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Ladysmith was established on the crossroads for transport riders between Port Natal (Durban) and the Transvaal. In 1886 the railway reached the town.
It became world famous between 1899 and 1900 as a result of its four month besiegement by Boer forces
During the siege, food became very scarce and many of the 30,000 inhabitants died from enteric fever. In the final month of the siege, 28 British soldiers a day were being buried at the Intombi Hospital.
Many other victims of the siege are buried on Cemetery Hill. Of the garrison of 12500 only 9000 survived.
The town is today an active community with over 100,000 people.
Activities
Many battle sites on the town outskirts plus those at Colenso, Vaalkrans, Tugela Heights, Spioenkop, Elandslaagte.
Several walkabout tours introduce visitors to the town's many historic attractions and there is an excellent museum.
Dominating Ladysmith is the 'small mountain' - Umbulwane from the summit of which, the Boer forces could see almost all that was happening in the town.
There are self guided trails to the mountain which also has San historical significance and to the township at the base of the mountain where traditional Zulu beer may be sampled.
Ladysmith is famous for the architecture of its electricity substations.
Ladysmith is also the home town of the world-famous singing group "Ladysmith Black-Mambazo". |
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Location: Ladysmith,
KwaZulu Natal |
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