{"id":48448,"date":"2026-01-26T15:15:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=48448"},"modified":"2026-01-26T15:15:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:15:26","slug":"the-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-south-african-mining-town-where-paul-kruger-frequented","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/01\/26\/the-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-south-african-mining-town-where-paul-kruger-frequented\/","title":{"rendered":"The oldest operating bar in a historic South African mining town where Paul Kruger frequented \u2013 Newsday"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>For the past 132 years, the Krugersdorp Club in Gauteng\u2019s West Rand has not only been a popular watering hole for its patrons \u2013 it is a proud institution.<\/p>\n<p>While most of the buildings surrounding it in the CBD of Krugersdorp have come and gone, the Krugersdorp Club has stood strong, from Transvaal President Paul Kruger to the modern man; the club has remained a pristine bar and restaurant.<\/p>\n<p>The Krugersdorp town was\u00a0founded in 1887\u00a0following the Witwatersrand gold rush. The government purchased part of the Paardekraal farm to establish a town.<\/p>\n<p>It originated from two separate, later-united, townships\u2014one for business, the other for mining.<\/p>\n<p>The Krugersdorp Club was founded in 1894 by two of the town\u2019s most prominent doctors at the time, Dr. Wouter van der Merwe and Dr. Percy Stewart.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Van der Merwe lived on the corner of Ockerse Street, which was then the town\u2019s main thoroughfare, and Kruger Street, noted Jaco Mattheyse, co-founder of the Krugersdorp Heritage Association.<\/p>\n<p>In his back garden, he planted a jacaranda tree whose leafy shade became a favourite gathering spot for visitors \u2013 including none other than President Paul Kruger, a personal friend. <\/p>\n<p>That same tree remains standing today behind the gates of the current club building.<\/p>\n<p>The two doctors decided to establish a venue where the town\u2019s emerging gentlemen could gather and unwind, inspired by their own daily habit of enjoying sundowners after work.<\/p>\n<p>Mattheyse said that the time coincided with the wider tradition of gentlemen\u2019s clubs in the late Victorian era. <\/p>\n<p>Such establishments were not unique to Krugersdorp; they were regarded as an essential feature of any respectable town, city, or metropolis across the English-speaking world.<\/p>\n<p>In the 19th century, the family was seen as a central pillar of a man\u2019s life, yet the home was not always a haven of privacy, particularly for the elite. <\/p>\n<p>Houses frequently doubled as venues for dinners, teas, and social gatherings, exposing private life to constant public scrutiny, often amplified by local newspapers. <\/p>\n<p>Gentlemen\u2019s clubs offered a refuge from these demands, explained Mattheyse. The club provided a space where men could socialise comfortably among peers.<\/p>\n<p>These clubs were important centres of information and gossip. Conversation and news-sharing helped forge social bonds, shape personal reputation, and reinforce class and gender norms. <\/p>\n<p>Far from trivial, gossip functioned as a tool of networking and influence.<\/p>\n<p>A typical gentlemen\u2019s club included a formal dining room, bar, library, billiards room, and various parlours for reading, games, or quiet discussion. <\/p>\n<p>Some, such as the popular Rand Club, also offered guest accommodation and fitness facilities, while many hosted regular dinners and sporting events.<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb3e9b0&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb3e9b0\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/10-6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/10-6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/10-6-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Home of Dr\u00a0van der Merwe in the early 20th century. Image: Heritage Portal. Colourised by AI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb3f456&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb3f456\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440505_2_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440505_2_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-16-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-16-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1-16-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The entrance that has welcomed patrons for well over a century stands strong. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The club kicks off<\/h2>\n<p>The club gained significant traction during the Second South African War (1899 \u2013 1902), with British soldiers stationed in the area taking a particular liking to it.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the occupation by the British, van der Merwe maintained his daily visits to the club.<\/p>\n<p>Unbeknownst to the British soldiers, van der Merwe gathered critical information \u2013 such as troop movements \u2013 and passed it along to local Boer contacts.<\/p>\n<p>These included the likes of \u201cVaal Martiens\u201d Pretorius, Gerrit van Blommenstein, and Charles Te Water. <\/p>\n<p>These men would then write coded messages, attach them to dogs\u2019 collars, and send the animals out of town, where Boer commandos would intercept them.<\/p>\n<p>The club quickly grew in numbers and popularity, and its boardroom was even used by President Paul Kruger on occasion, when he travelled through the town.<\/p>\n<p>By 1910, it boasted over 400 members, which exceeded the likely size of the town\u2019s middle class.<\/p>\n<p>This suggests that many working-class individuals,  particularly miners, were also regulars, while the club\u2019s presidents and office bearers were usually middle-class professionals.<\/p>\n<p>Mattheyse said, however, that determining their occupations was challenging because Krugersdorp\u2019s church registers lacked details typically recorded in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n<p>These conclusions were drawn from comparing the Krugersdorp Club Visitors\u2019 Book (1902\u20131912) and the Register of European Burials in Krugersdorp Cemetery (1904\u20131929).<\/p>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb40206&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb40206\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440507_883_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440507_883_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9-6-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9-6-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/9-6-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Outside the 132-year-old Krugersdorp Club in the CBD. