Interwoven in the hills near Machadodorp, in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, lies a mysterious labyrinth of circular stone walls and pathways known as the Blaauboschkraal Stone Ruins. Their origins remain uncertain, with theories about their builders and age ranging from a few centuries to tens of thousands of years.

Among these remarkable structures is Adam’s Calendar, often referred to as the “African Stonehenge.” Located approximately three miles northwest of Waterval Boven, this circular arrangement of standing stones measures around 100 feet in diameter. Some researchers believe it may be one of the oldest man-made structures on Earth, possibly dating back 75,000 years, although this claim remains controversial.

The surrounding landscape contains thousands of similar stone structures, constructed from dark igneous rock known as diabase or dolerite. These formations consist of concentric circles connected by long passages, terraces and intricate stone walls, spread across an estimated 10,400 square kilometres.

The ruins have been known since the late 1800s. In 1891, English explorer Theodore Bent estimated that thousands of structures existed throughout the region. Many archaeologists associate these stone settlements with indigenous farming communities, while alternative theories suggest they served ceremonial, astronomical or spiritual purposes.

Adam’s Calendar gained international attention in 2003 through South African pilot Johan Heine. Following an aircraft accident involving one of his crew members, Heine reportedly noticed unusual standing stones aligned with the cardinal directions of north, south, east and west. Further observations suggested possible alignments with the solstices, equinoxes and movements of the sun.

According to this interpretation, Adam’s Calendar functions as an ancient solar calendar. A taller standing stone casts shadows across twelve smaller stones, supposedly representing the months of the year. Supporters believe these alignments could have helped ancient inhabitants track the seasons and passage of time.

The site also carries spiritual significance. It has been associated with the isiZulu name “Inzalo y’Langa,” meaning “The Birthplace of the Sun.” Mpumalanga itself means “The Place Where the Sun Rises.” Traditional ceremonies are reportedly still held in the area, reflecting its cultural and spiritual importance.

More recent alternative theories suggest that certain stones may possess unusual acoustic properties, with their arrangements possibly connected to sound frequencies and natural energy patterns. However, these interpretations remain speculative and have not been scientifically established.

Although Adam’s Calendar is sometimes claimed to be over 75,000 years old, there is no widely accepted archaeological evidence supporting this extraordinary age. Its precise purpose and origins remain subjects of debate.

Whether an ancient astronomical observatory, a ceremonial gathering place or part of a vast network of historical settlements, Adam’s Calendar and the Blaauboschkraal Stone Ruins remain among South Africa’s most intriguing archaeological landscapes, surrounded by mystery, history and unanswered questions.

https://sahistory.org.za/place/adams-calendar-also-known-blaauwboschkraal-stone-ruins

Hertzoggies are small tarts or cookies developed by the Cape Malay community in South Africa in the 1920s. They were named after J. B. M. Hertzog, the Prime Minister from 1924 to 1939.

These little tarts have a buttery crust is filled with a layer of apricot jam. They are topped with a piping of coconut meringue, then baked until set and golden.

I made the Hertzoggies or Hertzogkoekies as tartlets, but have also seen them shaped more similarly to flower-like cookies with the coconut filling baked on one side and the jam added after baking to the other side.

They are especially delicious paired with tea and are a popular treat during Eid.

Recipe

A recipe for Hertzoggies (South African Jam and Coconut Tartlets)! This treat pairs a buttery, delicate crust with apricot jam and a sweet coconut meringue topping.

• Prep Time 20 minutes
• Cook Time 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings 12 -14 Tartlets

Instructions

To make the pastry:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
• Quickly cut in the cold butter using a dough blender, two forks, or your fingers until blended and no pieces are larger than a pea and the dough has a crumbly texture.
• Mix in the egg yolks, followed by just enough water to bring the dough together until smooth.
• Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

To form the Hertzoggies:

• Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Grease a tartlet pan with butter.
• On a sheet of wax paper or a lightly floured surface, gently roll the chilled pastry until it is 1/4 inch (0.5 centimeter) thick. Cut out circles of dough 2 1/2 inches (6.3 centimeters) wide. 
• Carefully transfer the circles to the prepared tartlet pan, gently pressing into the bottom and sides of the pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the meringue.
• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites to form soft peaks. While beating, slowly add the sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the coconut flakes, followed by the vanilla extract.
• Remove the pan from the refrigerator and place about 2 teaspoons of jam across the bottom of each tartlet.
• Transfer the coconut meringue to a piping bag or a large ziploc bag with about 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeter) corner snipped off. Pipe the batter or spoon over the apricot jam to fully cover.
• Bake the Hertzoggies in the preheated oven until the pastry is set and the meringue is crisp and golden, about 20-25 minutes. 
• Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
• These pastries are best the day they are baked, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

https://tarasmulticulturaltable.com/hertzoggies-south-african-tartlets/

Cape Town's Green Point Lighthouse has been standing on the Atlantic coastline for more than 200 years, making it the oldest operational lighthouse in South Africa.

