Nestled in the province of Mpumalanga, Standerton is more than just a town. It's a relic, a testament to South Africa's complex past and a witness to significant historic events. For many, Standerton might be a commercial hub, but underneath its present-day veneer lies a rich tapestry of stories that stretch back to the late 19th century.
A Town Birthed from Grootverlangen. Founded in 1878, Standerton's roots trace back to a farm called Grootverlangen, which translates to 'Great Longing'. The town derived its name from the farm's owner, Commandant Adriaan Henrik Stander. The South African Republic's Volksraad acknowledged the potential of the location and in 1876, approved the creation of a town at the drift, which was officially proclaimed two years later. The town achieved its municipal status by 1903.
Historical landmarks like the crossing over the Vaal River, previously known as Stander's Drift, and the nearby Standerskop hill, serve as constant reminders of Stander's influence in the region.
Standerton's Role in Wars. During the First Boer War between 1880-81, Standerton was thrust into the limelight when a British unit found itself under siege from Boer forces. These forces strategically positioned themselves on the nearby hill, shelling the British relentlessly. However, the British held firm, resisting until the war's conclusion in February 1881.
The Second Boer War also marked Standerton's pages of history. A British garrison, trapped and under constant threat, remained besieged in the town for three gruelling months by the Boer forces.
Controversies and Memorials. Standerton found itself amidst nationwide scrutiny in 2007 and 2008 due to the controversial destruction of a crucial Voortrekker memorial. Erected to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Great Trek, this monument was unceremoniously razed on the order of the Lekwa municipality's mayor, Queen Radebe-Khumalo. Her indifference towards the memorial's significance ignited widespread outrage, leading to legal interventions. By 2010, the memorial was restored to its original glory at its original location.
This town also houses the Anglo-Boer War memorial, showcasing canons from World War I and II, and a poignant monument honouring the victims of the Anglo-Boer War concentration camps.
A Town of Legacy and Longing. Today, while Standerton thrives as a commercial and agricultural nucleus with its mining, livestock, and crop farming activities, its historical essence remains. The town stands as a living tribute to Adriaan Stander, with the Grootverlangen farm at its heart. The Voortrekker memorial and other historic monuments remind residents and visitors alike of the town's undeniable place in South African history.
As Standerton continues to evolve and grow, it carries its legacy forward, a beautiful blend of the old and the new, ensuring that its rich history is never forgotten.