Kuruman has one of the richest historical stories in the Northern Cape. The town derives its name from Chief Kudumane, leader of the local Tswana people, although over time the pronunciation evolved into “Kuruman”.

Modern Kuruman began in 1821 when Scottish missionary Robert Moffat established the London Missionary Society station. Moffat devoted nearly fifty years to the region, becoming one of South Africa’s most influential missionaries. During his time here he completed the first complete translation of the Bible into Setswana and built the famous Moffat Mission Church, completed in 1838, which still stands today as one of South Africa’s oldest mission churches.

Kuruman also played an important role in African exploration. The renowned explorer and missionary David Livingstone married Robert Moffat’s daughter, Mary, here before beginning his expeditions into central Africa.

Today these remarkable historical sites remain among Kuruman’s most visited attractions.