Reddersburg - Xhariep - Free State - South Africa

Situated on the N6, only 60km south of Bloemfontein, Reddersburg's history is linked to that of the Reformed Church community.


This town had its beginning as a new Dutch Reformed parish on the farm Vlakfontein bought for 1500 pounds for that purpose on 20 August 1859. The village was laid out two years later and named Reddersburg - 'Saviour's Fort', the name of the town related directly to the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Until 1894, when the municipality took over, the town was run by the church. Among the bylaws was a prohibition of profane language and disturbances of the peace. Those who fell foul of these regulations were given eight days to leave town.

When it was handed over to the municipality an agreement was in place that a hereditary tenure of 33 pounds sterling must be paid by the municipality to the church on an annual basis.

During the Second Boer War, Reddersburg was the site of one of the last victories for the Boer forces over the British. Troops led by General Christiaan de Wet attacked a convoy of 600 of the Royal Irish Rifles on April 4, 1900, and obtained their surrender the next day.

Activities

Obelisk
Commemorating General de Wet (1854 - 1922), the Boer general who captured an entire British column at Reddersburg during the Anglo-Boer War.

Anglo-Boer War Memorial
Dedicated in particular to fallen soldiers from the Reddersburg district.

Civic Monument
A commemoration of Boer victims of the Anglo-Boer War.

Mosterthoek Battlefield
The Boers overwhelmed the British forces and on 4 April the white flag was hoisted here.

Reformed & Dutch Reformed Churches
Two sandstone churches grace the town centre. In one of them an Anglo-Boer War powder magazine can be seen.

Republic Monument
A monument originally erected to commemorate the country becoming a republic.
 
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