Breyten is a small farming town in Mpumalanga, South Africa and is situated at the foot of Klipstapel, the highest point on the watershed between the westward flowing Vaal River system and the eastward flowing Olifants and Komati River systems. The original farm, Bothasrus on which the town is built was given to Lukas Potgieter as compensation for losing a leg during the first Boer War. He later sold the farm to field-cornet Nicolaas Breytenbach, who formed the village in his own name. Tselentis, Spitzkop and other mines in the area employ the majority of the people of Breyten. There is also a leather factory in Breyten called JCB Leather Works. Breyten has also a college called Xtensive ICT Academy, a private entity that deals with information technology training and private classes. The main spoken languages are siSwati, Zulu and Ndebele. Breyten was once a vibrant and well established rail stop. Passenger and freight trains departed and or connected in Breyten to Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Witbank, Pretoria and other areas of South Africa. Common freight transported was agricultural produce, livestock and most predominantly coal from the localcoal mines. To this day, coal is still the most transported good. Due to changing economic times, the town has become depressed with high unemployment. Breyten is a stopover for tourists en route to various holidays destination in the lowveld and the highveld. There is a Hotel and a few guest houses. Lake Chrissie is east of Breyten. The nearest towns are Ermelo from the N17, Hendrina from the Middelburg/Witbank N12/N4, Carolina on the N11 or R36 and Chrissiesmeer known for its lakes. The most popular and well known celebrities from Breyten are Pax Mbana, Snugger Malinga, Silas Mhlongo, Doctor Magazi, the late Jwa Ngwenya. Both Pax and Snugger played for the local soccer teams and scored countless own goals causing their teams to loose. Nsizwa "SnoopDog" Aaron Mnisi, Meli "Dru Hill" Mnisi, Fana "Boy2Men" Mnisi were rappers in the same dance group with Sbusiso "Madorofiya" Magnificent Zwane. They were later joined by "Government" Sipho Nkosi.Kele "Gerald Levert" is a well known concert master known for the memorable "Lingisa" shows which featured all time winner Sigini "Keith Sweat" Mnisi from eSbovini. Lucky Nhleko is known for his tenor voice and often sings Jazz at the empty local tavern every Thursday evening. Sydney "Viva" refused to challenge Qiniswayo at the "After School" boxing championship of 1995. Sipho Sphola is a conductor of the Breyten Boys choir that performs at the "Star" tavern every weekend. All these heroes live at the local township called KwaZanele. Masizakhe High School produced good young man like Musa who is now a pastor, Pastor Mandla Spikiri, Bhishop Zakhele Mkhafuleni.Jajamba Jele, Mtrayeli, Mzwakhe " Mtsetse" Masilela, Pat Mthimunye,the late Mkhafuleni and Beu are known local veterans. Breyten has a popular lounge called Lovers Rock. But there are no lovers there except for people waiting outside the door asking for ten cents. The last few years has seen the local mines build a community clinic which serves a great purpose to the community. The family Doctors, Dr Dindaar has served the Breyten community with diligence and dedication over the years. Breyten has still more to offer. It was once a stronghold of the ANC but recently the EFF gained ground and gave voice to the youth who are painstakingly championing change. The youth is faced with the triple scourges of Nyawoupe-alcohol abuse, unemployment and crime. Local police have limited resources to fight these social ills. The late "Mkhonyovu" Benjamin Cele is a struggle veteran after whom the local ANC constituency is named. Ngangenyoni, Bhekithemba Jele from eSbovini next to kwaSes'Sonto,the late Comrade Bab'Maseko from eSbovini, the tall Sibusiso Jele from Phezulu section are some of the unsung struggle veterans from Breyten. Sibusiso and Pat Mthimunye were members of the local "Mangeloi" choir that delighted the community every Sunday with Angelic voices. Zamokuhle Grocery Shop under the good leadership of the charitable Boyzie provides much needed relief and support to the community. As a tribute and reminder to the town as a railway stop, an old locomotive is plinthed at the entryway of Breyten. There is only 1 busy street, no bank, dozen liquor shops, 2 fuel garages, 2 butcheries, 3 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 2 libraries, 2 clinics and a major coal truck depot. In town there is a dam which can be successfully turned around into a recreational hospitality place. Legend has it that a mermaid or water monster or powerful creature lurks under the belly of the dam often resurfacing once a year to feed on humans. People disappear only to resurface dead later. It is claimed this happens during the feeding season of the creature. At the source of the Vaal river in KwaZanele Township,legend also states there is a similar phenomenon in the form of another mermaid or water creature that also has equal omnipotent powers. None of this can be backed up with facts. Locals often speak with fearful hush hush voices about these stories. Breyten is in need of serious revival to restore hope and pride in the youth. Mines continue to loot and run away leaving more suffering for the community. A new breed of business minded people from Breyten who now plough their trade in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Capetown are exploring means to develop their beloved Breyten.
