Upington, known in Nama as //Khara hais, is a city steeped in history, located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Founded in 1873, it lies on the picturesque banks of the Orange River, the lifeblood of the region. The area was originally known as Olijvenhoutsdrift ('Olive wood drift'), named for the abundance of olive wood trees found there. However, it was later renamed in honor of Sir Thomas Upington, who served as Attorney-General and then as Prime Minister of the Cape.
The genesis of Upington can be traced back to 1871 with the establishment of a mission station by Reverend Christiaan Schröder. This mission station, which played a pivotal role in the town's early development, now houses the Kalahari Orange Museum, a testament to the region's rich cultural and natural history.
The Kalahari Orange Museum is not just a repository of history but also a monument to the humble donkey. These animals were crucial to the development of the region during the pioneering days of the 19th century. A statue in the museum honors their significant contribution, especially in the context of the harsh, challenging conditions of the time.
Upington's formation was a confluence of various factors. In 1870, the area, inhabited by the Griqua people under leaders Klaas Lucas and Klaas Pofadder - known as 'the river pirates' - saw the beginnings of a settlement. Lucas's appeal for a mission station led to Reverend Schröder's arrival and subsequent negotiations with Klaas Pofadder.
By 1873, the foundations of the Olyfenhoudtsdrif Mission were laid. The mission and the subsequent parsonage, completed by 1883, still stand and form part of the Kalahari-Oranje Museum. The museum and its grounds, including a monument to the donkeys, preserve the area's heritage.
The town of Upington officially came into being in 1884, named after Sir Thomas Upington. It quickly became the administrative center for the region of Gordonia, named in honor of another Cape Prime Minister, Sir Gordon Sprigg.
The town grew rapidly, evolving from a mission station to a vibrant commercial center. Pioneers like Rev. Schroder and Johan Lutz were instrumental in its development, particularly through the construction of an irrigation canal in 1890. This canal played a crucial role in harnessing the Orange River for agriculture and settlement.
Upington's journey from a mission station to a significant urban center encapsulates a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city's development, closely tied to the Orange River and the dedication of its early settlers, highlights its importance in South Africa's Northern Cape. The legacy of these early days is carefully preserved in the Kalahari Orange Museum, a symbol of the town's enduring heritage and resilience.