Coligny, South Africa

Coligny is a maize farming town situated next to the railway line between Lichtenburg and Johannesburg in North West Province of South Africa. The town is situated south-east of Lichtenburg.HistoryOriginally named Treurfontein, it was renamed Coligny when it became a town on 23July 1923, after Gaspard de Coligny, a Huguenot leader who died in the Massacre of St Bartholomew in 1572. Coligny was the scene of sporadic diamond mining activities.GerdauThe Concordia Congregation on farm Hakbosvlaakte was founded in 1905 and thus is older than the town. The church ran Gerdauer Gemeinde-Schule, a German-language school that operated successfully for 53 years. This school was supported by German government and taught children from pre-school up to grade 7. In 1965 it had 2 teachers and 30 learners.2017 RiotingOn 25 April 2017 the Coligny and nearby Lichtenburg were the scene of extensive racial rioting following the death of Matlhomola Mosweu who died on route to the police station after being apprehended by two Afrikaaner farmers for allegedly stealing sunflowers. The incident sparked violent protests, looting and destruction of property and local businesses predominantly owned by whites, foreigners and other minorities. In an investigation into the causes of the rioting Rian Malan stated that the riots were further incited by representatives loyal to President Jacob Zuma from the trade unions SADTU and SANCO at Mosweu's funeral.