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.

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.

Share your thoughts about Okiep.

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

References and further reading

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

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

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

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 167

Journey Through the Living Deserts of South Africa - Author: CM Dean - Published: 2005 - Page: 79

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

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 111

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

Journey Through the Living Deserts of South Africa - Author: CM Dean - Published: 2005 - Page: 73

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

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 355

Northern Cape - Namakwa

---

Top