1898 – Kgosi Galeshewe is Sentenced

On 11 February 1898, Kgosi Galeshewe was sentenced in Kimberley to ten years' imprisonment following his conviction for alleged involvement in the Langeberg Rebellion of 1896–97.

Kgosi Galeshewe was the  Chief of the Batlhaping ba Ga Phuduhucwana and one of the most influential Tswana leaders in the Northern Cape during the late nineteenth century. In colonial and post-colonial literature, Galeshewe is often referred to as the "Paramount Chief" of the Batlhaping. The title "Paramount Chief" was not a traditional Tswana designation, but a colonial administrative term used to identify the most senior indigenous or traditional leader within a region.

As chief of the Batlhaping people, he sought to protect his community's land, independence and traditional authority during a period of rapid colonial expansion and increasing political tension. Following unrest in the Langeberg region, colonial authorities accused Galeshewe of supporting resistance against government rule. His arrest and subsequent trial attracted considerable public attention, with many believing the sentence reflected the increasingly strained relationship between African leaders and the colonial administration.

Although sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, Galeshewe was released after serving approximately three years. He returned to his people and remained a respected traditional leader until his death in 1927.

Today, his legacy lives on in Galeshewe, Kimberley's largest township, named in his honour. His leadership and determination continue to be remembered as an important part of the city's diverse history.

Did You Know?

The township of Galeshewe, home to more than half of Kimberley's population, is named after Kgosi Galeshewe in recognition of his leadership and his enduring contribution to the region's history.

1900 – Refuge Underground

119 days since the beginning of the Siege of Kimberley

By 11 February 1900, the relentless bombardment from the Boer Long Tom had made life above ground increasingly dangerous.

Winifred Heberden spent the morning packing her family's belongings before leaving the Grand Hotel for what she hoped would be the relative safety of Beaconsfield. News had reached Kimberley that Lord Roberts was expected to relieve the town within a matter of days, lifting the spirits of many weary residents. As her party travelled through the streets in a large ambulance wagon, they left behind a town living under constant threat of shellfire.

That afternoon, bellmen walked through Kimberley announcing that women and children could take shelter in the De Beers mines. Anyone who descended underground with food for twenty-four hours would thereafter be supplied with provisions free of charge. Approximately 3,000 women and children accepted the offer, seeking refuge deep below the surface where the thick rock provided protection from the heavy shells exploding above.

Winifred, however, decided not to go underground.

A visitor warned that more Boer heavy guns would soon arrive, but she dismissed the rumour, believing the Boers simply did not possess enough large artillery pieces to support such a claim. Instead, she settled into temporary accommodation in Beaconsfield, relieved that her children could once again play outdoors after weeks spent sheltering in hotel cellars and smoking rooms. Although the siege was entering its final days, few people knew exactly when relief would arrive. For those who remained in Kimberley, every day continued to be a balance between hope and danger.

Did You Know?

Around 3,000 women and children took refuge in Kimberley's diamond mines during the final week of the siege. For several days they lived underground, protected from the shellfire that continued to strike the town above.