Looking down the main road of Piet Retief
Piet Retief is the industrial town in the timber region of Mpumalanga. It is beautifully protected by pine, wattle tree, and bluegum plantations. The nearest towns are 100 kilometers away. They are Pongola, Vryheid, and Ermelo. It is also the last stop for most people before proceeding on to game reserves and beaches further north, and where the Mkhondo Local Municipality is located. The name Piet Retief comes from the man who died in the hands of the Zulus who was leader of the Voortrekkers. These are the people who wanted to put up a town but had to fight to Zulus to get it.
Also called “The Meeting Place of Cultures” because it has about 8 different indigenous races living together which includes a German community, Piet Retief is situation in the Assegai Valley and serves as the gateway to the beautiful Swaziland.
In 1886, the population was 72. This was when Piet Retief was declared to be a free state or Klein Vystaat. In 1891, it became part of South African Republic. In 1932 it was turned into a municipality. Last year, the population was determined to be over 84,000 inhabitants.
Piet Retief Economy
This South Africa municipality survives from timber, wattle bark and paper industries. They also have iron, mica and kaolin mines which are all minerals or clay used for cosmetics, powder, paper, plastic, ceramic, sealants, and rubber.
At present, there are 157 companies operating out of Piet Retief, 7 hotels, and more than a dozen bars and restaurants. The people are very hospitable and used to visitors coming in, setting up shop, passing through, or staying for good. It helps the economy grow although there is a strong sense of tradition that prevails. Property for sale in Piet Retief has steadily been on the increase over the past decade, which is also a good indicator of the state of the local economy.
New Name for Piet Retief
Last year was also a hallmark time for Piet Retief because South Africa changed its name to eMkhondo. The new name was not entirely accepted by the people of Piet Retief with claims and complaints of racism and prejudice. Also, many did question the name itself wondering what it means and stands for. It’s still a controversial issue a year after and many still prefer to use Piet Retief.
The Controversial Dutch Reformed Church
One of the first attractions of Piet Retief during the 1930s was the Dutch Reformed Church. It was built in 1921 and designed by Gerard Moerijk. The controversy surrounding this church was the question on the purpose of the church. Some claim that it was commissioned to be a monument for the freemasons who were the ones who participated in the Apartheid and communism. The debate rages through the years and has yet to be resolved.
Recreation in Piet Retief
One of the most common recreational sports that many residents of Piet Retief like to do is bird watching. Fishing and hiking are the other two leisure sports that locals like to engage in. And why not? The diversity of Piet Retief and rich resources make it but natural to want to appreciate the view, landscape, and scenery.
Being at the crossroads to more adventures in South Africa, it’s not uncommon to find visitors and tourists in the area. It will also explain the various modern amenities in the municipality.