Snow In, Or on the Outskirts Of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013)

Snow in, or on the outskirts of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013)

by P.G. Alcock

NOW in KwaZulu-Natal has previous two months due to the warmer received very little attention conditions. The study was based on sat- Sin the literature.1 A pioneer- ellite imagery, given the lack of data on ing study of snow on the KwaZulu- snow in KwaZulu-Natal generally, and Natal Drakensberg was undertaken for especially in the uninhabited reaches of the period 1989–2004.2 The authors, the Drakensberg. Snow in South Africa, amongst other things, examined the in essence, can be described as an ob- geographic distribution of snow on the servational phenomenon, but which is Drakensberg and identified three “snow not scientifically measured like rainfall. seasons” in the Berg. These are: (a) an The incidence of snow in KwaZulu- early-snow season (April–June), (b) a Natal as a province can be divided into mid-snow season (July and August), that falling only on the KwaZulu-Natal and (c) a late-snow season (September Drakensberg proper (a fairly common and October). The most widespread occurrence in the cold season), and snow cover in the Drakensberg was in less frequently snow on the Drakens- July, for all terrain above 2 600 m. The berg and to a varying extent on the greatest monthly occurrence of snow high-lying KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was in August, although the snow was and elsewhere. There is a further situa- confined to higher altitudes than in the tion incorporating these two categories

73 Natalia 43 (2013), P.G. Alcock pp. 73 – 83 Natalia 43 (2013) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2013 Snow in, or on the outskirts of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013) which is sometimes encountered. This day suburb of Napierville. Thick snow concerns snow in Pietermaritzburg, or also covered the Swartkop or Zwart- on the hills overlooking the city, but kop (Zwaartkop) Mountain on the below the Hilton ridge (defined as the same day.4 A further report, for a lower approximate locality of Crossways altitude, was on 21 September 1853 Hotel). The Hilton ridge constitutes when snow was seen half-way down the beginning of the KwaZulu-Natal Town Hill.5 (See page 81 for localities Midlands. This third category of snow in and around Pietermaritzburg men- provides visual evidence of a cold tioned in the text.) A later report was weather system with an especially low for July and August 1869 when Pieter- freezing level, and is the subject of the maritzburg experienced intense cold.6 current paper. It was said that “ice was several inches Snow on the KwaZulu-Natal Drak- thick, and heavy falls of snow covered ensberg is a scenic wonder which at- the hills beyond the camp”. Confirma- tracts sightseers to the Drakensberg tion of snow in the winter of 1869 was resorts (i.e. is good for the hospitality provided by Frances Colenso, the wife industry). The same can be said for of Bishop John Colenso, in a letter dat- snow in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, ed 18 September 1869.7 Mrs Colenso, although in this case snow is a mixed from the vantage point of Bishopstowe blessing. Heavy falls can bring down on the eastern side of Pietermaritz- power lines and telephone cables, block burg, noted the presence of snow “on roads, trapping or delaying motorists the neighbouring hills” which lasted or leading to accidents, disrupt rail for more than a week. The actual date services, cause damage to commercial of this event was not stated, however. forestry plantations and property gen- Another report for August 1869 was erally, and result in livestock dying of that snow was “lightly spread over the exposure. Also of relevance is the dan- hills overlooking the Town Bush val- ger of low freezing levels for flights by ley”.8 Snow also “fell heavily for three light aircraft. Snow damage to com- days over Northern Natal” in August mercial timber species in KwaZulu- 1869.9 Snow was again evident in Pi- Natal and other parts of South Africa etermaritzburg in September 1873 and has been investigated inter alia by the July 1874, although it is very prob- Institute for Commercial Forestry Re- able that the snow fell “on the heights search in Pietermaritzburg and certain above Maritzburg”, rather than lower forestry companies. Heavy snow in the down.10 A subsequent sighting of snow Midlands in more historical times was “along the Town Hill range and Swart- probably less severely regarded, when kop” was on 1 August 1898.11 households were isolated, largely self- Other instances of snow in, or on, the sufficient and less reliant on a modern hills overlooking Pietermaritzburg are integrated economy. listed below: Possibly the first recorded instance of snow in, or above Pietermaritzburg, 10–12 June 1902 refers to 6 May 1851 when snow “lay The “most severe” snowstorm to have thickly on the hills overlooking the occurred since records were kept (up to camp”.3 The military camp under dis- 1902) swept over large parts of South cussion (Fort Napier) is in the present-

