Vryheid

It is a pity that a tourist destination such as Vryheid, in the midst of the cultural heartland and the battlefields route, has to make do with roads in such a poor condition. Due to the internationally recognised battlefields, large numbers of international tourists visit the area and are exposed to some of the worst sections of roads in the country. We visited the Bloedrivier heritage site on 28 April 2013 and was appalled at the condition of the entrance road, as well as the non existent route markings. Accidentally, also at the turnoff, we came across an international tourist party, consisting out of 9 Hertz vehichles trying to find their bearings on their GPS's looking for the turn off. This state of affairs creates an impression to the outside world, we South Africans do not take our own heritage and cultural diversity at heart. Tourism is indicated to be the biggest growth point in the economy, yet the resources needed to grow the economy is neglected.

Vryheid is a big little town with everything one needs for a breakaway.

We had a good stay. We enjoyed swimming and using all wellness centre facilities.

We enjoyed the birds and flowers and Zulu people.

Fundamentally a coal mining and beef farming town VRYHEID - from the Afrikaans word for "FREEDOM" - lies roughly 70 kilometres north east of Dundee in Zululand. The battle of Blood River is one of the famous battles fought in Vryheid. The town also lies near the sources of four major rivers, the White and Black Umfolozi,Mkhuze and Pongola. Vryheid's surrounds are largely dominated by timber farming - hence the extensive wattle and timber plantations crops such as ground nuts and maize and mining.The present police station is a National Monument and across the road is the Lucas Meyer House where the first President of the Republic resided, it is now a museum and well worth a visit. Vryheid is town of over 30 churches.

lovely place to be.

Anglo Boer War 20 May 1900 Colonel Bethune and about 500 men were ordered to march from Dundee to Newcastle. Although the Boers had evacuated Dundee scattered groups remained in the vicinity and on 16 May 1900 Bethune was ordered to pursue some of these who were reported to be in the vicinity of Nqutu. His mounted infantry found no Boers at Nqutu but hearing of a commando in the Blood River valley moved off northwards in pursuit. By 20 May he was in the vicinity of Scheepers Nek about six 10 km east of Vryheid where a small force of Boers was concentrated. This was some of the Vryheid and Swaziland Commando's They were in a valley behind the neck. Being a Sunday Rev. Anderson was conducting a church service. Capt Goff who was in command of the leading squadron which was considerable in advance of the rest of the force rode into Scheepersnek. They rode up to the Boer position without noticing the guards, giving them the opportunity to disperse before the British could attack. The squadron found itself in an exposed position on a slope where ant heaps formed the only cover. The Boers deployed to ridges and opened fire. It created havoc amongst the British squadron's horses. The dismounted infantry replied as best they could and made good use of their maxim gun. However, the hot Boer fire forced the British to withdraw before the main body arrived. Very few of the men managed to escape British losses were 28 men killed including Capt Goff and 2 subalterns. 30 were wounded. 6 were taken prissoner. One Boer was killed. As a result of the action Bethune fell back on Nqutu and eventually to Dundee.