Mining Operations
The history of Dannhauser in KwaZulu-Natal dates back to the 19th century, when the town was formed around mining operations in the area. Many families that are still living in Dannhauser today are descendants of coal miners who worked the coalfaces over the last century.
In 1902 a company called the Durban Navigation Collieries (DURNACOL) was formed and started mining operations on the Spies farm. Over a period of a century these mining operations took place until 2001, when the last shaft was closed.
The Durban Navigation Collieries, later taken over by ISCOR, supplied employment for up to 6000 people at some stages of its existence and leaves a rich legacy of a colourful past in its wake.
Historic Attractions of Dunnhauser
Fort Mistake, gateway to the Northern Battlefields, is situated to the south of the Dannhauser Municipality on the farm Quaggas Kirk.
The Fort is one of a series of British signaling posts built between Ladysmith and Newcastle during the 1880—1881 war of independence between the British and the Boers.
St. Margaret’s Presbyterian Church was a corrugated iron building erected in 1903, and stood where the town hall is today. The existing church building was built during 1933, the cornerstone being laid by Dr. S.R. Campbell, and was opened on the 9 December 1933 by Mrs. Sneddon, wife of the then Mine Manager.
The Church has served the community of Dannhauser, Durnacol and surrounding farms for over a century.
The beautiful stained glass window above the pulpit was dedicated by the women of the Durban Navigation Collieries in 1933 and can be viewed by appointment. This rich piece of history is well worth a visit.