Africa.12 The snowstorm became known strong winds blew snow onto verandas as the “Peace Snow”, a reference to and over the tops of gates and fences. the end of the Anglo-Boer War on 31 Some oxen were buried in snow with May 1902. Snow fell almost continu- only their noses visible. Trees and tele ously for three days in the Karoo, the graph poles as well as wood and iron Eastern and North Eastern Cape, the houses were blown over by the winds. Orange Free State and Natal. The snow Airborne sheets of corrugated iron was accompanied by very strong winds killed some cattle in Pietermaritzburg. (evidently gale-force in some areas) and Railway lines, bridges, embankments rain. Major losses of livestock were and sea-piers were carried away by reported. More than 13 000 sheep died surging floodwaters or immensely de- of exposure in East Griqualand, where structive onshore waves. Several small the snow was said to have an average and larger vessels sank, including the depth of 1.5 m. No mention was made entire ferry fleet belonging to a Durban of snow on Swartkop, although “the shipping firm. range of hills” adjoining Swartkop was covered in thick snow.13 Snow fell on 21–22 June 1915 the Drakensberg and at Charlestown. Rain and snow fell in many parts of Heavy falls of snow were evident in Natal.17 The slopes of Swartkop were Ixopo as well as near Bulwer and Eden- covered in snow, with snow also vis- dale (the last-mentioned slightly to the ible slightly lower down at Boshoff’s west of Pietermaritzburg). Snow also Road (a railway siding) in Mount fell on a series of hills in the vicinity Michael. Snow likewise fell on the of Richmond. High winds caused con- Drakensberg and in Umzimkulu and siderable damage to timber plantations East Griqualand, Ixopo, Bulwer, Byrne, and the roofs of houses in the environs Nel’s Rust (Baynesfield), Karkloof, Ho- of Swartkop. A number of buildings in wick, Curry’s Post, Nottingham Road, Richmond and Ixopo were destroyed Rosetta, Mooi River, Estcourt, Riet by the winds. Vlei, Greytown, Elandslaagte, Wasch- bank, Dundee, Glencoe, Besters, on 31 May–1 June 1905 the Biggarsberg and in Wakkerstroom. The Great Blizzard, as it was known, An advertisement entitled “Snow on struck Natal and adjacent territo- Zwaartkop” was inserted in the Natal ries.14,15,16 Intense winds with rain, hail, Witness, 3 July 1915 by W. Watson Rob- snowfalls, flooding, thunder and light- ertson Studio of Chapel Street, urging ning caused widespread devastation in readers to buy “excellent photographs much of Natal. Many people died of of this unusual and picturesque sight”. exposure and were later found buried in snowdrifts. Others were killed by 18–19 July 1915 lightning or drowned. Livestock losses An official parade to welcome back the were reported from across Natal. Snow 47 officers and 853 men of the 1st and fell on the platforms of the Pietermar- 2nd Natal Carbineers and the attached itzburg railway station in Napierville. Natal Telegraph Corps was held on 19 Deep snowdrifts were observed in July 1915 during World War I.18 The Mooi River and Nottingham Road. The event was attended by the Governor-