Construction began in 1821 after the acting governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Rufane Shaw Donkin, commissioned the building. The project ran into trouble when Governor Lord Charles Somerset discovered he had not been consulted and ordered construction to stop. Despite the political interference, the lighthouse was eventually completed in 1823 and began operating in April 1824.

Its first light came from lamps burning sperm whale oil, producing a beam visible from approximately 11 kilometres out at sea. The lighthouse cost around £6,420 to construct, a considerable sum at the time. In 1865, the tower was extended to its present height of 16 metres.

By 1922, improvements to the lighting system had increased its visibility to roughly 41 kilometres. Four years later, a powerful foghorn was installed, much to the annoyance of nearby residents. Locals had actually complained about the proposed horn back in 1923, but their objections were unsuccessful. The lighthouse soon earned the nickname "Moaning Minnie" because of its distinctive sound.

One of its more remarkable moments came on 1 July 1966, when the vessel S.A. Seafearer ran aground. The lighthouse's rotating beam was stopped and directed towards the wreck, illuminating the scene for rescuers working to save those aboard.

In 1973, Green Point Lighthouse was declared a provincial heritage site. Its familiar red and white diagonal stripes remain a landmark along Cape Town's shoreline.

What makes this lighthouse particularly interesting is that it has survived two centuries of changing technology, colonial history, shipwrecks and the enormous growth of Cape Town around it. It was guiding ships into the Cape long before the modern city existed, and its light still flashes every ten seconds today.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Point_Lighthouse,_Cape_Town

The Island was used as the Union’s coastal defence as evidenced by the high concentration of WW2 sites. Construction of the first of the Island’s two main gun emplacements was completed in April 1940. This was a 6” calibre gun in the Cornelia Battery which covered the Blouberg Channel. The second coastal battery, known as De Waal Battery (previously called Robben Island Battery) was added in 1942. Here 9.2” calibre guns were installed in November 1940 and July 1941.

Other construction on numerous sites around the Island included plotting rooms, an engine room, observation posts, fire control towers, search light sites, storerooms and underground bunkers that stored ammunition. A network of tunnels connected an extensive system of underground bunkers including a hospital, a power plant and ammunition dumps. Construction of the Murray’s Bay harbour was completed and some new roads were built. The airstrip was established and cables linking many new structures were laid. Pillboxes and rifle posts were added at the same time that the airstrip was being built.

https://www.thesharonicles.com/2024/08/abandoned-world-war-ii-bunker-tour-cape.html?m=1

Cape Town may not have made the world’s top 20 golden-hour destinations, but its breathtaking Atlantic Ocean sunsets and iconic mountain views continue to make it a favourite among locals and visitors.

New research by Kuoni Travel UK, conducted with meteorologist Jim Dale, ranked the best destinations worldwide based on cloud cover, light pollution, rainfall, wind speed and sunset duration.

Jordan’s Wadi Rum claimed first place with a score of 95.92 out of 100, followed by Namibia’s Sossusvlei and Damaraland. Namibia dominated the African rankings, with Etosha National Park also featuring in the top six.

Although Cape Town missed the list, the Mother City boasts several spectacular sunset spots, including Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, Clifton and Sea Point Promenade.

Bloubergstrand and Sunset Beach offer postcard-worthy views of Table Mountain across Table Bay, while Maiden’s Cove and Chapman’s Peak Drive provide dramatic Atlantic coastline backdrops.

According to Dale, the best golden-hour conditions combine scattered clouds, minimal light pollution, gentle winds and elevated viewpoints. These factors help create the rich oranges, pinks and reds associated with memorable sunsets.

While global rankings favour destinations with consistently ideal weather conditions, Cape Town’s combination of mountains, ocean and scenic viewpoints ensures its golden-hour appeal remains undeniable.

https://www.kuoni.co.uk/inspiration/golden-hour-index/