Today in Kimberley's History
January 8th
"Every day has a story about Kimberley's past."
On this day...
The eighth day of January takes us from a shocking Victorian murder in Kimberley to the hardships of the Siege of Kimberley, before marking one of the most important dates in South African political history—the founding of the organisation that became the African National Congress.
1887 – Murder Most Foul in Sidney Street
On this day in 1887, Kimberley was shocked by a tragic domestic shooting that became one of the city's most widely reported murder trials.
William Henry Smith, a carpenter living in Sidney Street, had spent much of the previous week drinking heavily while preparing to leave Kimberley for the newly discovered goldfields. His relationship with his wife, Sarah Smith, had become increasingly strained because of his excessive drinking.
Shortly before 1.00 pm, neighbours heard gunshots. Witnesses saw Sarah run from the house, clutching her wounds and calling for help before collapsing. She was taken to Dr Otto's nearby surgery and then rushed to the hospital after doctors discovered a bullet had entered her back and lodged in her groin.
William Smith was arrested almost immediately. Police recovered the revolver used in the shooting, together with spent cartridge cases that had been hidden inside the house. Although Sarah survived for several days, she died on 15 January 1887 from complications arising from her injuries.
At his trial in April, Smith's defence argued that excessive intoxication had left him incapable of forming murderous intent. The jury rejected that argument and found him guilty of wilful murder, although they recommended mercy because of his drunken condition. When invited to speak before sentence was passed, Smith declared: "I never bore any malice against my wife."
The judge donned the traditional black cap and sentenced him to death.
Did You Know?
In the nineteenth century, British judges traditionally wore a black cap when passing a sentence of death—a practice followed in Kimberley's courts.
1900 – Horse Soup for a Besieged Town
85 days into the Siege of Kimberley
By 8 January 1900, Kimberley's food shortages had become so severe that residents began eating horse meat for the first time.
In The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley, October 1899 to February 1900, Winifred Heberden admitted that she had expected horse meat to be unpleasant but was surprised by how good it tasted. The ration issued that day consisted of one-third horse meat and two-thirds beef, although many townspeople refused even to try it. The decision reflected necessity rather than choice. Around 700 head of cattle still remained in Kimberley, but precious forage had to be reserved for military horses needed to defend the town.
Earlier that same day, Winifred had accompanied artillery officers to Newton, where she watched British gunners practise with their 7-pounder guns before later engaging Boer positions near Kamfersdam in a two-hour artillery duel. She also noted the welcome arrival of heavy afternoon rain, lifting spirits despite worsening food shortages.
The introduction of horse meat also led to one of Kimberley's most famous wartime initiatives. Local chemist J. W. McBeath suggested establishing a public soup kitchen for residents struggling to obtain sufficient food. Cecil Rhodes supported the idea, while Tim Tyson, assisted by Dr Thomas Smartt and journalist Julia Rochefort Maguire, organised its operation.
On this day, the soup kitchen served more than 3,000 pints of nourishing horse-meat and vegetable soup. Thereafter, around 2,500 pints were distributed every day at a cost of 3d per pint.
One well-known story from the siege tells how Dr Smartt persuaded Cecil Rhodes to sample the soup. Rhodes insisted on tasting only the beef version, but Smartt quietly served him the horse soup instead. Rhodes praised its quality, apparently never realising the deception.
Did You Know?
The Kimberley soup kitchen is estimated to have used meat from at least 600 horses during the siege, helping thousands of residents survive until the town was relieved.
(Photo Public Domain)
1912 – Solomon Plaatje Helps Found the ANC
On this day in 1912, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) was founded in Bloemfontein.
Among those elected at the inaugural conference was Solomon Plaatje, the Kimberley journalist, court interpreter, author and political activist, who became the organisation's first Secretary-General.
The SANNC was established in response to increasing racial discrimination following the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910. Its aim was to unite African leaders in defending political rights through constitutional means.
Although initially limited in its membership and influence, the organisation gradually broadened its reach and, in 1923, adopted the name by which it is now known—the African National Congress (ANC).
Kimberley has remained closely associated with this history. In 2010, the ANC's annual January 8 Statement was delivered by President Jacob Zuma at GWK Rugby Stadium in Kimberley before the unveiling of the Sol Plaatje Statue. In 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa laid a wreath at Plaatje's grave before delivering the January 8 Statement in Kimberley a few days later.
Did You Know?
Solomon Plaatje served as the first Secretary-General of the SANNC while continuing to live and work in Kimberley, where he wrote extensively about race, politics and South African society.
Can't find a Kimberley connection for a particular date? Our Today in Kimberley's History collection is continually expanding as we research Kimberley's rich history. If you know of a notable local event that occurred on a specific date, we'd love to hear from you using the Contact Us page.
Kimberley's Story Continues
These are just two of the many events that helped shape Kimberley. Every date on the calendar reveals another chapter in the city's remarkable history.
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