General of South Africa and his wife Newcastle, Utrecht, Volksrust and (Lord and Lady Buxton). The venue Harrismith. A photograph of the snow- was the Oval and Pavilion in Alexandra capped Swartkop was published on Park, near the centre of Pietermaritz- the front page of the Natal Witness on burg. The troops had just returned to 12 September 1921. A different report the city following the capitulation of also refers to snow in Kokstad and Van Deutsch-Südwestafrika (German South Reenen’s Pass.20 More snow fell on 9 West Africa) on 9 July 1915. The day of September 1921 in the South Eastern the parade was described as “bleak and Transvaal and in Johannesburg. bitter” with a strong and piercing wind blowing off the “snow-clad mountains” 26–27 June 1922 (presumably the Drakensberg). A final Swartkop was described as being “clad atmospheric insult was “a shower of in a white mantle”, with snow also evi- stinging sleet”. The lightly-dressed dent on the tops of nearby hills.21 The men, notwithstanding the weather, were road through Cedara was “blocked by kept on parade for over three hours. snow”, while thick snow was observed Snow also fell at Edendale, evidently at Elandskop. The annual agricultural in the early hours of the morning, with show at Ixopo had to be postponed due the flanks of Swartkop being covered to snow covering the ground and roads. in light snow. A somewhat confusing Snow fell in Harding and the surround- comment in the Natal Witness was that ing district. Snow was also reported this was the second time in the month in Byrne.22 A photograph of Swartkop that a “local snowfall” had occurred. taken in the last week of June 1922, and This statement was probably a mistaken showing snow on the slopes and top, reference to the snow in late June 1915. was very fortuitously reproduced by Heavy snow fell in parts of the Trans- “Pilgrim” (a regular columnist) writ- vaal (including Johannesburg) and as ing in the Natal Witness, 4 July 1964. far north as Pilgrim’s Rest. Heavy snow (See below.) likewise fell in many localities in the Orange Free State and in some areas 26 August 1927 in the Cape. A snowstorm (regarded as one of the “heaviest” ever to strike Natal) occurred

7–8 September 1921 in the evening of Friday, 26 August Heavy snow and rain was reported in 1927.23 Snow was visible on the slopes many parts of Natal.19 A “large fall of and top of Swartkop, and on the hills snow” was plainly visible on the top and around Pietermaritzburg. Town Hill slopes of Swartkop. Snow was also seen was a particularly good vantage point on the hills surrounding Swartkop and for viewing the snow, which remained in Hilton and Cedara. Railway trucks on the ground for the entire weekend arriving in Pietermaritzburg from up- (27–28 August 1927). The front page country on 8 September were covered in report of the snowfall in the Natal Wit- snow. Snow was present in Himeville, ness of 29 April 1927 was accompanied Bulwer, Dargle, Kamberg, Byrne, Nel’s by a photograph of the snow-laden Rust, Howick, Nottingham Road, Mooi Swartkop. The Drakensberg, in turn, River, Greytown, Ladysmith, Dundee, was a “wall of ice and snow”. Snow also

Natalia 43 (2013) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2013 Snow in, or on the outskirts of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013) fell throughout the Gourton district (the the Transvaal including Johannesburg Winterton-Loskop area). The landscape and as far north as Nylstroom. to the north of Howick resembled Swit- zerland, with birds and rabbits dying of 21–23 September 1956 exposure in Rosetta. The branches of A severe cold spell struck Natal and wattle trees in the Midlands were dam- East Griqualand, with gale-force winds, aged by the weight of the snow. Snow sleet, snow and rain evident.26 There was reported in Franklin, Kokstad, on were “snowstorms” in Sweetwaters, the Ingeli Mountain near Weza, on the Hilton, Nottingham Road and near hills overlooking Estcourt, in Mooi the Hella-Hella Pass to the west of River, and in Weenen and on high-lying Richmond. Snow covered the peaks terrain near the town. Snow likewise fell of the Drakensberg.26 Snow also fell in on the N’Kandhla Mountains and the Byrne.22 Electricity and telephone net- Qudeni Range as well as elsewhere in works as well as buildings were dam- the vicinity, on the Biggarsberg and en- aged in many areas by the high winds.26 virons, and in Dundee and Harrismith. Very cold conditions were likewise experienced in parts of the Cape, the 8–10 July 1929 Orange Free State and the Transvaal. Heavy snow and rain fell in many areas in Natal.24 Swartkop was covered in 30–31 August 1959 snow. Snow fell in Underberg, Ixopo, Heavy snow fell over East Griqua- Elandskop, Nottingham Road, Mooi land and the Natal interior as well as River, Harrismith and the Orange Free on mountains in the Boland and the State. Snow was likewise seen between Southern Cape.27 A more detailed report Creighton and Kokstad as well as in was of light snow on Swartkop and in Franklin, Matatiele and other places Hilton, Winterskloof and Sweetwa- in East Griqualand. Snow also fell in ters.28 Heavier falls of snow occurred more distant parts of the Cape Province in parts of the Drakensberg as well such as Middelburg, Cradock, Somerset as in Himeville, Creighton, Ixopo, East, Beaufort West, Graaff-Reinet and Impendle, Nottingham Road, Estcourt, George. Greytown, Volksrust and in the Eastern Cape (Umtata). 10–11 September 1936 Heavy snow fell over the whole of the 5–6 July 1964 Drakensberg and in many localities in Snow was seen on the upper slopes and Natal.25 Snow was observed on Swart- top of Swartkop, in Winterskloof and kop and in Underberg, Nottingham below the Hilton ridge in the vicinity Road, Karkloof, the Glencoe district, of the Hilton Hotel.29 Snow was also Dundee, Newcastle, the Vryheid dis- observed lower down in Sweetwaters trict, Van Reenen’s Pass, Harrismith, in as well as in the Midlands extending the Kokstad district and in East Griqua- to Mooi River.30 Snow fell in the foot- land. Snow was reported further afield hills of the Drakensberg and in Hilton, in the Eastern Cape and the Orange Free Boston, Elandskop, Impendle, Dargle, State. Snow also fell in many areas in Howick, near Byrne and in Greytown

