Tourism, Accommodation and Historical Attractions in Natal, South Africa

The Second Boer War - The Jacobs Concentration Camp.

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The Jacobs camp was erected approximately three kilometres north of Merebank during February 1902.

Jacobs was the final Natal concentration camp to close during February 1903 when the last inhabitant, Heila de Beer, aged 15, passed away. During its existence 47 people died and were buried in the Jacobs concentration camp cemetery.

The Wentworth concentration camp opened during March 1902, about 1 kilometre from the Jacobs camp. This camp was one of the first camps to close down during September 1902. Only 17 inhabitants died in the Wentworth camp.

Each of these two camps housed 3,000 people. The Jacobs and Wentworth concentration camps were the closest to the ideal concentration camps for the British authorities and reflected all the lessons learned from the camps in the Transvaal and Free State.

They were preplanned in totality as small towns with decent housing, schools, hospitals as well as enough equipment and supplies and competent superintendents. This kind of planning made life more bearable for the inhabitants and easier for administration.

Next: Eshowe Concentration Camp