BETHAL
State President's Message
Deus Dat Incrementum - God gives growth.
This motto runs like a golden thread through the history of Bethal. From the ruins and ashes of the Anglo-Boer War there arose a town which developed into the leading centre of the Eastern Transvaal Highveld.
The fertile and well watered land nurtured an agricultural community which has made the area one of our most sophisticated farming districts.
This area not only produces a large proportion of the foodstuffs our country needs, but recently it has become a major supplier of our energy needs, of vital importance to the continued existence of the Republic of South Africa.
These developments were brought about by men and women who worked with courage and determination, strengthened by their indomitable faith and hope to build a future for themselves and their descendants.
With its human material and natural resources Bethal has the potential to flourish.
May the lord continue to guide Bethal.
Message by the Administrator
Not many towns in the Transvaal have the distinction of already having completed their first century. For this reason it will be a memorable day in the history of Bethal when it celebrates its centenary in October of this year.
The history of the town as recorded in this commemorative album, is not only the story of a community that has experienced extremely difficult times, but mention is also made of natural resources - fertile soil with a reasonably high and regular rainfall - which allowed the district during the first century of its existence to develop into one of the most prosperous agricultural districts in the country and which led to the establishment here of a beautiful prosperous town with a predominantly rural character. Today, on the eve of the second century of the town's existence, there are indications that the natural riches, and particularly the enormous coal reserves within the boundaries of the district, its strategic location in relation to the gigantic developments at Sasol 2 and 3 and its proximity to the Witwatersrand, will result in greatly accelerated development of the town and increased urbanisation.
On an occasion such as this, it is always worthwhile keeping in mind that irrespective of the material wealth at one's disposal, the community is even more amply endowed in the form of its culture, its religion, and its education, which form the basis of any happy community, and it is my wish that irrespective of the changes that may take place in future; these values will continue to be maintained at all times.
It is fitting to pay tribute to those persons who during these past years have unstintingly devoted their time and energies to serve the community of Bethal. What you see here is the result of faith and devotion and the work of all those who put their hands to the plough in this region. It is fitting to pay homage to every person who in this way has contributed to the development and growth of the town.
On behalf of the Transvaal: our heartiest congratulations on having reached this milestone in your history. We pray that you will be blessed and enjoy prosperity during the next stage of your journey which lies ahead.
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Message from the Mayor
The centenary of our town is a memorable and historic event. One hundred years is like one second in the clock work of history, but in the life of a young country, a major milestone for a town. In front of our spiritual eyes there moves the humble origin and slow growth of a small town into thriving town of today. It is a good thing to look back on the path that has been walked.
From this, we learn that growth and progress was possible only through perseverance and faith that God would give wisdom.
Now the truth is – we are in the throes of great development. Let us seize the opportunity that is offered and help to build our town to glory for Eastern Transvaal Highveld, and a proud heritage for future generations.
What about the future? My message is that this centenary will serve as impetus for us to continue to expand the material, spiritual and cultural area and we never sacrifice the work of our predecessors, and forget the blessing hand of the Lord.
Editorial Committee's Preface
The Town Council of Bethal appointed an editorial committee in 1977 to compile and publish
a 
commemorative
album on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the town.
The aim of this commemorative album is by no means to publish a scientific and detailed account of the complete development and history of Bethal, but rather to summarise the history of the development of the town by means of its most interesting highlights.
Therefore, the editorial committee has directed its research at the most accurate information
as regards the history and development, and representing this mainly by means of photos to
highlight the material. It is consequently hoped that this publication will not only enjoy
wide appreciation in Bethal, 
with its long and varied history, but that it will initiate the
publication of scientific work on this Highveld town, which will serve as a basis for research.
Although the town of Bethal was proclaimed in October 1880, a historical review from 1867 is
summarised in part one. In this section the most important communal institutions
and events
up to 1899 that influenced the development and proclamation of Bethal, are set out briefly.
In part two the involvement of Bethal and its inhabitants in the Anglo Boer War, from 1899
until 1902, is given in greater detail because of its importance in our history.
In part three, the further development from 1902 is reflected.
Although the research of the editorial committee was based, where possible, on scientific and acknowledged sources, a large percentage of the information was obtained by means of interviews and narratives. Although the committee was at great pains to verify all the information and facts obtained, it can give no guarantee in this regard.
It will be noticed that the language used in the album is not a strictly scientific one,
but that a more popular form is adhered to throughout. It is therefore hoped that this
commemorative album will be widely read, especially by our youth. Furthermore, it needs to
be mentioned that this commemorative album will not be published fully in both official
languages, but, in the language in which the various contributions were received.
The editorial committee wishes to convey its sincere thanks to all persons and
institutions
for their contributions of photos, articles, translations and recounts and editing, which
made it possible to produce this album. 
Acknowledgement to other specific instances, whose co-operation was indispensable, is made elsewhere in the publication. It will be obvious that all contributions could not be used, although they provided the committee with valuable information for doing a complete background study.
As chairman of the committee, I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the other three members who applied themselves for almost two and a half years with great zeal and diligence to this publication. Their fervour and devotion is deeply appreciated.
Our sincere hope is that this commemorative album will provide all who read it with a clear impression of Bethal as the jewel of the Highveld of the Eastern Transvaal and its place in the history of the Republic of South Africa.
- G. P. Bothma.
