Gauteng Tourism

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Kruger House

Home to the first President of the Republic of Zuid Afrika, which included the Dutch colonies of the Transvaal (Pretoria, Johannesburg, North West and Limpopo Provinces). Paul Kruger joined Andries Potgieter and settled in the Western Transvaal near Rustenburg, becoming more involved in politics and leading the Boers in the Anglo-Boer War (1889- 1891). In 1882, Paul Kruger was elected president of the Transvaal, acquiring many Eurpoean allies, which changed drastically with the dsicover of gold in Johannesburg. During the second Anglo-Boer war, he fled the area, passing away in 1904. He was buried on the 16 December in the Church Street cemetry.

Kruger House can be found in the centre of Pretoria, in what was Church street, now WF Nkomo street. It showcases the simple life from the past, with the train carriage used for presidential business, and gives understanding as to how people lived nearly 150 years ago. This museum falls under the Distong umbrella.

Kruger House is opposite the Kruger Church, Kruger Square.

THe official Kruger statue can be found in the Kruger National Park, which was started under his rule.

Suggested outing: From Kruger House, make your way to Melrose House, the home of the Anglo families in the Anglo-boer war, and then the Union Buildings which commemorates the union, and eventually Republic, with the coming together of the two sides. Another important desitnation in Political South Africa, is the Nelson Mandela National Museum, representing the Democratic South African heritage.