Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second-largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It was established in 1838 and is now controlled by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. The district municipality is known by the Zulu name umGungundlovu. Pietermaritzburg is known as Maritzburg in Afrikaans, English, and Zulu, and is sometimes shortened to PMB. It is a regionally significant industrial hub that manufactures aluminum, lumber, and dairy products, as well as the primary economic core of Umgungundlovu District Municipality. Because of the presence of local, district, and provincial administrations in the city, the public sector is a major employment.
What is the history of Pietermaritzburg?
Following the murder of Piet Retief and his seventy-strong party at the Zulu capital, Mgungunhlovu, (06.Feb.1838) when seeking land to settle around Port Natal (The Natal-Land Treaty), and from where the reprisal Wenkommando departed (Nov.1838) to defeat Dingane at the Battle of Blood River, the city was founded (April 1838) by the Voortrekkers (16.Dec.1838). Pietermaritzburg is approximately 160 kilometers from Mgungunhlovu, the Zulu capital. Prior to the fight (December 9, 1838), a pledge was made that if the Boers were awarded victory over the Zulus, a sacred church, The Church of the Vow, would be erected, which still remains today. Jan Gerritze Bantjes, Secretary General to Andries Pretorius, Campaign Commander, arranged for the financing of the church by the Boer townspeople, which had become a low priority after the war. The town flourished quickly and became the capital of the short-lived Boer Republic, also known as Natalia. When Britain took over Pietermaritzburg in 1843, it became the seat of the Natal Colony’s government, with Martin West, the first lieutenant-governor, making it his residence. Fort Napier was erected to accommodate a garrison and was named for the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir George Thomas Napier. Natal was given authority for its own administration in 1893, and an assembly building was constructed alongside the city hall.
Pietermaritzburg is close to Durban?
Pietermaritzburg is strategically placed between Durban, the Drakensberg mountain range, and the wildlife reserves of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also on the outskirts of the magnificent Midlands Meander, a lovely scenic route with several stops for art, craft, teas, dinners, and local products, as well as rural housing.
What is the new name for Pietermaritzburg?
Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second-largest city of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. It was established in 1838 and is now controlled by the Msunduzi Local Municipality. The district municipality is known by the Zulu name umGungundlovu.
What is the city of Pietermaritzburg famous for?
Pietermaritzburg is known as the “City of Flowers” because of its azaleas and roses, as well as the location of one of South Africa’s National Botanical Gardens. Butterfly conservation center Butterflies for Africa is also located in Pietermaritzburg.
Is it a pleasant area to live in Pietermaritzburg?
The overall atmosphere of Pietermaritzburg is easygoing, safe, and excellent for parents wishing to raise their children outside of the inner cities.
