Dutch Reformed Church, Zoutpansberg | South African History Online

The Nederduits Gereformeerde congregation of Zoutpansberg was established at Renosterpoort, by S Hofmeyr, in September 1872, with Rev PJJ Boshoff as its first minister. He immediately initiated plans for a new church and on 18 October 1872 the structure was consecrated and served as a church until 1917 when its entrance and tower were demolished. It was then converted to a shop and warehouse. In 1981 the then Pietersburg City Council decided to restore the building by rebuilding its tower and entrance. Today it houses the Hugh Eksteen Museum, and was declared a National Monument under old NMC legislation on 20 May 1988.

The Hugh Eksteen Photographic Museum contains, over 23000 negatives and original photographs taken by Hugh Eksteen who lived to be 91 years old.

The photos portray what the area of Polokwane (previously known as Pietersburg) looked like between 1892 and 1945 as well as an insight into the architecture, celebrities of the time, clothing, industry and trade.

Take a look at the cameras used and browse through Eksteen appointment books containing notes of every photo he took, the subject and the cost. Eksteen took photos of everyone and everything, regardless of race, age or religion and was present to photograph historic events of that time. There is a lot to see and discover at the museum and it is definitely worth a visit.

References

https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/.../hugh-exton-photographic-museum

https://www.observer.co.za/muni-celebrates-international-museums-day/