On This Day in South African History

On this day in 1886, Sir Charles Warren, leader of a military expedition, renamed The Barolong settlement Mahikeng after the annexation of Bechuanaland by the British. Warren was the chairman of the land commission, established to settle all land disputes in the territory after the Bechuanaland Wars.

The town, which was laid out by Warren’s military force, was established within close proximity of Ga-Ratshidi, the Barolong capital. The municipality was established in October 1896.

Mahikeng, commonly known as Mafikeng is the capital city of the North-West Province of South Africa.

Source: SA History