KERKENBERG

This mountain in the Drakensberg range was named by Reverend Erasmus Smit in 1837. He felt that the adjoining open spaces would serve as a suitable place of worship. (Kerkenberg meaning Mountain of the Church)
Kerkenberg
Kerkenberg – The mountain was named by Rev Erasmus Smit. A party of Piet Retief’s trek, led by his stepson, A Greyling formed a laager at the foot of the mountain in October 1837. Piet Retief left the laager with 14 men on 7 October 1837 to explore Natal. They camped here until 13th November.
Retief's Rock
Retief’s Rock – Piet Retief’s daughter Deborah painted the date of her father’s 57th birthday “P Retief den 12 Novr. 1837” on a rock in commemoration of his achievement. A number of names on the rock surrounding that of Retief are the names of members of the Bethlehem Commando who occupied the Oliviershoek Pass on 10 October 1899.  Declared a National Monument in 1939.
Blyevooruitzight
Blyevooruitzight – The first party of Voortrekkers to enter Natal, led by Piet Retief, set out from here.
This monument was erected.
Retief Pass
Retief pass – This pass was only used by two Voortrekker leaders, Pit Retief and Petrus Uys. It appeared that on average 14 wagons could be moved down the mountain per day. In total 66 wagons went down.
Kaalvoet vrou
Kaalvoet vrou – Sculptured by Alfonso Smuts. Erected in memory of Boer women Susanna Smit, wife of Erasmus Smit. (Gert Maritz). Others attribute it to widow Mieta Kruger who, it is claimed, told the British High Commissioner, Henry Cloete on 6 August 1843 in Pietermaritzburg, that they would rather cross the Drakensberg and leave Natal on bare feet than subject themselves to British rule again.