Preparing the Exhibit...
Please wait while we carefully uncover and display the treasures of Kokstad Museum.
Please wait while we carefully uncover and display the treasures of Kokstad Museum.
Discover the fascinating story of Kokstad, from its founding by Adam Kok III to its development as a cultural hub in the Drakensberg Mountains
Kokstad, the capital of East Griqualand, lies in the valley of Umzimhlava river between Mount Currie and the Ingeli mountains at a height of some 1280 meters above sea level. Few towns in South Africa can compare in scenic beauty or in picturesque history with this unique little town which literally rose from the bare veld just over 150 years ago.
The Griqua people were a mixed-race community that emerged in the Cape. They are descended from Hottentots and different European races, some from French and others from German, but most of them from Dutch, as you can see from their names. The Griqua nation has been in existence only about two hundred years.
In the early years of the settlement of the Cape a man came to Capetown in one of the Government ships in the capacity of a cook. This man is believed to have been born a native to the island of Madagascar; others say he was an Asiatic. On the arrival in Capetown of the ship, he left and went inland with some merchandise and traded amongst the Hottentots, exchanging his goods for ivory, skins and such things, which in turn he sold at Capetown, by this means he became very rich.
Next he married one of the daughters of the Hottentot chief, with whom he was trading. Thus he came to be looked upon by the Hottentots as one of the members of the Royal Family. This man Cook, was Ambitious and therefore it was not long before he was recognized as chief of the Hottentots, and he was the first Kok.
Adam was recognized chief so he went to Capetown and made a treaty with the Governor. He became an ally of the Government and was allowed to buy firearms, cannon and ball, for he was the defense of the Colony on the western boundary and kept the Matabieles and other tribes in check.
During the time of Adam's father Dam, many coloured people of European descent and also many who had been kept as slaves by the colonists, fled from their masters and went and stayed in the settlement of Kok. Thus the people under him became to be a mixed race.
In the year 1860 trouble arose between the Boers and the Griquas. Adam Kok, who was very proud of his independence, not wanting to imperil it, had no alternative but to trek again. So he, with his people, moved to East Griqualand. After suffering many hardships and great loss in their life-stock they arrived at Mount Currie in the year 1863.
In 1869, the Griqua settled at the foot of a mountain, later named Mount Currie after Sir Walter Currie, a supporter of their trek. This area became known as East Griqualand.
By 1863, Adam Kok had established a settlement on the Mzimhlava River. The town was officially proclaimed in 1872 and named Kokstad—literally "Kok's Town."
In 1874, East Griqualand was annexed by the British, ending the Griqua's independence and resulting in the gradual loss of their land. Despite this setback, the community continued to thrive:
Today, Kokstad is a thriving agricultural and trade hub, serving surrounding towns and villages. It is widely regarded as KwaZulu-Natal's cheese capital, producing high-quality dairy products.
Kokstad is home to several important heritage sites, including the Adam Kok Monument, Victorian Bandstand (1912), and the Town Hall (1910) which is now a library and National Monument.
Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and breathtaking mountain views.
Kokstad's main water source, also popular for boating and angling.
Historic settlement with buildings like the 1922 hotel (now a store).
A once-a-year scenic train journey loved by locals and visitors alike.
Adam Kok and his people lived for nine years on the slopes of Mount Currie before moving to the valley below.
The original Town Hall and former Library are both National Monuments.
Kokstad lies at the crossroads between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, making it a gateway town between regions.
Discover artifacts and displays that bring this rich history to life at the East Griqualand Museum.