Botshabelo Mission Station, Mpumalanga

Botshabelo Mission Station, Mpumalanga

The Botshabelo Mission Station can be found in Middelburg in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The Botshabelo Mission Station was originally a place of refuge for Christians and grew into an important and rather influential centre where the Gospel was widely proclaimed among the black people. It became a place where both black and white people received education and training and even where commerce and industry were practised.

Two young German missionaries, named Alexander Merensky and Heinrich Grützner, arrived in South Africa from the Berlin Mission Society during the 1860’s. They bought a farm in the Olifants River valley near Middelburg and soon established a mission station named Botshabelo, meaning ‘Place of Refuge or sanctuary‘. In order to protect the settlement a fort was also built called Fort Wilhelm. Soon, a small town developed around the mission and even included a 2300ha nature reserve.

The Botshabelo Mission Station also incorporates an Ndebele village. This village comprises of an open-air museum established to successfully preserve the interesting tribal culture. This well known tribe is famous for its colourful huts, cultural garb and brilliant arts and crafts. Stores selling their fascinating arts and crafts can be visited.

The Botshabelo Mission Station boasts true historical value, a beautiful little church and many old buildings. Today, this mission station is a museum. The entire area is a site museum and has plenty to offer interested tourists, hikers as well as historians. Tours throughout the mission station are available and should be taken for those wishing to ask questions and learn more of the station

Hiking trails have been developed in the area to afford visitors the opportunity to learn more of this intriguing area. A visit to the spectacular nature reserve is also a must where bird watching and game viewing can be enjoyed. A visit to the Botshabelo Mission Station is both a recreational and educational experience not to be missed.