GALLERY: Drift turns 150
MULDERSDRIFT – The area turns150 this year, and was celebrated by its residents, some of whom are descendants of the founding members.
One-hundred-and-fifty years after the district was established, the newly elected mayor of Mogale City Local Municipality, Lynn Pannall, planted a tree near the newly renovated bridge, celebrating Muldersdrift’s past, present and exciting future.
“A tree is a symbol of enduring strength,” Pannall said.
On the morning of 10 October, a crowd gathered at the Muldersdrift Bridge, which has seen many families pass over it. Later, a plaque commemorating the 150-year celebration was unveiled by the mayor.
A few descendants of the founding members also gathered and reminisced about the olden days, before the N14 Highway was built.
One of the descendants, Neels van Wyk, said he remembered riding a donkey to school many years ago. Van Wyk still lives in the area, 70 years later. Van Wyk’s mother was born a Mulder, her father being one of the founding members.
“The place has changed so much over the years. Some places you hardly recognise, but others look the same,” he added.
With the winds of change blowing through the district that is older than the adjacent town, Krugersdorp and, significantly, Johannesburg itself, development on its vast ridges even has Pannall talking.
“Muldersdrift is the wedding capital of Gauteng, a tourist attraction and the new frontier of development. R10 billion is being pumped into the area over the next 10 years by the provincial government,” she told the crowd of residents and local business owners.
The celebration comes as resident, Shenan Cochrane wrote and published The History of Mulder’s Drift – 1850-2015. Cochrane detailed the progress of the area through pictures and historical data gathered from museums, libraries, the original families and those still living in the district.
Gilbert Hickman, a Muldersdrift resident and member of the Muldersdrift Communication Action Group and chairperson of the Cradle Tourism Company, said the area’s rich history is something to be celebrated and shared. “It is fantastic to celebrate this tapestry of rich history and to be able to honour people whose ancestors were part of this rich pilgrimage.
“We welcome visitors to the area to explore our heritage sites for a glimpse into the past, particularly during our 150th-year celebrations.”
Hazel du Plessis, the great granddaughter of Christoffel Snyman, the first resident and farmer in the Muldersdrift district, officially cut the birthday cake.
