Today in Kimberley's History
January 12th
"Every day has a story about Kimberley's past."
On this day...
The twelfth day of January reminds us that while Kimberley waited anxiously for relief, the wider war continued across southern Africa. News from Ladysmith and Kuruman dominated conversations inside the besieged town, while later events linked this date to two influential figures in twentieth-century South African history.
1900 – Waiting Patiently for Relief
89 days into the Siege of Kimberley
On 12 January 1900, the people of Kimberley received a mixture of encouraging and disappointing news from beyond the siege lines.
In The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley, October 1899 to February 1900, Winifred Heberden recorded reports that Sir George White's garrison at Ladysmith had successfully repelled a Boer attack after fierce fighting. According to the news reaching Kimberley, British troops repeatedly recaptured their positions before finally driving the Boers back with bayonet charges.
Closer to home, however, there was still no sign of the long-awaited relief force. British troops remained at Modder River, engaging only in occasional skirmishes while awaiting the arrival of Lord Roberts and further reinforcements. Kimberley's residents could do little but, in Winifred's words, "possess our souls in patience."
More troubling was news from Kuruman, where the small British garrison had surrendered after a determined Boer attack on New Year's Day. The town's limited defences proved unable to withstand bombardment by Boer artillery. Among those captured were Captain Bates, remembered for his involvement in the Jameson Raid, and the local magistrate, Mr Hilliard, both well known to many people in Kimberley.
Although the loss of Kuruman was disappointing, Winifred regarded its defenders as having fought one of the bravest actions of the war in this part of South Africa.
Did You Know?
Kuruman lies around 220 kilometres north-west of Kimberley and was an important administrative and missionary centre during the Anglo-Boer War. Its capture heightened concerns that Boer forces might strengthen their hold over the western interior.
1915 – Kimberley Regiment Advances into German South West Africa
On this day in 1915, South African forces advanced in strength into German South West Africa (present-day Namibia) as part of the Allied campaign against Germany during the First World War.
Among the units taking part was the Kimberley Regiment, whose soldiers joined thousands of South Africans in a campaign to capture German territory on behalf of the British Empire. The campaign lasted only a few months. By July 1915, German forces had surrendered, bringing the fighting in the territory to an end.
For Kimberley, participation in the campaign reflected the city's continuing military importance. Many local men who had served during the Anglo-Boer War volunteered once again for service overseas and in neighbouring territories during the First World War.
Did You Know?
The Kimberley Regiment traces its origins to the volunteer units raised during the diamond rush and has served in conflicts ranging from the Anglo-Boer War to both World Wars.
1916 – Birth of P. W. Botha
On this day in 1916, Pieter Willem (P. W.) Botha was born on a farm near Paul Roux in the Free State.
Botha served as Prime Minister of South Africa from 1978 to 1984 before becoming the country's first Executive State President under the constitutional changes introduced in 1984. Nicknamed "Die Groot Krokodil" ("The Great Crocodile"), Botha became known for his forceful leadership during one of apartheid's most turbulent periods.
His government introduced limited constitutional reforms while maintaining many of apartheid's central policies, leading to widespread internal resistance and increasing international pressure. Although his presidency remains controversial, Botha played a significant role in shaping South Africa during the final decade before the country's democratic transition.
Did You Know?
P. W. Botha was South Africa's first Executive State President, a position created under the 1983 Constitution that combined the powers of head of state and head of government.
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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