Today in Kimberley's History
January 23rd
"Every day has a story about Kimberley's past."
On this day...
The twenty-third of January celebrates two very different moments in Kimberley's story. During the Siege of Kimberley, the town's remarkable home-built gun, Long Cecil, continued to unsettle the Boer forces surrounding the town. More than a century later, Kimberley paused to remember one of South Africa's greatest musical ambassadors, Hugh Masekela, whose unforgettable performance in the city delighted local audiences just over a year before his death.
1900 – Long Cecil Keeps the Boers on the Move
100 days into the Siege of Kimberley
On 23 January 1900, Long Cecil once again demonstrated its effectiveness against the Boer positions surrounding Kimberley.
In The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley, October 1899 to February 1900, Winifred Heberden recorded that the gun opened fire on the Intermediate Pumping Station before turning its attention towards Kamfersdam, assisted by a 7-pounder gun positioned on Otto's Kopje.
Observers watched as groups of Boer soldiers hurried from their camps to seek safer positions while the bombardment continued. Only a few days after entering service, Long Cecil had already altered the routine of the siege. Boer camps that had previously considered themselves beyond British range could no longer remain in one place with confidence.
Did You Know?
Long Cecil fired a total of 255 shells during the Siege of Kimberley before being retired from active service. Today it stands on the stylobate of the Honoured Dead Memorial, where it remains one of Kimberley's best-known landmarks.
2018 – Kimberley Remembers Hugh Masekela
On this day in 2018, South Africa lost one of its greatest musicians when Hugh Ramapolo Masekela died at the age of 78.
Known around the world as the "Father of South African Jazz," Masekela was an internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer and singer whose career spanned more than six decades. His music celebrated the richness of African culture while also giving voice to the struggle against apartheid through songs such as "Soweto Blues" and "Bring Him Back Home." Internationally, he is perhaps best known for his 1968 number-one hit, "Grazing in the Grass."
Kimberley audiences had the privilege of seeing Masekela perform when he appeared at the SA Jazz Festival at Langleg Pleasure Resort in December 2017, sharing the stage with leading South African and African musicians. His appearance brought one of the continent's greatest musical legends to the Northern Cape and remains a treasured memory for many local music lovers.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from around the world, recognising not only his extraordinary musical talent but also his lifelong commitment to justice, education and African culture.
Did You Know?
Hugh Masekela's trumpet was a gift from Archbishop Trevor Huddleston after the young musician became inspired to learn the instrument. Years later, jazz legend Louis Armstrong sent him one of his own trumpets in recognition of his talent.
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.
Continue exploring...