Nestled in the the Drakensberg Mountains, the quaint town of Waterval Boven, now known as Emgwenya, stands as a testament to South Africa's rich history. A glimpse into its past reveals tales of railroads, presidents, and breathtaking landscapes that continue to captivate visitors to this day.
Established in 1895, Waterval Boven began as a railway depot, an essential stopover along the NZASM railway line. The name, derived from Dutch, translates to "above the waterfall," aptly describing the town's location above the stunning 75m Elands Falls. This railway line, commissioned by the Netherlands-South African Railway Company (NZASM), stretched from Pretoria to Delagoa Bay in Mozambique, facilitating the movement of goods and fostering economic growth.
While Waterval Boven sat atop the escarpment, its sister town, Waterval Onder, nestled at the base below the waterfall. Both of these settlements owe their inception to the construction of the Pretoria - Delagoa Bay railway line.
The town rapidly grew from a mere supply stop to a bustling hub, where locomotives would routinely halt for refuelling and repairs. Yet, as times changed, so did Waterval Boven. By the mid-1960s, as the steam locomotive industry decelerated, the town found itself at a crossroads, searching for new economic lifelines.
While its railway origins might have waned, Waterval Boven's allure persisted. The craggy escarpment, once overshadowed by the steam engines' might, has now emerged as one of Africa's premier climbing destinations. Emgwenya, the town's current name, means "place of the Crocodile," possibly a nod to the Elands River's meandering presence or the rugged landscape resembling the skin of this ancient reptile.
As you wander through Emgwenya, echoes of its illustrious past reverberate through landmarks like the old Tunnel and the Five Arch Bridge. These enduring relics stand as testament to the town's rich railway heritage, reminding visitors of the pivotal role Waterval Boven once played in South Africa's transportation history.
In 2009, in line with several regional towns undergoing name changes, Waterval Boven was rechristened as Emgwenya. Yet, regardless of its name, the town's spirit remains unchanged. From its origins as a bustling railway hub to its current status as a climber's paradise, Emgwenya is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the timeless beauty of the Mpumalanga region.