1889 – South Africa's First Medical Aid Society

On 14 February 1889, the De Beers Benefit Society was established in Kimberley, becoming what is widely regarded as South Africa's first medical aid society.

During the rapid expansion of Kimberley's diamond mines, accidents and illness were an ever-present risk. The new benefit society allowed employees to contribute to a common fund that provided medical treatment and financial assistance when they were unable to work through sickness or injury.

Although working conditions in the mines remained demanding by modern standards, the creation of the De Beers Benefit Society represented an important step towards organised healthcare and employee welfare. The scheme became a model for similar organisations that later developed throughout South Africa. For Kimberley, it was yet another example of how the city pioneered innovations that would have a lasting influence far beyond the diamond fields.

Did You Know?

The De Beers Benefit Society, founded in Kimberley in 1889, is recognised as South Africa's first organised medical aid society, laying the foundations for modern medical aid schemes.

1900 – Alexandersfontein Falls

122 days since the beginning of the Siege of Kimberley

By 14 February 1900, the tide was beginning to turn.

Although Long Tom and the Boer guns continued to bombard Kimberley, valuable intelligence reached the Beaconsfield Town Guard. African scouts reported that many Boer forces had temporarily abandoned their camp at Alexandersfontein, south of Kimberley. Major Fraser acted immediately. Without waiting for further orders, he led the Beaconsfield Town Guard to investigate. They found the reports to be correct and quickly occupied the position before Boer forces could return. Reinforcements, including mounted troops, artillery and ambulance units, soon joined them as fighting intensified.

The captured Boer camp proved to be an unexpected treasure. Months of siege had left Kimberley desperately short of fresh food, yet the abandoned camp contained stores of vegetables, butter, livestock, wagons, ammunition and other supplies. Potatoes, onions, marrows, ducks, geese, chickens and even pigs were brought back into the town, providing the first fresh produce many residents had seen for weeks. Winifred Heberden's husband, Dr Jack Heberden, returned from Alexandersfontein with what she described as a pillowcase filled with newly harvested potatoes and onions, still covered with feathers from the ripped-open sack in which they had been carried. She later wrote: "These, with some marrows, constituted Jack's share of the 'loot'."

The operation also yielded valuable military intelligence and weakened the Boer positions surrounding Kimberley. More importantly, it lifted the spirits of a population that had endured nearly four months of siege.

Unknown to those celebrating the unexpected bounty, General John French's cavalry was already racing towards Kimberley. Relief was now less than twenty-four hours away.

Did You Know?

The capture of Alexandersfontein brought desperately needed fresh vegetables, butter and livestock into Kimberley after months of shortages, providing a huge boost to morale on the eve of the town's relief.

1922 – Bernard Klisser, Kimberley's Great Philanthropist

On 14 February 1922, Bernard Klisser, one of Kimberley's best-known early businessmen and philanthropists, died in London. Klisser arrived in Kimberley during the diamond rush and became a successful diamond buyer and businessman. Although he experienced financial setbacks during his lifetime, he rebuilt his fortune through determination and careful investment.

His greatest legacy, however, came after his death. Klisser left the equivalent of many millions of rand to benefit the poor of Kimberley, ensuring that his wealth would continue to support those less fortunate than himself.

His generosity was recognised by the naming of Klisserville, one of Kimberley's historic suburbs, in his honour. A bronze bust of Bernard Klisser, sculpted by the renowned South African artist Anton van Wouw, is preserved today in the Africana Library. More than a century after his death, Bernard Klisser remains one of Kimberley's greatest benefactors.

Did You Know?

Bernard Klisser donated a substantial fortune to the poor of Kimberley through his will, earning a lasting reputation as one of the city's greatest philanthropists.