Okiep

Afrikaans name: Okiep

Okiep

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

In the small town of Okiep there is a tall, rather odd-looking monument that tells you a lot about the history of Okiep. The monument itself is a ventilation shaft taken from a Cape Copper Company mine. It was built in 1880. The town was founded in one of the richest copper ore areas in the world.

There are a number of historical sites in the area which attract some tourists. The town is also a good place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Accommodation in Okiep

During the Anglo-Boer war, in 1902, the British forces withstood a 30-day siege by the Boers. The siege was relieved on the 4th May 1902 when British troops arrived from Port Nolloth.

This old ventilation shaft, preserved from a copper mine, is now a national monument.

Photo © Johan van Zyl

St Augustine's Anglican Church

Photo © Johan van Zyl

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References and further reading

Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 355

go! - Issue 086 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 72

Guide to Sieges of South Africa - Author: Nicki von der Heyde - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 202

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 348

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 167

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 279

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 13

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 157