Nestled within the Assegai Valley, bordered by the picturesque mountains of Swaziland and the Drakensberg escarpment, lies the historic town of Piet Retief. With its origins tracing back to the 1880s, this town is steeped in history, resplendent with tales of Voortrekkers, valiant wars, and resilient settlers.

Established in 1883 on the farms of Osloop and Geluk, Piet Retief was originally a part of the vast Wakkerstroom district. The town's naming was a tribute to the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief, who met a tragic end at the hands of Zulu king Dingane in 1838 during the inception of the Great Trek.

In the wake of its establishment, the town faced a devastating blow during the South African War, leading to its complete destruction. However, showing indomitable spirit, the town was re-established, retaining the homage to the Voortrekker leader in its name.

The Dutch Reformed Church, designed in 1921 by the renowned architect Gerard Moerdyk, stands as a sentinel to the town's history. Moerdyk's architectural prowess is evident not just in this church but also in around 80 other churches across South Africa and the famous Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.

In its early days, a vast land area encompassing parts of Piet Retief was acquired by Scottish settler Alexander MacCorkindale, leading to it being known as "New Scotland" due to its resemblance to Scottish landscapes during summer. While the planned Scottish settlement didn't achieve long-term success, its legacy persists in the form of farm and place names like Athole, Roburnia, Bonnie Brook, and Londina.

Following MacCorkindale's passing, the land transitioned primarily to Afrikaaner families. The later 1800s saw a wave of German immigrants, initially working as tradesmen, woodcutters, and carpenters in the dense forests between Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom. The region is endowed with lush indigenous evergreen forests housing ancient yellowwood and other valuable hardwood trees. Over time, the German settlers transitioned to farming and established a significant community in Piet Retief.

The Boer War (1899-1902) brought tumultuous times for Piet Retief. The Assegai Valley witnessed intense confrontations, with the town's valleys, mountains, and forests providing refuge to the beleaguered Boer forces. The war's scars ran deep as Piet Retief was razed, valleys burnt, farms destroyed, and inhabitants captured and relocated to concentration camps in Volksrust, Pietermaritzburg, and Irene. Orchards and crops didn't escape the devastation either. In these challenging times, the German settlers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Boers, with many emerging as valiant fighters.

Reflecting its evolving identity, in 2010, the town embraced a new name – Mkhondo, inspired by the local river 'assegaai'. This renaming underscores the town's rootedness in its natural surroundings.

Piet Retief, or Mkhondo, is a town that has withstood the tests of time and conflict. Its rich history, evident in its landmarks, names, and stories, makes it a beacon of resilience and cultural amalgamation in South Africa. Whether it's the tales of the Voortrekkers, the Scottish settlers, or the German community, Mkhondo offers a rich tapestry of narratives waiting to be explored.