Ever wondered why the new housing scheme in Kathu is called “Lattakoo” ? That was the way that the white missionaries pronounced “Dithakong” – the historic Tswana capital city, north of Kuruman.

A new tourism route in the Kuruman-Kathu area offers many such fascinating insights. The route will be launched on Tuesday 30 October 2018 at Red Sands Game Lodge, just west of Kuruman. It takes the form of a heritage conference, and there will also be music and crafts on display.

With funding from Lotto, the Karoo Development Foundation (KDF) has developed the Go Ghaap ! Route that includes the following towns : Kuruman, Kathu, Deben, Olifantshoek, Postmasburg, Daniëlskuil, Griquatown and Campbell.

This area is incredibly rich in heritage. The Ghaap Plateau was formed 3-billion years ago, and this created the mining wealth in this region. The area used to be the home of the early stone man, the San, the Koranna, the Tswana, the Griqua, the white and coloured missionaries, explorers, travellers, brigands, churches, and town-builders. Each town on the plateau has its own distinct history.

The “Go Ghaap! Route” will showcase established sites such as the Wonderwerk Cave, the Eye of Kuruman, the Moffat Mission, the Mary Moffat Mission in Griquatown, and Witsand.

But there is so much more to be done. Many other sites can be developed for tourist visits. Kathu, for example, has a remarkable stone age “tool factory” on the commonage, the “kuil” (waterhole) of Daniëlskuil played an important part in Griqua history and Postmasburg has a vast diamond mine.

Several other towns serve as gateways to the Ghaap Plateau. These are Barkly West, Kimberley, Prieska, Douglas, Groblershoop, and Vanzylsrus. Throughout history, travellers passed through these areas to reach the Ghaap. From there, they set off into southern Africa.

The launch costs R100 per person (payable at the door). Please contact Doreen Atkinson of the Karoo Development Foundation, if you have any queries karoo@intekom.co.za or 083 274 5461.