Danskraal Explained

Danskraal
Other Name:Daimana
Pushpin Map:South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa
Coordinates:-28.537°N 29.795°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:South Africa
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:KwaZulu-Natal
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Uthukela
Subdivision Type3:Municipality
Subdivision Name3:Alfred Duma
Subdivision Type4:Main Place
Established Title:Established
Population Density Km2:auto
Demographics1 Title1:Black African
Demographics1 Title2:Coloured
Demographics1 Title3:Indian/Asian
Demographics1 Title4:White
Demographics1 Title5:Other
Timezone1:SAST
Utc Offset1:+2
Postal Code Type:Postal code (street)
Postal2 Code Type:PO box
Area Code Type:Area code

Danskraal is a historic site some 5 km north-east of Ladysmith in the former Kliprivier district, said to be the place where the Voortrekkers camped a week before the famous Battle of Blood River on 16 December 1838 and where the first vow was taken which led to the Day of the Covenant. The name means 'village of dancing'; it was here that the Voortrekker commando was entertained with ceremonial dances by the Zulus of Matowan or Nodotta.[1]

The South African Railways has locomotive workshops at Danskraal, which was still known as Daimana in c. 1935.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Raper, Peter E.. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Internet Archive. 28 August 2013. 128. 1987.
  2. Espitalier, T.J.; Day, W.A.J. (1946). The Locomotive in South Africa - A Brief History of Railway Development. Chapter VII - South African Railways (Continued). South African Railways and Harbours Magazine, April 1946. p. 296.