Belfast, now known as eMakhazeni, is a quaint town located in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. The town is steeped in history, bearing witness to significant events and legacies of South Africa's past.
The town's original name, Belfast, can be traced back to Richard Charles O'Neil, a businessman from Belfast in Northern Ireland. He owned the farm upon which this South African town was founded. O'Neil's contribution to the town's foundation is commemorated in the town's cemetery, where he, along with his family and other early settlers of the town, are buried.
Belfast (eMakhazeni) is particularly notable for the pivotal role it played during the Anglo-Boer War. Several battles and skirmishes unfolded around the town, with some events leaving an indelible mark on its history.
The Battle of Leliefontein, which occurred 30 km south of the town by the Komati river, saw several Victoria Crosses awarded to valiant Canadian soldiers. Moreover, the town witnessed the action at Monument Hill, another significant engagement during which several soldiers were also honored with Victoria Crosses.
However, the most significant battle associated with Belfast was the Battle of Bergendal. Taking place east of Belfast from 21 to 27 August 1900, this battle saw 7,000 Boers under the command of General Louis Botha clash with a 19,000-strong British Empire force. The British were led by General Sir Redvers Buller, who spearheaded the final assault against the Boers at the farm Berg-en-dal.
In a darker chapter of the war, the British set up a concentration camp in Belfast. Unlike other camps initiated by the military, Belfast's camp was started by the civilian administration between 4 and 10 June 1901. This camp housed Boer women and children, symbolizing the grim reality of the conflict.
Among the town's residents during the war was Meyer de Kock, a member of the peace committee. Despite his efforts to persuade the Boer commandos to lay down arms, he was unfortunately convicted of high treason by them and faced execution by firing squad on 12 February 1901.
While its history remains deeply rooted in its past, the town underwent a significant change in October 2009 when it was officially renamed eMakhazeni. The name change represented a broader movement in post-apartheid South Africa to reclaim and represent indigenous histories and cultures.
Belfast (eMakhazeni) stands as a testament to South Africa's rich tapestry of history, reflecting both its colonial past and its indigenous roots. Whether it's the legacy left by Richard Charles O'Neil or the echoes of the Anglo-Boer War, the town is a living museum, offering glimpses into epochs long gone but never forgotten.