Heidelberg has one piece of history in plain sight of which many people are unaware.
The Bakoond is found opposite Life Suikerbosrand Hospital in the open field.
Heidelberg was in the midst of the Second Anglo-Boer War and plans had to be made to safeguard the water for the Boers in the area.
A fountain was discovered in the middle of Heidelberg. It was commonly known as Oom Paul’s Fountain.
There are rumours that Paul Kruger was part of the group that discovered the spring fountain at the time.
It served as the original reservoir of Heidelberg at the time. Stonework was built over the fountain to prevent it from getting muddy and to prevent the British troops from poisoning the water.
The stone structure disguised the fountain and it appeared to be an oven (bakoond) to bake bread, or so they made the enemy believe.
At the time, a bakoond was a common structure found in various parts of town that a lot of farmers used to bake bread.
At the time of the war, whoever was in charge of the water would be in charge of the town.
The water running through Heidelberg originated from the Kloof Spruit and symbolised hope.
In 1900, Lord Robberts claimed Heidelberg as one of the towns that needed to be captured. The British wanted to protect the railway line running through the area from being vandalised.
Even when the town was taken over by the British, the fountain was still able to provide water to residents of Heidelberg.
General Piet Retief Viljoen at the time withdrew his troops from Heidelberg to protect the town from being bombed by General Hart.
On June 22 at midnight Viljoen withdrew his men from Heidelberg and that saved the town from being bombed.
On June 23 General Hart took control of Heidelberg.
In later years the Bakoond served as a cooling tunnel or a cold drink (ginger beer) manufacturer.
The opening sides of the oven ensured cooled perennial water, which kept the drinks colder for a longer period.
The Bakoond is a monument and treasure that Heidelberg can be proud of.
Reference: Heidelberg Heritage Association, https://monument-sa.co.za/
