Olive Schreiner (1855–1920)
Why Kimberley Matters
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 invite you on 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 exploring the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
Olive Emilie Albertina Schreiner (1855–1920), pioneering South African novelist, feminist and social critic. Colourised from an original nineteenth-century photograph. Source: National Museum Publications, Bloemfontein.
Kimberley's Fearless Voice for Justice
Olive Schreiner was one of South Africa's greatest writers, social critics and early feminists. Although born in the Eastern Cape in 1855, Kimberley played an important role in her life and intellectual development. During her years in the Diamond City, she taught, wrote and developed many of the ideas that would make her one of the most influential voices of her generation.
Today, Schreiner is remembered not only as the author of The Story of an African Farm, but also as a passionate advocate for equality, women's rights and peace during one of the most turbulent periods in South African history.
Early Life
Olive Emilie Albertina Schreiner was born on 24 March 1855 at Wittebergen Mission Station in the Eastern Cape, the ninth of twelve children of Gottlob and Rebecca Schreiner. Raised in a missionary family, she developed an early love of reading and questioning accepted ideas. Following the family's financial difficulties, Schreiner earned a living as a governess before moving to Kimberley, where she taught at the Kimberley New School. During this period, she began writing seriously and explored many of the social issues that would later define her career.
A Literary Breakthrough
In 1881, Schreiner travelled to Britain, intending to study medicine. Poor health forced her to abandon those plans, but her writing career soon flourished. In 1883, she published The Story of an African Farm under the male pseudonym Ralph Iron, as many Victorian publishers remained reluctant to promote women writers. The novel became an international success and is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of South African literature. Its themes of freedom, identity, religion and the role of women challenged Victorian society and established Schreiner as one of the leading intellectual voices of her time.
Film The Story of an African Farm (2004), directed by David Lister.
Speaking Truth to Power
Schreiner returned to South Africa in 1889 and married Samuel Cronwright in 1894. The couple later settled in Kimberley after her worsening asthma made farming increasingly difficult. Living in Kimberley during the rise of Cecil Rhodes' political influence, Schreiner became one of his strongest critics. Through her novels and essays, she condemned imperial expansion, racial injustice and the exploitation that accompanied colonial rule.
Her novel Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland (1897) offered a powerful criticism of Rhodes' policies in southern Africa. During the Anglo-Boer War, she remained committed to peace, opposing both war and the suffering it brought to ordinary people.
Voices for Social Change in Kimberley
Kgosi Galeshewe, Kgosi Jantjie & Kgosi Toto - defenders of land and independence
Olive Schreiner – novelist, feminist and social critic
Sol Plaatje – writer, journalist and founding political leader
Arthur & Mary Letele – medical pioneers and community leaders
ZK Matthews – educator, lawyer and constitutional thinker
Frances Baard – trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist
Robert Sobukwe – political thinker and pan-Africanist leader
Mittah Seperepere – organiser, diplomat and parliamentarian
A Pioneer for Women's Rights
Long before women's equality became widely accepted, Schreiner argued that women should enjoy the same educational, political and economic opportunities as men. Her essays, including Woman and Labour (1911), became influential throughout Britain, Europe and South Africa, helping shape the emerging international women's movement.
Did You Know?
The Story of an African Farm (1883) was published under the male pen name Ralph Iron because Victorian publishers were often reluctant to promote women authors. It became the first South African novel to achieve international acclaim and was later adapted into a 2004 feature film directed by David Lister.
Woman and Labour (1911), one of Olive Schreiner's most influential works, became an international bestseller and helped shape early twentieth-century debates on women's rights, equality and economic independence.
A Lasting Legacy
Olive Schreiner died in 1920, but her influence continues to resonate across South Africa. She is remembered as one of the country's greatest novelists, one of its earliest feminist thinkers and an outspoken critic of injustice.
For visitors to Kimberley, Schreiner's story is another reminder that the city's history extends far beyond diamonds. Kimberley helped shape one of South Africa's most courageous literary voices—a woman who challenged prejudice, defended human dignity and inspired generations to stand against injustice.
Continue Exploring Kimberley
Whether your interests lie in history, culture, dining, shopping, entertainment, or simply discovering somewhere new, we hope these guides help you make the most of your time in Kimberley. If you're planning a visit to the City that Sparkles, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the historic suburb of Beaconsfield. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers alike, The Solomon provides a comfortable base from which to explore.