Vryheid is a coal mining and cattle ranching town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Vryheid is Afrikaans for “freedom” or “liberty”
History
After Boer farmers, who lived in the Vryheid area, had helped Dinuzulu defeat his rival Usibepu for succession of the Zulu throne, land that they occupied was given to them by session from the Zulu king along the banks of the Mfolozi River. On August 5, 1884 the Boers formed the Nieuwe Republiek (New Republic) with Vryheid as its capital and it’s sovereignty was recognized by Germany and Portugal. It was later incorporated into the South African Republic, but at the end of the Second Boer War the town and its surrounding area was absorbed into the Natal colony by the British. Vryheid is located along the Transnet Coaline.
Heritage Sites
The Dutch Reform Church in Vryheid, better known as Die Moeder Gemeente (Afrikaans for the Mother Congregation), has been added to the list of 12 Gorgeous Churches and Cathedrals in Africa, by AFK Insider.
