Located in the heart of South Africa's coal-mining region, Emalaheni, formerly known as Witbank, stands as a testament to the transformative power of industrialization and urbanization. Spanning a history of over 130 years, this city in Mpumalanga province has evolved from a small outpost to a bustling urban hub.
Witbank, translating to “White Ridge” in Afrikaans, was named after a distinctive white quartz outcrop that, as noted by Thomas Baines, "loomed like a wagon tent in the distance". This outcrop became a beacon for wagon transport drivers, providing them with a resting spot on their journeys.
The genesis of Witbank traces back to 1890, a period of expansion and exploration in South Africa. Despite its founding, the initial attempts to exploit its coal-rich land proved futile until a pivotal event in 1894: the arrival of the railway from Pretoria. This development catalyzed the town's growth, enabling efficient transport and, consequently, coal mining.
Just 13 years after its founding, Witbank was proclaimed a town in 1903. Its layout, crafted by the Witbank Colliery, began to take shape, with Samuel Stanford contributing by erecting a unique wood and iron building, which served the dual purposes of a shop and hotel.
The mid-1800s saw the region populated by farmers who, recognizing the rich coal deposits, started mining it from outcrops in riverbeds for domestic needs. Over the years, Witbank transformed from a nascent mining camp to a full-fledged city, diversifying from coal mining to embrace steel manufacturing, power generation, professional services, and an active informal sector.
Witbank's significance was further amplified during the South African War (1899–1902). The city was thrust into the annals of history when Winston Churchill, a young soldier-journalist, sought refuge in a colliery near Witbank following his escape from Pretoria.
By 1910, Witbank had achieved town status and continued its meteoric rise to attain city status by 1994
Before coal mining dominated the region, the Witbank area was primarily a haven for stock farmers. The lack of a market for agricultural produce meant that farming was largely subsistence-based. Once a year, wool was transported to Durban by ox-wagon for sale. Crop cultivation catered mostly to the local population's needs.
It's interesting to note that travelers, such as Thomas Baines in 1872, commented on the locals' use of coal for fuel. Both indigenous communities and the Voortrekkers mined coal, especially from riverbed outcrops, transporting it to the Witwatersrand. However, before commercial coal mining took root, Witbank's identity was deeply tied to stock farming. The discovery of gold in towns like Pilgrims Rest and Barberton in 1874 further increased its significance as a supply point for passing travelers.
In a nod to its coal-rich heritage, Witbank was officially renamed Emalaheni in 2006, a term which fittingly means “place of coal”.
Today, Emalaheni stands as a symbol of South Africa's rich mining history, its evolution reflecting the nation's journey from agrarian landscapes to industrial powerhouses.