Sep
2014
Fort Beaufort is located in the Eastern Cape close to Cradock.
Fort Beaufort was originally a missionary outpost station established in 1862 by Reverend Joseph Williams of the London Missionary Society.
Later in history Fort Beaufort became a military outpost in the Xhosa wars and the subsequent 6th Xhosa war of 1834-1835.
Fort Beaufort is the only inland town to boast a turret or as it was known in military jargon, a Martello Tower, with a Howitzer machine gun mounted atop the tower.
Fort Beaufort is the home of Fort Hare University with four campuses.
Fort Hare University located in a town called Alice, was instrumental in the higher education of black Africans from 1916-1959.
Here is a list of notable students from Fort Hare University:
· John Hlope – 1959 Judge President of the Cape Provincial Division of the High Court
· Bulelani Ngcuka – 1954 Former Director of Public Prosecutions
· Chris Hani – Expelled, Leader of the SACP
· Mantu Tshabalala Msimang - Former Minister of Health
· Desmond Tutu - Arch Bishop Emeritus
· Kenneth Kaunda - First President of Zambia
· Robert Mugabe - President of Zimbabwe
· Nelson Mandela – Expelled, Former President of South Africa
Places worth visiting when visiting the town of Fort Beaufort:
· Tsolwana Game Reserve
· Adelaide, South Africa, there is a Heritage Museum
· Alice, Fort Beaufort, Cultural Dress and Municipal Museum
· The Old British Fort outside town
Fort Beaufort is supported by the farming of citrus fruits, sheep and corn farming. Tourism is a seasonal attraction and visiting places like Hogsback for a hike in the forests is a worthwhile scenic outing.
J.R.R Tolkien found inspirations for his novel Lord of the Rings walking in these forests.
Schools in Fort Beaufort include:
· Fort Beaufort Primary School
· Healdtown Comprehensive School
· Balfour Primary School
· Boundary Hill Primary School
Have a look on the MyRoof website for properties on offer.