POTGIETERSRUS
Eastablished in 1852 by Voortrekker Andries Hendrik Potgieter and named Vredenburg. In 1858 the name was changed to Pietpotgietersrust after Piet Potgieter (son of Hendrik) who died during the siege of Makapansgat. It was abandoned in 1870 because of malaria and the hostile locals. Re-established in 1890 and named Potgietersrust. It became a municipality in 1935. The t was dropped in 1939. In 2002 the name was changed to Mokopane.
The name was changed to Mokopane in honour of Chief Mokopane, also known as Makapan.
Arend Dieperink Museum
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Arend Dieperink Museum, 97 Voortrekker st – Situated in the old Stone school. The building was built in 1915. The stone came from the nearby Strydpoort mountains. Arend Abraham Johannes Christoffel Dieperink (1909-1986) collected antics at a young age. His collection was handed to the Culture Society of the town in 1968 and then to the municipality to start a museum. Arend Dieperink was the first curator. Declared a National monument on 20 October 1989,
Aldersgate Society Methodist Church
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Aldersgate Society Methodist Church, Retief st – the foundation stone was laid by AP Amm on 2nd November 1934.
Barclays Bank
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Barclays Bank, Ruiter rd – built circa 1927
Locomotive
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Locomotive – situated in the old caravan park, now a taxi rank – Class 19 D steam locomotive, built circa 1937 – withdrew from service in 1980.
Moord Drift Monument
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Moord Drift Monument – R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong – erected in 1937. Standing between two camelthorn trees. 28 men, women and children were murdered by men from Chiefs Makapan and Mapela at three separated places in September 1854. 2 at Makapan’ s kraal, 14 at Mapela’s kraal and 12 (six children – Prinsloo’s and Breedt’s) at Moorddrift. A feud existed between field Cornet Potgieter and Makapan’s people. The murders were later avenged by a Boer commando. It was said that the children had been put to death against the trees. Proclaimed a National Monument in 19 January 1940.