Heidelberg, South Africa, was the location of concentration camps during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). These camps housed Boer women and children, and also separate camps for Black Africans who were caught up in the conflict. The camps were established as part of the British “scorched earth” policy, which aimed to deprive Boer guerrilla fighters of support.
Key Points:
- Two sets of camps:There were separate concentration camps for white and Black populations in the Heidelberg district.
- White camps:These camps housed Boer women and children whose farms were destroyed under the scorched earth policy.
- Black camps:These camps housed Black Africans who were displaced or seeking refuge, with some working for the British military.
- High mortality rates:The camps, particularly the Black camps, suffered from poor sanitation, disease, and high death rates, especially among children.
- Legacy:The Heidelberg camps serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of the Second Boer War on civilians and the harsh realities of the conflict.
- Cemeteries:Graves of those who died in the camps are located in two cemeteries: the Kloof cemetery and the “camp cemetery” on the road to Nigel.
- Limited information:While the history of the white camps is relatively well-documented, information about the Black camps is still being uncovered.