48 Hours In Pilgrim's Rest

A living museum dating from 1873, Pilgrim’s Rest is one of South Africa’s most fascinating towns. It’s been down in the dumps of late, but like any prospector worth his pan, the town has picked itself up again to fight another day. Here’s your guide for a fun weekend away.

- Mia Louw

Using QR codes to teach people about the past seems surprisingly modern for a historical gold mining town from the 1800s. Then again, this village was the second town in South Africa to receive electricity – even before London, some locals claim.

The QR code signs were placed on note­ worthy buildings in November 2019, allowing history buffs to scan their way through town with their phones, learning about each building and its various occupants over the years.

The project was spearheaded by René Reinders, with support from the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation. René is the wife of Johnny Reinders – the town’s legendary restaurateur and publican – and she’s also involved in the upkeep of the various museums in Pilgrim’s Rest. “All of the historical information was in her head,” says local tour guide Sherry Goodwin, clearly amazed by René’s knowledge and her willingness to embrace technology to improve the tourism experience.

The QR code project is just one way that Pilgrim’s Rest is trying to pick itself up again after a disastrous decade marred by municipal neglect, corruption, and the exodus of many long­standing business owners and residents. New shops and restaurants have opened, and everything seems to have calmed down a bit. In December 2019, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency had a Pilgrim’s Rest Revitalisation Launch, to assist with cleaning, landscaping and signage.

There’s still lots of poverty, though, as there is in most of rural South Africa, and business owners urge visitors to be considerate: “Should your vehicle be washed for the umpteenth time, without you requesting it, spare a thought for the fact that our car washers are at least trying to make a living without blatantly begging on the streets,” one coffee shop menu states.