Greylingstad

Afrikaans name: Greylingstad

Approaching Greylingstad

Photo © Steven Herbert

Mpumalanga

As with many towns in South Africa the origin of this town lies with the Dutch Reformed Church. They established a church and community in this area in 1909. The town was named after PJ Greyling who was a stepson the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief.

The original site of Greylingstad was 5 km away from the current site. In 1913 land owner Willem Bezuidenhout established Willemsdal on the current location and a year later Greylingstad was moved to and took over from Willemsdal.

The town has always relied on agriculture on the surrounding towns to keep it going and this is still true today, although the town has declined since the nearby road to Johannesburg was rerouted to bypass the town.

The main products from the farms are maize and dairy.

Grain silos dominate the landscape

Photo © Steven Herbert

Dutch Reformed Church

Photo © Steven Herbert

Share your thoughts about Greylingstad.

References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 90

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 301

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 221

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 171

Mpumalanga Tourism

Top