Introduction
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our guests—whether visiting Kimberley for business or leisure—have wondered why this remarkable city has played such an important role in South Africa's history over the past 160 years.
These pages provide a coffee-table journey through Kimberley's past, from the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867 and the Great Diamond Rush, through wars, political change and the rise of the world's diamond industry, to the city we know today. They are not intended to be an academic history, but rather an enjoyable introduction to the people, places and events that shaped Kimberley.
So, make yourself comfortable, pour a cappuccino or a cup of chai, and enjoy discovering the story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
A New South Africa
For more than a century, Kimberley's fortunes were shaped by diamonds. As mining declined towards the end of the twentieth century, the city faced one of the greatest challenges in its history—not how to build a city, but how to reinvent one.
The release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994 marked the beginning of a new era for the country and for Kimberley.
The creation of the Northern Cape Province gave Kimberley a new role as the provincial capital. Government departments, courts and administrative offices expanded rapidly, bringing thousands of public servants to the city. The province's first Premier, Manne Dipico, became one of the leading figures in shaping the new administration during its formative years.
Kimberley was no longer simply a mining town—it had become the political and administrative heart of South Africa's geographically largest province (yet just 2% of the population).
From Mining City to Provincial Capital
For much of the twentieth century, De Beers had dominated Kimberley's economy. As mining gradually declined, the city was forced to diversify.
Although diamond mining continues today, De Beers steadily reduced its presence, selling many of its local mining interests to new operators, including Ekapa Mining. While mining remains an important employer, Kimberley's economy has become increasingly dependent on government, education, healthcare, retail, tourism and professional services.
The transition has not always been easy, but it has fundamentally changed the character of the city.
Plaque for the opening of the new Provincial Legislature building in 2003
Celebrating Kimberley's Heritage
As active mining came to an end, Kimberley began preserving rather than expanding its mining heritage.
One of the city's most ambitious projects was the complete redevelopment of the Big Hole Mine Museum. The historic mine was transformed into one of South Africa's premier heritage attractions, combining the spectacular open mine with a modern museum, recreated nineteenth-century streets, historic buildings and interactive exhibitions that tell the story of the Diamond Rush and the people who built Kimberley.
Today the Big Hole stands not only as a reminder of Kimberley's extraordinary past, but also as one of its most important tourism assets.
A University City
Perhaps the most significant investment in Kimberley's future came with the establishment of Sol Plaatje University in 2014.
As the first university in the Northern Cape, it has transformed the city centre and introduced a new dimension to Kimberley's economy and culture.
Students from across South Africa and beyond now study in Kimberley, bringing new energy, investment and opportunities for research, innovation and community development.
The university continues to expand, playing an increasingly important role in shaping Kimberley's future.
Sol Plaatje University
Shopping and Changing Lifestyles
The city's retail landscape has changed dramatically over the past three decades.
Modern shopping centres such as North Cape Mall and Diamond Pavilion Mall have become major commercial destinations, attracting national retailers, restaurants and entertainment facilities while reducing dependence on the traditional central business district.
Like many cities around the world, Kimberley has also seen changing patterns of leisure. Traditional attractions such as the city's cinema and ten-pin bowling alley have disappeared, while restaurants, coffee shops and shopping malls have become increasingly important social destinations.
North Cape Mall in Kimberley
Building a Modern Capital
As the provincial capital, Kimberley has seen significant public investment.
The striking Northern Cape Provincial Legislature has become one of the city's most distinctive modern landmarks, while the Mittah Seperepere International Convention Centre has strengthened Kimberley's ability to host conferences, exhibitions and major events.
These developments reflect Kimberley's evolving role as an administrative, business and conference destination rather than solely a mining centre.
Northern Cape Provincial Legislature building opened in 2003
Healthcare for a Growing Province
Healthcare has expanded significantly since 1994.
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital has developed into one of South Africa's leading regional referral hospitals, with advances in specialist services, particularly paediatrics, burns and oncology.
New facilities have also strengthened mental healthcare across the province, while private healthcare has expanded through major investment by Mediclinic Kimberley, which relocated to a modern purpose-built hospital, and the establishment of Lenmed Royal Hospital & Heart Centre.
Together these developments have reinforced Kimberley's role as the principal medical centre for the Northern Cape.
Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley
Tourism and Hospitality
As Kimberley diversified, tourism became increasingly important. The city has seen substantial growth in guest houses, boutique accommodation and conference venues, reflecting increasing demand from business travellers, government officials, academics, sporting events and visitors exploring Kimberley's rich history.
Heritage tourism has also grown steadily, supported by attractions such as the Big Hole Museum, the McGregor Museum, Wildebeest Kuil, Magersfontein Battlefield and numerous historic buildings and monuments.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like many South African cities, Kimberley faces significant challenges. Maintaining ageing infrastructure, improving roads, encouraging private investment and creating employment remain ongoing priorities. The decline of large-scale diamond mining has required the city to continually adapt its economy.
Yet Kimberley has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to reinvent itself.
- From frontier settlement to Diamond City.
- From imperial outpost to provincial capital.
- From mining centre to university city.
Its future will almost certainly depend not on what lies beneath the ground, but on the skills, innovation and determination of the people who continue to call Kimberley home.
A City Still Reinventing Itself
Kimberley's story is far from over.
More than 150 years after the discovery of diamonds, visitors still come to experience its remarkable history, while new generations are building careers in government, education, healthcare, business, tourism and technology.
The city continues to evolve, balancing its extraordinary heritage with the opportunities and challenges of the twenty-first century.
For those willing to look beyond the Big Hole, Kimberley remains one of South Africa's most fascinating cities—a place where history is never far away, but where the next chapter is still being written.
Continue Exploring Kimberley's Story
Kimberley has one of South Africa's richest and most fascinating histories. Through these pages, The Solomon shares some of the people, places and events that have shaped our city over the past 150 years. We hope these articles encourage you to discover more of Kimberley. And if you're planning a visit, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers an ideal base from which to explore the city's history, heritage and attractions.