11 Facts About Hendrik Potgieter

Andries Hendrik Potgieter, known as Hendrik Potgieter was a Voortrekker leader.

Hendrik Potgieter served as the first head of state of Potchefstroom from 1840 and 1845 and as the first head of state of Zoutpansberg from 1845 to 1852.

The treaty stipulated that Hendrik Potgieter would protect the Baralong against the Matabele raiders, in exchange for land.

Hendrik Potgieter's group joined up with Retief and Maritz at Thaba Nchu, where they formed a Voortrekker government and decided to move to Natal.

Hendrik Potgieter was not in favour of this plan and stayed behind in the Free State.

Hendrik Potgieter was criticised for his actions, and the force was called "Die Vlugkommado" or Flight Commando.

Hendrik Potgieter was further accused, unjustly, of causing the death of Uys by deliberately leading the force into the ambush.

Hendrik Potgieter left Natal for good soon afterwards and moved to the Transvaal.

Hendrik Potgieter subsequently went on to found Potchefstroom, by the banks of the Mooi River, and served as its first head of state of the Potchefstroom Republic between 1840 and 1845.

The inhabitants, including Hendrik Potgieter, moved to the Soutpansberg area, where he founded the town Zoutpansbergdorp, later renamed Schoemansdal.

Hendrik Potgieter was elected to Volksraad, and served several times as the Chairman of Volksraad.