South African family history, genealogy, heritage and interesting places, past and present. All articles researched and written by Anne Lehmkuhl. COPYRIGHT ANNE LEHMKUHL, no article can be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission. EMAIL ME
Steaming into tourism industry
Creighton, in southern KwaZulu-Natal, has a beautiful railway station. It is built in the traditional Natal veranda style and cost R4.6 million. It is also used as the civic offices of the Ingwe Municipality and a tourist information centre. The Johannesburg-based Bushveld Safari charter train stops at the station on its way to Kokstad and Matatiele in East Griqualand. The old Creighton station was a wood-and-iron colonial building. It has been converted into a museum. The old post office, also on the station platform, became the tourist information centre. A shaded boma and braai facilities are available. Railway tourism was chosen as a major avenue for economic development in the area. Ingwe municipality planned to use another R4-million to buy a three-coach train for excursions between Himeville and Underberg. The neighbouring Ubuhlebezwe municipality (Ixopo) planned to restore an old steam train to draw the Paton Express. The Paton Express operates in the hill country immortalised by Alan Paton in his novel, Cry the Beloved Country.