Ixopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal- Midlands

There are a number of interesting historical features in the small KwaZulu Natal town of Ixopo which attract the attention of visitors. These include the former Agricultural Hall - a national monument which is now used as a bank; a memorial sundial located in the grounds of the magistrate's court; Dead Men's Tree which stands outside the old Post Office buildings, and was once used to carry death and funeral notices; and the Ixopo Prison which grew from the remains of an early fort in 1900.

Two churches built in the town during the 1880s are still in use, St John the Baptist Anglican Church in High Street, and the former Methodist Church - now in use as the church hall. The Mariathal Mission, which was founded in 1887, served as the first seminary for priests who had studied overseas. Its present site is on the road to Richmond and Umzimkulu. Some of the most magnificent churches can be seen at Centocow near Creighton.

A striking landmark situated up on Medal Hill is a cross erected in 1972 to promote goodwill among men. It overlooks the town and is floodlit at night. The Off Saddle Hotel, built in 1878, is reputed to be the oldest licensed country hotel in KwaZulu Natal still bearing it's original name. A memorial to Cecil John Rhodes is located on a farm road between Ixopo and Richmond. He and his brother farmed cotton briefly in the Mkomazi valley in 1870. There is a very distinctive floodlit cross, bestowing peace and goodwill on the Town and the nearby Buddhist Retreat Centre. For over twenty years people of all religions, have been visiting the Buddhist Retreat to experience total peace and tranquility. Different paths meandering through the 300 Acre property each bring their own revelation: follow the pine-scented path to the Dam; walk past ancient cycads to the tracks of early Voortrekker wagons; or make your way to the rocky outcrop that provides a perfect seat for contemplating the Valley below. Nearby are the breeding sites of the rare Blue Swallow - the Endangered Wildlife Trust has appointed the Buddhist Retreat Centre a custodian of these rare swallows. Their presence, together with the Buddhist Retreat Centre's commitment to encouraging the indigenous biodiversity of the Area, has led to the Centre being declared a Natural Heritage Site, by former President Nelson Mandela.Justice Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi Zondo (popularly known as Judge Raymond Zondo) was born in this rural town, in 1960. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa announced on the 22 of March 2022, the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as the next chief justice of the Country's Constitutional Court.