en}}</ref>


The spring forms a small lake in the middle of the town, directly on the [[N14 road (South Africa)|N14 road]] and is located in a fenced park. It has a daily flow of about {{convert|20000|m3}} of crystal-clear, [[potable water]]. Water from the spring supplies the town of [[Kuruman]].
The spring forms a small lake in the middle of the town, directly on the [[N14 road (South Africa)|N14 road]] and is located in a fenced park. It has a daily flow of about {{convert|20000|m3}} of crystal-clear, [[potable water]]. Water from the spring supplies the town of [[Kuruman]].


==History==
==History==
The town of [[Kuruman]] is located on the border of South Africa’s [[Northern Cape]] and [[North West (South African province)|North West]] provinces. The year 1895 was the only time in recorded history where the stream was constant throughout and moved from the eye, down the stream Kuruman river, [[Molopo River]], [[Orange River]] and finally into the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. Originally, [[Tswana people|Tswana]] herders used the large spring as a water hole. In 1885, the British classified the area as part of the [[Crown Colony]] of [[British Bechuanaland]]. This classification of land prohibited the Tswana people from using the stream for any purpose. The upper Kuruman valley became a crown reserve and the Eye of Kuruman became the town site. Access to the valley became segregated by race in the twentieth century under the Union government. A modern irrigation project was operated by the municipality of Kuruman after 1918 and, in 1919 black cultivators were evicted from using water from the eye. However, black people continued to use the stream and moved 5 miles down the stream to Seodin. The water at the Seodin area had a much weaker stream making irrigation difficult for the Tswana people. The governments Department of Native Affairs drilled bore holes to assist the black farmers in 1940 however, this was still insufficient to sustain cultivation. In 1962, [[Apartheid]] legislation led to the forced removal of black people from Seodin. The ‘whites-only’ irrigation project never commercialized despite state aid.<ref name="Jacobs2009" />
The town of [[Kuruman]] is located on the border of South Africa’s [[Northern Cape]] and [[North West (South African province)|North West]] provinces. The year 1895 was the only time in recorded history where the stream was constant throughout and moved from The Eye, down the stream Kuruman river, [[Molopo River]], [[Orange River]] and finally into the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. Originally, [[Tswana people|Tswana]] herders used the large spring as a water hole. The Tswana name for The Eye is '''Segonyana''' which means ''"small [[calabash]]"''.<ref>[https://www.cogta.gov.za/ddm/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Joahn_Taolo_Gaetsewe_District_Profile.pdf Joahn Taolo Gaetsewe District Profile]</ref>
In 1885, the British classified the area as part of the [[Crown Colony]] of [[British Bechuanaland]]. This classification of land prohibited the Tswana people from using the stream for any purpose. The upper Kuruman valley became a crown reserve and The Eye of Kuruman became the town site. Access to the valley became segregated by race in the twentieth century under the Union government. A modern irrigation project was operated by the municipality of Kuruman after 1918 and, in 1919 black cultivators were evicted from using water from The Eye. However, black people continued to use the stream and moved 5 miles down the stream to Seodin. The water at the Seodin area had a much weaker stream making irrigation difficult for the Tswana people. The government's Department of Native Affairs drilled bore holes to assist the black farmers in 1940 however, this was still insufficient to sustain cultivation. In 1962, [[Apartheid]] legislation led to the forced removal of black people from Seodin. The 'whites-only' irrigation project never commercialised despite state aid.<ref name="Jacobs2009" />

In 1992, The Eye was declared a [[Provincial heritage site (South Africa)|Provincial Heritage Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=9/2/055/0004 {{!}} SAHRA |url=https://sahris.sahra.org.za/sites/920550004 |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=sahris.sahra.org.za}}</ref>