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb40b6a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb40b6a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440510_104_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440510_104_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-13-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-13-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3-13-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The boardroom, where major mining and other business deals took place, is still in mint condition. In the centre is a painting of Wouter van der Merwe. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visiting the club in 2026<\/h2>\n<p>One walk through the building feels surreal. <\/p>\n<p>The current wood-and-iron building, dating to the late 19th century, features many elements typical of late Victorian colonial architecture: pressed steel ceilings, wooden floors, fireplaces, and other original details.<\/p>\n<p>From historic furniture that once witnessed critical business decisions, mining licences dating back over a century, President Paul Kruger\u2019s chair, and a safe that robbers tried to break open because they thought Kruger rands were inside, the history is seemingly endless.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBrowsing through these books today, one can\u2019t help but feel a sense of awe at the well-known names and families who graced the club over the decades,\u201d said Mattheyse.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn the sidewalk outside one can still see the pole to tie your horse to before entering the club,\u201d added Mattheyse.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking to Krugersdorp News, Mattheyse said that \u201cthough changing lifestyles and modern habits have led to a decline in membership, The Krugersdorp Club,\u201d still stands proud.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVisitors are welcome to enjoy its historic atmosphere, hearty pub-style meals, and cold refreshments \u2013 just as they have for the past 131 years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The food and drinks are well-priced, and the atmosphere is buzzing. It is a must-visit for anyone in the area.<\/p>\n<p>The club is currently reaching out to find new members, looking to boost its member count.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More images of the 132-year-old Krugersdorp Club<\/h2>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb419d3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb419d3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440513_596_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440513_596_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-14-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-14-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2-14-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inside the club shows a building rooted in tradition. Photo: Seth Thorne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb4255f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb4255f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440515_811_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440515_811_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/6-11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/6-11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/6-11-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The visitors\u2019 book, tracing back to 1902, tells a story very few establishments can tell. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb4309b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb4309b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440518_84_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440518_84_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7-9-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7-9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7-9-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mining licences from years gone by. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb43bc6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb43bc6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440520_209_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440520_209_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-12-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-12-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4-12-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paul Kruger\u2019s chair in front of the window, with the original club gavel to its side. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;697781eb446d7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"697781eb446d7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440523_891_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png?resize=640%2C360&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769440523_891_The-oldest-operating-bar-in-a-historic-South-African-mining.png 1200w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-11-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/newsday.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/5-11-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Early 20th-century paintings line the walls. Photo: Daniel De Kock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"text-center border p-3 bg-light mt-4 rounded\">You have read 1 out of 5 free articles. Log in or register for unlimited access.<\/div>\n<p>                        <!-- Share Data Setup for JavaScript --><\/p><\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#oldest #operating #bar #historic #South #African #mining #town #Paul #Kruger #frequented #Newsday<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the past 132 years, the Krugersdorp Club in Gauteng\u2019s West Rand has not only been a popular watering hole&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":48449,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-48448","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48448","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48448"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48448\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48450,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48448\/revisions\/48450"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48449"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48448"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48448"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48448"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}