Natalia 43 (2013) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2013 Snow in, or on the outskirts of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013) and Kokstad. Of particular interest fell in the Maluti Mountains and in the was snow on the Edendale Heights (to higher-lying parts of Southern Lesotho. the west of Swartkop) and on the hills around Raisethorpe (possibly the local- 12–14 June 1984 ity described by Mrs Colenso). Light Snow, sleet and driving rain was ap- snowfalls were reported on mountain parent in most parts of Natal.37 Light ranges in the Western Cape. Pilgrim, falls of snow occurred in Sweetwaters, writing in the Natal Witness of 7 July Winterskloof and Hilton. Heavier falls 1964, referred to a photograph of snow of snow were seen on the Drakensberg in the garden of a property at the top and in Underberg, Bulwer, Boston, of Old Howick Road very close to the Richmond, Karkloof, Merrivale, Bal- Pietermaritzburg municipal boundary gowan, Nottingham Road, Estcourt, with Hilton (i.e. marginally below the Mooi River and near Ladysmith.37 Snow Hilton ridge). The photograph was fell in Byrne.22 Snow also fell in New- taken on 5 July 1964. A photograph of castle and the surrounding district, and the snow-capped Swartkop, taken on in Vryheid, Kokstad and Matatiele.37 the same day, appeared in the Natal Heavy snowfalls occurred in the Eastern Witness on 6 July 1964. Cape, resulting in the closure of several mountain passes.38 Snow likewise fell 18–19 October 1965 in Volksrust, Memel, Vrede, Kestell and Light snow was noted on Swartkop31 as Bethlehem. well as lower down in Mount Michael/ Winterskloof.32 Heavy falls of snow 9–10 July 1988 were evident in Northern Natal, East Snow was observed on the slopes of Griqualand and the Eastern Cape.31 Swartkop and in Mount Michael.32 Heavy snow was likewise seen in Another report of snow in the form of Elandskop and Volksrust. Snow also flakes also refers to Mount Michael.39 fell in parts of the Drakensberg. Widespread snow was evident in Natal, with most of the Midlands being snow- 10–11 August 1973 bound.40 Snow was seen on the Drak- Snow fell in Winterskloof.33 A more ensberg and in Boston40 and Byrne.22 complete account was of heavy snow Heavy falls occurred in Underberg and in Natal and East Griqualand including Himeville.40 Snow also fell in Lesotho, the Drakensberg resorts, Underberg, the Southern Free State and the Western Highflats, Boston, Impendle, Kokstad, Cape. Cedarville and Matatiele.34 Besides Winterskloof, snow was also observed 28–29 June 1994 in Hilton, Cedara, Howick, Tweedie, Snow flakes were noted in Mount Dargle, Lidgetton34 and Byrne.22 Michael.39 The Drakensberg was covered in snow.41 Snow was observed in 13–14 June 1983 Elandskop and in the Midlands, with Snow was seen on Swartkop.35 Light heavy snowfalls being reported in snowfalls were reported in the Drak- Bulwer, Boston and Merrivale. Snow ensberg near Matatiele as well as to also fell in many parts of the Cape and the north in the vicinity of Champagne the Transvaal, in Lesotho, in central Castle and Cathkin Peak.36 Snow also 78

Johannesburg and on Table Mountain rain was a feature of the weather condi- (Cape Town). tions in the Eastern Cape.

