The farm Kronendal, which was in existence since 1843, was registered in 1858 in the name of Jan Michiel van Helsdingen. A mission was established here, but when the society could no longer afford to provide maintenance for anyone but the missionaries, the lay workers who had worked at the station settled as independent farmers nearby.

The settlement was surveyed and divided into plots in 1889 and a school which acquired a reputation for excellence was founded. Among those of the pupils who were not German-speaking were Louis Botha, who was to become South Africa's first Prime Minister, and the Afrikaans poet Totius, J D du Toit. The largely German-speaking town has a distinctly Teutonic architecture and cultural atmosphere.

Attractions

Lutheran Church (a national monument built in 1896 and restored between 1979 and 1982)

Tobacco and Cotton Research Institute (an interesting tour is offered by this branch of the Department of Agriculture)

 
Location

Close to Rustenurg

History

Kroondal, situated on a farm originally known as Kronendal, was one of 22 German Lutheran mission congregations established in the former Natal and Transvaal.