Moffat Mission

Afrikaans name: Moffat-sendingkerk

Moffat Mission near Kuruman

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Northern Cape

The Moffat Mission is situated near the town of Kuruman. The various buildings were built in the early 1800's and some were restored in 1938.

Although the original mission station was founded by Robert Hamilton and William Edwards it was Robert Moffat who was to have the biggest impact on the mission and the local people. Moffat arrived in 1820 and stayed there with his wife Mary, for 50 years.

One of Moffat's achievements was to translate the complete Bible into Setswana and to print it. This was the first time that complete copies of the Bible had been printed in Africa.

Another famous person linked to the Moffat Mission is David Livingstone. Livingstone met Moffat's daughter Mary in Kuruman and married her in 1845. Livingstone stayed at the mission on his first visit to Africa and on his last trip to Kuruman.

Have you been to Moffat's Mission Church? What's it like?

Inside the church

Photo © Johan van Zyl

The Litako Sun-dial which was made for the village of Litakoo which is now known as Dithakong

Photo © Johan van Zyl

The original Moffat homestead

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Inside the Moffat homestead

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Hamilton House

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Livingstone's rooms in Hamilton House

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 341

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