6–7 July 1996 6–7 September 2004 Snow was seen in Mount Michael.42 Snow was seen on the ground in the Widespread falls of snow occurred in lowest reaches of Sweetwaters adjoin- KwaZulu-Natal (including the Drak- ing the suburb of Blackridge.48 Another ensberg and the Midlands), in elevated observation refers to snow in Mount terrain in Mpumalanga, in the Free State Michael.42 Heavy snow fell in many and in the Western and Eastern Cape.43 high-lying areas in KwaZulu-Natal.49 The roofs of buildings in Underberg col- A more comprehensive report described lapsed under the weight of snow. Heavy the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as being rain fell in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. covered in light snow with heavy rain Motorists were trapped by deep snow evident.50 Snow fell in Winterskloof, at Van Reenen’s Pass. All road links to Hilton, the hills overlooking Mid- the Free State and Johannesburg were mar Dam, Caversham, Otto’s Bluff severed. Many other roads in KwaZulu- and Thornville. Snow also fell in the Natal were closed. The heaviest falls of Drakensberg. Heavy snowfalls were snow in years were reported in some apparent in Underberg, Harrismith, areas of North-West Province. Kokstad, Matatiele and elsewhere in East Griqualand. 29–30 June 1997 Snow flakes were observed in Mount 19–21 September 2008 Michael.39 Snow fell in parts of the Snow flakes were observed in Mount Drakensberg and in the Midlands.44 Michael.42 Heavy snowfalls occurred Snow was likewise seen in Underberg, in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Boston, Kamberg and Kokstad. Cape.51 A further report confirmed that heavy rain and snow had fallen in parts 19–20 July 2002 of KwaZulu-Natal.52 Snow was present Snow was noted just below the Hilton in Underberg, Bulwer, Ixopo, Boston, ridge.39 Snow fell in the KwaZulu-Natal Elandskop, Dargle and Nottingham Drakensberg, the Eastern Cape and Le- Road. sotho.45 Snow also fell in large parts of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands including 25–26 July 2011 Howick. Heavy falls were apparent in Snow was seen in Mount Michael.42 Bulwer. Snow was likewise observed Heavy snowfalls were reported in sev- in Dundee and Kokstad. eral high-lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal as well as in the Eastern Cape, the Free 10–11 September 2002 State and Mpumalanga.53 A different Snow fell on Swartkop and just below account refers to snow in most high- the Hilton ridge.46 Heavy falls of snow lying parts of KwaZulu-Natal and in occurred in the Eastern Cape, with light the Drakensberg.54 Snow fell in Byrne.22 falls in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakens- Heavy snowfalls were noted in areas berg, Swartberg and Matatiele.47 Heavy such as Underberg, Kokstad, Matatiele and parts of the Eastern Cape.54 The

