On July 24, the town of Barberton officially turns 141 years old, a milestone that deserves not just a passing mention, but a proud and purposeful celebration.

In honour of this momentous occasion, De Kaap Echo will publish a series of articles over the next week or two, that pay tribute to the stories, pioneers, legends, and landscapes that gave birth to one of South Africa’s most colourful towns. From the first gold discoveries in the De Kaap Valley to the rise of early visionaries like French Bob, Sammy Marks, and Cockney Liz, we will walk readers back in time into the heart of a town built on boldness and resilience.

Barberton is more than a mining town. It’s a living archive of South African history with tales that shimmer brighter than gold dust. As we trace the steps of those who once walked these streets, we’ll also reflect on the spirit that still runs through them today.

This is your town. Your heritage. Your story.

We invite all our readers, new and lifelong, to journey with us as we explore how Barberton became a beacon of hope for prospectors, entrepreneurs, rebels, and dreamers. Whether it’s the story of the first stock exchange, the beloved Jock of the Bushveld, or the merchants who built more than just shops, we’ll celebrate the fabric of this extraordinary town, one story at a time.

So, to Barberton we say happy 141th birthday!
You are golden in more ways than one.

With pride,
𝓛𝔂𝓷𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮.