Albasini Ruins

[wildtuinman]

Joao Albasini build it and used it as his trading post/home. He brought iron from the Masorini to here and then took it al the way to Moz. It is the first time in South Africa that this type of building was discovered.

In a nutshell...

[Stoffel]

João Albasini (an Italian born Portuguese) was the first European who really established himself in this part of the Lowveld. Although the area was known as Ngomeni, he called it Magashulaskraal (as he obtained the ground from a local chief, Magashula, in exchange for 22 cattle).

The local black people called him Juwawa - a corruption of the pronunciation of João. Albasini originally had the idea to annex the Lowveld for Portugal and to call his new colony Santa Luiz, but he eventually started helping the Boere to establish the wagon route they wanted. Albasini had a very strong influence in the area - so much that the local communities along the Sabi River regarded them under his protection and work for him as carriers. They carried merchandise for him through the malaria- and tsetse fly corridor to the interior.

He lived here for only two years, before moving to Orighstad in 1847. He lived at several places after that, until his death in 1888.

(Information taken from David Paynter's book: "Die Krugerwildtuin in woord en beeld")

[TreeQueen]

I have always wanted to see these ruins
but just never seem to get around to it.

With regards to the Jock question, according
to the book, the baboon was owned by a guy
called Seedling who used to dabble in dog fights
with his baboon for money. The baboon was tied
to a pole that had a little top post/hut.

In the book it says that the baboon fight took place
in an area somewhere between Lydenberg and Paradise Camp.
It was an area that was frequented by the prospectors.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Goggo EJ]

Lowveld HRs Heritage Group, together with KNP folk, are looking at revamping this site to make it more attractive and informative. Any information or ideas welcome!!!!

[Goggo EJ]

Always the dilemma in these situations......do you try to do restoration, or leave things as they are but have models/illustrations to show what it probably was like.....

Definitely more information is intended, about Albasini, trade routes, the graves at the site, and anything else we unturn while working on the idea.

[BrendaK]

I think it is important as well to connect the Albasini ruins to Manungukop and Josikulu spruit. As these people worked for Albasini. I am also interested to hear more about Magashulu and his people who used to live there.
This is such a colourful history.

Isn't this also the site where a lion killed the children of a Lance Corporal Willie Nkuna? and where he then stabbed the lioness when she attacked him while he was preparing the road for the funeral?

[Goggo EJ]

The 2 children's graves are right behind the buildings at Phabeni gate - on the left as you enter. We found them the other day, and there is no markings at all to explain what they are.

[Goggo EJ]

At present the graves are surrounded by a very tired wire fence, with no markers. We do hope to put this right!

It is fairly easy to find them.....behind the toilet blocks on the north side of the reception area.

[micromammal]

I use Albasini Ruins as the afternoon practical for the Parks Heritage 1 course I present. I challenge students (HRs and SANPark staff) to think about the reinterpretation and message of the site. There is much that can be done. I do not (as an academic) think all research questions RE: the trade routes have been answered. But alas the issue is funding! Any HR Region interested in funding a possible research and reinterpretation excercise? We have concrete ideas and suggestions but cannot go forth with further discussion with SANParks (e.g. getting it on the wish list) unless we can take it forward!

[Leeukos]

There are enough space for cars to park and for people to visit the ruins. There is also a very neat hut that contains some of the artifacts found at the ruins.

[Leeukos]

On the site, are 2 graves … Mavundla Nkayinkayi Samuel, 1928 to 2000.

[Leeukos]

The second grave at the ruins belongs to Mothasi Mavundla “who lived all her years in the Kruger National Park” and died in 1965.

[Grit1962]

This year we have planned to enter the Park at Phabeni Gate on our way to Skukuza.

Do you know if it is possible to visit the Albasini ruins? There is only very little information on that historical site.

When we travelled that road in 2018 there was a CLOSED sign at the turnoff to the ruins.

Thank you and have a good day

Grit1962

[Elsa]

I know there was a temporary closure there for an infrastructure upgrade in 2018 Grit1962 but hopefully it will be open now.

Masorini

Hopefully someone can give us an update in the mean time.

[Albert]

It was open when we passed there on May 24.