Natalia 43 (2013) Copyright © Natal Society Foundation 2013 Snow in, or on the outskirts of, Pietermaritzburg (1851–2013) snow was accompanied by heavy rain or where the records have been lost in some localities in KwaZulu-Natal in- or forgotten about. No climatological cluding Pietermaritzburg. Large trucks inference must be drawn concerning and other vehicles were stranded at Van the apparently increased frequency of Reenen’s Pass, with Harrismith being snow in the study area in the last 50 or isolated from the rest of the country. so years. This trend probably reflects Many roads and schools in KwaZulu- a greater settlement density and hence Natal were closed. the availability of observers. It can be said that snow in, or on the outskirts 6–8 August 2012 of Pietermaritzburg, but below the Heavy snow fell in a broad band across Hilton ridge, may fall in a period ex- the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the tending from sometime in May until Drakensberg as well as in the Eastern sometime in October on certain oc- Cape and elsewhere resulting in the N3 casions, although almost always only freeway and other roads being closed, once in a particular year. Snowfalls, as along with the main railway line link- per the data, are fairly evenly distrib- ing Durban and Johannesburg.55 Snow uted over the stated months, excluding was seen in Byrne.22 Heavy rain fell in May and October (both of which are parts of KwaZulu-Natal.55 The top of outliers or rare occurrences). The snow Swartkop had an “icing-sugar like dust- (commencing and ceasing around the ing of snow” which was only visible for relevant change in seasons) consists a short while. Snow flakes, as per two of little more than a sprinkling or light observers, fell for a few minutes just be- fall, at least in more recent times, and low the Hilton ridge, although the flakes melts within a few days. Snow in the did not reach the ground.56,57 Snow described area is always associated flakes were seen in Mount Michael39,42 with snow in parts of Hilton and fur- and in World’s View,58 but likewise ther inland. An optimum locality for melted before reaching the ground. The viewing snow locally in Pietermaritz- last-mentioned observation also refers burg is from the southerly or easterly to snow flakes seen briefly in World’s parts of the city, looking across the View (again not reaching the ground) on bowl-shaped Msunduzi River Valley 9 August 2012. There were no pertinent towards higher ground on the far side snowfalls in 2013.59 of Pietermaritzburg. It appears that the Not many firm conclusions can be upper north and north westerly reaches derived from the incomplete snow re- of the city are the lowest altitudinal cord provided in this paper (assuming limit of the periodic “snow-belt” in a base year of 1851). The information the immediate environs of Pietermar- constitutes a first approximation only, itzburg. More research is necessary to and is merely indicative of overall im- extend this boundary zone to similar pressions. It is very likely that other physiographic localities elsewhere in instances of snow have occurred with KwaZulu-Natal. The Midlands Mist- these events either not being recorded belt is an obvious point of departure. at all, especially in the earlier years,

A representation of the approximate locality of the relevant suburbs of Pietermaritzburg and adjacent areas as described in the text.

Hilton (to the north) ……... Town Bush Valley Heights Swartkop Mount Michael World’s View → Bishopstowe Town Hill Napierville

The 1 451 m high Swartkop Mountain adjoining the residential area of Mount Michael (which incorporates Winterskloof and the lower-lying Sweetwaters) overlooks Pietermaritzburg. The top of Swartkop can probably be regarded as forming part of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in a physiographic sense. Data for Swartkop have been included on the basis that snow on the slopes thereof is invariably associated with snow at lower elevations. Swartkop, for earlier generations of Pietermaritzburg residents, was the key identifier of snow falling locally (Hilton not being visible from the Msunduzi River Valley). World’s View is a prominent spur to the east of Mount Michael, and also overlooks Pietermaritzburg. Town Hill is an elevated residential area above the Royal Show Grounds, although at a lower altitude than Mount Michael. The Town Bush Valley Heights are situated in near-proximity to the Hilton ridge. Raisethorpe is not shown, but is located to the east of the Town Bush Valley Heights on the Bishopstowe side of Pietermaritzburg.

NOTES 1 Some reports of snow may actually refer to a special interest in snow in South Africa sleet. Sleet can be defined as precipitation should consult the following websites: (a) consisting of a mixture of snow and rain the South African Weather Service website falling together, or snow melting as it falls (http://www.weathersa.co.za), (b) http:// (Weather Bureau. Weather Codes for Land snowreport.co.za, (c) http://www.snow- Stations (Surface Observations), Pretoria, forecast.com/maps/dynamic/southafrica, (d) Department of Transport, 1982, p. 10). Snow http://www.stormchasing.co.za, and (e) http:// can fall in the form of individual crystals sawdis1.blogspot.com. An American website or as large aggregated flakes made up of to determine the date and day of the week many crystals. The term “snow” has been of a particular year may prove beneficial to used in this paper, given that information readers. Select the Month, Year and Country was derived from newspaper reports and and then press Year Calendar or Month ordinary householders, rather than trained Calendar. See http://www.calendarlabs.com/ meteorological observers. Descriptions of online-calendar.php. snow events, the geographic terminology 2 Mulder, N. and Grab, S.W. “Contemporary and spelling as well as the dates thereof spatio-temporal patterns of snow cover over are according to the specific source. Some the Drakensberg”, South African Journal of newspaper reports of snow were more detailed Science, 105 (5/6), 2009, pp. 228–33. than others, depending on the column space 3 Hattersley, A.F. Pietermaritzburg Panorama: available (i.e. the relative significance of this a Survey of One Hundred Years of an African news). No spot heights, with one exception, City (Pietermaritzburg, Shuter and Shooter, have been provided in the paper due to the 1938) p. 37. imprecise nature of the data. Caution, in other 4 Hattersley, A.F. Portrait of a City (Pieter words, has been invoked here. Readers with maritzburg, Shuter and Shooter, 1951) p. 46.

