Aliwal North is a town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, on the south bank of the Orange River (the border with the Free State Province). The town presents a pleasing appearance, with tree-lined streets and many fine stone buildings. Aliwal North and its Maletswai Local Municipality fall under the Ukhahlamba District Municipality
The Aliwal North Tourism Bureau is located at 97 Somerset Street, Aliwal North, and can be contacted at telephone number 051-633-3567 or fax number 051-633-3569.
Aliwal North History
In 1872 a pontoon was established at the strategic Flotfontein ford, which was used by the Bushmen and the Voortrekkers, to transport travelers across the Orange River. The town was founded in 1828 by the frontiersman Pieter Jacobus de Wet, and built on Buffelsvlei farm. On 12 May 1849 the foundation stone for an administrative building was laid.
Aliwal North was named in tribute to Cape governor (1847-1852), Sir Harry Smith, who victoriously fought a battle with the Sikhs at Aliwal village in the Punjab in India in 1846. But to distinguish it from Aliwal South, now Mossel Bay, "North" had to be added to the name. Crossing the Orange River at this spot in September 1848, Sir Harry noted that it was "a beautiful site for a town", and in the May following the town was founded.
In the early months of the Boer War of 1899-1902 the Boers held Aliwal North. The British reoccupied it in March 1900.
Aliwal North Hot Springs
Two hot mineral springs in the Aliwal North area, both of which have extremely high concentrates of minerals and gases, have proved to be valuable tourism assets. The concentrate of gas is so high that the first restaurant built here was able to maintain its cooking fire from gas funneled from the springs. People come from far and wide to make use of the therapeutic qualities of the Aliwal North hot springs. (Apparently great for rheumatism and various skin diseases.)
Aliwal North Economy
The town developed rapidly as a health resort and transport centre with the railway from East London reaching the town in 1885. When the railway was extended to the Free State, by-passing Aliwal North, the town suffered a severe setback.
Today, Aliwal North still serves as an important trading and agricultural centre for a prosperous farming community in the northeastern part of the Eastern Cape Province and the neighboring regions of the Free State. The main agricultural products in the area are wool, maize, wheat, beef and dairy.
