Geluksburg

Geluksburg
Geluksburg Geluksburg
Coordinates: 28°31′S 29°21′E
Country	South Africa
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
District	Uthukela (IFP)
Municipality	Okhahlamba (APEMO)
Ward	Ward 13
Ward Councillor	Gehard Jansen (IFP)
Area
• Total	1.21 km2 (0.47 sq mi)
Population  (2011)
• Total	231
• Density	190/km2 (490/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	66.0%
• Coloured	0.6%
• White	33.4%
First languages (2011)
• Zulu	60.8%
• Afrikaans	22.9%
• English	14.9%
• Sotho	0.9%
• Other	0.6%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
PO box	3377

Geluksburg is a small village in the Northern of Drankensburg in the KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa, located approximately 24 km from Bergville, close to Green Point and to the Free State border between the Oliviershoek and Van Reenen mountain passes. The village lies 6 km below the base of the Thintwa mountains of Thintwa Village.

These ridges provide spectacular views of the Northern Drakensberg. Furthermore, these foothills contain striking examples of San Rock Art. These are not yet open to the public due to archaeological survey work. The word “Geluk” means ‘luck’ in Afrikaans and ‘Burg’ a town or residential area. This village is a place of peace and seclusion.

The closest other towns are:

• Bergville
• Ladysmith
• Harrismith

History

Geluksburg played an essential role in the history of the Bushmen (San), Zulu, Boer and British. Firstly inhabited by the Bushman. However, they were forced out of the region by Nguni clans and the early European settlers. King Shaka’s Mfecane during the early 1800s added to their displacement from this area.

The ‘Lost Valley’  located near Geluksburg was an early settlement of ‘Trek Boers’. This group were a “White Tribe” that lived an elementary life. Some five families lost their way from Piet Retief’s primary group, and as a result sought refuge in this valley. They were very reclusive until being discovered by a journalist in the 1950’s. The journalist observed them living in very simple mud dwellings.

The “Lost Valley” is now private farmland. However, tours can be arranged to see the remnants of the homes of this fascinating community.

Schools

• Maswazi Primary,
• Rheibokspruit Primary,
• Thintwa Secondary,
• Ekukhuleni Early Childhood Development,
• Jabulani Primary

Notable residents

• Alison Oates, DA Leader in Harrismith.
• Sinenjabulo Shabalala, a teacher.
• Emsie van Wyk, UKZN Lecturer.
• Dingaan Ntuli, taxi owner.
• Njabulo Wonderboy Nkabinde, tutor and pastor.
• Chris Jacobz, a farmer.
• Kobie van de Merwe, former Ward Councillor.
• Robin van Rooijan, businessman.
• Tracey Botha, model.
• Natalie Buitendag, former leader of the IFP in Ladysmith.
• John Graham
• Micheal, the founder and owner of Sportec.