Snow was still apparent on Swartkop and the 7 Rees, W. Colenso Letters from Natal (Pieter “distant hills” in the evening of 9 May 1851 maritzburg, Shuter and Shooter, 1958) p. 204. (Judd, U.E.M. “Chapter 5. The foundation 8 Hattersley, Portrait, p. 46. of the Natal Society, May 1851”, Natalia, 9 Wood, “Snowstorms”, p. 431. 5, 1975, pp. 48–52.) A different account 10 Ibid. p. 431. The source cited was the refers to Byrne where snow fell throughout meteorological record (1862–1886) of the the day on 6 May 1851, resulting in bitterly Army Medical Department at Fort Napier. cold conditions. The snow remained on the The snowfall of August 1869 was noted in hills overlooking the settlement for three the record. days (Gordon, R.E. Dear Louisa: History of 11 Personal communication: R. Haswell. This a Pioneer Family in Natal 1850–1888, fifth report of snow was recorded in a diary kept edition, Pietermaritzburg, Intrepid Printers, by a Scot, Archibald Murray Anderson, who 2009, p. 26). arrived in Pietermaritzburg in 1887 and 5 Hattersley, A.F. More Annals of Natal: who built Aberfeldy, a magnificent double- with Historical Introductions and Notes storey Victorian mansion complete with (Pietermaritzburg, Shuter and Shooter, 1936) outbuildings at 5 New England Road in the pp. 120–1. The snowstorm, as experienced in suburb of Scottsville. (Note that all personal the vicinity of the present-day Nottingham communications listed in the present paper Road, extended over three days, i.e. 21–23 took place in January 2013, with the exception September 1853 (Scott Shaw, C. Stories from of Mrs P. Pellowe, who was contacted during the Karkloof Hills, Pietermaritzburg, Shuter May 2013.) and Shooter, 1971, p. 57). Another writer 12 Weather Bureau. “A history of notable weather (Wood, H.E. “Snowstorms in the Transvaal”, events in South Africa: 1500–1990”, Caelum, South African Journal of Science, 6, 1909, December 1991, pp. 1–125. (The publication, pp. 431–40) states that there was a “great amongst other things, lists snowfall events snowstorm over Eastern South Africa” in South Africa. Some details of widespread on about 12 September 1853. Snow fell snow in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere, almost continuously for eight days. Severe and incorporating the study area, have been livestock losses were evident on the Transvaal omitted from the text for reasons of space, but Highveld. Two white travellers and their trek can be found in Caelum.) oxen died of exposure at the Jukskei River “a 13 Natal Witness, 14 June 1902. few miles north of the Witwatersrand”. Snow 14 Weather Bureau, “A history of notable weather could be seen on the Drakensberg for several events”, p. 19. months. Many antelope died in snowdrifts in 15 S[im], T.R. and others. “The blizzard of May the deep valleys of the Drakensberg where 31st and June 1st, 1905”, Natal Agricultural they had sought shelter. “Swarms” of birds Journal and Mining Record, 8, 1905, pp. also perished. 541; 546 and 9, 1906, pp. 49–52; 552. (Those 6 Hattersley, Pietermaritzburg, p. 37. Further seeking additional information on this extreme information for this period is that Thomas weather event should consult the contents Baines, the well-known Victorian artist, pages of both volumes.) naturalist and explorer, passed through Natal 16 Kemp, B.H. The tempest, The Witness, 1 June in 1869 on his way to the goldfields of the 2005, p. 13. interior. He arrived in Pietermaritzburg around 17 Natal Witness, 23, 24, 25 and 26 June 1915. mid-February and left on 13 March (Shuter, 18 Natal Witness, 20 July 1915. C.F. Englishman’s Inn “Engelsche Logie”: 19 Natal Witness, 9, 12 and 13 September 1921. an Account of the Experiences of the British 20 Weather Bureau, “A history of notable weather Settlers and Colonists of Natal 1824–1885, events”, p. 27. Cape Town, Howard Timmins, 1963, pp. 82– 21 Natal Witness, 28 June 1922. 4). Baines, commenting on Pietermaritzburg, 22 Personal communication: Mrs P. Pellowe. remarked that “during the winter, snow may 23 Natal Witness, 29 and 30 August 1927; 2 and sometimes be seen on the Zwart Kop and other 7 September 1927. hills, or on the more distant Drakensberg” 24 Natal Witness, 10 and 11 July 1929. (Baines, T. The Gold Regions of South Eastern 25 Natal Witness, 12 September 1936. Africa, London, Edward Stanford, 1877, p. 26 Natal Witness, 24 and 25 September 1956. 156). Baines was obviously describing local The gap in the record between 1936 and (Pietermaritzburg) observations. 1956 is probably due to a lack of reported