==Cave==
==Cave==
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==Biodiversity==
==Biodiversity==
[[File:Eye of Kuruman fish.jpg|thumb]]
Both the air and water temperature of the cave is about {{convert|21|C}} with a relative [[humidity]] of about 99%
Both the air and water temperature of the cave is about {{convert|21|C}} with a relative [[humidity]] of about 99%
The [[common bent-wing bat]] ([[Miniopterus]] schreibersii) and Geoffroy’s horseshoe bat ([[Rhinolophus clivosus]]) were recorded in the Eye of Kuruman cave in 1985. Due to high levels of [[humidity]] as well as consistent human disturbance, very few bats are now found in the cave.
The [[common bent-wing bat]] ([[Miniopterus]] schreibersii) and Geoffroy’s horseshoe bat ([[Rhinolophus clivosus]]) were recorded in the Eye of Kuruman cave in 1985. Due to high levels of [[humidity]] as well as consistent human disturbance, very few bats are now found in the cave.


Aquatic animals that are found in the cave include:
Aquatic animals that are found in the cave include:
*the airbreathing catfish ''[[Clarias gariepinus]]''
*the air-breathing catfish ''[[Clarias gariepinus]]''
*southern mouth-brooder (''[[Pseudocrenilabrus philander]])''
*[[Tilapia]] spp
*[[Tilapia]] spp
*[[Rhagovelia]], a water skater
*[[Rhagovelia]], a water skater
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{{Reflist|refs=
{{Reflist|refs=


<ref name="IrishMarais2012">{{cite journal|first1=E.|last1=Irish|first2= J.|last2=Marais|title=Caves of the Northern Cape, South Africa: a baseline study|journal= Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum: Researches of the National Museum|volume=volume 18|issue= 2|date= February 2012| pp= 15-29|hdl=10520/AJA00679208_1439 }}</ref>
<ref name="IrishMarais2012">{{cite journal|first1=E.|last1=Irish|first2= J.|last2=Marais|title=Caves of the Northern Cape, South Africa: a baseline study|journal= Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum: Researches of the National Museum|volume=18|issue= 2|date= February 2012| pages= 15–29|hdl=10520/AJA00679208_1439 }}</ref>


<ref name="Jacobs2009">{{cite journal|last1=Jacobs|first1=Nancy|title=The Flowing Eye: Water Management in the Upper Kuruman Valley, South Africa, c. 1800–1962|journal=The Journal of African History|volume=37|issue=2|year=2009|pages=237–260|issn=0021-8537|doi=10.1017/S0021853700035210}}</ref>
<ref name="Jacobs2009">{{cite journal|last1=Jacobs|first1=Nancy|title=The Flowing Eye: Water Management in the Upper Kuruman Valley, South Africa, c. 1800–1962|journal=The Journal of African History|volume=37|issue=2|year=2009|pages=237–260|issn=0021-8537|doi=10.1017/S0021853700035210|s2cid=162353701 }}</ref>


<ref name="OlivierOlivier2001">{{cite book|last1=Olivier|first1=Willie |last2=Olivier|first2=Sandra |title=Touring in South Africa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NCYxAQAAIAAJ|year=2001|publisher=Struik|page=166}}</ref>
<ref name="OlivierOlivier2001">{{cite book|last1=Olivier|first1=Willie |last2=Olivier|first2=Sandra |title=Touring in South Africa|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NCYxAQAAIAAJ|year=2001|publisher=Struik|page=166|isbn=9781868723881 }}</ref>


}}
}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* [https://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-1819957&fid=5710&c=south_africa Kogelbeen Caves: South Africa]
* [https://geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-1819957&fid=5710&c=south_africa Kogelbeen Caves: South Africa]
*[http://www.northern-cape.gov.za/ NC Provincial Government]
*[http://www.northern-cape.gov.za/ NC Provincial Government]
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[[Category:Springs of South Africa]]
[[Category:Springs of South Africa]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in the Northern Cape]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in the Northern Cape]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites of Southern Africa]]
[[Category:Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality]]

Latest revision as of 03:22, 9 November 2024

Eye of Kuruman
The Eye of Kuruman
Eye of Kuruman is located in South Africa
Eye of Kuruman
Eye of Kuruman
LocationKuruman, Northern Cape
Coordinates27°27′48.6″S 23°26′10.68″E / 27.463500°S 23.4363000°E / -27.463500; 23.4363000
TypeNatural spring
Basin countries South Africa
Map

