48 HOURS IN PILGRIM’S REST
Using QR codes to teach people about the past seems surprisingly modern for a historical gold mining town from the 1800s. Then again, this village was the second town in South Africa to receive electricity – even before London, some locals claim.
The QR code signs were placed on noteworthy buildings in November 2019, allowing history buffs to scan their way through town with their phones, learning about each building and its various occupants over the years.
The project was spearheaded by René Reinders, with support from the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation. René is the wife of Johnny Reinders – the town’s legendary restaurateur and publican – and she’s also involved in the upkeep of the various museums in Pilgrim’s Rest. “All of the historical information was in her head,” says local tour guide Sherry Goodwin, clearly amazed by René’s knowledge and her willingness to embrace technology to improve the tourism experience.
The QR code project is just one way that Pilgrim’s Rest is trying to pick itself up again after a disastrous decade marred by municipal neglect, corruption, and the exodus of many
