Geluksburg

Geluksburg
Geluksburg Geluksburg
Coordinates: 28°31′S 29°21′E
Country	South Africa
Province	KwaZulu-Natal
District	Uthukela (IFP)
Municipality	Okhahlamba (APEMO)
Ward	Ward 13
Ward Councillor	John van Rooijan (IFP)
Area
• Total	1.21 km2 (0.47 sq mi)
Population  (2022)
• Total	211
• Density	170/km2 (450/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2022)
• Black African	51%
• Coloured	0.6%
• White	45.4%
First languages (2022)
• Zulu	48%
• Afrikaans	32.9%
• English	28.9%
• Sotho	0.9%
• Other	0.6%
Time zone	UTC+2 (SAST)
PO box	3377

Geluksburg is a small village in the Northern of Drakensberg in the KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa, located approximately 24 km from Bergville, close to Green Point and to the Free State border between the Oliviershoek and Van Reenen Mountain passes. The village lies 6 km below the base of the Tintwa mountains.

These ridges provide views of the Northern Drakensberg. Furthermore, these foothills contain notable examples of San Rock Art. These are not yet open to the public due to archaeological survey work. The word “Geluk” means ‘luck’ in Afrikaans and ‘Burg’ a town or residential area.

The closest other towns include Bergville, Ladysmith and Harrismith. Accessible on gravel roads only, the hamlet is a haven for retirees, recluses, and refugees from the world seeking out its remoteness. It’s also home to a handful of professionals like teachers and social workers and those who work remotely, including digital nomads, who proudly proclaim Gelukburg’s egalitarianism.

History

Geluksburg played a role in the history of the Bushmen (San), Zulu, Boer and British. Firstly, inhabited by the Bushman. However, they were forced out of the region by Nguni clans and the early European settlers. King Shaka’s Mfecane during the early 1800s added to their displacement from this area.

The ‘Lost Valley’ located near Geluksburg was an early settlement of ‘Trek Boers’. This group were a “White Tribe” that lived an elementary life. Some five families lost their way from Piet Retief’s primary group, and as a result sought refuge in this valley. They were very reclusive until being discovered by a journalist in the 1950’s. The journalist observed them living in very simple mud dwellings.

The “Lost Valley” is now private farmland. However, tours can be arranged to see the remnants of the homes of this community.

Schools

• Maswazi Primary,
• Rheibokspruit Loërskool,
• Thintwa Secondary,
• Ekukhuleni Early Childhood Development,
• Geluksburg Daycare