APPENDIX F
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE RANDFONTEIN AREA
“Randfontein is a microcosm of the rest of South Africa. We share the
same weaknesses, strengths, dreams, and fears and yet we are different,
in truth, A TOWN LIKE NO OTHER.”
Hilton Hamann’s view on Randfontein (2004, p. i).
1837
Boer trekkers begin leaving the Cape headed for Transvaal.
1848
Californian gold rush to the American west
1852
Britain grants sovereignty to the two Boer republics
1857/8 Bootha and Jonker families arrive in the Randfontein area
1866
Diamonds discovered in Kimberley
1874
Discovery of gold at Blaauwbank stream, Magaliesburg by Henry Lewis, an
Australian prospector who gained experience in the United States
1874
First gold company in Transvaal registered
1874
Britain annexes the Transvaal Republic
1880
Boers declare war on Britain. Start of the 1st War of Independence
1886
Discovery of gold on the Rand by Harrison and Walker and the start of the
Witwatersrand gold rush. J.B. Robinson arrives on the Reef and buys
properties and farms in the Randfontein district.
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APPENDIX F
1889
Randfontein Estates Gold Mining Company (REGM) registered.
Kocksoord proclaimed public diggings by ZAR Government.
1904
Chinese miners arrive in Randfontein
1907
Chinese miners leave Randfontein
1911
Discriminatory laws passed
1912
Labour disputes and riots break out
1947
Madubulaville residents clash with the police
1952
Defiance Campaign against pass laws
1953
Forced removal of Madubulaville residents
1960
ANC and PAC banned
1963
Toekomsrus farm bought
1973
First people to be moved to Toekomsrus
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