The Historic Convention Bridge Near Volksrust

Nestled just a stone's throw away from Volksrust, on the road leading to Newcastle, lies a site of historical importance: the remains of the old border bridge, fondly known as the Convention Bridge. Its physical stature may be humble, but the echoes of high-stakes diplomacy that once resonated here are monumental.

The story of the Convention Bridge harks back to the tail-end of the 19th century. It was November 1894, a tense time as representatives from the Transvaal Republic and Britain convened for the third Swaziland Convention. The aim? To decide the dominion over the territory of Swaziland. These discussions spanned from the 6th to the 10th of November.

A turn of events on the night of November 9th saw Sir Henry, one of the key negotiators, falling ill. Faced with this challenge and understanding the gravity of the ongoing negotiations, an inventive solution emerged. Sir Henry's railway coach, in which he traveled and lived, was positioned onto the bridge. This allowed the discussions to continue uninterrupted. With the President and the High Commissioner seated on their respective sides of the border within the coach, the landmark Swaziland Convention of 1894 was etched into history.

Following these pivotal negotiations, the bridge earned its name: the "Convention Bridge."

Recognizing the bridge's historical significance, it was proclaimed a National Monument in 1995. By 1999, its status evolved to a Provincial Heritage Resource. Geographically, the bridge's abutments are divided between two provinces; the southern abutment is located in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province, and the northern in Mpumalanga Province.

The bridge itself was characterized by a single 12m span plate girder of the NGR type, constructed as part of the Volksrust-Heidelberg section. The sandstone abutments, integral to the bridge's foundation, were crafted by HS SMITH between March and October of 1894.

Today, only these abutments remain, standing as a testament to an era of diplomatic finesse and innovative problem-solving. Though the Convention Bridge may not be an architectural wonder, its history and the memories it houses elevate its stature beyond mere bricks and mortar. It stands as a symbol of collaboration, adaptability, and the remarkable outcomes of diplomatic dialogue.