The Eye of Kuruman (Afrikaans: Die Oog) is a spring in the town of Kuruman (part of the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality) in the province of Northern Cape, South Africa. Currently, it is known as the largest natural spring in the Southern Hemisphere;[1] although the Te Waikoropupū Springs in Golden Bay, New Zealand has been reliably measured at an average flow some 60 times greater (14 m3/s (220,000 US gal/min)).[2]

The spring forms a small lake in the middle of the town, directly on the N14 road and is located in a fenced park. It has a daily flow of about 20,000 cubic metres (710,000 cu ft) of crystal-clear, potable water. Water from the spring supplies the town of Kuruman.

History

[edit]

The town of Kuruman is located on the border of South Africa’s Northern Cape and North West provinces. The year 1895 was the only time in recorded history where the stream was constant throughout and moved from The Eye, down the stream Kuruman river, Molopo River, Orange River and finally into the Atlantic Ocean. Originally, Tswana herders used the large spring as a water hole. The Tswana name for The Eye is Segonyana which means "small calabash".[3]

In 1885, the British classified the area as part of the Crown Colony of British Bechuanaland. This classification of land prohibited the Tswana people from using the stream for any purpose. The upper Kuruman valley became a crown reserve and The Eye of Kuruman became the town site. Access to the valley became segregated by race in the twentieth century under the Union government. A modern irrigation project was operated by the municipality of Kuruman after 1918 and, in 1919 black cultivators were evicted from using water from The Eye. However, black people continued to use the stream and moved 5 miles down the stream to Seodin. The water at the Seodin area had a much weaker stream making irrigation difficult for the Tswana people. The government's Department of Native Affairs drilled bore holes to assist the black farmers in 1940 however, this was still insufficient to sustain cultivation. In 1962, Apartheid legislation led to the forced removal of black people from Seodin. The 'whites-only' irrigation project never commercialised despite state aid.[4]

In 1992, The Eye was declared a Provincial Heritage Site.[5]

Cave

[edit]

The Eye of Kuruman cave forms part of the eight caves on the dolomitic Ghaap Plateau of the Northern Cape. The Eye of Kuruman cave from which the springs emerge has been documented form as early as the nineteenth century. The first sketch of the cave was made in 1907 measuring a total of 138 meters.

Description of Cave

[edit]

The dolomite cave has a series of cracks where streams of water flow. The streams of water travel through various passages and emerge together at the base of a cliff described as Die Oog in Afrikaans which translates as 'The Eye'.

Biodiversity

[edit]

Both the air and water temperature of the cave is about 21 °C (70 °F) with a relative humidity of about 99% The common bent-wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) and Geoffroy’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus clivosus) were recorded in the Eye of Kuruman cave in 1985. Due to high levels of humidity as well as consistent human disturbance, very few bats are now found in the cave.

Aquatic animals that are found in the cave include:

Cixiidae survive by sucking the sap of plant roots that penetrate into the cave. There are also unidentified small flies (Diptera) in the cave.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Olivier, Willie; Olivier, Sandra (2001). Touring in South Africa. Struik. p. 166. ISBN 9781868723881.
  2. ^ "A clearer look at Te Waikoropupū Springs | NIWA". niwa.co.nz. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  3. ^ Joahn Taolo Gaetsewe District Profile
  4. ^ Jacobs, Nancy (2009). "The Flowing Eye: Water Management in the Upper Kuruman Valley, South Africa, c. 1800–1962". The Journal of African History. 37 (2): 237–260. doi:10.1017/S0021853700035210. ISSN 0021-8537. S2CID 162353701.
  5. ^ "9/2/055/0004 | SAHRA". sahris.sahra.org.za. Retrieved 2023-09-10.
  6. ^ Irish, E.; Marais, J. (February 2012). "Caves of the Northern Cape, South Africa: a baseline study". Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum: Researches of the National Museum. 18 (2): 15–29. hdl:10520/AJA00679208_1439.
[edit]
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