Nestled in the heart of South Africa's North West province, the town of Brits boasts a rich history, intertwined with the growth of its railway station and the entrepreneurial spirit that followed. Established on the property of Johan Nicolaas Brits, part owner of the farm Roodekopjes, the Brits railway station opened its doors on 9 July 1906. This marked the beginning of a new era for the town, as entrepreneurs quickly seized the opportunity to set up shops on the southern side of the station.
The early days of Brits were marked by a humble approach to postal services. Initially, the station master doubled as the town's postmaster, diligently sorting mail that arrived by train. This arrangement continued until 1915, when Heydon Thomas took up the mantle as the first official Postmaster. His tenure saw the establishment of a dedicated Post Office at the Brits Station. This building also housed the first telephone in the area, marking a significant leap in communication for the residents.
By 1918, Brits witnessed another milestone with the operation of the first steam-driven roller mill, located on the west side of the station. This mill, pivotal in the town's history, served the community's agricultural needs for many years, cementing Brits' role in the region's farming sector.
The year 1921 heralded the establishment of the town's first police station, commanded by Sergeant Prinsloo. This development was crucial in maintaining law and order as the area continued to grow.
However, the early development of Brits was not without its challenges. The town initially grew haphazardly, lacking in basic amenities like running water. This changed when Louis Karovsky purchased a part of Hendrik Christiaan Brits' farm, located north of the railroad. Karovsky's vision led to the division of this area into 940 stands, and in October 1923, it was proclaimed a township. This structured approach to town planning laid the foundation for modern Brits.
A significant boost to the town's agricultural prospects came with the completion of the Hartbeespoort Dam in 1923. Located less than twenty kilometers south of Brits, on the Crocodile River, the dam was a monumental achievement. The finalization of the irrigation canal network by 1928 transformed the surrounding farmland, facilitating the cultivation of citrus, vegetables, and grain. These crops became the mainstay of the local farming community, underpinning the economic stability of Brits.
Today, Brits stands as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its early inhabitants. From a small town revolving around a railway station to a thriving community with a robust agricultural base, Brits' journey through history is a compelling story of growth, challenge, and triumph.