This week, an old photograph of Gillitts Station was presented—a historical railway landmark from the early 1900s in the province. This station played an important role in both the military and public life during the Boer War.
The current station building is the second on this section, as the first was destroyed. It was built by Natal Railways around 1900. The original route through Gillitts was first established in the 1870s.
During the Boer War, the station functioned as a military center. It served as a strategic stop for British troops heading to the Midlands battlefields, as well as for returning wounded soldiers. Trains carrying troops stopped at Gillitts to replenish water supplies. Local women and children used 4-gallon paraffin tins on the platform to brew tea for resting soldiers.
For most of the 20th century, the station remained a recognizable local landmark. However, in 1980, the line was relocated, and rail services ceased. In September 1982, the Umgeni Steam Railway was established by members of the Natal Branch of the South African Railways Society to preserve the rapidly disappearing local railway heritage.
Nevertheless, after the cessation of regular passenger transport on the old route, the Gillitts Station building became vacant and fell into disrepair. In the 2020s, this historic building became the subject of a multi-million dollar revitalization project. After extensive and meticulous restoration, hospitality entrepreneurs Nipho and Liyana Tembe opened it this year as a restaurant and public space called Mist at Gillitts Station. Visitors can enjoy fascinating gastronomic journeys through the cuisines of the African continent here.
