May 5, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
When staying at Nelspruit Lodge, there is so much to see and do in the area. A trip to the rock garden at Revolve Creek is one such adventure that you should do.
During the late 1960s travellers between Barberton and Kaapmuiden were astounded as they came across a sea of beautifully painted rocks. The owner of this stunning sight was Nukain Mabuza, a farm worker from one of the nearby farms. His origins are a mystery and while the people who knew him said he was a Shangaan or Swazi, it was unknown even to them from where he came.
When Nukain was questioned as to why he painted the rocks, he replied that “his head told him too”. He strictly used yellow, black, white and red paint in his garden. He cleared the veld grass and any other vegetation in a triangular area on the slope and marked it off with small rocks. Like most peoples gardens, he had delineated paths. The area outside his rock garden was full of indigenous plants including aloes and wild dagga. While Mabuza painted all sorts of designs, he never once painted a flower on his rocks.
Over the years many people started to donate paint, but any other colours were used between the road and his fence, not in his garden. He painted mostly spots and stripes but there were also paintings of dogs, rabbits, elephant and birds among his art. This certain style he kept up for many years. He painted rocks and also large embedded boulders on the hillside that surrounded his humble hut. A distinctive boulder at the bottom of his garden was said to be his throne. From this “Throne” like boulder, Mabuza could sit and gaze up at his garden. Mabuza used to tell people his garden was the most beautiful garden in the universe. His hut too was painted in a similar fashion, inside and out. Many articles were written about his art and he kept these clippings on the inside walls of his home.
Two books were written about his life and work, “The Home Of Nukain Mabuza” and “The Painted Stone Garden of Nukain Mabuza”.
Nukain Mabuza’s rock art was a tourist attraction during his life but he was never recognised as an artist. Athol Fugard did, however, make a play about his life, “The Painted Rocks At Revolver Creek” and in 2015 the play enjoyed a highly acclaimed debut season in New York. The play was later done at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town. Like any good story, there is a sad end to this one. Nukain Mabuza was an eccentric man in every aspect. One day in 1981, he dug a hole at the top of his painted mountain and buried himself alive.
His body was removed and today he lies in an unmarked grave in the Barberton Cemetary, identifiable only by a reference number. Like Mozart, his life and brilliance were only recognised after his death and both have ended in paupers graves.
Neglected and forgotten for thirty years, this spectacular garden has faded; it’s peeling and overgrown. Although there are only a few photographic records of the site, attempts to restore it are being made.
When staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, you can visit his rock garden and learn more about this mysterious artist.
Jul 15, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge, Things to in and around Nelspruit
Nelspruit Lodge accommodates people from all over the country and because we are situated in a rich tourist area, we encourage guests to make the most of their time here by visiting various interesting places close to Nelspruit.
So while in Nelspruit for a few days, why not make a day of visiting Barberton? Barberton has a rich history, dating back to the 1880’s when it got caught up in the gold rush of that era.
Tom McLachlan discovered gold in 1881 in Jamestown in what is now Barberton, but due to the Malaria in the area, no-one wanted to go there. However, when “French Bob” (Auguste Roberts) discovered gold at Concession Creek in 1883, the gold rush went into overdrive.
Barberton got its name from Graham H Barber but it’s the people who lived there who gave this town its vibrant history.
Infamous Citizens
Go getting ladies like Cockney Liz and Golden Dane were known for selling their “wares” to diggers and pilgrims alike. Much is said about their ill-reputed ways, but in actual fact, these ladies not only entertained the men but it is known that they also gave their time freely to help in hospitals. Golden Dane was one of the only people brave enough to nurse diggers in their tents where they lay dying from malaria. Golden Dane died in Barberton where she was found in a coma after contracting malaria herself. She died without anyone knowing where she came from and without anyone knowing her real name.
Cockney Liz is another known character that Barberton was once home to. She too gained an unseemly reputation that she didn’t quite deserve. But she became an astute businesswoman and made a success of herself nonetheless. There is no record of what happened to Cockney Liz.
Things To Do In Barberton
- Eureka City
Take a 4×4 adventure into the past and visit Eureka City. Approximately 20km from Barberton, this small ghost town was established in 1885 after the discovery of gold on the Sheba Reef. Although in its heyday it sported music halls, a bakery, three hotels and shops as well as a racecourse, all that is left is the ruins of the buildings.
- Guided Heritage Walk Through Historical Barberton
For a taste of the history of Barberton, take a guided tour through the streets of Barberton with a tour guide that can tell you all those little extra bits of information. The walk starts at the Barberton museum and goes past the Lodge of St Johns in the south. Next stop is the Blockhouse, which was built during the Anglo-Boer war by the English to protect the hospital and concentration camp. Built in the 1890’s Fernlea House is next on the list and it has been restored and now houses an exhibition about Rimer’s Creek.
Belhaven House Museum was built in 1904 and is today decorated in a way that displays wealthy middle-class living in the era. 700 meters from Fernlea House stands the Turbine that in 1931 purified the town’s water. A popular gathering place for the locals in bygone days, Rimer’s Creek sported a tearoom that attracted the local barmaids on Wednesday afternoons.
Stopforth House is beautifully furnished with its original furniture and cutlery. Only the façade of the De Kaap Stock Exchange has survived and can be viewed en-route. In front of the Town Hall is a statue of Percy Fitzpatrick’s faith dog “Jock”. Opposite the Town Hall, you can gaze at the English Lodge with its classical architecture. In 1896 the Kaapmuiden – Barberton railway line was opened and a steam train locomotive similar to those once used is on display nearby, and this marks the end of the walk.
- Gold Mine Tour
Take a tour of where gold mining first started in the area. At Agnes Gold Mine you will be equipped with gumboots, lamp and hardhat and taken into an active mine as well as an inactive gold mine. While you are there you can also try your hand at panning for gold.
- Historical Cemetery
Aptly situated at the end of Gospel Street, this cemetery has graves the date back to the 1800s.
- Barberton Garden Of Remembrance
A large military camp was established in the northeast of Barberton during the Second World War. Replicas of the regimental crests and badges of the South African units that passed through this area have been erected in this camp.
Book your Nelspruit accommodation at our comfortable lodge and take a trip into the past when you spend a day in Barberton!
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