Douglas, South Africa

Douglas is an agricultural and stock farming town situated near the confluence of the Orange and Vaal Rivers in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Notably the rural town has a diverse population, with mostly state institutions and the anchor private employer, GWK. As a reputable agricultural Company, GWK offers valuable sponsorships and economical injection to the region.

Location

Douglas lies about 100km southwest of Kimberley the capital of the Northern Cape. These two are connected by the R357 highway.

History

The town was founded in 1848 as a mission station on the farm Backhouse by the Reverend Isaac Hughes. In 1867, a group of Europeans from Griquatown signed an agreement giving them the right to establish a town. The town was named after General Sir Percy Douglas, Lieutenant Governor of the Cape Colony.

Notable people from Douglas

• Howard Hasi
• Ingrid Jonker, poet