Sites

THIS IS THE ARCHIVE FOR SAHRIS 1.0


THIS SITE IS NOW AN ARCHIVE AND IS NOT SUITABLE FOR MAKING APPLICATIONS

Please be aware that no content and application creation or changes to information on this version of SAHRIS will be retained.

To make applications or utilise SAHRIS for the creation of information, please use the new site:

https://sahris.org.za

Changes to SAHRIS!

The South African Heritage Resources Information System (SAHRIS) has undergone a generational upgrade and restructure. These changes to the site include, but are not limited to:

  • A new & modernised look and layout
  • Improved site usage flows with respect to applications and content creation
  • Improved site performance and stability

Launch for the new version of SAHRIS occurred on Monday the 30th of October 2023.

The new site can be found here:

SAHRIS | SAHRIS

9/2/436/0074

Group

SiteHeader

SiteID: 

26105

FullSiteName: 

Acacia Tree, Parkside, Pietermaritzburg

SiteCategory: 

PropertyIsSite: 

No

ReferenceList: 

Relationships: 

Group content visibility: 

Public - accessible to all site users

Author: 

Anonymous
Post date: 07/08/2012
Site Comments:

Archive Import
History: This remarkable acacia tree stands in the attractive grounds of the Administrator’s residence in Pietermaritzburg. This tree occupies a special place in the traditions of KwaZulu-Natal. After the establishment of the Republic of Natalia by the Voortrekkers, the British Government sent a military force to Port Natal to take possession of the territory as a British Colony. The Voortrekkers under the command of Commandant-General A. W. J. Pretorius besieged the British in the Old Fort in Durban. Reinforcements arrived under command of Col. J. Cloete and Pretorius retired first to where Pinetown is today and then to Pietermaritzburg. Cloete prescribed conditions of submission to be accepted by the Voortrekkers and in July, 1842, the Volksraad had to consider the conditions. According to Adv. Henry Cloete, Colonel Cloete’s brother, who had been sent to Natal as British Commissioner, the Volksraad’s decision on 5th July,1842, to accept the conditions of capitulation was taken under this tree.
There is no documentary proof of this statement and every reason to doubt it. It is known that there had been a Volksraadsaal in Pietermaritzburg since 1840 and all the indications are that the extraordinary meeting of the Volksraad and the subsequent signing of Cloete’s terms on 15th July, 1842, took place in the Volksraad’s council chamber.
Notwithstanding these doubts, the tree is of consider able interest. -From Cloete’s evidence it must be concluded that it was already a large and imposing specimen in 1842 and it is a fine example of an umkhamba tree with a spreading flat crown.
Visual Description:
Colours:
Site Features:
Condition:
Construction Date:
Materials:
Catalogue: , No: , Significance Category:

Directions:
From CBD take West Street towards Durban (ie: SE). After passing Maritzburg College and at guard box
 
 

Search form