NORTHERN CAPE ACCOMMODATION GRIEKWASTAD
GRIEKWASTAD (GRIQUATOWN)

Griekwastad (Griquatown) is the first town established north of the Orange River in 1802. It started as a London Missionary Society station serving the Griquas, Twanas and Basters from Piketberg. It was originally at a place called Leeuwenkuil, then moved to Klaarwater in 1805.

Their leaders were Adam Kok II and Andries Waterboer. In 1813, at the instigation of Rev John Campbell, the basters renamed themselves Griqua and the place called Klaarwater became Griquatown.

On 7 August 1813 the name was changed to Griquatown because it became the capital of a large Griqua territory that stretched from Prieska in the south to Danielskuil in the north and ruled by Griqua leaders such as Cornelius Kok, Barend Barends and Andries Waterboer. The area is cattle and sheep ranching country, but also well known for its semiprecious stones, especially the tiger's eye.

Disputes between the two leaders led to the Kok faction leaving Griquatown for Philippolis and Kokstad. When diamonds were discovered the Griqua were one of the parties claiming that the Diamond Fields lay within their territory.

The Keate arbitration awarded the area to Waterboer, who immediately sought Crown protection. This led to the colony of Griqualand West, which was later to be annexed to the Cape Colony. The first council chamber of the Griqua and the execution tree where Waterboer hanged criminals can be seen in Water Street. Griquatown is known for its semiprecious stones, tiger’s eye and jasper. The town is a centre for stockbreeding.

Griekwastad forms part of the Karoo Region and is situated midway between Groblershoop and Kimberley on the N8.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS:

Andries Waterboer’s Grave
Two cannon, ‘old Niklaas’ and ‘old Grietjie’, gifts from Queen Victoria, are guarding his resting place.

Mary Moffat Museum
The building dating from c1826, was a mission church. The museum was named after Mary, daughter of Robert Moffat, who married Dr David Livingstone. A pulpit used by Moffat, Waterboer and Livingstone, can be seen here.

Witsand Nature Reserve
See feature on Witsand Nature Reserve

TOURIST INFORMATION:

The Town Clerk
Tel 053 343 0019
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