Eastern Cape towns

• Middleton
• Oviston

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Oviston - Afrikaans name: Oviston

Oviston with Gariep Dam in the background

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Oviston is a small town that is located on the southern bank of the Gariep Dam, which was originally called the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam.

The town was originally founded, in the 1960's, as a base for workers that were building the Orange-Fish River Tunnel complex which is used to divert water from the Gariep Dam to help irrigate other parts of the Eastern Cape.

The Oviston Nature Reserve is nearby and is home to a wide variety of mammals. There are two other nature reserves in the vicinity of the Gariep Dam. They are the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve and Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve.

Gariep Dam weather today

GARIEP DAM WEATHER

There are a number of recreational activities available on the dam and river including pleasure cruises, boating and fishing.

Above - Residential street

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Oviston

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 163

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Middleton - Afrikaans name: Middleton

Approaching Middleton from the south

Photo © Johan van Zyl

The small hamlet of Middleton was established in 1879 as a stopping point for the train service. Consequently one of the first buildings built was the station. It still exists but is used as a pub today.

Middleton is situated on the banks of the Fish River and the nearest town is Cookhouse.

Above - Old hotel in Middleton

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Middleton weather today

MIDDLETON WEATHER

Above - Wild flowers near Middleton

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Above - Old Anglican church built in 1903

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 234

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