Barberton

Barberton, also known as the Daisy Town, was founded on 24 July 1884 by the then-Gold Commissioner David Wilson, named after Barber and his cousin Fred who discovered gold in the area. This was the beginning of gold mining in South Africa. With that, Barberton became known throughout the world, and attracted fortune-seekers from far and wide. Mining was primitive and dangerous, the pioneers continued to seek fortunes with undaunted spirit, endured untold hardships, suffered disappointments and disasters, but, encouraged by a sprinkling of successes and unexpected triumphs, carried on. The first settlers in the region is a little more vague. Ancient San rock art in the mountains gives us a clue - as do the stone terraced walls, religious icons and gravesites that are evidences of a link with Hindu culture. The first known settlers, however, were the Swazi people, in 1864, after the defeat of Mswati forces by the Mpumalanga at Mariepskop. Barberton and district are situated in the southern part of Mpumalanga. The annual rainfall is approximately 755 mm occurring in the summertime. The average temperature in summer is 28ºC with a pleasant winter temperature of 17ºC. Shopping facilities include a large number of national retailers catering for most of the needs of the community. Banks, building societies, insurance companies, attorneys and other professional services such as auditors, consultants and engineering professionals are available. Medical facilities include a private and government hospital, doctors, dentists, optometrists, para-medical services, ambulance and clinics.