BATTLE OF VEGKOP

If you ever want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg for an interesting and relaxing day, go on a day excursion to the Battle of Vegkop in the Free State. Pack a picnic bag the night before. Leave the city at about 6.30 am and proceed along the R26 on the way to Vanderbijlpark where you cross the Vaal River and proceed past Sasolburg. Follow the signposts and proceed to the town of Heilbron.

 Make sure that you enter the town and visit OJ's Diner for a sumptious English breakfast. The restaurant has a classic car theme and there are many paintings of old Fords and Buiks on the wall as well as ancient number plates from the days when Heilbron cars sported OJ number plates.

Pass through the town and head towards the battle of Vegkop. The road branches off the R34. You will come to a white gate at the entrance. After opening the gate at the battle proceed to the Museum and site of the battle where there are many fascinating memorials and friezes.

Once the Great Trek away from the Cape  had commenced, the Trekkers encountered many adversaries. Among these were the Ndebele, an offshoot from the Zulus. The Ndebele were lead by Mkalipi. Conflict arose over grazing. Voortrekker leader, Hendrik Potgieter drew up a well fortified laager of wagons on a defense position at Vegkop (Battle Hill). A maverick priest called Sarel Cilliers delivered a prayer for victory and Potgieter rode forth with 30 men to confront some  4000 warriors. The Ndebele refused to parley and the defenders fought a retiring retreat to the safety of the laager.

The Ndebele squatted on their shields until Potgieter provoked them into action by waving his whip with a red flag attached to the tip. The Ndebele tore at the sides of the laager, trying to gain entry. Over 1000 assegais were picked up afterwards from inside the laager. They were unable to gain entry and Potgieter led a second sortie to attack the warriors in the open. The latter retreated and departed with over 5000 cattle, horses and sheep which they had looted. This was a major blow to the Trekkers. 12 men were wounded and 2 killed. The Voortrekkers offered up a prayer of thanksgiving. The Nbebele lost 160 men.

The Trekkers recieved help from the Barolong and one year later the Ndebele (Matabele) were forced to flee to Zimbabwe. The Trekkers were forced to unite with other parties at Thaba Nchu.

After your tour proceed back through the attractive Free State farmlands to Vanderbijlpark and enjoy your late lunch with a bottle of Swartland Tinta Barocca on the grassy banks of the Vaal River.