observations. Part of the problem is that 41 Natal Witness, 29 and 30 June 1994. the Natal Witness, for most of World War 42 Personal communication: Mrs C. Clark. II, was filled with war news and there were 43 Natal Witness, 8 and 9 July 1996. few items of local interest. Snowfalls were 44 Natal Witness, 30 June and 1 July 1997. evidently not regarded as significant at that 45 Natal Witness, 20 July 2002. time. Miss K. Nixon, a long-standing resident 46 Personal communication: G. Raubenheimer. of Pietermaritzburg, remembers seeing snow 47 Natal Witness, 11 September 2002. on the top of Swartkop at some stage during 48 Personal communication: H. Temple. the war years (possibly 1943). 49 http://www.iol.co.za (accessed on 4 January 27 Weather Bureau, “A history of notable weather 2013). events”, p. 57. 50 The Witness, 7 September 2004. 28 Natal Witness, 1 September 1959. 51 http://www.iol.co.za (accessed on 4 January 29 Personal communication: T. Kimmince. 2013). 30 Natal Witness, 6 and 7 July 1964. 52 The Witness, 22 September 2008. 31 Natal Witness, 20 October 1965. 53 http://www.iol.co.za (accessed on 14 January 32 Personal communication: J. Upfold. 2013). 33 Personal communication: Mrs B. O’ Connor. 54 The Witness, 26 and 27 July 2011. 34 Natal Witness, 11 August 1973. 55 The Witness, 8 and 9 August 2012. 35 Personal communication: P. Walker. 56 Personal communication: R. North. 36 Natal Witness, 14 June 1983. 57 Personal communication: D. Slatter. 37 Natal Witness, 14 and 15 June 1984. 58 Personal communication: H. and C. Richard- 38 Weather Bureau, “A history of notable weather son. events”, p. 100. 59 Should any additional information for the 39 Personal communication: Mrs E. Rasmussen. period of record come to the attention of the 40 Natal Witness, 11, 12 and 13 July 1988. An author, then this data will be published in iconic medium-altitude aerial photograph of an addendum in the next edition of Natalia KwaZulu-Natal, extending from the snow- (i.e. Natalia, 44, 2014). Readers, some years capped Drakensberg to Durban Harbour, was hence, who wish to update the record should taken on 12 July 1988. The photographer was begin their search from 1 May 2014. John Hone. The photograph is available in various sizes from selected visual arts shops in KwaZulu-Natal.

The author would like to thank all those who provided information, or who sug- gested other people to contact. Such assistance is highly appreciated. Thanks are also due to the staff of the Msunduzi Municipal Library in Pietermaritzburg for their very kind help. Mrs S. Mahlatsi, the librarian at The Witness editorial office, was likewise most helpful.